Dallas’ Spirit Trail: 7 Craft Distilleries Pouring Liquid Art

Dallas has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft distilleries, offering spirits enthusiasts a diverse array of locally-made libations. From vodka and gin to whiskey and bourbon, the city’s artisanal producers are crafting unique and flavorful spirits that reflect the region’s character and innovation.

The Dallas craft distillery scene boasts over 35 establishments, each with its own distinctive approach to creating high-quality spirits. Visitors can explore tasting rooms, take guided tours, and even participate in classes to learn about the distillation process. These experiences provide an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle and discover new favorites among Dallas’ growing selection of artisanal spirits.

1) Deep Ellum Distillery

A bustling craft distillery in Deep Ellum, Dallas, with copper stills, barrels, and a tasting bar

Deep Ellum Distillery stands out as a vibrant destination in Dallas’s craft spirits scene. Located in the trendy Deep Ellum neighborhood, this distillery offers a unique blend of exceptional vodka and lively atmosphere.

The distillery specializes in crafting distinctive, infused vodkas that captivate the palate. Visitors can sample a range of flavors, each carefully created to showcase the brand’s innovative approach to spirit-making.

Beyond its spirits, Deep Ellum Distillery doubles as an entertainment hub. The venue frequently hosts DJs and live music events, creating a dynamic environment for patrons to enjoy.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the distillery’s bar-like ambiance, complete with screens to catch the latest games. This fusion of craft spirits and casual hangout spot makes it a popular choice for after-work drinks.

Happy hour specials are available from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with drinks starting at just $5. The distillery is open daily, welcoming visitors to explore its offerings throughout the week.

Deep Ellum Distillery
2880 Clover Street, Dallas, TX
Neighborhood: Deep Ellum
Website: www.deepellumdistillery.com

2) Bishop Arts District Distillery

A bustling craft distillery in Bishop Arts District, Dallas, with visitors sampling spirits and enjoying the lively atmosphere

The Bishop Arts District welcomes a unique addition to its vibrant scene with ˈLəkē Gin Bar. This innovative establishment combines a distillery, tasting room, and gin school – the first of its kind in Texas.

ˈLəkē, pronounced “lucky,” offers a distinctive experience for gin enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. The bar specializes in crafting gin-based cocktails, showcasing the versatility of this spirit.

Beyond cocktails, ˈLəkē caters to diverse tastes by serving coffee and gluten-free pastries. This thoughtful menu selection makes it an appealing destination throughout the day.

The gin school aspect of ˈLəkē provides a unique opportunity for patrons to learn about the distillation process and gin production. This educational component sets it apart from traditional distilleries or bars.

As a brand new addition to the Bishop Arts District, ˈLəkē Gin Bar contributes to the neighborhood’s reputation for innovative and creative businesses. Its presence enhances the area’s appeal to both locals and tourists seeking distinctive experiences.

ˈLəkē Gin Bar
Address: Located in the Bishop Arts District, Dallas, TX (specific address not provided in search results)
Website: Not available in search results

3) Trinity River Distillery

A bustling craft distillery in Dallas, with copper stills, oak barrels, and a tasting bar surrounded by visitors enjoying samples of locally made spirits

Trinity River Distillery brings a unique twist to spirit-making in Fort Worth. This small-batch distillery crafts whiskey using a blend of select corn, barley, and rye.

Their spirits undergo aging in new charred American white oak barrels for approximately two years. This process imparts rich flavors and complexity to their whiskeys.

A standout feature of Trinity River Distillery is their use of rainwater in production. They collect rainwater in massive 13,000-gallon tanks located on the roof of their facility.

The distillery operates from a historic building with an intriguing past. Originally constructed in 1913, the structure once served as a Ranch Style Beans factory.

Visitors can experience the distillery’s offerings through tours and tastings. These provide insights into their unique production methods and allow sampling of their craft spirits.

Trinity River Distillery
Address: 1734 E El Paso St #130, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Phone: (817) 840-9140
Website: www.trinityriverdistillery.com

4) Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co.

Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co. stands as a pioneer in the Dallas-Fort Worth craft distillery scene. Founded in 2010 by Leonard Firestone and Troy Robertson, this distillery was among the first to bring craft bourbon and whiskey production to North Texas.

The company’s flagship product, TX Whiskey, quickly gained popularity after its debut in 2012. Their initial shipment of 750 bottles sold out rapidly, showcasing the local demand for quality craft spirits.

In addition to TX Whiskey, Firestone & Robertson produces TX Bourbon, expanding their range of artisanal offerings. The distillery’s commitment to quality has earned them recognition in the competitive spirits market.

Visitors can experience the distillery firsthand through tours and tastings. These events offer an opportunity to learn about the distillation process and sample the company’s products.

