‘Setting a New Standard’: $40M Facility in Kentucky to Convert Buffalo Trace Bourbon Waste Into Feed, Fertilizer

A rendering of the facility. (Image: Meridian Biotech/Buffalo Trace)

Kentucky whiskey distillery Buffalo Trace announced on Monday that Meridian Biotech will invest $40 million to build a new facility in Franklin County, where Buffalo Trace is located, with the goal of converting distillery byproduct from Buffalo Trace Distillery into alternative proteins.

The partnership aims to address waste generated by Kentucky’s bourbon industry by repurposing “stillage” — the grain-rich residue left over from distillation — into proteins for aquaculture, pet food and fertilizer production.

The project is expected to create up to 35 high-tech jobs in the Frankfort area and will mark the first biotech facility to open in Franklin County. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year.

“By reimagining distillery stillage as a resource rather than a byproduct, we’re pioneering new pathways in biotechnology that have the potential to transform the spirits industry,” Meridian Biotech President Brandon Corace said in a news release. “Like Buffalo Trace, we are committed to making a long-term, positive economic impact on the community. We believe our technology will play a pivotal role in enhancing Buffalo Trace’s commitment to innovation, as well as setting a new standard for the spirits industry.”

The stillage will be piped directly from Buffalo Trace’s production facility to the new Meridian site nearby, according to the companies. The resulting material, processed using Meridian’s proprietary technology, can be used in a variety of commercial and agricultural settings.

Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said the partnership aligns with the distillery’s broader goals of innovation and sustainability. “Working with Meridian allows us to take our processes even further by transforming stillage into something with extended value and purpose,” he said.

The state-backed project originated in part from Kentucky’s 2021 Distillers Grains Reverse Pitch Competition, which challenged businesses to propose sustainable uses for bourbon byproducts. Meridian was one of five firms chosen to present its proposal at the event, which was sponsored by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet and the Cabinet for Economic Development.

“We are proud to welcome Meridian to Frankfort,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said. “This investment not only brings high-quality jobs and strengthens our economic future, but it also opens exciting new pathways for sustainability within Kentucky’s iconic bourbon industry. It’s partnerships like these that prove we can honor tradition while embracing transformation and Kentucky can be a leading force in the biotech industry.”

Local officials echoed that sentiment, saying the biotech project supports Frankfort’s broader push to attract innovation-focused businesses while building on its identity as a hub for bourbon production.

Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson called Meridian’s approach “groundbreaking,” adding, “Their presence will significantly boost our community and demonstrate to other innovative companies that Frankfort is the right place for business.”

Franklin County Judge Michael Mueller said the partnership “demonstrates how bright the future is,” highlighting support from “Team Kentucky” in helping secure Meridian’s location.

Founded in 2017, the Lexington-based Meridian Biotech develops proprietary platforms for converting industrial byproducts into new materials.