North Charleston-based Green River Spirits Co. acquired

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Kentucky-based Bardstown Bourbon Co., a distiller, producer and bottler of premium Kentucky bourbon and rye whiskey, has entered into an agreement to acquire Green River Spirits Co., which is headquartered in North Charleston.

The acquisition is scheduled to close in July, subject to customary closing approvals and conditions, according to a news release from Bardstown Bourbon Co. The transaction will bring together two leading Kentucky bourbon producers into an independent spirits company with a commitment to Kentucky whiskey, the release stated.

Distilling more than seven million proof gallons annually, Bardstown Bourbon Co. is one of the top 10 distilled spirits producers in the country, according to the release. Green River Spirits Co. will add the Green River brand as well as two production sites, including a state-of-the-art facility in North Charleston, positioning the combined business for continued growth in both Kentucky whiskey and custom distillation.

“We’re excited to forge this new partnership, which brings together two world-class teams and expands the breadth of our portfolio and the number of customers served,” said Mark Erwin, CEO of Bardstown Bourbon Co., in the release. “Bardstown Bourbon Company was founded to honor the traditions and history of Kentucky bourbon while taking a wholly modern approach. The addition of one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky allows us to offer a comprehensive assortment that showcases the state’s flagship industry.”

The acquisition includes the historic Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky, which is the 10th oldest distillery in the state, and a state-of-the-art spirits production facility in North Charleston, the release stated. In addition to its flagship Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Green River Spirits Co. has a contract distillation business producing whiskey, rye, vodka, rum, gin and flavored whiskey.