An award-winning company moving to Lexington in 2024 will bring ag tech into the process of aging bourbon.
Bespoken Spirits Inc., a startup that began operation in San Francisco, uses a patented, advanced accelerated maturation process called “Tailored Wood Finishing.”
“Bespoken is a good fit for Lexington. They’re moving their headquarters here to the part of bourbon country where ag tech has also found a home,” said Mayor Linda Gorton, who is working to grow ag tech in Lexington through the Bluegrass Ag Tech Development Corp. she founded with Dean Nancy Cox of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment; Dr. Mark Lyons, President and CEO of Alltech; and Dr. Ryan Quarles, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture.
The company will be moving to Greyline Station, Gorton said.
Governor Andy Beshear said, “The relocation of Bespoken Spirits’ headquarters and manufacturing operations to Kentucky adds momentum to the state’s always growing signature bourbon industry. Bespoken is a welcome addition to the Lexington community and will continue to solidify Kentucky as the world’s leading producer of bourbon. I want to thank company leaders for their vision to grow in Kentucky and look forward to seeing their success here in the commonwealth.”
This morning the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority gave preliminary approval to Bespoken for tax incentives, which still must be okayed by the Urban County Council. The company anticipates creating a total of 17 jobs over the next 10 years, with an average salary of $128,000 annually, including benefits. Capital investment is estimated at $3.2 million.
The company’s revolutionary bourbon aging process promises “more taste, more product and more value for less wood, less water and less energy,” according to the company website. “Sustainability is at the forefront of what we do thanks to a proprietary system that uses less wood, energy and water. Simply put, we also don’t lose 20% of our product to evaporation.”
“Rather than putting spirit into a barrel and waiting passively for nature take its course, we instill the barrel into the spirit, actively and precisely controlling the process to deliver premium quality tailored spirits full of nuance and flavor,” said Scott Savage, Vice President of Research and Development and Production for Bespoken Spirits Inc. “As a born-and-raised Kentuckian and engineer, I am thrilled at the opportunity to bring this company to my home.”
Bob Quick, Commerce Lexington CEO, said, “With whiskey production dating back to the earliest days of our community, Lexington offers a robust distilling network that provides strategic advantages in supply chain, workforce, and partnerships. We applaud their commitment to sustainability and their innovative approach to aging whiskey. It is an honor to welcome Bespoken Spirits, LLC to Lexington, the heart of Bourbon country.”
