Area Development
RH Resolute Distillery Inc. plans to invest $9.7 million to locate its production facility in a previously unopened distillery in Hickman, Kentucky.

The company plans to finish construction and outfitting of a previous distillery project and begin distilling for the bulk spirits market by late summer. Initially, the operation’s production will target 400 barrels per week and increase to a projected maximum capacity of 2,600 barrels weekly. The 17 new jobs include production, barrel filling, barrel handling and equipment maintenance positions.

“The opportunity to make great bourbon in Hickman is exciting for us and we are proud to welcome talented folks from the area as part of our project. We believe West Kentucky has a great deal to offer to the bourbon industry and we look forward to showcasing the quality of our Kentucky made product,” said Sarah Jones, Brand Director at RH Resolute.

The startup distillery originated in Paducah and is the result of a partnership between Jones and her husband, Chuck, and Matt Haney, the company’s chief operations officer, and his father, Mike. The Haney family also owns and operates HBS Copper, a still manufacturing plant in Barlow.

According to state officials, “For RH Resolute’s first production home, the company purchased a nearly complete distillery built by Ray Jamieson, a Memphis attorney with ties to the area. Although the facility never opened, the Haneys indicated it is well constructed and includes the original continuous beer still, fermenters and other equipment built and installed by Louisville-based Vendome Copper & Brassworks.”

RH Resolute plans to use equipment from HBS in its future distilling operations, completing a production process that takes place entirely within Kentucky. The distillery will create heritage bourbon through historical methods, providing a unique full-flavored taste.

To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in May preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $360,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets. In addition, RH Resolute can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network.

“The commonwealth’s bourbon and spirits industry is a sector that continues to grow at a steady rate,” Governor Matt Bevin said. “This project is particularly encouraging, as it puts a once unused facility to use in a region that will greatly benefit from the resulting job creation. We look forward to seeing RH Resolute Distillery begin production in the very near future, and to seeing its positive economic impact on many West Kentucky communities.”

Senator Stan Humphries, of Cadiz, said; “The Haney and Jones families, and all those affiliated with RH Resolute Distillery, have led the growth in the Fulton County spirits industry. I support this company’s repurposing of a previously unused facility, as promising economic times are ahead in Western Kentucky.”