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US-based spirits supplier Heaven Hill has announced plans to open a $135 million whiskey distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. The distillery will mark Heaven Hill’s return to Bardstown, nine decades after its first distilling operation was set up in the area. In 1996, a fire ruined the company's Bardstown on-site distillery, seven rickhouses and almost 100,000 barrels of whiskey. Initial production is slated for 150,000 barrels a year, and will eventually be able to produce up to 450,000 barrels. “Bourbon making is an old art, but we are applying forward-thinking approaches to ensure we are environmentally conscious and a good neighbor,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Heaven Hill's master distiller. “Heaven Hill’s tradition of distilling with attention to detail, quality and craftsmanship will now be even more accessible as we grow our distilling heritage in Bardstown.” Construction of the new distillery is expected to begin this spring and will be operational by the end of 2024. Earlier this year, Heaven Hill purchased Samson & Surrey, owner of a number of premium craft spirit brands, for an undisclosed sum.