Angel’s Envy Founder Shells Out $92.5 Million for New Whiskey Project in Kentucky
The former Co. Founder of Angel’s Envy is investing a hefty sum in a new mysterious whiskey project in Versailles, Kentucky. (Photo: Angel’s Envy)
The Lane Report reported Thursday that Saga Spirits Group, helmed by the Angel’s Envy Co. Founder, Wes Henderson, is investing $92.5 million into a new “whiskey-related project” in Edgewood, Kentucky.
The 150-acre site in Versailles will include a tasting room, restaurant, retail and event spaces, a distillery and a visitor’s center. Saga Spirits Group intends to make changes that will elevate the experience at the Kentucky Castle, an iconic hotel in the area.
The Kentucky Castle is a luxurious hotel and a bit of a secret institution within the area. The castle was built 50 years ago and has views of swaths of farmland and hosts its own working farm.
The Kentucky Castle sits on swaths of farmland. (Photo: The Kentucky Castle/Instagram)
The Lane Report shared that the mysterious whiskey project is set to bring about 89 jobs in the area.
“Our home is a world-class destination with one-of-a-kind experiences, delicious food and the very best bourbon, and the offerings are continuing to grow as our tourism industry and economy thrive,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release shared by The Lane Report. “Thank you to these partners for investing in our commonwealth, creating good jobs and helping us build a bright future for our new Kentucky home.”
The Lane Report shared that in Woodford County 274 jobs exist because of hospitality-related tourism. The tourism industry alone generated more than $38.1 million in revenue during 2023.
“As a resident of Woodford County, I’m especially excited that this investment by Saga Spirits Group will bring even more jobs and benefits to the area and enhance Woodford COunty’s prominence in bourbon tourism,” Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory expressed, according to The Lane Report. “This is a great example of how bourbon is building Kentucky communities, and the KDA is proud to partner with local leaders to further investments to ensure a stronger future for us all.”
Tourism appears to be a key driver for the Bluegrass State’s economy. WHAS 11 reported that almost 80 million tourists visited Kentucky in 2023 and that the entire state generated $13.8 billion in revenue. This marked the second record-breaking year in a row.
Whether it’s the bourbon, the horses, the beautiful farmland, music festivals or Kentucky’s culture, there is definitely a draw to the state. Though tourists typically traverse Louisville’s Whiskey Row, it appears Woodford might be getting a piece of the pie with this latest project.
“Woodford County’s bourbon continues as we welcome another world-class bourbon project to the county,” said Woodford County Judge/Executive James Kay in a statement. “No place compares to Woodford County, and we proudly welcome Saga Spirits Group and its wonderful family of employees to create a new whiskey experience that will provide jobs, economic opportunity and enjoyment for years to come. It’s a great day for the whiskey industry, Woodford County and all of Kentucky.”
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