Description

KGB Spirits is a New Mexico based craft distiller creating small batches of bourbon, rye whiskey, gin, vodka, Absinthe and orange liqueur, with plans to add a rum in the next year. Our Rancho de Los Luceros Destilaria is located on the property of the historic ranch of the same name in Alcalde, NM, in the straw bale building that was once home to the Los Luceros Winery Рthe second straw bale built winery in the United States. We have an 2800 square foot distillery and a 2000 square foot warehouse/office in Santa Fe. KBG Spirits was founded by John Bernasconi, Karen Lubliner and George Schurman in 2009 with a five gallon still when John decided to distill some less-than-fresh Mendoza Malbec into vodka. We now have two stills, a sixteen-plate copper column still and an alembic still with a gooseneck and a botanical chamber, both custom built by Arnold Holstein of Bavaria, Germany, and the capability to bottle 50,000 bottles per year. Our products first hit the shelves in October of 2011, with our TAOS LIGHTNING single barrel straight, Vodka VIRACOCHA and HACIENDA Gin. A small company, KGB Spirits currently has 4 employees. Following the philosophy that what creates a unique spirit is the ability to extract flavor from various ingredients, KGB Spirits hired Steven Jarrett, a classically trained chef, as its Master Distiller. Steve’s background in working with various flavor elements and creating recipes sets KGB Spirits apart, and encompasses our idea that good spirits are meant to be enjoyed as one would a good meal.

TAOS LIGHTNING, the oldest spirit brand in America, was originally distilled in 1820 by Simeon Turley of Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico. A popular whiskey among fur trappers, traders and Native Americans, it was sold in the Southwest until 1847, when Turley was killed during the Taos Pueblo Revolt. John David Albert worked at Turley’s distillery and was one of a handfull of men who held off a seige at Turley’s mill during the Taos Pueblo Revolt. Albert was one of only two survivors.Some 160 years later the name was resurrected by KGB Spirits as our flagship product from Los Luceros Destilaria. The initial offering of two barrels, sold exclusively in Santa Fe and Taos, was embraced by connoisseurs of both whiskey and history. Taos Lightning 5yr Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey is made from 95% rye aged in new charred American Oak for 5 years. The dry climate and high elevation in New Mexico create a unique aging process. TAOS LIGHTNING has the qualities of a fine Islay scotch; it is subtle and refined with a long, smooth finish. Each barrel is hand selectedand chill filtered. Each bottle is hand bottled, numbered and dated. Bottled at 45%alc/vol.