Kristi Rifenbark
Kristi Rifenbark

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In Loving Memory of our dear friend, Ricky Ford

Today, we come together to say our farewells to Ricky Ford, a soul who left us too soon but enriched our lives in profound ways. The heaviness in our hearts reflects the depth of the impact he had on all of us.

Ricky was more than a friend; he was a beacon of joy and support for everyone, known

to be a friend to all and a stranger to none. His infectious laughter, genuine smile, and unwavering support created bonds that will forever endure.

Ricky’s compassion knew no limits; his innate ability to empathize brought solace and understanding during both moments of joy and challenges. In times of need, he stood by us, and today, we celebrate the passing of a remarkable man.

For those who knew Ricky, his passion for his business, Persedo, was unmistakable. Building on his father’s project, Ricky, with assistance from the scientific community, developed something truly special. He poured his heart and soul into his work, leaving a lasting legacy.

An Aggie through and through, Ricky was overjoyed when his daughter Madison graduated in Nursing from Texas A&M University in 2023. His pride in her achievements was immeasurable, reflecting the depth of his love and support for his family.

Today, we also honor Jamie, the rock of Ricky’s life and his true love. His absence will also be deeply felt by his children, Jason and Madison, who will forever miss the warmth and guidance he provided.

He leaves behind his amazing mother Susie, sister Dalora, brother Kent, and his grandchildren Nolan and Wyatt.

As we bid farewell to Ricky, let us celebrate the memories that bind us and the indelible mark he left on our lives. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire us all.

Raise a glass of Gentle Ben and remember to sip slowly!

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Creating Holiday Magic with Gentle Ben: Crafting Festive Cocktails at Home

The holiday season is here. It’s a time for warmth, joy, and indulging in festive traditions. One of our favorite holiday traditions is crafting seasonal cocktails, and we want to share a few of those holiday cocktail recipes with you. These beverages are available at the Gentle Ben Tasting Room, but we want you to savor the holiday season with Gentle Ben at home too. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a novice looking to impress your guests, these recipes are sure to add a touch of magic to your holiday gatherings. As always with our spirits, the secret ingredient is what’s NOT in them. At Gentle Ben, we use the Persedo C.R.A.F.T.® technology to remove or drastically reduce the stuff that causes harshness, burn, and weird flavors. The result? More of what you love about spirits and way less of what you don’t. That means you get all the flavor, with none of the burn. Perfect for crafting cocktails that promise festive evenings and refreshing mornings.

Gather your friends, give these recipes a good shake, and enjoy creating holiday memories together:

Bourbon Eggnog Espresso Martini: A Bold Twist on a Classic

First on our list is the Bourbon Eggnog Espresso Martini. This cocktail is a perfect blend of tradition and modern flair. Imagine the rich, creamy flavor of eggnog, infused with the flavor of Gentle Ben Straight Bourbon Whiskey and the smooth, invigorating essence of espresso and Kahlua. This cocktail is not just a drink; it’s an experience. The process is simple: shake 2oz of GB Bourbon, 2oz of eggnog, 1oz of Kahlua, and 1oz of espresso, and then strain it into a martini glass. The result is a sophisticated, creamy concoction that’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Peppermint Martini: A Festive Fantasy

Next, we have the Peppermint Martini, a drink that truly embodies the spirit of the holidays. This cocktail is a symphony of flavors, with Gentle Ben Vodka laying the foundation. The addition of crème de cacao, peppermint schnapps, and white chocolate liqueur creates a blend that is both refreshing and indulgent. To make this festive fantasy, shake 2oz of GB Vodka, 1/2oz of cream de cacao, 1/2oz of peppermint schnapps, and 1/2oz of white chocolate liqueur. Strain it into a martini glass and watch as it becomes the star of your holiday soiree.

