The United States is home to some of the largest distilleries in the world, producing a wide range of spirits including whiskey, vodka, rum, and gin. These distilleries play a significant role in the country’s economy and cultural heritage. Do you know which are the largest distilleries in the US? Let us learn today.
- Brown-Forman Corporation – Brown‑Forman was founded in 1870, known for brands such as Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve, Brown-Forman is one of the largest American-owned spirits and wine companies. Their distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, is a major producer of Tennessee whiskey. BrownForman has been recognized by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2024 World’s Most Ethical Companies. This is the third consecutive year that the company has received the recognition.
- Diageo North America – Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with a vast portfolio of brands like Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, and Crown Royal. Their distilleries in the US produce a wide range of spirits enjoyed by consumers worldwide. They also set up spirit of Progress plan, It has three priorities at its heart: to promote positive drinking, champion inclusion and diversity and pioneer grain-to-glass sustainability.
- Beam Suntory – Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings of Japan and is known for brands like Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Knob Creek. Their distilleries in Kentucky are some of the largest bourbon producers in the world. As a global leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires life. Their performance goal is to become the world’s most respected premium spirits company, driving growth through quality craftsmanship, consumer connections and an entrepreneurial spirit.
- Constellation Brands – Constellation Brands is a leading producer of beer, wine, and spirits, with popular brands such as Corona and Robert Mondavi. Their distilleries in the US produce a variety of spirits enjoyed by consumers globally. Their mission is to build brands that people love because they believe that improving relationships is a worthwhile pursuit. Their dedication, hard work and calculated risks are worth it in order to anticipate market trends and deliver more for consumers, shareholders, employees and the industry. This dedication is what has driven them to become one of the fastest-growing, large CPG companies in the U.S. at retail
- Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. – A private, American family-owned and operated distillery founded in 1935 and headquartered in Bardstown, Kentucky, that produces and markets the Heaven Hill brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and a variety of other distilled spirits, spans 61 picture-perfect acres with 57 rickhouses and six sites, setting the world record for being the World’s Largest Tourable Distillery, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY. Heaven Hill is the largest independent, family-owned and operated producer and marketer of distilled spirits in the US. They are known for brands like Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Larceny, with their distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, being a major bourbon producer.
- MGP Ingredients – MGP is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits, offering a wide range of products including whiskey, gin, and vodka. Their distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, is known for producing high-quality spirits for various brands. MGP is a leading producer of premium distilled spirits, branded spirits, and food ingredient solutions, with operations in Kansas, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, as well as Mexico and Northern Ireland.
- Buffalo Trace Distillery – Located in Frankfort, Kentucky, Buffalo Trace is known for producing bourbon brands like Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and Pappy Van Winkle. It is one of the oldest continually operating distilleries in the US. For over 200 years, Buffalo Trace Distillery has been defined by a dedication to one craft: making fine bourbon whiskey. By honoring tradition and embracing change, the Distillery has earned its place of leadership among the legendary spirit makers of the world.
- Four Roses Distillery – Four Roses is a Kentucky-based distillery known for its unique production process and high-quality bourbon brands. Their distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, produces award-winning bourbons enjoyed by enthusiasts worldwide. Four Roses has perfected the art of quality and consistency for years and have used that guiding principle to develop ten signature recipes. Made from the combination of two mash bills and five proprietary yeast strains, each has its own balance of spice, fruit and nuance.
- Wild Turkey Distillery – Wild Turkey is a Kentucky-based distillery known for its iconic bourbon brands like Wild Turkey 101 and Russell’s Reserve. Their distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, has a long history of producing high-quality bourbon.
- Sazerac Company – Sazerac is one of the largest privately held, family-owned spirits companies in the US, with a diverse portfolio of brands including Fireball, Buffalo Trace, and Southern Comfort. Their distilleries across the country produce a wide range of spirits enjoyed by consumers globally.
- These distilleries represent just a fraction of the vibrant and diverse spirits industry in the United States, showcasing the rich history and craftsmanship that goes into producing some of the world’s most beloved spirits. Follow Valiant and let you continue to explore the secrets of spirits!
