Meridian Biotech to Build $40 Million Plant to Convert Buffalo Trace Distillery Spent Grains into Alternative Proteins

Posted on July 14, 2025 | By Distillery Trail

Distillers have a problem they face every day. What do you do with all those Distiller’s Spent Grains (DSG) or Distillers Dried Grain (DDG)? In order to make bourbon, rye or American whiskey, it requires acres and acres of grains like corn, rye, wheat, or barley every day. With all those grains going into the whiskey making process, it all must go somewhere on the way out. And, as the distilling volume goes up, so does the spent grain volume.

Meridian Biotech Offers Distillers Solution for Spent Grains

Buffalo Trace Distillery Production of Distillers Dried Grain.

Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, has been on an expansion tear for about 10 years. In February 2023, they officially cut the ribbon on their new 84” wide by 40’ tall Vendome Copper & Brass Works column still. The new still is a mirror image of the same one that was put in operation in 1956. Combined, when operating at capacity, they can produce over 2,000 barrels per day. All those grains required to make all that whiskey has to go somewhere and now, with the help from Meridian Biotech some of those grains will have a new purpose in the distilling after-life.

“As Master Distiller, I have studied the distilling process and always respected the full journey from grain to glass. Working with Meridian allows us to take our processes even further by transforming stillage into something with extended value and purpose,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “This partnership is a natural extension of our craft, and we are thrilled by what’s possible with Meridian’s technology.”

Meridian Biotech will open a new facility in Franklin County, Kentucky close to Buffalo Trace Distillery. The partnership with Buffalo Trace Distillery will convert distillery byproducts into multifunctional alternative proteins. The plans call for a $40 million investment and will create up to 35 high-tech, well-paying jobs.

The new Meridian facility will utilize novel technology that converts Buffalo Trace stillage, a natural byproduct of the distilling process, into multifunctional alternative proteins. In its new form, the stillage, which will be piped directly from the Distillery to Meridian’s Frankfort facility, can be used in a variety of industries, including aquaculture (fish farming), pet foods, and the production of organic fertilizer.

The new state-of-the-art Meridian facility will convert byproduct from the distilling process into proteins that can be used for aquaculture products, pet foods and organic fertilizer. In its new form, the stillage will be piped directly from the distillery to Meridian’s Frankfort facility. Meridian, the first biotech company to locate in Franklin County, will begin construction later this year. Meridian also plans to work with Kentucky State University to offer internships and to collaborate with the school’s engineering department.

Meridian Biotech to Reimagine Distillery Stillage

Rendering of Meridian Biotech facility that will process Distillers Dried Grain (DDG) for Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY.

“By reimagining distillery stillage as a resource rather than a byproduct, we’re pioneering new pathways in biotechnology that have the potential to transform the spirits industry,” said Brandon Corace, President of Meridian Biotech.

“Like Buffalo Trace, we are committed to making a long-term, positive economic impact on the community. We believe our technology will play a pivotal role in enhancing Buffalo Trace’s commitment to innovation, as well as setting a new standard for the spirits industry. We could not be more pleased with the close working relationship with Buffalo Trace, in addition to welcoming support from local and state officials.”

“We are proud to welcome Meridian to Frankfort with this incredible investment that will create high-quality jobs, strengthen our economic future and continue to grow Kentucky’s iconic bourbon industry,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said. “It’s partnerships like these that prove we can honor tradition while embracing transformation and that Kentucky can be a leading force in the biotech industry.”

Founded in 2017, the Lexington-based company develops sustainable biotechnological innovations to overcome the food challenge faced by the growing global population. In 2021, Meridian was selected to present its innovative technology during the Distillers Grain Reverse Pitch Competition, which was hosted through a partnership between the Distillers Grains Technology Council, the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits – JBBI, Awesome Inc., the Energy and Environment Cabinet and KY Innovation, within the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, with support from the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American, family-owned company based in Frankfort. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775. It is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace is a fully operational distillery, producing bourbon, rye and vodka.

Buffalo Trace Distillery sells biscuit and pancake mix from Distiller's Spent Grains (DSG) in their gift shop.

Franklin County Judge/Executive Michael Mueller said the company aligns with the local leadership’s vision for the community: “We thank Meridian Biotech for their catalytic investment in Franklin County. Their commitment to sustainable and transformative technologies are a great match with our aspirations. Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to invest in being a model environmental steward and corporate citizen. These two companies together demonstrate how bright the future is. We also want to thank Team Kentucky for their assistance helping Meridian Biotech find a home in Franklin County.”

Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson noted the collaboration required to make the project possible: “We’re thrilled to welcome Meridian Biotech to Frankfort, the result of a strategic effort to attract investment in the growing biotech sector and another sign of our city’s economic momentum. Their groundbreaking approach to repurposing distillery byproducts complements Frankfort’s commitment to innovation, our deep bourbon heritage and Buffalo Trace Distillery’s dedication to excellence. Having spent time with Meridian’s leadership, I’m confident their presence will significantly boost our community and demonstrate to other innovative companies that Frankfort is the right place for business. We appreciate the Team Kentucky’s efforts in supporting this venture and look forward to Meridian’s continued growth and success.”

Learn more about Meridian Biotech.Learn more about Grain Drying Providers.

Related Stories– Moonshine University Shares 4 Responsible Ways Distillers Use Spent Grains [Brandscape]– Buffalo Trace Distillery Replaces 64k lb. 1950s Grain Dryer– Distillers Have a Problem. What To Do with All That Spent Grain? Pls Help.

Learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery.View all Frankfort Area Distilleries.View all Kentucky Distilleries.View all U.S. Distilleries.

For the full press release from Distillery Trail, visit https://www.distillerytrail.com/blog/meridian-biotech-to-build-40-million-plant-to-convert-buffalo-trace-distillery-spent-grains-into-alternative-proteins/