Bently Heritage Estate Distillery
An experience rooted in place, process and passion

Chris Bently’s vision was a state-of-the-art, sustainable distillery firmly anchored in the community of his Nevada hometown. He wanted visitors to be immersed in the distillation process, while learning the story that ties his family to the agricultural buildings and the Carson Valley. 

The facility we designed makes the most of two dramatic, historic buildings to offer a world-class visitor experience rooted in place, process and passion. We divided the spirit production between the two buildings. The layout of the Creamery building reflects how ingredients move through the production line, from farm to bar. 

The Mill building meanwhile acts as the heart of the visitor experience. A plaza and porch provide a sense of arrival, before the reception area orients guests to the space and story. At the upper-level tasting bars, visitors can enjoy a view over the town and the single-malt whiskey production taking place within four adapted, retrofitted grain silos below. 

The design originated as an adaptive reuse of original timber elements to the careful preservation of historic facades—prioritized existing materials, sustainability and local heritage at every turn. The result is a modern interpretation of creating value from historic resources.