Versailles, Kentucky – In a strategic pivot from his previous role in the bourbon industry, Wes Henderson has embarked on an ambitious new project following the sale of his brand, Angel’s Envy, to Bacardi in 2022. Instead of retiring to a life of leisure, Henderson has acquired the historic Kentucky Castle for $19 million and plans to build a $92.5 million distillery called Saga at a nearby industrial park. This new venture aims to create approximately 100 jobs and has received over $5 million in economic incentives from Kentucky.
Henderson’s new whiskey brand, True Story, is set to launch its first bottles on October 10, with two distinctive expressions: a 90-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in white moscatel casks, and a 100-proof blend of straight rye whiskeys finished in amburana and sherry casks. The True Story brand will initially roll out in Kentucky and through online orders, with aspirations for a national launch in the future.
The distillery is projected to commence operations in 2026, while Henderson aims to maintain the Kentucky Castle as a boutique hotel and wedding venue, enhancing its bourbon-centric offerings. The project is designed to integrate closely with the local community, sourcing grains from nearby farmers, thereby supporting the agricultural economy. Henderson expresses enthusiasm for the venture, stating, “I see big things there” while emphasizing the importance of being good neighbors throughout the development process.
