A transformative chapter in the world of whiskey is unfolding with the formation of Lofted Spirits, a newly established parent company that unites Bardstown Bourbon Company, Green River Distilling Co., and Lofted Custom Spirits, the recently rebranded contract distillation arm of the business. This strategic move consolidates the strengths of these esteemed distilleries under one umbrella, reinforcing the company’s leadership in Kentucky bourbon production and custom whiskey services.
According to Mark Erwin, CEO of Lofted Spirits, this reorganization is a natural progression reflecting the company’s remarkable growth and evolving vision. “Our business has grown tremendously, both in scale and vision, and this is the moment to bring it all together under one name,” Erwin stated. “Lofted Spirits represents our ambition: the ability to operate at an unmatched level in whiskey production while maintaining the agility and independence to push the industry forward.”
By bringing together these respected brands, Lofted Spirits is positioning itself as a powerhouse in the whiskey industry, offering award-winning spirits, comprehensive contract distillation services, and a premier bottling and supply chain operation. This integration enables the company to strengthen its brand identity, streamline operations, and reinforce its commitment to quality, innovation, and long-term investment.
Bridging Legacy and Innovation
Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Distilling Co. have each built reputations rooted in tradition while embracing modern approaches to whiskey-making. Bardstown Bourbon Company, founded in 2014, has quickly established itself as one of the most innovative distilleries in the industry, known for blending traditional bourbon craftsmanship with cutting-edge production techniques. The distillery has gained recognition for its collaborative approach, partnering with brands and master distillers to create unique, high-quality expressions.
Green River Distilling Co., one of Kentucky’s oldest distilleries, traces its history back to 1885. Known for its heritage and commitment to authenticity, the Green River brand has undergone a remarkable revival in recent years. With a strong focus on producing exceptional whiskey that honors its historic roots, the distillery has garnered industry praise and consumer loyalty.
The formation of Lofted Spirits is not just a rebranding; it is a forward-looking strategy that enhances the strengths of each distillery while providing a unified direction for the company’s future. By integrating Lofted Custom Spirits, the newly renamed contract distillation division, the company is emphasizing its commitment to offering fully customizable, end-to-end whiskey production solutions for brand partners worldwide. This move solidifies Lofted Spirits’ position as an industry leader capable of crafting bespoke spirits for a global market.
A Vision for the Future
The creation of Lofted Spirits marks a pivotal moment for the company as it prepares for sustained growth and expansion. Since its acquisition by Pritzker Private Capital in March 2022, Bardstown Bourbon Company has seen rapid development. This momentum continued with the acquisition of Green River Distilling Co. in August 2022, further strengthening the company’s presence in the whiskey industry.
With the introduction of Lofted Spirits, the company is setting its sights on long-term investment, innovation, and market leadership. “This is just the beginning of what’s possible,” Erwin noted. “Lofted Spirits is built for the future—and we’re ready to lead the way.”
One of the key advantages of this consolidation is the ability to leverage the combined expertise and resources of the individual brands while maintaining their distinct identities. By centralizing operations under Lofted Spirits, the company can drive efficiencies, expand distribution, and enhance its ability to meet the growing demand for premium bourbon and whiskey products.
The Importance of Custom Distillation
A major component of Lofted Spirits’ strategy is the emphasis on custom distillation, a service that has become increasingly important in the whiskey industry. As more brands seek to enter the market or expand their portfolios, the ability to produce high-quality, tailored whiskey expressions is a valuable asset.
Lofted Custom Spirits provides brand partners with a comprehensive suite of services, including grain selection, mash bill development, barrel aging, blending, and bottling. This fully customizable process allows partners to craft unique whiskey products while benefiting from the expertise and infrastructure of an established distillery.
For companies looking to create their own whiskey brands without the capital investment required to build a distillery, Lofted Custom Spirits offers an ideal solution. By working with experienced distillers and utilizing state-of-the-art facilities, brand partners can develop premium spirits that align with their vision and market strategy.
Strengthening Kentucky’s Bourbon Legacy
Kentucky has long been recognized as the heart of bourbon production, and Lofted Spirits is committed to upholding and enhancing this legacy. By investing in sustainable practices, cutting-edge technology, and traditional craftsmanship, the company is helping to shape the future of whiskey while staying true to the values that have defined Kentucky bourbon for centuries.
One of the distinguishing factors of Lofted Spirits is its focus on quality at every stage of production. From sourcing the finest grains to aging whiskey in the optimal conditions, the company takes a meticulous approach to ensure that every bottle meets the highest standards. This commitment to excellence has earned Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Distilling Co. numerous awards and industry accolades, further solidifying their reputation as premier whiskey producers.
Moreover, Lofted Spirits aims to contribute to the broader whiskey community by fostering collaboration, supporting emerging brands, and promoting responsible growth. The company’s dedication to education and innovation extends beyond its own operations, as it seeks to inspire the next generation of distillers and whiskey enthusiasts.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Innovation
As Lofted Spirits embarks on this new chapter, the company is poised for continued expansion and innovation. The bourbon and whiskey market is experiencing strong global demand, with consumers increasingly seeking high-quality, distinctive spirits. By uniting its brands and refining its offerings, Lofted Spirits is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and further establish itself as a leader in the industry.
Future plans may include expanding production capacity, exploring new product lines, and strengthening relationships with distributors and retail partners. Additionally, the company may continue to invest in sustainability initiatives, ensuring that its growth is aligned with environmental and community-conscious practices.
Lofted Spirits represents more than just a corporate restructuring—it signifies a bold step forward in whiskey production. By bringing together three powerhouse brands under one visionary leadership, the company is setting a new standard for excellence in the industry. Whether through award-winning bourbons, innovative custom distillation, or strategic long-term investment, Lofted Spirits is ready to shape the future of whiskey for years to come.
