Distillery plans continue to progress

Good things come to those who wait. This is true of good bourbon and a world-class distillery. The founders of Horse Soldier Bourbon, an award-winning ultra-premium whiskey, announced plans to make Somerset their new home last year. Since then, they have been working non-stop to make their vision a reality.

Horse Soldier Bourbon is now very close to completing the master plan phase of the Horse Soldier Bourbon Distillery project and looking to soon start the design phase with added team members. Horse Soldier Bourbon remains committed to building a world-class and unique distillery that will attract visitors from around the world to Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail — creating new jobs, increasing tourism, improving quality of life and expanding economic impact in Somerset, Pulaski County and beyond.

“As with any project of this magnitude, there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that has to be done,” Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) President and CEO Chris Girdler said. “We are working diligently with the Horse Soldier Bourbon team and all the other entities involved to move this project forward.”

While the final pieces of the distillery planning come together, the Horse Soldier Bourbon team is wasting no time in becoming part of the community. They will be visible around town for the next several months, partnering in several community events. 

In June Horse Soldier Bourbon is sponsoring Foodstock, downtown Somerset’s signature food truck festival. In July they will take the reins in sponsoring the VIP tent as well as the main stage at this year’s Master Musicians Festival (MMF). Closing out the summer, Horse Soldier Bourbon will greet visitors at one of the lake’s most highly anticipated events, the Lake Cumberland Poker Run. They are also looking forward to participating in a special 9/11 salute to first responders during the September Somernites Cruise event. Along with event sponsorship, they are also working hard to help move the downtown Veteran’s Park project forward.

“The fact that Horse Soldier Bourbon would choose to make a significant financial investment in Somerset and Pulaski County organizations and events before ever being able to put a shovel in the ground speaks volumes about their commitment to being a good steward of our community,” MMF Executive Director Tiffany Finley said. “We are thrilled to have them as the VIP sponsor for the 28th Master Musicians Festival and can’t wait to see what the future holds for their operation and our partnership.”

“We really feel like we are coming home to Somerset,” said Horse Soldier Bourbon Co-founder John Koko. “We share the values of this community, and they have really embraced us. It is an honor to be able to give back to Somerset by partnering with them on many of the things that make it such a special place to live and visit.”

“The folks at Horse Soldier Bourbon have been great to work with throughout this process,” Girdler said. “They really welcome community involvement and feedback.”

To connect with the Horse Soldier Bourbon team, e-mail hsinfo@horsesoldierbourbon.com.