Wes Henderson posted on social media last week, “Retirement didn’t really suit me. Time to lay down some new tracks with the boys.”
The co-founder of Angel’s Envy and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member (among other accolades) is heading up a new venture (along with his sons) called Saga Spirits Group. It plans to create a $92.5 million distillery and whiskey-related experience on 150 acres about four miles from the Kentucky Castle in Versailles, Kentucky, just outside of Lexington.
Bacardi purchased Angel’s Envy for a reported $150 million nine years ago, giving Henderson some walking-around money in his retirement. Henderson purchased The Kentucky Castle for $19 million last year, as reported by the Lexington Herald newspaper. The Kentucky Castle is a hotel and event venue that includes a restaurant and whiskey bar.
The project will begin construction this fall.
The Saga Spirits Group project includes:
- The creation of a distillery
- Interactive visitor center
- Tasting room
- Unique lodging
- Restaurant, retail, and event space
- Improvements to The Kentucky Castle
- 89 new jobs
(Source: Governor Andy Beshear’s office)
“It has been a huge blessing to be members of the Kentucky bourbon industry for many generations. To begin this next chapter for the Henderson family, we have chosen Versailles and Woodford County. We are humbled and honored by the support we are receiving from government officials, tourism development, businesses and residents. We are also looking forward to the groundbreaking this fall. Our team is composed of experts in distilling, distilling finance, supply chain and logistics, marketing, packaging and hospitality, with combined expertise of more than a century of success in the industry. Wonderful things are ahead for us and the entire community.”