The distillery’s newer facility, TX Whiskey Ranch, provides an expansive and impressive setting for spirit enthusiasts to explore. This location has become a notable destination for both locals and tourists interested in craft distilling.

Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co.
Address: 4250 Mitchell Blvd., Fort Worth, TX
Website: www.frdistilling.com
Tours and tastings available Friday through Sunday (reservations recommended)

5) Acre Distilling Co.

Acre Distilling Co. stands out as a gem in the Dallas-Fort Worth distillery scene. Located in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, this craft distillery offers a unique experience for spirit enthusiasts.

Opened in December 2015, Acre Distilling Co. quickly made a name for itself in the local spirits industry. The distillery prides itself on producing high-quality, handcrafted spirits using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of spirits, including whiskey, vodka, and gin, all made on-site. The distillery’s tasting room provides an inviting atmosphere for sampling their products and learning about the distillation process.

In 2016, Acre Distilling Co. received recognition as “One of the 10 Best Craft Distillery Tasting Rooms in America” by Vinepair.com. This accolade speaks to the quality of both their spirits and visitor experience.

Its convenient location across from the Fort Worth Convention Center makes it an ideal stop for tourists and locals alike. The distillery offers tours and tastings, allowing guests to delve into the world of craft spirits.

Contact: Address: 1309 Calhoun St, Fort Worth, TX 76102. Phone: (817) 632-7722. Website: www.acredistilling.com

6) Ironroot Republic Distillery

Ironroot Republic Distillery stands out as a hidden gem among Texas whiskey makers. Located in Denison, about an hour north of Dallas, this family-run operation opened its doors in 2014.

Brothers Robert and Jonathan Likarish founded the distillery, with their mother Marcia managing operations. The family’s passion for crafting unique spirits shines through in their products.

Ironroot Republic prides itself on a grain-to-glass approach, handling every step of production in-house. They combine Texas flavors with French distilling techniques to create distinctive whiskeys.

The distillery occupies a sprawling 15,000-square-foot space in a former boat dealership. This ample room allows them to maintain full control over their craft process.

Ironroot Republic has gained recognition for its exceptional whiskeys, winning accolades from spirits enthusiasts. Their commitment to quality has earned them a loyal following among craft spirit aficionados.

Contact:
Ironroot Republic Distillery
3111 Loy Lake Rd, Denison, TX 75020
Website: www.ironrootrepublic.com

7) Witherspoon Distillery

Witherspoon Distillery, now known as BENDT Distilling Co., has made a name for itself in the Dallas craft spirits scene. Located in Lewisville, this distillery has been crafting exceptional bourbon and rum since 2012.

The distillery takes pride in its small-batch production methods, ensuring quality and attention to detail in every bottle. Their Texas bourbon has gained recognition for its smooth, easy-drinking character.

Visitors can experience the distilling process firsthand at the Lewisville facility. The warehouse-turned-distillery features a Texan-themed bar and two working stills affectionately named Porgy and Bess.

BENDT Distilling Co. offers a welcoming atmosphere for spirit enthusiasts. The tasting room provides opportunities to sample their craft cocktails, while the outdoor area is family-friendly.

The distillery’s unique approach to blending various mashes has contributed to its popularity and expansion. This technique is reflected in their new name, BENDT.

Address: 225 South Charles Street, Lewisville, TX 75057
Phone: (214) 814-0545
Website: bendtdistillingco.com

8) Balcones Distilling

Balcones Distilling stands as a pioneer in Texas whiskey production. Founded in 2009, this craft distillery began its journey in a converted welding shop in Waco.

The distillery has earned a reputation for creating unique and flavorful spirits. Balcones takes pride in using high-quality ingredients to craft their award-winning whiskeys.

Their commitment to authenticity is evident in their meticulous production process. Each batch is carefully distilled to capture the essence of Texas terroir.

Balcones offers a range of whiskeys, including single malts, rye, and bourbon. These spirits showcase the distillery’s innovative approach to traditional whiskey-making techniques.

Visitors can experience the artistry behind Balcones’ spirits through distillery tours and tastings. The knowledgeable staff provides insights into the whiskey-making process and the brand’s history.

Address: 225 S. 11th Street, Waco, TX 76701
Phone: (254) 755-6003
Website: www.balconesdistilling.com

9) Blackland Distillery

A rustic craft distillery with copper stills, wooden barrels, and shelves of premium spirits on display. A guidebook sits on a table

Blackland Distillery stands out in the Dallas-Fort Worth craft spirits scene. Located in Fort Worth, this modern distillery combines traditional methods with innovative technology.

Blackland takes pride in producing supremely smooth spirits. Their lineup includes vodka, gin, bourbon, and rye whiskey, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

The distillery’s tasting room offers a sophisticated atmosphere for visitors to sample their award-winning craft cocktails. Guests can also take tours to learn about the distilling process.

