Bulleit Distilling Co, a bourbon producer of Diageo, has opened a new distillery in Kentucky, the US.

The new distillery has an annual capacity of 1.8 million proof gallons. It replaced a previous facility, which was built as a modular distillery.

In 1987, the Bulleit Distilling Co was founded by Tom Bulleit, who quit his job as a lawyer to create bourbon.

Bulleit said: "We're so proud to open the Bulleit Distilling Co. here in Shelbyville.

"Seeing this distillery come to life has been a truly surreal experience that couldn't have been achieved without the tireless work of so many men and women. We can't wait to share the delicious whiskey that will be produced here for centuries to come."

Under the supervision of vice-president of distilling Pauline Rooney, the firm employs approximately 30 people for the whiskey distillation and maturation processes.

"We look forward to continuing to watch the brand grow as we become part of the Shelbyville community."

Diageo's North America president Deirdre Mahlan said: "Today marks a huge achievement for Tom Bulleit and everyone at Diageo, as we open an amazing facility that will further establish the legacy of Bulleit here in Kentucky.

"We look forward to continuing to watch the brand grow as we become part of the Shelbyville community."

The new facility has already begun producing Bulleit Bourbon. The brand has equipped the latest technology in warehousing and distillation.  These technologies help conserve and reuse resources, leading to improved efficiency and less impact on the environment.

The 300-acre campus features four barrel houses, each capable of holding 55,000 barrels, a 52-ft still crafted by Vendome Copper and Brass Works in Louisville, and the first industrial solar array in Shelby County.

Diageo has invested $115m in building the distillery alongside an $18m investment made to open the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience at Stitzel-Weller.