Today, Rosedale Distilling Company celebrated the groundbreaking of Mississippi's largest distillery, marking a major milestone in the Delta's economic and cultural growth.
Governor Tate Reeves, Commissioner Willie Simmons, and other political and community leaders joined the ceremony to commemorate the beginning of an unprecedented $17 million investment in Bolivar County, with a projected total of $23 million to be invested over the next eight years.
Founded by Jack and Elizabeth Coleman, Rosedale Distilling Company will produce premium and super-premium spirits, introducing high-quality Mississippi-crafted products to the national market. The project promises significant economic and community benefits, including the creation of 57 new jobs in Rosedale and an anticipated draw of 40,000 annual visitors by 2025.
“Rosedale Distilling Company’s investment is a remarkable milestone for Bolivar County,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “This project not only creates jobs but also showcases our state’s unique riverside culture. It’s a fantastic economic and tourism boost for the Delta and an invitation for others to discover what Mississippi has to offer.”
Preserving Heritage and Boosting Tourism
With renovations planned for approximately 130,000 square feet of historic architecture, the distillery site includes a 166,000-square-foot former factory from 1954, which will house the main distillery and barrel-aging facilities. Rosedale Distilling will also restore several downtown Rosedale buildings, creating spaces for a retail store, tasting rooms, and museums that pay tribute to the Delta’s heritage—including exhibits on Mississippi River explorers, Delta blues legend Robert Johnson, and Senator Blanche K. Bruce.
Rosedale Distilling carries on the rich and colorful history of fine whiskey making in the Mississippi Delta near Rosedale. According to Jack Coleman, “One product line will honor the legendary Perry Martin, a bootleg whiskey maker for more than 40 years who made such great, aged whiskey that it could be found in many parts of the country. Mr. Martin buried his filled barrels to age in the sandbar of the Mississippi River to avoid discovery - barrels he bought from my grandad’s hardware store. His whiskey, a prized possession in Mississippi, was considered so good, customers would ask for it by name in bars in Chicago, Detroit, New York, and many other cities. We appreciate the cooperation of the Martin family in bringing this historic brand back alive.”
Economic Boost and Regional Impact
Located along the Mississippi River, Rosedale Distilling is ideally positioned to benefit from convenient access via the Port of Rosedale and the upgraded Terrene Landing, which now allows docking for tourist riverboats. With support from the Mississippi Development Authority and Bolivar County, this development is expected to further enhance the Delta’s tourism appeal, drawing both local and out-of-state visitors to experience the region’s rich cultural and natural assets.
Bill Cork, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority, noted the project’s potential to attract new business: “Rosedale Distilling Company is setting a new precedent in Mississippi’s hospitality industry, creating meaningful jobs and showing companies that Mississippi is open for business. This distillery will attract visitors and foster growth for years to come.”
Community and Business Partnerships
Elizabeth Coleman expressed gratitude to the many partners who contributed to making this project a reality. “Jack and I, along with our equity investors, are thrilled to bring this transformative project to the Delta. We are grateful to partners like U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, Southern Bancorp Bank, and the Mississippi Heritage Trust. The City of Rosedale, Bolivar County, and the Mississippi Development Authority have been instrumental, and it’s taken strong collaboration to bring this dream to life.”
