The company announced that it will reduce its global workforce by 12% including shutting down the barrel-making operation in Louisville.

Kentucky and Bourbon are an iconic duo, they go together like peanut butter and jelly. The Bluegrass State has a long history with the popular drink to the point that even now, 95% of bourbons are made in Kentucky (little-known fact, it doesn't have to be made in Kentucky to be considered a bourbon, but let's be honest, it's better if it is). It turns out Kentucky's natural resources are a perfect combination to make the best-tasting bourbon you can find. You can read more on the science of Kentucky bourbon, here.

One of the largest global distributors of wine and spirits (including Kentucky's Woodford Reserve Bourbon, and Tennessee's Jack Daniels) is Louisville, based Brown-Foreman, and they recently announced that they will be reducing their workforce globally.In a statement on their website, Brown-Foreman says the 12% reduction in their global workforce will streamline their structure and allow them to reinvest in things like brands and technologies.

To enhance operational efficiency and agility, Brown‑Forman has made the difficult decision to reduce its global workforce by approximately 12% of its 5,400 employees worldwide. Brown‑Forman is deeply committed to supporting departing employees with comprehensive transition agreements that include severance, outplacement services, and other benefits to help them through this career change.

The announcement also came with the news that the Louisville barrel-making operation would be closing as well.

Brown‑Forman will close its Louisville-based barrel-making operation, Brown‑Forman Cooperage, by April 25, 2025. This closure, which will impact approximately 210 hourly and salaried employees, is part of the overall 12% workforce reduction. Brown‑Forman will offer severance, outplacement services, and benefits consistent with their terms of employment.

Moving forward, Brown‑Forman will source barrels from an external supplier to ensure a steady supply of the same high-quality barrels at a competitive price.

It's always a bummer to hear of hardworking folks losing their jobs, especially when you see a place like this shutting its doors and more than 200 workers losing their jobs, my heart definitely goes out to all impacted by this. You can read the full statement from Brown-Foreman, here.