As the year comes to a close, we could not be more thankful for the tremendous support that we’ve received from our customers, vendors, and partners. For us – – and the whiskey industry – – 2025 has certainly been challenging.
However, all transitional periods in business present significant opportunities, and great companies find them. We could not be prouder of our team; whose collective creativity continually discovers and develops those opportunities. Get ready for what’s ahead. 2026 is going to be a great year for Whiskey House of Kentucky.
Our strength truly lies in the strong customer-focused culture that we’ve created. It’s for this reason that we are continuing to lead the contract whiskey industry. Our culture and our team are the secret to our success.
Just last week, we had our final audit for three globally recognized ISO standards 9001, 14001, and 45001. We are optimistic that final certification is coming soon. Achieving certification for three ISO standards all at one time, and within less than 18 months of completing construction on our facility, has never been done before in the distilling industry. The speed of this accomplishment reflects the long-term dedication of our team, strength of our systems, our people, and our strategic vision from day one.
We are also ready to commission the first 7-story Koetter Construction Inc KRAX® warehouse, which will take place in early January. With a capacity of 48,048 barrels, they improve barrel maturation performance, enhance worker and contractor safety, lower insurance costs, reduce maintenance, and strengthen structural integrity and longevity. Simply put, these KRAX® warehouses improve quality, safety, and save significant money over time.
The following is a list of some of our most important accomplishments from the past year:
– Since start-up, produced more than 130,000 barrels for our 41 exclusive customers.
– Continued to add customers, including a long-term partnership with Berentzen-Gruppe AG, one of the largest importers of bourbon into Europe.
– Developed and produced 59 different recipes and mash bills.
– Tested the boundaries of our advanced manufacturing system by producing 11 different mash bills in 14 days.
– Successfully completed several innovative distilling runs using unconventional grains and grains specifically grown to match customers’ exacting specifications.
– Brought our IT/OT operations and sanitation services completely in-house.
– Extended our reach internationally by delivering more than five tankers to Asia.
– Completed several thousand case hand bottling runs for customers.
– Participated as title sponsor of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, built a beautiful two-story Chalet, and showcased, sampled, and sold many of the great brands in our Custom Whiskey Production Program.
We could not be more excited for 2026 and the great work we will all do together. Have a Happy New Year!
