LEXINGTON, Ky. — There’s a new player coming to the ever-growing bourbon market in Kentucky. Bespoken Spirits out of Menlo Park, California, announced it is moving to Lexington in 2024.

Mayor Linda Gorton announced Bespoke “will bring ag tech into the process of aging bourbon.”

“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.

Lexington is working to grow ag tech through the Bluegrass Tech Development Corp. Gorton along with University of Kentucky agriculture Dean Nancy Cox, Mark Lyons of Alltech and Commissioner of Agriculture, Ryan Quarles, R-Ky., founded the corporation.

Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., 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.”

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority has preliminarily approved tax incentives for Bespoken. They must be okayed by the Urban County Council. Bespoken plans to create 17 jobs over the next 10 years with an average annual salary of $128,000. The capital investment is estimated at $3.2 million.

The company uses a patented process called “Tailored Wood Finishing” for its bourbon aging. According to Bespoken’s website, they promise “more taste, more product and more value for less wood, less water and less energy.”

“Rather than putting spirit into a barrel and waiting passively for nature to 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. 

Gorton said the company will move to Greyline Station.