To Wild Turkey master distiller Jimmy Russell, the piercing sounds of a warehouse rising in the Kentucky countryside are the sounds of prosperity.

Russell says the construction is a sign the bourbon business is growing.

Distillers are expanding their bourbon production and storage and dispatching sales teams around the world, bullish for a traditionally Southern beverage gaining popularity worldwide.

Surging exports, the weak U.S. dollar and rising popularity among younger Americans are driving the boom.

Heaven Hill recently spent nearly $4 million boosting capacity 50 percent at its distillery in Louisville, where it makes Evan Williams and Elijah Craig bourbons.

Wild Turkey's $36-million expansion near Lawrenceburg will nearly double its production.

Maker's Mark is preparing for a second expansion.

And Jim Beam is in the midst of a $70 million expansion in Kentucky.