Image courtesy of Rosedale Distilling Company
In a significant boost to Bolivar County’s economy, the Rosedale Distilling Company broke ground today on what will become the largest distillery in Mississippi’s history. The project, which is expected to invest nearly $23.15 million over the next decade, will not only create 57 jobs over the next five years, but it will also put the Delta region on the map as a new destination for bourbon lovers and tourists alike.
The company is breathing new life into a collection of historic buildings in downtown Rosedale, including a 130,000-square-foot renovation project that will house the distillery and a bourbon-aging warehouse. The primary distillery operations will be based in the former Alabama Metals Product Company factory, a 111,400-square-foot facility that has sat vacant for more than 25 years.
Additionally, an 18,500-square-foot section of the renovation will include tasting rooms, event spaces, and some of the distilling operations. This will give visitors a chance to experience the bourbon-making process firsthand while enjoying the charm of Rosedale’s historic district.
Governor Tate Reeves, who was present for the groundbreaking, celebrated the project’s potential to both drive economic growth and draw new visitors to Mississippi.
“Rosedale Distilling Company’s new Rosedale operations are a big win for Bolivar County,” Governor Reeves said. “I’m thrilled to see a local company highlighting one of our historic riverside communities and demonstrating the hospitality that is such an important part of our state’s culture. This investment and the many jobs it will create is a testament to the fact that Mississippi is a great place to live, work, and visit.”
Rosedale’s location, on the banks of the Mississippi River, positions the distillery as a prime destination for tourists. The nearby Port of Rosedale and Terrene Landing, both accessible to the Mississippi River, will serve as gateways for riverboat cruises. A $2.5 million upgrade to Terrene Landing is expected to bring in 40,000 visitors annually by 2025. These visitors will be able to tour the distillery, taste local spirits, and shop for unique Delta-made products.
A New Chapter for Rosedale and the Delta
Jack and Elizabeth Coleman moved back to the Mississippi Delta to create further opportunities in the region. They hope to do that with a new distillery opening in Rosedale.
Jack Coleman, founder of Rosedale Distilling Company, expressed his excitement about the project and its impact on the community. Coleman and his team are committed to revitalizing Rosedale and using historic structures as part of the company’s operations, marking the first step in a broader effort to breathe new life into the region.
“Elizabeth and I, along with our equity investors, are excited to bring this transformative project to the Delta,” Coleman said. “It’s taken a strong collaboration with our federal, state, local, and private partners to make this vision a reality, and we’re grateful for those relationships. Rosedale will be the first impression that thousands of Mississippi River cruise boat passengers will get when they come to tour the Delta. This is just the beginning of a Rosedale renaissance.”
A Boon for Local Economy and Tourism
The project has already garnered widespread support from local officials, including Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Hannah Aguzzi.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of Mississippi’s largest distillery here in Bolivar County,” Aguzzi said. “This project represents a major investment in our community and will have a lasting impact on local economic growth. Beyond creating jobs, Rosedale Distilling will enhance tourism for our region, attracting visitors to see all the unique offerings of the Delta. We are grateful to everyone who made this project possible.”
The distillery is expected to be fully operational by spring 2025, bringing jobs to the area and positioning Rosedale as a major player in the state’s growing hospitality and tourism industry. Along with the direct economic benefits, the company’s investment is expected to serve as a catalyst for further development in the region, helping to position Mississippi as a premier destination for both bourbon connoisseurs and tourists exploring the Delta.
Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the broader impact of the distillery on the state’s economy.
“The hospitality industry is a major economic driver for Mississippi, and this distillery will be a fantastic addition to the state’s business community,” Cork said. “It will serve as a reminder to other businesses that Mississippi is a great place to invest, work, and visit, and we are proud to support the Rosedale Distilling Company’s vision.”
As the largest distillery in the state, Rosedale Distilling Company is poised to become a key player in Mississippi’s growing bourbon industry while playing a significant role in revitalizing the Delta region, creating jobs, and attracting tourism dollars to Bolivar County.