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Hot Springs Distilling
Arkansas Distillery Profile
Hot Springs Distilling: Small-Batch Spirits in the Spa City
Founded by father-and-son team Keith and Scott Atkinson, Hot Springs Distilling brings a hands-on, experimental approach to bourbon, whiskey, gin, vodka, and other small-batch spirits in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Independent editorial profile by ArkansasLiquor.com. This page is not the official distillery website.
Hot Springs Distilling at a Glance
Established
2018
Founders
Keith & Scott Atkinson
Focus
Bourbon & Craft Spirits
Location
Hot Springs, Arkansas
The Distillery Story
A Father-and-Son Distillery Shaped by Research and Experimentation
The roots of Hot Springs Distilling trace back to a 2013 father-and-son trip to Scotland, where Keith and Scott Atkinson toured distilleries and studied the traditions behind Scotch whisky. After returning home, they continued visiting large Kentucky producers and smaller craft operations across the United States.
That research helped shape a production philosophy that combines established whiskey-making practices with the flexibility of a small operation. The distillery uses its size to test mash bills, refine processes, release limited batches, and put a local spin on classic American spirits.
Keith serves as general manager and brings business, academic, and extensive distillery-tour experience to the operation. Scott, the head distiller, combines a technical background with hands-on fermentation and flavor experimentation.
Visit the Distillery
Address:
121 Ross St.
Hot Springs, AR 71901
Phone:
(501) 781-3187
Email:
[email protected]
Hours and event availability can change. Confirm details with the distillery before making a special trip.
Current Spirit Lineup
Bourbon, Whiskey, Gin, and Vodka
Hot Springs Distilling produces its own house spirits and also releases carefully selected bourbon blends. Availability, batches, proofs, and age statements may change as new releases arrive.
Signature House Bourbon
Bear Clap Distiller’s Series
The official spirits page lists Batch 4 as a three-year-old, 94-proof straight bourbon whiskey with vanilla, caramel, spice, and a high-rye profile.
- 53% yellow corn
- 33% rye
- 14% malted barley
Selected Bourbon Blends
Bear Clap Blender’s Series
The Blender’s Series explores combinations of high-rye and wheated bourbons. The official site currently lists a six-year Batch 7 and an eight-year cask-strength 250th-anniversary commemorative Batch 8.
- Batch 7: 97.8 proof
- Batch 8: 124.6 proof
- Blended to emphasize balance, depth, and bourbon character
Beyond Bourbon
Other Small-Batch Spirits
The portfolio also includes contemporary gin, corn-based vodka, and unaged white whiskey that offers a look at the house bourbon before barrel aging.
- Valley of the Vapors Gin: 80 proof
- Spa City Vodka: 80 proof
- Falls Creek White Whiskey: 100 proof
The People Behind Hot Springs Distilling
Keith Atkinson
Co-Founder & General Manager
Keith’s background includes service in the U.S. Air Force, work as a CPA, and leadership in higher education. He has visited more than 100 operating distilleries and applies that broad experience to business operations, production, hospitality, and the tasting-room experience.
Scott Atkinson
Co-Founder & Head Distiller
Scott’s experience ranges from orchard work to software development. As head distiller, he brings analytical discipline and creative experimentation to fermentation, distillation, mash bills, maturation, and the continuing evolution of the distillery’s spirits.
Tasting Room & Tours
Plan a Tasting-Room Visit
The tasting room offers spirit tastings and a small cocktail menu designed to showcase Hot Springs Distilling’s products. The distillery also highlights Saturday tours and cocktails.
Travel note: Verify hours, appointments, tours, and special events directly with the distillery before visiting.
Published Tasting-Room Hours
- Tuesday–Thursday: By appointment
- Friday: 1–5 p.m.
- Saturday: 1–7 p.m.
- Sunday: 1–5 p.m.
Tours and cocktails are listed for Saturday only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hot Springs Distilling open to visitors?
Yes. The distillery publishes tasting-room hours for Friday through Sunday and lists Tuesday through Thursday as available by appointment. Confirm current hours before traveling.
What spirits does Hot Springs Distilling make?
Its published lineup includes Bear Clap bourbon releases, Valley of the Vapors Gin, Spa City Vodka, and Falls Creek White Whiskey. Batches and availability change over time.
Are tours and cocktails available every day?
The official tasting-room information lists tours and cocktails on Saturday only. Contact the distillery directly for the latest schedule, private-event information, or appointment availability.
Is ArkansasLiquor.com affiliated with Hot Springs Distilling?
No. This is an independent editorial profile. For official product, event, tour, and business information, visit Hot Springs Distilling’s official website.
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Follow Hot Springs Distilling
For release announcements, tasting-room updates, and event information, use the distillery’s official channels.
Information reviewed July 2026. Product releases, hours, and visitor policies may change.