Blackland’s tech-focused approach sets them apart from other local distilleries. They use advanced equipment and precise techniques to ensure consistency and quality in every batch.

The distillery welcomes visitors for tours, tastings, and private events. It’s an ideal spot for spirit enthusiasts looking to explore the artisanal side of Texas booze.

Address: 2616 Weisenberger St, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Phone: (682) 268-5333
Website: blacklandfortworth.com

10) Herman Marshall Whiskey

A rustic whiskey distillery in Dallas, with copper stills and wooden barrels aging in a dimly lit warehouse

Herman Marshall Whiskey holds a special place in Dallas’ craft distillery scene. As the first legal distillery in Dallas County in nearly a century, it paved the way for grain-to-glass whiskey production in North Texas.

Founded in 2010 by Master Distiller Herman Beckley and business partner Marshall Louis, the distillery takes pride in its in-house production process. They handle every step of whiskey-making on-site, from mashing to bottling.

Their signature Texas Bourbon, made with 77% Texas corn and 23% malted barley, has garnered notable accolades. It won silver at the American Distilling Institute’s Craft Distilling Competition and was named “Best Small Batch Bourbon” at an international event.

Herman Marshall offers a range of expressions, including Texas rye, single malt whiskey, and blended bourbon. Whiskey enthusiasts can visit their tasting room on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The distillery is expanding its operations with a new facility in Wylie, set to open in spring 2023. This growth promises even more opportunities for whiskey lovers to experience Herman Marshall’s craft spirits.

Contact: (713) 677-3265
Address: 8202 Chancellor Row, Dallas, TX 75247

Understanding Craft Distilling

A bustling craft distillery in Dallas with copper stills, oak barrels, and a tasting room filled with patrons sampling small-batch spirits

Craft distilling involves small-scale production of high-quality spirits using traditional methods and carefully selected ingredients. This artisanal approach emphasizes creativity, flavor experimentation, and attention to detail.

What Defines Craft Distilling?

Craft distilling is characterized by its focus on small batch production and hands-on techniques. These distilleries typically produce less than 750,000 gallons annually. They often use locally sourced ingredients and prioritize quality over quantity. Craft distillers frequently experiment with unique flavor profiles and non-traditional ingredients.

Many craft distilleries are independently owned and operated. They tend to have a strong connection to their local communities. Transparency in production methods and ingredient sourcing is common. Craft distillers often offer tours and tastings to educate consumers about their processes.

The Art and Science of Small-Batch Production

Small-batch production allows for greater control over the distilling process. Craft distillers can carefully monitor each stage of production. This attention to detail often results in higher-quality spirits with more complex flavors.

The art of craft distilling lies in recipe development and flavor balancing. Distillers experiment with different ingredients and aging techniques. They may use unique barrels or infusions to create distinctive tastes.

Science plays a crucial role in maintaining consistency and quality. Precise temperature control and careful measurement of ingredients are essential. Many craft distillers have backgrounds in chemistry or engineering. This knowledge helps them optimize their processes and create innovative spirits.

Exploring Dallas’ Distilling Culture

A bustling distillery tour with visitors sampling spirits and learning about the craft of distilling. The room is filled with copper stills, oak barrels, and the sweet aroma of aging whiskey

Dallas boasts a vibrant distilling culture rooted in history and innovation. The city’s craft spirits scene has grown significantly, contributing to its economy and attracting tourists eager to sample locally-made libations.

Historical Background

Dallas’ distilling history dates back to the mid-19th century when small-scale producers crafted spirits for local consumption. Prohibition halted legal production, but the industry rebounded after its repeal in 1933. In recent years, Dallas has experienced a craft distilling renaissance.

Pioneering distilleries like Ironroot Republic and Herman Marshall paved the way for newcomers. These early innovators focused on quality ingredients and traditional techniques, setting high standards for the industry. Their success inspired a new wave of craft distillers to open in Dallas and surrounding areas.

Impact on Local Economy and Tourism

The rise of craft distilleries has significantly boosted Dallas’ economy. These businesses create jobs, from distillers to tasting room staff. They also support local agriculture by sourcing ingredients from Texas farmers.

Distillery tourism has become increasingly popular in Dallas. Many distilleries offer tours and tastings, attracting both locals and out-of-town visitors. Deep Ellum Distillery, for example, combines spirits production with a lively atmosphere, hosting DJs and live music events.

The city’s distilleries contribute to Dallas’ reputation as a culinary destination. They collaborate with local bars and restaurants, creating unique cocktail experiences. This synergy enhances Dallas’ appeal to food and beverage enthusiasts, drawing more tourists to the area.