Texas Terroir: TX Whiskey’s Fort Worth Whiskey Ranch
TX Whiskey Ranch photo credit TX Whiskey
On 123 acres of what was once the historic Glen Garden Country Club where famed gold pros of the past once played, the largest whiskey distillery west of the Mississippi is crafting spirits that capture the essence of Texas terroir. TX Whiskey was founded by Leonard Firestone and Troy Robertson in 2010. In 2016 they released TX Straight Bourbon, and in 2019 Pernod Ricard acquired the company, providing expansion resources while preserving its artisanal character.
Since moving to the current location in 2018, Whiskey Ranch has become a destination that captures authentic Texas hospitality with modern sophistication. The experience showcases every production stage, from the towering Vendome copper stills to the on-site rick houses where over 40,000 barrels age in the Texas climate year round.
A Commitment to Local Sourcing
Still at TX Whiskey
The distillery's commitment to local sourcing is more than marketing. Every ingredient—corn, rye, and malted barley—comes from farms within an hour's drive, primarily from Sawyer Farms in Hillsborough. This single-farm sourcing creates a true sense of place, with the local soil and climate imparting distinctive flavors to the grain.
What truly sets TX Whiskey apart is its proprietary yeast strain, captured from a Texas pecan nut. This rare yeast is a genuine differentiator in the bourbon world, contributing more fruit and spice notes than typical bourbon yeasts. Combined with the aggressive Texas climate that accelerates aging, TX Whiskey develops complexity faster than spirits aged in cooler climates.
The production process reflects both tradition and Texas ingenuity. The new make comes off the Vendome stills at 135 proof on the first distillation, then 145 proof on the second. It enters the barrel at 120 proof, where the standard mash bill of 74% corn, 14% rye, and 12% malted barley transforms over time. Everything is bottled on-site, maintaining quality control from grain to glass.
TX Whiskey Releases
TX Whiskey line
TX Whiskey's portfolio balances approachable core expressions with experimental releases. The flagship TX Straight Bourbon showcases the terroir-driven approach with vanilla, caramel, toasted pecans, and subtle fruit notes. For those seeking intensity, TX Barrel Proof Bourbon comes straight from the barrel—uncut and unfiltered—with proofs typically ranging from 115 to 120 and flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, dried fig, and caramelized peaches.
A milestone came in March 2021 when TX released the first Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon from Texas. This single-barrel expression meets strict federal requirements: one distiller, one distillery, one season, minimum four years aging, and exactly 100 proof. Each barrel offers unique characteristics, with flavor profiles ranging from flossed sugar and vanilla to earthy grain, black pepper, and nutmeg.
My favorite, and that of many fellow bourbon enthusiasts, is the TX Straight Bourbon Cognac Finish. This expression begins as two-year-old straight bourbon that ages approximately 17 months in ex-Cognac barrels from France before being bottled at 101.6 proof. The final release from former Master Distiller Rob Arnold after a decade-long tenure represents the pinnacle of TX's experimental barrel finish series.
Texas: Through and Through
TX Whiskey bottle caps
The commitment to Texas identity extends beyond the liquid. Each bottle cap is handcrafted from repurposed cowboy boot leather, making every one unique. Woven canvas neck wraps pay tribute to pioneer covered wagons, while the silver band around each bottle's base evokes spurs and belt buckles. These aren't superficial touches—they're authentic connections to the Western heritage that defines the brand.
The distillery has become a Fort Worth landmark, offering not just tours and tastings but also private event spaces, a western-style tavern serving signature cocktails like the Blackberry Sour, and a gift shop filled with distinctive merchandise.