Beneath the Sierra Nevada Mountains is a 50,000 acre ranch unlike any other. A ranch that’s full of thriving natural resources, innovation, technology, and promise. It’s a ranch that’s sure to put Carson Valley on the map, and we’re excited to say that you heard it here first.
Just a couple weeks ago we had the honor of touring Bently Ranch and Distillery, and we were completely blown away by what these folks are up to. Here’s what we discovered:
THE RANCH
Bently Ranch was founded in 1997 by Donald and Christopher Bently, a father-son duo with a passion for grass-fed beef and sustainable farming. Their love for the environment runs deep, and their commitment to running a business as green as possible, runs deeper. Christopher is now the president and director, and his goal of creating a fully organic ranching practice has truly come to life.
When it comes to cattle ranching, Bently Ranch excels. Their cattle are raised and cared for by ranchers that incorporate old traditions with new, and they take great pride in the legacy that they’re creating. We couldn’t have been more impressed as we toured and learned more about the ranch, the measures they take to be sustainable and eco-friendly, and the family environment they’ve fostered… It's beyond impressive. And for all you meat lovers out there, their beef is certified natural, Gap Step 4, hormone free, and GMO free.
And it’s downright delicious. (Order some here and see for yourself!)
New friends at Bently Ranch
Of course we brought some meat home :)
THE DISTILLERY
For years Christopher Bently has been fascinated and inspired by the old world whisky distilleries of Scotland. Being the dreamer and entrepreneur that he is, it only made sense that they build their own… right in the heart of Carson Valley. Using only their grains - winter rye, wheat, oats, and barley (all grown on Bently ranch), their goal is to set a new standard for sustainable production. Besides the imported Oloroso sherry oak casks, everything is sourced and created from their land. Everything. How cool is that?!
The distillery itself is state-of-the-art, with the best equipment and an innovative team of expert distillers paving the way. They specialize in gin, vodka, and whisky (which is currently being aged). While the whisky won’t be ready for a few years, they’ve been making waves with their unique Source One Vodkas. Their Source One Vodka finished in the sherry casks is an absolute must-try. It’s the first vodka I (Bobby) have ever wanted to sip on like a whisky - it’s smooth, complex, and easy to drink. We of course bought a bottle and brought it home.
State of the art facilities at Bently Distillery. This is the malting room!
Can’t wait until this whisky is ready!
WHEN TO VISIT
Open to the public Thursdays-Sundays, the Bently Heritage Distillery Tour is not to be missed. Guests get an insider look into the incredible lengths they go to, to instill that their production is as sustainable as possible, and see the distillery in action! Tours are an hour long and end with a spirit tasting… our favorite part! ;)
The Bently Heritage “Public House”, or tasting room, is also open Thursdays-Sundays, for specialty cocktails and light bites. Set in a one-hundred-year-old historic flour mill (that once again is processing grains), the ambiance is as unique as it is mesmerizing. The entire cocktail menu does, of course, feature products solely made in-house, and features weekly drink specials. We’d be there weekly if we lived in Carson Valley!
Tour time!
Stunning design at the distillery!
Best part of the tour!
Discovering Bently Ranch and Distillery was one of the highlights from our trip to Carson Valley - and we can’t wait to see how they continue to grow and set new standards for excellence in both cattle ranching and distilling.
We have a feeling this is just the beginning. And Bobby’s counting down the days their whisky becomes available.