As an estate distillery, we grow our own grains on our own land. On our Sierra ranchland near Tahoe, we sustainably grow and harvest winter rye, wheat, oats, and barley before malting it in-house.
The hundred-year-old flour mill sits proudly on the National Register of Historic Places. Once the largest operating mill in the area, today it has been restored to modern LEED Gold certified standards. The mill once again processes grain — only this time to create some of the finest spirits in the world.
Bently Heritage that it’s hard to squeeze everything into the one hour tour. On this tour you’ll have access to both the historic ‘Creamery’ and the ‘Mill’ buildings, both of which have evolved into functioning artistic achievements. You’ll see our stills, bottling line, barrelling room and other areas off limits to the casual visitor. Your tour will conclude with a sampling of our premium spirits while you enjoy a view of the single malt whisky production area. Truly an awesome experience, but don’t take our word for it!
As an estate distillery that controls its process along every step, Bently Heritage is comprised of many parts — we’re proud of each and every one. Explore our beautiful high-desert ranch that's nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, our high-tech and sustainable distillery campus comprised of century-old buildings, our well and barrel aging facilities, and more.
Even though history is a recurring theme in Carson Valley, new developments are also on the forefront. And at the top of the list is Bently Heritage, a new whiskey distillery with a historic twist. Located in Minden, the distillery is housed in a one-time creamery, while a 1920 flour mill is home to the tasting room, retail space and public house. During the lengthy renovation owner Christopher Bently took great effort to reuse and repurpose whatever he could, which subsequently earned the distillery LEED Gold Status.
Guided distillery tours include a close look at the polished Forsyth stills, as well as a look at the bottling line. Along the way visitors learn about the distilling process of whiskey, gin and vodka. After the tour, guests head back over to the tasting room to sample the product. Access is good throughout the property with accessible parking near the main building, and ramp access up to the front door. There’s elevator access to all three floors, and plenty or room for a wheelchair in all the public spaces. The tour also features barrier-free access on a level cement floor that’s free from obstructions.
If you don’t have time for a tour, make sure and stop by the public house for a cocktail. The bar features a creative menu of gin, vodka and whiskey offerings. And if you’d like a bite to eat, they also offer cheese and charcuterie boards along with other small bites and spirit pairings. Stop in and try something new, and don’t forget to thank them for their efforts during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Even though they shuttered their public facilities, they converted their production facilities to make hand sanitizer and disinfectant, which were donated to local hospitals and first responders.
Public House
Reservations are required for all visits to Bently Heritage Public House. If you desire to include both a tour and a craft cocktail experience on the same day, you must book each experience separately.
The Bently Heritage tasting room is a special place for people to enjoy and be educated not only on Bently Heritage, but distilling in general. Here, visitors can experience tours, tastings, or bespoke cocktails that are only available at our distillery.
While you enjoy your drink at the tasting bar, expansive views are seen throughout. Whether you’re looking at the Eastern slope of the Sierra, or catching a glimpse of the distillers in our single malt production area, your experience is sure to be nothing short of world-class.
Our Cocktail Program features experiences that can’t be found anywhere else, including small creations that can only be found at the distillery. Our entire menu built solely on products made in-house, giving more of a creative edge. We also feature a weekly rotating specialty drink, and charcuterie boards.
Visitors are in very well educated hands with Bently heritage mixologists — all of our mixologists are WSET certified level 2 in spirits.
The public house offers cheese and charcuterie boards to enhance your experience.
Along the way, guests can see the distillery in action, including our handmade Forsyth stills that are used for single malt whisky production.
The tour also features cars restored by our in-house shop affectionately named Creation Station.