Christmas Gin Special: A Toast to Tradition

Last but certainly not least is the Christmas Gin Special. This cocktail is a toast to the traditional flavors of the season, with a unique Gentle Ben twist. Combining Gentle Ben Gin with cranberry juice, apple juice, and a squeeze of lime, this drink is a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and tangy. The process is as easy as it is enjoyable: shake 2oz of GB Gin, 1.5oz of cranberry juice, 1/2oz of apple juice, and half a squeezed lime. Strain it over ice and top it with ginger beer for that extra zing. This cocktail is not just a drink; it’s a celebration in a glass.

These holiday cocktails from Gentle Ben are more than just recipes; they are an invitation to create memorable moments with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a lavish holiday party or enjoying a quiet night in, these cocktails are sure to add a touch of sophistication and joy to your celebrations. So, grab your shaker, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of Gentle Ben guide you in crafting these delightful holiday spirits.

Where to Purchase Gentle Ben

Visit our Where To Buy page to find where you can purchase Gentle Ben Spirits around Texas, or visit us at our Tasting Room in Alvin, Texas. For those who can’t make it to our Tasting Room, or a retail location that carries Gentle Ben, the holiday spirit is just a few clicks away. Visit the Gentle Ben online store to effortlessly send our premium spirits to your friends and family or to stock your home bar for entertaining. 

Cheers to a season filled with joy, laughter, delicious cocktails, and a happy New Year!

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Give the gift they’ll want to open over and over again, with Gentle Ben’s Premium Spirits Gift Boxes.

The holiday season is a time for merriment, celebration, and giving gifts that leave a lasting impression. This year, Gentle Ben is excited to introduce our Premium Spirits Gift Boxes, exclusively available for pick-up at our Tasting Room in Alvin, Texas. These boxes aren’t just gifts; this is a curated experience that will delight the spirit enthusiasts in your life.

At Gentle Ben, our philosophy is simple yet revolutionary: it’s not only about what’s in our spirits, but more importantly it’s what’s NOT in our premium vodka, bourbon, and gin. We use a revolutionary process, called Persedo C.R.A.F.T.® to remove or drastically reduce the impurities that cause harshness, burn, and weird flavors in your drink. What’s left? The cleanest, smoothest-tasting spirits, period.

There are two options for gifting a Gentle Ben Premium Spirits Gift Box. The Family of Spirits Gift Box includes one bottle of each available premium spirit: our vodka, gin, straight bourbon whiskey, and cask strength straight bourbon whiskey. The Vodka + Bourbon Gift Box includes two bottles of our vodka and two bottles of our straight bourbon whiskey.

Gifting Gentle Ben is perfect for expressing gratitude to clients, celebrating milestones with business partners, or cherishing moments with loved ones anytime. The kind of gift that unfolds new experiences each time it’s opened to enjoy. 

Plus, when you choose Gentle Ben for your friends, family, and colleagues, you’re not just offering a premium spirit; you’re presenting a thoughtful experience grounded in tradition and innovation. Because of the impurities we remove or significantly reduce, each sip of Gentle Ben is devoid of the usual culprits like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), undesirable acids, heavy alcohols, fusel oils, and harsh solvents. The result is a spirit that’s not only smooth and enjoyable, but also cleaner. This is a gift anyone

can feel good about – both giving and receiving.

These exclusive Gift Boxes are only available for pick-up at the Tasting Room in Alvin, Texas, and ordering them is a breeze – you can fill out the online form here to reserve yours for pick-up. You can also choose to order them in person during your next visit to the Tasting Room. We will promptly contact you once your Gift Boxes are ready to pick up.

As you make your list and check it twice this holiday season, consider a Gentle Ben Premium Spirits Gift Box for the gift that will be remembered and savored long after the decorations are put away. We know they’ll love what’s not in it, too. So, come out to visit our Tasting Room and see for yourself how our spirits are changing the game.

Happy Holidays!

reserve now

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We Know You’ll Love What’s NOT In Gentle Ben Spirits.

