The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Pensive Distilling Co. in Newport is the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Founded by Scott Quigley in 2020, Pensive is located at 720 Monmouth Street in downtown Newport and includes a horse-themed restaurant and bar. The distillery was named after Pensive, a famous Calumet Farm racehorse that won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 1944. 

Their brands include Pensive 100 Proof Bourbon, Pensive Vodka and Pensive Apple Pie Moonshine. 

“The KDA has a special camaraderie and we are thrilled to be part of it,” Quigley said. “Pensive hopes to provide a must-do experience in Kentucky that compliments our neighbors at New Riff, Second Sight, Boone County and the Neeley Family Distillery. We are grateful to be members.”

Master Distiller Corbin Arrasmith said, “We here at Pensive look forward to the opportunity and the camaraderie that the KDA offers. We can’t wait to make Pensive Distilling Company a can’t-miss spot in Northern Kentucky.”   

KDA President Eric Gregory said Pensive Distilling Co.’s community involvement and support is emblematic of the Kentucky Bourbon culture. 

“By embracing the rich history of Newport and local vendors, Scott and his team have built a neighborhood establishment that brings people together over good food and craft spirits,” Gregory said. “We are excited to welcome them to our growing KDA family.”

Pensive joins KDA as a Craft-level member aging less than 10,000 barrels a year, and joins an impressive list of distilleries in Northern Kentucky, which is a Gateway sponsor of the KDA’s famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience. 

Pensive also is now eligible to apply to join the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®, which the association created in 2012 as the nation’s first and only tourism attraction to showcase the flourishing artisan distilling movement.

Learn more at www.pensivedistilling.com.