Launched just a week before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the country into lockdown, Stevie-winner Bluegrass Bottling started with only two employees and a single client. Despite the rough timing, the company has grown steadily, now serving over 75 brands and employing 22 people. Their customer-first mentality has allowed them to concentrate on meeting the needs of small craft producers, helping them bring their products to market.
A Challenging Beginning
Opening its doors just days before the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company faced immediate challenges. With the country in lockdown, their initial plan to bottle spirits was put on hold. However, holding a distilled spirits permit (DSP) provided an unexpected opportunity. As businesses were asked to pivot and help with public health efforts, the bottler was instructed to begin producing hand sanitizer.
Without hesitation, they shifted gears and began producing sanitizer at an unprecedented scale. Despite the crisis and rising costs of supplies, the company chose not to increase prices. Their ability to quickly adapt—finding suppliers, shippers, and additional staff with minimal contacts—was a testament to their flexibility and resourcefulness. As a result, they successfully navigated the pandemic's uncertainties and even managed to establish crucial relationships with bottle suppliers, label printers, and box makers—partners they still work with today.
A Return to Spirits
As the country began reopening and the demand for hand sanitizer waned, the company was quick to return to its original focus: bottling bourbon whiskey. They quickly expanded their services beyond bourbon, adding vodka, gin, rum, liqueurs, and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages to their portfolio. With no minimum case requirements, the company offers even the smallest craft distillers a chance to bottle their products and bring their unique spirits to market.
Their services now include bottling a wide range of spirits and packaging sizes, from 50ml to 1.75L. In addition to their DSP, they also hold a wine permit, allowing them to offer bottling services in the wine industry. This diversity has helped them build a strong reputation in a competitive field while maintaining a commitment to their original mission—focusing entirely on their clients' success.
By eliminating minimum requirements, they give even the smallest distillers a chance to shine, helping their clients create standout products with exceptional packaging and great taste.
A Woman-Owned Business in a Male-Dominated Industry
As one of the few women-owned businesses in the spirits industry, this bottler stands out not just for their service, but for the leadership and vision of their founder. With deep respect for the bourbon industry and a desire to contribute to its growth, the founder has created a company culture focused on teamwork, research, and development. Every employee is encouraged to contribute ideas, fostering a sense of innovation and agility that has been key to their success.
From its early days producing hand sanitizer to becoming a major player in the spirits bottling industry, this company’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and a commitment to supporting the craft spirits community. With further expansions on the horizon and plans to boost local tourism, its story is far from over.
Bluegrass Bottling won a Bronze Stevie Award for Fastest Growing Company of the Year - Up to 100 Employees in The 2024 American Business Awards®.
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