Ah, the joys of sipping on a fine spirit! But, have you ever wondered why, despite the promises of premium quality, you’re still fighting through the heat to get to the flavor? Well, not all spirits are created equal. Even the most premium spirits contain impurities that can cause harshness and heat. At Gentle Ben, we use a revolutionary process, called Persedo C.R.A.F.T.®, to remove or drastically reduce these impurities. The result? More of what you love about spirits and way less of what you don’t.

Distilling is quite an organic affair. Like any natural process, it produces elements that can be our bosom buddies or bitter foes. Ever experienced that slight burn in your throat or that odd taste lurking behind an otherwise delightful sip? That’s them — the unwanted impurities of the spirit world.

This is where we change things. We bring a balance of tradition and innovation when it comes to crafting a great spirit. At Gentle Ben we respect the time-honored tradition of distillation, which means our finishing step is applied to traditionally aged spirits to unmask the underlying distillate flavors by removing harsh impurities that get in the way. As our founder Ricky Ford says,

“Distillers work hard to create complex flavors and some of these harsh impurities co-distill and ultimately get in the way of what they’ve created. This is why we like to say, you’ll love what’s NOT in it.” – Ricky Ford, Gentle Ben Founder and CEO

Our mission? To ensure you savor the best of what spirits have to offer, minus the unsavory bits. How? Let’s break it down:

What’s Not In It:

At Gentle Ben, we’ve perfected a way to optimize the levels of each of the following compounds that are found in all distilled spirits, by either removing or minimizing them, leading to the cleanest, smoothest-tasting spirits, period.

1. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): No, it’s not the name of a rock band! Think of VOCs as a medley of A Variety of Offensive Crap. While they’re natural by-products of fermentation and distillation, they can also cause that pesky coughing fit post-sip. With Gentle Ben, these acetic acid and acetaldehyde bullies don’t stand a chance!

2. Undesirable Acids: There’s a rogues’ gallery of naughty acids out there conspiring to sabotage the taste of your favorite drink. But at Gentle Ben, we’ve shown them the door.

3. Heavy Alcohols: More than one type of alcohol in your spirit? Surprising, right? While some are the essence of your drink, others can be downright off-putting. Say goodbye to the ones that remind you of that stingy antiseptic from childhood!

4. Fusel Oils: Directly translated from German as “bad liquor,” fusel oils are your spirit’s unwanted gate crashers. They are behind the fiery burn that often masks the true flavor. At Gentle Ben, we believe every sip should be a celebration, not a confrontation.

5. Harsh Solvents: Imagine having around 15 pesky intruders trying to ruin your spirit’s flavor profile. We won’t bore you with the technical names because just seeing the word “solvent” is probably enough. We’ve given these oily, acrid-tasting nuisances the boot.

Oh, and for the record, all spirits, including ours, are naturally gluten-free. So, while we’d love another feather in our cap, we can’t take the credit for this one.

You’re often told you have to take the bad with the good. Not in our case. With Persedo

C.R.A.F.T.®, our proprietary distillation enhancement technology, we offer you premium vodka, gin, and bourbon whiskey as they were meant to be – pure, flavorful, and without the stuff you’d rather not ingest. So, the next time you’re raising a glass, make it a Gentle Ben premium spirit. Because with us, it’s all about what’s not in it!

Learn more about Gentle Ben with C.E.O. and founder, Ricky Ford on our YouTube channel.

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Gentle Ben Spirits Goes Nationwide: Introducing Our New Online Store!

We are so excited to announce the launch of our brand-new online store available through our recently revamped website! Now, across the nation* your favorite Gentle Ben vodka, bourbon, and gin are just a click away. Directly from our website at www.gentleben.com, you can order our spirits to be delivered to your doorstep. From our home in Texas, we’re ready to hop a ride and journey coast to coast, bringing a taste of Gentle Ben innovation and tradition to homes across the country.

