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RH Resolute Distillery To Create 17 Jobs, Invest $9.7 Million In Fulton County

Posted at 9:04 AM, Jul 10, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-10 09:04:52-04

FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) – Gov. Matt Bevin announced today RH Resolute Distillery Inc. plans to locate in a previously unopened distillery in Hickman, creating 17 jobs with a $9.7 million investment.

“The commonwealth’s bourbon and spirits industry is a sector that continues to grow at a steady rate,” Gov. Bevin said. “This project is particularly encouraging, as it puts a once unused facility to use in a region that will greatly benefit from the resulting job creation. We look forward to seeing RH Resolute Distillery begin production in the very near future, and to seeing its positive economic impact on many West Kentucky communities.”

The company plans to finish construction and outfitting of a previous distillery project and begin distilling for the bulk spirits market by late summer. Initially, the operation’s production will target 400 barrels per week and increase to a projected maximum capacity of 2,600 barrels weekly. The 17 new jobs include production, barrel filling, barrel handling and equipment maintenance positions.

The startup distillery originated in Paducah and is the result of a partnership between Jones and her husband, Chuck, and Matt Haney, the company’s chief operational officer, and his father, Mike. The Haney family also owns and operates HBS Copper, a still manufacturing plant in Barlow.

Thomas McKenzie, a 15-year-plus veteran of the spirits industry, will serve as RH Resolute’s master distiller. McKenzie was previously a consultant for distilleries throughout Kentucky.

For RH Resolute’s first production home, the company purchased a nearly complete distillery built by Ray Jamieson, a Memphis attorney with ties to the area. Although the facility never opened, the Haneys indicated it is well constructed and includes the original continuous beer still, fermenters and other equipment built and installed by Louisville-based Vendome Copper & Brassworks.

RH Resolute plans to use equipment from HBS in its future distilling operations, completing a production process that takes place entirely within Kentucky. The distillery will create heritage bourbon through historical methods, providing a unique full-flavored taste.