Horse Soldier Bourbon announced today it plans to build a new $200 million distillery and tourism attraction in Pulaski County, Kentucky.

Horse Soldier Farms will be the first distillery experience in southeastern Kentucky and will serve as a gateway from the south to Kentucky’s legendary Bourbon Trail. The project will consist of a 27,585-square-foot distillery visitor center; a 4,600 square-foot activity center; a 5,000 capacity amphitheater; a 500-person outdoor event space; an adventure center; a 3,200-square-foot wedding chapel; a 60-key luxury lodge with 20 cabins, and a retail village.

“Horse Soldier Bourbon is excited to start this new phase of work with the local community in Somerset and Pulaski County.  We understand both the importance of building a good team and the value of finding a place to call home” Horse Soldier Bourbon CEO John Koko said in a news release. “From the mountains of Afghanistan to the rolling hills of Kentucky, there’s one thing we’ve seen time and time again – you’re only as good as the company you keep.”

Horse Soldier Bourbon is the premium bourbon brand founded by retired members of the U.S. Special Forces — the first to enter Afghanistan on horseback following 9/11. This hand-selected detachment of Green Berets later became known as the “Horse Soldiers”, with their infamous story being bought to life in the 2018 action drama film “12 Strong.”

The founders created the brand in 2014 and since has expanded its footprint state by state, with the plan to ultimately build a distillery in Pulaski County, where they were training on Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists struck multiple U.S. targets, including New York’s World Trade Center. That was the event that prompted the Horse Soldiers team’s deployment to Afghanistan.

“Kentucky’s bourbon industry continues to expand bringing quality jobs and tourism dollars to communities in every corner of the commonwealth,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Today’s announcement further reiterates our commitment to ensuring Kentucky is a top tourism destination, but also a premiere location for businesses to grow and expand. I want to thank Horse Soldier Bourbon and the leaders in the Somerset community for being an integral part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that Kentucky is a better, brighter place for the future.”

“So much of my vision for Somerset has been about changing the expectation for what people believe is possible. By doing that, we’ve been able to generate excitement in this community that builds every day because we’re telling our story and showing the world how special this community truly is,” said Somerset Mayor Alan Keck.  “I am forever grateful to the Horse Soldier Bourbon team for embracing that excitement and choosing to marry their legendary story with ours. Somerset is home to so many signature Kentucky experiences. I am thrilled bourbon is now one of them and cannot wait to share in the extraordinary experience Horse Soldier Farms will bring to our community.”