Distillery — Blog - Traveling Newlyweds

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!)

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!

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!

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.

Affectionately called “Bourbon City”, Louisville, Kentucky is home to some of the most unique and innovative distilleries and bars in the US. From modern and stylish tasting rooms, to underground prohibition-style speakeasies, to charming hotel bars that are dripping with history… Louisville’s drinking scene has something for everyone. Here’s a few of our favorites from every category:

DISTILLERIES:

OLD FORESTER

While Old Forester is famous for being America’s first bottled bourbon, their 70,000-square-foot distillery is one of the newest hot spots on Whiskey Row! They just completed a $45 million renovation on their original building, and the result is nothing short of breathtaking. Tickets for the Old Forester Distillery tour are $16/person, and the tour includes and extensive look inside the history and distilling of bourbon, the bottling process, a tasting, and more. More specifically, you’ll learn about George Garvin Brown, a visionary in the world of whiskey who was one of the first to distill a quality bourbon. You’ll also find out how Old Forester was able to keep producing whiskey during prohibition. Their are the only bourbon continuously distilled before, during, and after prohibition. They must know what they’re doing. (Reservations are recommended, you can do so here.)

MICHTER’S

Founded in 1753, Michter’s is considered to be America’s first whiskey company, and to this day they make some of the finest single barrel and small batch whiskeys on the market. Their distillery is also new to downtown Louisville, as it just opened its doors after an 8-year renovation in January, 2019! Tickets for the Michter’s Distillery Tour are $20/person, and the tour includes an inside look into the whiskey production process, a whiskey tasting, and a cocktail demonstration in their second-floor bar, “The Bar at Fort Nelson”. Our recommendation is that you spend some time sipping on the Sour Mash - it is fantastic! (Reservations are recommended, you can do so here.)

EVAN WILLIAMS

Having opened Kentucky’s first distillery on the banks of the Ohio River in 1783, Evan Williams has been around for many years and many whiskey barrels. They produce a quality bourbon that is a fantastic introduction for those that aren’t whiskey drinkers. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience will offer the history of how Louisville was settled and became the bourbon mecca that it is today, knowledgeable guides that will share the process of distilling bourbon, and a whiskey tasting at the end of the tour. The 1 hour tastings are $14/person, and you can make reservations here. Enjoy!

ANGEL’S ENVY

What we love about Angel’s Envy is that they have taken the bourbon tradition and combined it with their expertise to create a phenomenal whiskey. They hand blend small batches and taste every barrel as it ages. What makes them different is that they finish their bourbon in ruby port casks, and their ryes in rum barrels. Angel’s Envy whiskey emerges with a complex aroma, sophisticated taste, and long, lingering finish. Sorry if that was too much, but Angel’s Envy is special. If you would like to visit, they have tours by reservation only. It’s worth visiting to see their process and taste some of their fine whiskeys. (You can make reservations here)

SPEAKEASYS

PIN & PROOF

A modern speakeasy hidden behind a moving painting is cool on its own… but throw a bowling alley into the mix, and now we’re really talking! Pin & Proof is located in the luxurious Omni Louisville, tucked away behind a modern painting near the Library Bar. From the moment you step inside you feel as though you’ve entered into a dimly-lit labyrinth. Whether or not you decide to bowl, the bar alone is worth a visit. Try their 1881 Old Fashioned!

HELL OR HIGH WATER

If you’ve ever wanted to step inside a time machine, head to Hell or High Water, a speakeasy located underneath Whiskey Row. Accessible through a little curio shop with no signage, it can be easy to miss - so keep a lookout. The interior is designed to feel like a real 1930’s speakeasy, and they did an incredible job. It’s surprisingly spacious, with hidden rooms and an upper level that’s every bit as picturesque as the bar below. Make a reservation in advance, as it does get busy. (You can do so here.)

HISTORIC HOTEL BARS

THE LOBBY BAR

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Brown Hotel is famous not only for its glamorous architectural features, but for its iconic Lobby Bar as well! You’ll find classic comfort food like Lobster Mac and Cheese, The Hot Brown, and Derby Pie, and you’ll find handcrafted cocktails and bourbon flights that’ll please anyone’s palette. We suggest trying their Mint Julep, featuring Jim Beam bourbon, simple syrup, and lots of fresh mint. The Lobby Bar has been named One of 150 Best Bars in America for 2019, and it’s easy to see why!

OLD SEELBACH BAR

This restored early 1900’s bar not only has an impressive bourbon collection, but some celebrated craft cocktails too! Located in the famed Seelbach Hilton, The Old Seelbach Bar has been visited by many a famous face over the years - most recently Billy Joel was spotted playing the bar’s piano! Try their popular “Seelbach Cocktail”, made with Old Forester Bourbon, cointreau bitters and sparkling wine!

WHY BENTLY RANCH AND DISTILLERY SHOULD BE ON YOUR RADAR

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