Ben Bell

Vice President, Origami Sake Company

Hot Springs, Arkansas

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After getting a job in a specialty wine shop, Ben Bell discovered his love of… craft sake? Yes, you read that right. That was 15 years ago, and in Bell’s words he’s “been on the sake path ever since.” He went on to start the first sake brewery in Arkansas(using all locally grown rice to boot). As the beverage’s popularity continues to grow in the U.S., Bell is helping pave the way by offering craft bottles, and—perhaps most importantly—educating beverage professionals and consumers alike on everything that makes this spirit unique as an ambassador for the beverage and founding member of the Sake Brewers Association of North America. On top of that, Bell, a proud Arkansan, is determined to make the delta region the “Napa Valley of sake.”

Instagram:@mrbenbell