Hot Springs Distilling – Craft Spirits from a Father & Son Team in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs Distilling is one of Arkansas’s fastest-rising small-batch distilleries. Founded by a passionate father-and-son duo, this Hot Springs-based operation specializes in handcrafted bourbon, whiskey, vodka, gin, and white whiskey made in limited quantities. With a commitment to quality, experimentation, and local craftsmanship, Hot Springs Distilling is becoming a must-visit stop on Arkansas’s growing craft spirits trail.

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About Hot Springs Distilling

Located at 121 Ross St., Hot Springs, Arkansas, Hot Springs Distilling opened in 2018 after years of research and planning by founders Keith and Scott Atkinson. Their mission is to create spirits that balance tradition with innovation — all bottled in small, carefully controlled batches.

Key Details:

• Type: Small-batch craft distillery
• Founded: 2018
• Owners: Keith & Scott Atkinson
• City: Hot Springs, Arkansas

Visitors to the tasting room can sample their bourbon, enjoy cocktails, explore limited-release single barrels, and experience firsthand how this family-run distillery approaches its craft.

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Products from Hot Springs Distilling

Hot Springs Distilling offers a diverse lineup of spirits, each made with a hands-on approach and carefully developed recipes. Their products emphasize flavor transparency, grain quality, and distillation precision.

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Bear Clap Bourbon

Their signature bourbon — bold, spicy, and driven by a high-rye mash bill.

• Mash Bill: 53% corn, 33% rye, 14% malted barley
• Style: Small-batch & single barrel releases
• Flavor Notes: Caramel, vanilla, rye spice, warm finish

Bear Clap Bourbon has quickly become one of the most popular locally produced bourbons in Arkansas.

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Straight Whiskey

A younger expression crafted from the same high-rye mash bill.

• Age: ~2 years
• Profile: Fresh grain sweetness, spice, light oak

This whiskey provides insight into their distillation style before extended aging.

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Falls Creek White Whiskey

Unaged and expressive, this “new make” spirit is a look at the raw character that eventually becomes Bear Clap Bourbon.

• Mash Bill: 54% corn, 33% rye, 13% malted barley
• Proof: 100

White whiskey lovers will appreciate the clean corn sweetness and rye pepperiness.

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Valley of the Vapors Gin

Named after Hot Springs’ famous nickname, this gin is distilled from a 100% corn base and infused with nine botanicals.

• Profile: Crisp, floral, citrus-forward, balanced

A great option for gin drinkers seeking a locally crafted option.

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Spa City Vodka

A smooth, charcoal-filtered vodka made from 100% corn neutral spirit.

• Profile: Clean, crisp, excellent for cocktails

This vodka reflects the distillery’s dedication to purity and precision.

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The Father & Son Behind Hot Springs Distilling

Hot Springs Distilling is powered by a tight-knit father-and-son partnership whose combined backgrounds — academic, technical, and creative — make the distillery unique in Arkansas.

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Keith Atkinson – Founder, Father & General Manager

Keith Atkinson brings decades of experience from a wide range of careers:

• U.S. Air Force veteran who repaired radio equipment in Vietnam
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with extensive business management experience
• Former Chief Academic Officer for a regional university
• Extensive traveler, having visited more than 100 distilleries around the world
• Graduate of multiple distilling workshops, tastings, and spirits education programs

Keith oversees operations, distillation, business management, tasting room experience, and even cocktail preparation. His global perspective — especially from visiting Scottish and European distilleries — heavily shapes the distillery’s philosophy.

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Scott Atkinson – Son, Head Distiller & Technical Craftsman

Scott Atkinson, the head distiller, brings scientific precision and natural creativity to every batch:

• Background in orchard work, giving him early hands-on fermentation experience
• Former software developer, adding an analytical mindset to distillation
• Known for experimenting with mash bills, barrel aging, and small-batch releases
• Praised by whiskey reviewers for his clean, consistent distillation technique

Scott’s technical approach — blending data, flavor study, and constant refinement — drives the evolution of the distillery’s whiskey and bourbon programs.

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How Hot Springs Distilling Got Started

The Atkinsons’ journey began in 2013, when they took a father-and-son trip to Scotland to tour distilleries. That experience sparked a shared passion for whiskey-making and inspired years of research visits to major distilleries in Kentucky as well as craft operations across the United States.

By merging Keith’s business knowledge and global experience with Scott’s technical skill and creativity, Hot Springs Distilling was born. Their small-batch approach allows them to:

• Experiment with distillation techniques
• Release limited single barrels
• Maintain full control over all production
• Craft spirits rooted in Arkansas character

Every bottle reflects the hands-on craft of two people who truly love what they do.

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Conclusion

Hot Springs Distilling has quickly earned respect within Arkansas’s craft spirits community for its high-rye bourbon, clean distillation, and authentic family-driven story. Whether you’re exploring Arkansas distilleries or looking for local bottles with character, this Hot Springs operation deserves a spot on your list.

Their bourbon and whiskey releases continue to evolve, and with Keith and Scott at the helm, the future looks promising for this small yet impactful Arkansas distillery.