TWiB: Diageo Will Cease Bottling at Stitzel-Weller, Court Settlement on Fresh vs Brough Brothers, Heaven Hill 19-Year-Old Wheat Whiskey
Feb 7, 2025
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Diageo will close the iconic Stitzel-Weller Distillery bottling operation, shifting jobs and production to a new facility in Alabama. The court rules in favor of Fresh Bourbon in a heated debate over Kentucky's first Black-owned distillery honor. Heaven Hill is set to release its rare 19-Year-Old Wheat Whiskey, stirring excitement among bourbon enthusiasts. Meanwhile, a viral TikTok has unexpectedly driven up chili stock prices, and the community gears up for engaging blind tasting challenges and whiskey festivals.
Diageo's closure of the Stitzel-Weller bottling operation reflects a strategic shift to streamline production and relocate jobs to enhance efficiency.
The court ruling in favor of Fresh Bourbon underscores the significance of ownership representation in the bourbon industry and legal disputes over historical claims.
Deep dives
Diageo's Bottling Operation Closure
Diageo announced the closure of its bottling operation at the Stitzelweller Distillery, starting in April 2025, which will result in the relocation of spirits to other facilities and a loss of approximately 33 jobs. This move is part of Diageo's broader initiative to enhance supply chain resilience, first initiated in 2022, and aims to streamline operations by centralizing bottling processes. Despite this change, the distillery will continue to produce bourbon and maintain its visitor experience offerings, ensuring that the historical significance of Stitzelweller remains accessible to the public. Moreover, plans have been revealed for a new $415 million manufacturing facility in Montgomery, Alabama, set to enhance Diageo's production capabilities significantly.
Renewable Energy Initiatives at Castle and Key
Castle and Key Distillery has successfully completed the first phase of a solar energy project as part of its commitment to sustainability in bourbon production. This initiative is designed to harness solar power across half an acre, featuring 754 solar panels capable of generating substantial energy for the distillery. Supported by the Rural Energy for America Program grant, this first phase serves to reduce energy costs and advance American energy independence. Upon completion, the full solar system will cover nearly 63,000 square feet and produce close to 960 kilowatts, reinforcing environmental stewardship in the craft spirits industry.
First African-American Bourbon Distillery Court Ruling
A court has ruled in favor of Fresh Bourbon in a legal dispute with Breaux Brothers over the claim of being the first African-American bourbon distillery in Kentucky. Breaux Brothers presented evidence claiming to have distilling operations established prior to Fresh Bourbon's, but Fresh Bourbon countered with proof of activities dating back to 2018. The court found that Breaux Brothers did not demonstrate any false statements that influenced consumer behavior or product marketability. This ruling highlights the importance of historical claims in marketing within the bourbon industry while emphasizing the need for amicable relations among distillers.
It's This Week in Bourbon for February 7th, 2025. Diageo has announced it will close its bottling operation at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, A court settles the argument on who gets to say they were the first African American owned bourbon distillery in Kentucky, and Heaven Hill announces the release of Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 19-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey
Show Notes:
Diageo to close Stitzel-Weller bottling operation in April, relocating jobs and production
Diageo announces $415M manufacturing and warehousing facility in Alabama, opening 2025
Castle & Key completes Phase 1 of solar energy project, investing $2M in sustainability
Court rules in favor of Fresh Bourbon in dispute over first Black-owned distillery in Kentucky
World Whiskey Society launches Green Code Bourbon in eco-friendly packaging for $49.99
Heaven Hill unveils 19-Year-Old Wheat Whiskey in Heritage Collection at $299.99