In the heart of Kentucky, where rolling hills meet the Mississippi River, Jackson Purchase Distillery (JPD) is making waves in the bourbon world. On June 5, 2025, Governor Andy Beshear welcomed JPD’s CEO Lloyd Jones and Master Distiller Craig Beam to Frankfort for a Team Kentucky Update, shining a spotlight on the distillery’s remarkable achievements. This year, JPD is celebrating a major milestone: filling its 100,000th barrel of bourbon, a feat that cements its place as a powerhouse in Kentucky’s storied distilling industry.
Since its launch in 2021, JPD has transformed a once-dormant distillery in Hickman, Kentucky, into a thriving operation. The distillery, located in Fulton County, is led by bourbon heavyweights Craig Beam, formerly of Heaven Hill, and Terry Ballard, previously head distiller at Willett. Their expertise, combined with the region’s unique climate, mineral-rich well water, and locally sourced grains, has fueled JPD’s rapid rise. “Today, we congratulate the leaders of Jackson Purchase Distillery as they will soon officially fill their 100,000th barrel of bourbon,” Governor Beshear said during the event. “Thank you for helping make bourbon the great ambassador of our commonwealth it is.”
Image credit: Jackson Purchase Distillery
JPD’s journey to this milestone has been nothing short of impressive. Starting with a vision to revive a forgotten facility, the distillery now boasts a production capacity of 5,000 barrels per month, with plans to hit 60,000 barrels annually. The 100,000th barrel, expected to be filled during the week of June 9, 2025, marks a significant step in JPD’s growth. To accommodate this expansion, the distillery recently finalized plans for two new warehouses in Hickman, adding to its original facility and two new traditional rickhouses already on-site. These additions reflect JPD’s commitment to scaling up while staying rooted in its community.
For Lloyd Jones, a Fulton County native and JPD’s CEO, the distillery’s success is deeply personal. “We have an awful lot to celebrate, and we’re grateful to our team, our customers, and our community for making it all possible,” Jones said. “As I’ve often said, there is no better place in Kentucky to have a distillery than in Fulton County.” This local pride is evident in JPD’s operations. The distillery sources its corn, rye, and other grains from over a dozen nearby farmers, supporting the region’s agricultural backbone. After production, JPD makes its spent grain available to local livestock farmers, creating a sustainable cycle that benefits the community.
The economic impact of JPD’s growth is substantial. The two new warehouses represent a $40 million investment in Fulton County, creating 48 new jobs for the area. Beyond economics, JPD is a committed community partner. The distillery sponsors local events and organizations, and recently donated five barrels for auction, with the first raising $10,100 for Ken-Tenn EMS, the region’s sole emergency medical service. These efforts highlight JPD’s dedication to giving back to the place it calls home.
Image credit: Jackson Purchase Distillery
JPD’s whiskies are currently sold exclusively on the wholesale market to other brands and through investment platforms like CaskX, which hosted its first 2025 Investor Showcase at the distillery. The event, featuring barrel-filling demonstrations and distillery tours, underscored JPD’s growing influence in the bourbon investment space. With a range of mash bills, including a new American Single Malt, JPD offers customizable whiskey tailored to its clients’ needs. As its oldest barrels approach four years of aging, JPD is preparing to expand distribution, with plans to make its bourbon available through new channels in the near future.
The distillery’s achievements haven’t gone unnoticed. In March 2025, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association invited JPD to join its prestigious Heritage level of membership, placing it alongside industry giants. This recognition reflects JPD’s rapid ascent and its commitment to crafting high-quality bourbon. Operating with 36-inch and 24-inch copper column stills, JPD combines traditional methods with modern efficiency to produce whiskey that captures the essence of Kentucky’s terroir.
For bourbon enthusiasts, JPD’s story is a compelling blend of tradition, innovation, and community spirit. Its Hickman location, just a stone’s throw from the Mississippi River, provides a unique environment for aging whiskey, with the region’s climate and water contributing to the distinctive flavor profiles crafted by Beam and Ballard. As JPD continues to grow, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of Kentucky bourbon and the power of local roots.
