Willett Fills First Barrel of Whiskey at New Springfield Distillery

(Photo: Willett)

Willett Distillery has reached a major milestone in its expansion plans, filling the first barrel at its new Springfield, Kentucky, production facility and officially beginning distilling operations at the site, the company announced Monday.

The first barrel was filled on June 18, marking the launch of production at the new Washington County campus. Willett says the date carries personal significance, as it coincides with the birthday of the late Martha Kulsveen, whose family helped shape the modern era of the historic bourbon producer.

“This first barrel represents an important moment for our family, our team and the future of Willett Distillery,” Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen said in a news release. “Beginning production in Springfield allows us to grow while continuing to honor the people, places and traditions that have made Willett what it is today.”

The new facility is one of the largest expansion projects in the company’s nearly 90-year history. Situated on 150 acres in Springfield, the development includes a 70,000-square-foot distillery, barrel warehouses and future tourism infrastructure designed to support Kentucky’s growing bourbon industry.

Willett said the project is expected to create 35 full-time jobs as operations ramp up.

While distilling has now begun, construction on the broader campus remains ongoing. Future phases will include a visitor experience center and tourism amenities, positioning the facility as a future destination along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

The Springfield project expands Willett’s production footprint but does not replace its historic Bardstown operations. The company confirmed that bottling, warehousing, visitor experiences, tastings, and dining operations will remain in Nelson County.

“Our Bardstown roots remain at the heart of who we are,” Kulsveen said. “Springfield gives us room to grow while allowing us to continue building on the legacy, craftsmanship and hospitality that have always defined Willett.”

Founded in 1936, Willett is one of Kentucky’s few remaining independent, family-owned distilleries. The company traces its origins to the Willett family farm in Bardstown, where its first barrel was produced in 1937. The modern Willett brand was revived in the 1970s by the late Even Kulsveen, who later became a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame.

The first barrel filled in Springfield represents the beginning of a new chapter for the distillery as it seeks additional production capacity while maintaining its family-owned identity and Bardstown heritage.