LACASSINE, La. (AP) — Construction of a $5 million rum distillery in Jefferson Davis Parish continues, with production expected to start this fall.
Trey Litel, president of Louisiana Spirits, tells the American Press (http://bit.ly/OjaSjJ) that some of his company’s rum is expected to be available by year’s end.
Litel brings 25 years of sales and marketing expertise, including over 10 years with Bacardi USA, to the job.
The facility plans to produce 200 gallons of rum a day using local ingredients including Louisiana sugar and molasses, head distiller Jeff Murphy said. The company plans to seek a farmer to grow about 5 acres of sugar cane on the property.
“Louisiana produces more sugar cane than anyone, yet Puerto Rico produces the most rum. We want to change that,” Murphy said.
Louisianans consume more than 300,000 cases of rum per year, according to the Beverage Information Group.
Louisiana Spirits will initially offer a variety of light and spiced rums, but hopes to expand to other varieties, Litel said.
Guided tours of the plant just off Interstate 10 will be available, and an adults-only tasting bar will offer samples.
“Some 44,000 vehicles a day pass on I-10, and we feel like we can draw on that based on our location,” Litel said. “We want families and children to come in and take a tour of the facility.”
Construction on the facility began with dirt work in November.
Crews are working to complete the 12,000-square-foot-warehouse and 6,000-square-foot visitors’ center which will include a viewing room, tasting bar and retail shop. A large picture window will give visitors a view of the large copper stills, fermentation and molasses tanks and bottling line.
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Information from: The American Press, http://www.americanpress.com
