Governor Andy Beshear joined local leaders and executives from Log Still Distillery to cut the ribbon on the Nelson County operation’s full-scale opening, including a more than $60 million investment and creation of at least 146 full-time jobs.
“I’m very happy to have the opportunity to once again join leaders at Log Still Distillery as we celebrate the next major step forward for this quickly growing operation,” Gov. Beshear said. “Our bourbon industry is growing at an incredible rate, and companies like Log Still are helping to drive that growth. This is a tremendous project for Nelson County and the surrounding region, and I look forward to watching the company grow in our state.”
Now fully operational, the distillery produces a range of spirits, including Monk’s Road Dry Gin, Monk’s Road Barrel Finished Gin and Monk’s Road Fifth District Series Bourbon: Cold Spring Distillery, the first in a rotating series of bourbons named for historic pre-Prohibition distillers in the region, in addition to its latest release, the Rattle & Snap brands. Additional products are expected to be added in the coming months, such as Monk’s Road Bourbon with a wheated mash bill. New jobs being created across both phases of the project include distillery and bottling operations, hospitality, event operations and restaurant positions. To date, the company has filled 72 of the announced full-time jobs, as well as 14 part-time positions and 229 seasonal roles.
Log Still leadership in early 2021 announced a $24 million Phase 2 investment to establish Dant Crossing, a 300-plus-acre campus that is home to the distillery and several amenities. The commitment followed a Phase 1 investment of $12 million made public in 2019 to establish the operation at the historic site.
“We are pleased with the reception by Kentuckians and visitors alike to the experiences we have created here in Gethsemane,” said Log Still President J.W. “Wally” Dant III. “Thanks very much to the Governor and his administration for supporting our campus-wide efforts and for championing the Kentucky bourbon industry like no other previous administration.”
Log Still’s first amenities debuted in 2021 with the opening of the Homestead Bed & Breakfast and the Poplar Cottage rentals, followed by an amphitheater and train depot. In May 2021, Gov. Beshear joined leadership at the startup distillery on Dee Head Road in southern Nelson County to unveil the company’s tasting room and debut of its initial product line.
Log Still’s continued growth furthers recent bourbon and spirits growth across Kentucky. Since the start of the Beshear administration, the commonwealth’s spirits industry has announced nearly 60 new-location or expansion projects totaling $1.4 billion in planned investments and creating more than 1,100 announced full-time jobs. Currently, approximately 60 spirits facilities directly employ more than 5,300 people.
Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Secretary Mike Berry noted the distillery’s role as a driver of economic and tourism growth.
“Bourbon is a signature industry in the commonwealth and plays an important role in job creation, economic growth and promoting travel,” Sec. Berry said. “Log Still Distillery will offer visitors the unique opportunity to learn about bourbon’s rich history while providing unforgettable experiences.”
Nelson County Judge/Executive Nicky Rapier thanked company leaders for their commitment to the community.
“We congratulate the Dant family on the opening of Log Still Distillery and are proud to have them join the rich history of Nelson County distilleries,” Judge Rapier said. “The family has brought a considerable investment to southern Nelson County, and we look forward to a long-term relationship with them.”
Kim Huston, president of the Nelson County Economic Development Agency, looks forward to a long partnership with the distillery.
“The opening of Log Still Distillery continues the economic momentum that the Dant family has started in Nelson County,” Huston said. “The distillery will be the heartbeat of their ever-expanding bourbon tourism destination and I look forward to celebrating with them for years to come.”
Sen. Jimmy Higdon of Lebanon welcomed the new operation.
“I want to congratulate the Dant family, which has a rich history in the bourbon industry,” Sen. Higdon said. “The family has quite a legacy, and I am excited to see how Wally, Lynne and Charles continue to honor it with an operation all their own.
“I consider myself most fortunate to be able to say I represent the world’s bourbon capital. Log Still Distillery at Dant Crossing will make Kentucky’s bourbon industry even better and will do a lot of good for the residents of Nelson County and the 14th Senate district. I look forward to seeing the jobs Log Still Distillery provides, as well as the one-of-a-kind experience it offers.”
For more information on Log Still Distillery, visit LogStillDistillery.com.
A detailed community profile for Nelson County can be viewed here.