For our dedicated fans who have journeyed with us from our Texas roots, this is your moment to shine. We’ve watched the Gentle Ben family grow, driven by word of mouth, shared experiences, and a bond over the craftsmanship of a fine spirit. Now, we’re asking for your help to share our story even further. We invite you to introduce Gentle Ben’s unparalleled smoothness to your friends and family across the U.S.! Perhaps your cousin in California, or an old college buddy in New York – why not surprise them with a

bottle?

Searching for the ideal gift for anniversaries, special occasions, or a thoughtful ‘thinking of you’ surprise? Gift a bottle of Gentle Ben! Introduce them to the unique qualities of these spirits and let them discover the story behind ‘loving what’s not in it’.

“This is a big milestone for our young brand!  Having gentle ben available online in 42

states, puts a BIG smile on my face! Though we are young, there is no other fan base capable of spreading the word like the friends of gentle ben. They know what true quality means in a distilled spirit and they love sharing what that means to them.  We have a loyal following and I am excited to take our “you’ll love what’s not in it” message across this great land!” – Ricky Ford, Gentle Ben Founder and CEO

Visit our buy now page to learn more about our vodka, gin, and bourbon, and to purchase online through the “add to cart” buttons. Here’s to making memories, sharing stories, and savoring the flavor of a well-crafted spirit from the comfort of your home.

We’re more than a pretty bottle; we’re a Texas-born story, a legacy of innovation meeting tradition. We can’t wait to find a new place in home bars across the country. We thank all our friends, family, and fans for your support and for sharing the Gentle Ben story. Cheers!

*For our Gentle Ben fans residing or looking to ship to OK, MI, UT, MA, SD, AK, or HI: Due to certain state regulations, we’re currently unable to deliver to these states. We’re continuously working towards finding ways to get Gentle Ben to every fan, so stay tuned for updates!

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Gentle Ben Spirits Expands Beyond Houston: Hello Dallas and Austin!

Exciting things are happening at Gentle Ben, and our Houston fans have a pivotal role – help spread the word to your Dallas and Austin circles that they can experience all of the flavor and none of the burn with Gentle Ben Spirits too!

We’re incredibly excited to announce a fresh milestone for Gentle Ben. Having rooted our passion and craftsmanship in Houston, Texas, we’re now reaching out and pouring into the vibrant cities of Dallas and Austin! Our partnership with our distributor RNDC (Republic National Distributing Company) ensures that Gentle Ben’s vodka, gin, and bourbon are now even more accessible throughout Texas.

At Gentle Ben, we have engineered and perfected a unique finishing technique that eliminates the naturally occurring elements that cause the harshness and heat in spirits, maximizing the essences, flavors, and aromas, creating an amazingly silky mouthfeel, and unparalleled smoothness. Gentle Ben seamlessly blends into craft cocktails, enhancing their complexity and elevating the experience of enjoying that drink. Prefer neat? No problem…Gentle Ben Spirits deliver a smooth, refined flavor profile that stands on its own, letting you savor every sip.

Learn more about our proprietary purification technology called Persedo C.R.A.F.T.® over on the technology page at www.gentleben.com. It’s not what we put into Gentle Ben. It’s what we take out. So, if you’re reading from Dallas or Austin and want to experience what all the buzz is about, you’ll find us stocked and ready at Total Wine locations in both cities. If you’d rather order a Gentle Ben cocktail at the bar, head over to any Little Woodrow’s locations throughout the state. If you like what you taste, tell your circle too!

Our longstanding friends and family know that every expansion, every new market, is a chapter added to our story, and we have you to thank for it. From our hometown in Pearland Texas to the bustling vibes of Dallas and the eclectic energy of Austin, it’s your support that fuels our journey.

Dallas and Austin, we invite you to raise a glass, celebrate the moments, and embrace the Gentle Ben experience. We know you’ll love what’s not in it too. Cheers!