LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville-based craft distiller Angel's Envy announced its plans to expand its downtown location, doubling its annual guest capacity. The $8.2 million expansion will add more than 13,000 square feet to the distillery, increase annual guest capacity by 64,000 visitors and create roughly 20 jobs in Louisville, the distiller said.

“Since opening the doors to our distillery in 2016, we’ve been so fortunate to see an increased demand from guests hoping to visit us and take part in tours, experiences and classes. This expansion will double the number of fans we’re able to meet and raise a glass of Angel’s Envy with throughout the year,” said Angel’s Envy Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer Wes Henderson. “We’re proud to call Louisville our hometown and contribute to its continued growth by creating new jobs for Kentuckians and offering a new reason for people to visit downtown and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as a whole.” 

Additions to the distillery include an additional bar space, five new tasting rooms, an event space and full catering kitchen, and a designated room for Angel's Envy's "Bottle Your Own" experience. Construction is expected to finish in spring of 2022.

“Angel’s Envy is a prime example of how Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry immensely benefits our Commonwealth by attracting visitors to the state while creating quality opportunities for Kentuckians. This expansion proves we can expect more great things from Angel’s Envy as our state’s economy continues to strengthen,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Tourism is a crucial component of our vision to build a better Kentucky for all our residents, and this development brings us another step forward in bringing that vision to life.”

According to the governor's office, Kentucky is home to 66 spirits operations employing more than 5,100 people full-time statewide. The industry announced 20 projects in Kentucky last year, totaling more than $300 million in new investment and nearly 230 projected jobs.