Whiskey House and Koetter Construction team up to build their innovative K-RAX rickhouse on the distillery grounds
ELIZABETHTOWN, KY – June 16, 2025 – Whiskey House of Kentucky, the nation’s most advanced custom whiskey distillery, has teamed up with The Koetter Group to construct 12 state-of-the-art rickhouses over the next six years. These warehouses, built on Whiskey House’s Elizabethtown campus, will utilize the innovative K-RAX barrel storage technology to revolutionize whiskey maturation, worker safety, and structural durability.
Each seven-story rickhouse will hold 48,048 barrels, designed to optimize airflow, reduce maintenance, and enhance longevity. For more details, visit WhiskeyHouse.com.
Why K-RAX Rickhouses Stand Out
The K-RAX warehouse design sets a new standard for the bourbon industry. Key features include:
- Improved Maturation: A full-length vented cupola and continuous floor vents enhance airflow, optimizing whiskey aging.
- Enhanced Safety: Full-width walk boards, wire mesh fall protection, and stronger dunnage eliminate pinch points and improve barrel rolling.
- Reduced Vapor Buildup: Floor vents allow alcohol vapors to exit, minimizing barrel and structural damage.
- Superior Durability: Southern yellow pine, glue-laminated and kiln-dried, resists beetles and ensures tight CNC-machined connections for structural stability.
These advancements allow barrels to be loaded and unloaded from any floor or side without compromising the warehouse’s integrity.
“As the leader in custom whiskey production, we want the most innovative and advanced rickhouses in the industry for our exclusive customers,” said Whiskey House co-founder and CEO David Mandell. “The Koetter Group provides us with an incredible product that delivers significant improvements in warehouse maturation, air flow, safety, and durability.”
The Koetter Group’s Commitment to Innovation
The Koetter Group, a family-owned leader in commercial construction since 1954, brings its expertise to the bourbon industry through this partnership. The K-RAX Premium Spirits Barrel Storage Systems division showcases their dedication to cutting-edge solutions.
“The Koetter Group could not be more excited to partner with Whiskey House,” said Bob Koetter, owner and CEO of the Koetter Group. “Over the years we have been asked by multiple distilleries to help innovate barrel-storage warehouses. We are very thankful that Whiskey House is giving us the opportunity to bring our innovation and advanced warehouse solutions to the bourbon industry.”
Construction Timeline and Progress
Civil work for rickhouses five and six began in March 2025 with Phillips Brothers Construction. K-RAX mobilized on Whiskey House’s property the week of May 26, 2025, and construction on warehouse five started on June 16, 2025.
Whiskey House’s Leadership in Custom Whiskey
Since launching operations on July 1, 2024, Whiskey House has produced over 97,000 barrels, 56 unique mashbills, and 59 different recipes for its exclusive custom whiskey clients. The 110,000-square-foot distillery operates a fully automated system with proprietary software, running 24/7 to deliver unparalleled quality and flexibility.
About Whiskey House of Kentucky
Whiskey House of Kentucky is the world’s most advanced distillery, purpose-built to craft high-quality, customized American whiskey for discerning brands. With no proprietary brands and a campus closed to the public, Whiskey House eliminates conflicts of interest, focusing solely on superior production, innovative liquid design, and exceptional service. Learn more at WhiskeyHouse.com or follow on LinkedIn.
About The Koetter Group
Founded in 1954, The Koetter Group is a family-owned commercial contractor serving Southern Indiana and Greater Louisville. Its four divisions—Koetter Construction, Koetter Real Estate Services, Koetter Building Services, and K-RAX Premium Spirits Barrel Storage Systems—offer comprehensive services, including design-build construction and premium barrel storage solutions. Visit thekoettergroup.com for more information.
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