FRANKFORT, Ky. — Nine people were indicted Tuesday on charges of spiriting away what Kentucky authorities say was more bourbon whiskey than one person could drink in a lifetime.
Prosecutors say the scheme led by rogue distillery workers lasted for years and involved tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of whiskey. It began to unravel when whiskey barrels were discovered behind a Franklin County shed.
The theft targeted the Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey distilleries, they said, and included some of the most prestigious brands in the business, including pricey Pappy Van Winkle bourbon. It had been going on since 2008 or 2009.
Kentucky is home to about 95 percent of the world’s bourbon production, according to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.