The opening of Alltech’s “Dueling Barrels” brewery and distillery in Pikeville is expected to boost tourism in the eastern Kentucky community.
A ribbon cutting for the $15 million operation was held Wednesday. Pikeville Tourism Director Jimmy Taylor expects the number of visitors to kick into another gear in 2019.
“They will be on the bourbon trail starting in January. So, that’s going to increase traffic, tourism here in the city by leaps and bounds,” said Taylor.
The 30,000 square foot facility will produce a range of craft beers and moonshine. Taylor says the brewery will draw visitors from well beyond Kentucky’s borders. “We’re looking to have visitors from as far as Pennsylvania, D.C., Illinois, all over. The impact is just going to be amazing, what’s going to happen in Pikeville,” added Taylor.
Thirteen jobs including managers to oversee the brewery and distillery, visitor center, and overall operations are being created. Alltech’s corporate headquarters are in Lexington.
