USA – British multinational alcoholic beverages company Diageo has opened its first carbon neutral whiskey distillery in North America as part of goal to become net-zero carbon across direct operations by 2030. 

According to Diageo, the new facility located in Lebanon, Kentucky will operate using 100% renewable electricity, zero fossil fuels for production, and virtual metering technology 

The 72,000 square-foot facility is designed with sustainability at its core, with careful measures put in place to ensure that fossil fuels are not used during production.  

“By partnering with Inter-County Energy and East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC), we are sourcing a mix of wind and solar energy to power the electrode boilers, onsite electric vehicles, internal and external lighting, and equipment-making the facility one of the largest of its kind in North America,” Diageo said in a statement. 

Additionally, the site has implemented virtual metering technology to advance the visibility of water, electricity, and steam usage.

Diageo says data collected from the meters will be further used to drive the company’s resource efficiency and sustainability.  

The maker of Johnny Walker and Singleton whiskey believes that technologies deployed at Lebanon will allow the distillery to avoid approximately more than 117,000 metric tons1 of carbon emissions annually, the equivalent of taking more than 25,000 cars off the road for a year. 

The site is expected to support the local community with 30 full-time jobs while also sourcing 100% non-GMO corn locally.  

Bulleit is the first and lead brand being produced at the Lebanon Distillery –and supplements existing production at the nearby Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, Kentucky. 

Guinness announces Chicago Taproom 

Earlier, Diageo beer division Guinness announced the opening of a new taproom in Morgan Street, Chicago. 

On-site will be a 10 BBL brewing system for small-batch production and one-off brews for the taproom, in addition to an outdoor patio space and restaurant. 

According to a statement from the brewer, the taproom will feature work from local artists and offer rotating beers, cuisine, and events, “all bringing to life the spirit of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods and unique cultural elements.” 

The newest taproom will offer guests a chance to try out exciting new brews – some only available at the Chicago brewery, and some imported from our other Guinness locations. 

Patrons will also have a chance to tour the brewing facilities with our beer specialists, learn all about Guinness and its storied history, and even purchase some limited-edition merchandise. 

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