FRANKFORT, Ky. - Log Still Distiling LLC plans to build a bourbon and rye whiskey distillery in Nelson County that could create as many as 20 full-time jobs.  Governor Matt Bevin announced the $12 million investment Friday..

“Bourbon and Kentucky have a rich, shared history, and we are glad to work with a company that wants to tap into that legacy by building a new business in the commonwealth,” said Gov. Bevin. “The arrival of Log Still Distilling signals exciting growth in the industry and reintroduces the Dant family’s historic involvement in Kentucky’s long line of distilling operations. This is tremendous news for the people of Nelson County, and we look forward to the start of operations.”

Log Still Distilling will build it's campus between the communities of New Haven and New Hope.  It will include a distillery, bottling operation, rickhouses - whiskey aging warehouses -and a visitor's center. But while the distillery will be new, the family behind Log Still is very familiar with Kentucky's bourbon history.  Owner J.W. "Wally" Dant's family has operated a number of distilling operatios in the are since the 1800s. 

“We are very pleased to be back in our family distilling home,” Dant said. “Importantly, we want to thank the Governor and the commonwealth for assisting us in developing our project and ensuring our rich Dant family legacy. We need to further credit the J.W. Nalley family who preserved much of the former plant, which we will work to renovate into the new distillery.”

Rep. Chad McCoy, of Bardstown, said the project furthers the region’s status within Kentucky’s bourbon industry.

“This is great news for our community. It is proof that successful economic development policies include supporting Kentucky entrepreneurs,” Rep. McCoy said. “I am thrilled to see the Dant family build on their legacy and open Log Still Distilling. The family name is interwoven with the history of bourbon, all the way back to that first poplar still. Not only will this distillery create jobs and grow our economy, but it will further cement Bardstown as the bourbon capital of the world.”