Groundbreaking planned for Diageo distillery

SHELBYVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A groundbreaking is set for a Kentucky distillery being built by global liquor giant Diageo (dee-AH’-zhee-oh).

Executives of the London-based conglomerate are expected to offer details Thursday on the timeline for the $115 million project in Shelby County. They’re also expected to shed light on what spirits will be produced there.

Diageo calls the project a major investment in Kentucky’s bourbon industry.

The new facility comes as Kentucky bourbon producers try to keep up with global demand.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association says Kentucky distilleries filled 1.2 million barrels of bourbon last year — the most since 1970.

It says inventory has topped 5 million barrels for the first time since 1977.

In the 1970s, there was a glut of bourbon. Now, producers are banking on strong demand in coming years.

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