A new venue will land in Rowan County, and officials expect it to create 50 full time jobs. Eastern Light Distilling, an eastern Kentucky based company, has announced plans to open a new facility around the Morehead area.
Caleb Kilburn is the Master Distiller at Eastern Light Distilling and a Rowan County native. He said the company will bring a much-needed industry to Eastern Kentucky.
“It was based on that, that we were able to find our opportunity and create Eastern Light Distilling- a distillery that will be solely focused on the enablement and growth of these craft brands. When it came time for us to locate and find a home, none was surer for me than eastern Kentucky. It was one area in the state that hasn’t been able to share in Kentucky’s bourbon success,” said Kilburn.
Cordell Lawrence, the CEO of Eastern Light Distilling, said community, state, and federal support have helped the company achieve its vision.
“We knew it would happen, with the leadership at the local and state level from day one, and we saw the need in this industry from day one. The dream of bringing Kentucky’s time-honored bourbon industry to Eastern Kentucky is now realized. More than just a distillery, Eastern Light is a proud Kentucky owned and operated business that will help bring new entrants into the state’s signature bourbon industry. We will do that by supporting craft bourbon brands like never before,” said Lawrence.
According to a performance-based agreement with Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Eastern Light Distilling is set to create 50 full time jobs and pay an average wage of $33.17/hour.
The company will also be eligible for nearly $2 million in tax breaks from KEDFA, part of which will be used to recoup tax on construction costs and other developments.
Eastern Light Distilling officials said it’s currently in planning stages; venue location, construction timeline, and other updates will be announced in the coming months.