Bourbon Reviews, Distillery News and Information
Kentucky Distillers’ Association Welcomes Benson Valley Bourbon
Benson Valley Bourbon joins the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, honoring its historic roots and renewed distilling tradition along Benson Creek. Read on for the full story!
Press Release – Benson Valley Bourbon Joins KDA
KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION (KDA) WELCOMES BENSON VALLEY BOURBON AS NEWEST MEMBER
Distillery Honors Craftsmanship Paved on Historical Grounds
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced Benson Valley Bourbon as the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.
Listen to our Podcast: Bourbon Obsessed Bourbon Podcast!
Find our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Podcasts, Spotify Podcasts!
Read our Newsletters: Bourbon Obsessed News
Watch our YouTube Videos: YouTube Channel
Historic Benson Creek Distillery Site
Established on historic property acquired by the company in 2022, Benson Valley Bourbon is located along the banks of Benson Creek on land that was once home to the former Old Kennebec Distillery.
Limestone Spring and Time-Honored Methods
As a nod to the area’s historic legacy, the distillery uses the same limestone spring that was first used nearly a century ago. As it passes through limestone, the water is naturally filtered of iron, sulfur, and other impurities, making it an essential component of Kentucky Bourbon and Benson Valley Bourbon’s time-honored methods.
Benson Valley Bourbon Production, Capacity, and Craft Focus
Since reigniting operations this year, the distillery, located at 1501 Benson Valley Road, has already produced more than 400 barrels, with storage capacity planned for more than 14,000 barrels. With a focus on honoring their deep roots in craftsmanship and quality, Benson Valley Bourbon still fills 10-hoop barrels, just as Old Kennebec Distillery once did.
Owner’s Perspective on Legacy and Community
“Each day is an opportunity to build upon the rich legacy of our historic grounds,” said owner Russ Blakeley. “Joining the KDA was a natural step for our distillery to celebrate the living history of Kentucky Bourbon.
“From honoring the land’s pure ingredients, like tried-and-true limestone spring, to the spirit of the distillery that came before, we look forward to joining the rich community that KDA fosters.”
KDA’s Welcome and Industry Impact
As the ever-growing community of KDA continues to grow its footprint across the Bluegrass, KDA President Eric Gregory welcomed Benson Valley Bourbon into the new era of Kentucky Bourbon.
“It’s safe to say that Kentucky Bourbon is Kentucky’s greatest story. As Benson Valley Bourbon marries their historic grounds with their new, modern offerings, they serve as a reminder of the rich Bourbon legacy that’s strengthening our communities: one pour at a time,” shared Gregory.
Benson Valley Bourbon’s addition to the KDA reflects the continued expansion of Kentucky’s Bourbon industry, a $9 billion economic engine that generates more than 23,000 jobs that attracted 2.7 million visitors in 2024 through the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Learn More About Benson Valley Bourbon and the KDA
Learn more about Benson Valley Bourbon at www.bensonvalleybourbon.com.
Benson Valley Bourbon joins KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 1-1,000 barrels annually. Visit the KDA and its Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.
You may want to read these related articles next: Left Bank Bourbon Joins Kentucky Distillers’ Association, Honors Bourbon’s Historic Downriver Journey and Kentucky Distillers’ Association Joins World Spirits Alliance – Press Release.
Would you like to learn more about distilleries and bourbon? Are you planning a trip to Kentucky Distilleries? Maybe you would like to live the bourbon life vicariously through us? If any of these are true, then check out BourbonObsessed.com today!
About the author: Ed Escott is truly "Bourbon Obsessed". He is the founder of Bourbon Obsessed, LLC, and an Executive Bourbon Steward of the Stave and Thief Society. In addition, he has authored and edited over 600 bourbon and other whiskey reviews, over 50 in-depth distillery write-ups, and many other related articles. He is on the board of the Kentucky Bourbon Influencers and a member of the Lexington Bourbon Society and the Bourbon Capital Guild. Last, but not least, Ed has attended many bourbon-related educational sessions, visited countless distilleries, and is on a never-ending quest to try every bourbon.
Prior to focusing solely on Bourbon Obsessed, Ed practiced in academic medicine for three decades. He most recently was a Professor at the University of Kentucky and served as Chief of the Division of Neuroradiology and Vice Chair For Faculty Mentoring, Development & Wellness of the Department of Radiology. He has extensive editorial experience in academic medical publication, and brings that same academic mindset to Bourbon Obsessed, which is a unique approach for a spirit-focused media company.
Ed can be found on social media on Instagram at @bourbon_obsessed and on Facebook at @BourbonObsessed
If you find our website, newsletters and social media posts valuable and would like to help support our work, please consider buying me a cup of coffee. We would greatly appreciate it!