Horse Soldier Bourbon opens distillery in Somerset, citing major Lake Cumberland economic impact

Horse Soldier Bourbon has opened a new distillery in Somerset as part of the Horse Soldier Farms operation, WKYT reported on July 1, 2026. The company says the facility is designed to bring large-scale bourbon production capabilities to the Lake Cumberland region and expand local employment and economic activity.

WKYT reported that the project includes a 100,000-square-foot distillery facility. The opening marks a new phase for Horse Soldier Farms, which will now host Horse Soldier Bourbon production at an expanded site in Somerset, Kentucky.

According to WKYT, the distillery is expected to bring as many as 50 jobs to the area. Those positions are anticipated to support production operations connected to distilling and related roles at the facility, with the company framing the work as a direct local economic boost.

WKYT also reported that the distillery is expected to have a $100 million economic impact across the Lake Cumberland region. That projection reflects broader spending tied to the operation, including the effects of construction completion and ongoing local activity connected with the distillery’s operations, according to the report.

The opening comes as Kentucky continues to support its bourbon and distilling sector, which relies on manufacturing facilities, agricultural inputs, and distribution channels that can extend benefits to local suppliers. Somerset’s new distillery adds capacity within the state’s bourbon footprint, with the reported figures centering on jobs and regional spending.

While WKYT’s report provides the headline facility size, employment estimate, and regional economic impact figure, additional details about the distillery’s production schedule, hiring timeline, and specific operational plans were not included in the available coverage. More information on staffing plans and near-term production output would clarify how quickly the projected job and economic effects take hold.

The distillery opening is the next step for Horse Soldier Farms after the project reached operational readiness. For local residents and businesses, the practical effects will likely depend on when positions are filled, how the distillery scales production, and how quickly contracted suppliers and partners in the Lake Cumberland area can align with the facility’s needs.