18 Best Distilleries in Texas You Can Visit

These distilleries in Texas bring together heady aromas, bold tasting notes, smooth finishes, and everything in between to deliver some of the best spirits you’ll find anywhere in the world.

We’re breaking down 18 of the state’s hotspots, so pleasure-seekers of all kinds can find their next favorite drink. 

Learn more about each pick’s most popular products, events to look out for, and tasting room atmospheres.

Whatever is on the itinerary for the rest of your Texas visit, a distillery is the perfect way to take a break from the bustle and truly treat yourself.

18 Best Distilleries in Texas You Can Visit

So pour yourself a glass, sit back, and sip your way through this list of Texas distilleries to plan your next Southern adventure.

After all, visiting these distilleries is one of the best things to do in Texas to learn about this incredible state. That is if you’re 21 years or older, of course!

Balcones Distilling

Waco has exploded with growth in recent years, flourishing into a Texas hotspot of arts and culture, entertainment, and (thanks in part to Balcones Distilling) spirits.

Nearly all of the offerings at Balcones Distilling have wracked up a number of awards. 

But one of the clear standouts is their Texas Single Malt Whiskey, a silky palate pleaser that opens with notes of toasted malt and honey and finishes with a touch of cinnamon and cloves.

Enjoy their cool and cozy industrial-chic tasting room, with its instantly welcoming atmosphere that will have you wanting to spend the whole day.

Then, go behind the scenes of the distillation process on one of their brewery tours, which run Thursday-Saturday, cost $20 per person, and conclude with a tasting of their most popular whiskies.

Read next: Best Breweries in Texas

Garrison Brothers Distillery

Any true bourbon aficionado should recognize the Garrison Brothers name, as this historical spot in Hye, Texas (1-1.5 hours outside Austin) became the state’s first legal whiskey distillery in 2006.

With nearly two decades of practice under their belt, Garrison Brothers Distillery knows how to make a mean lineup of spirits, led by their star bestseller–the flagship “Cowboy Bourbon.”

It’s so good that it was named “American Whiskey of the Year” in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible not once but twice–in 2014 and 2017.

Another fan favorite is their Single Barrel Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which you can actually taste test, select, bottle, and bring home with a custom label if you book the experience in advance.

Distillery tours are available Tuesday-Saturday for $10 ($20 on Saturdays) and include a trailer ride around the 68-acre property, which doubles as a working ranch!

Revolution Spirits

Minimalist, creative, and known by anyone with an eye for what’s trendy, Revolution Spirits embodies the best of its home base–Austin, Texas.

Their main claim to fame is a botanical gin, Austin Reserve, that blends juniper, rosemary, lavender, lemongrass, pink peppercorn, and Texas grapefruit.

However, they’re responsible for a range of other innovative projects, like collaborations with local breweries and cideries and the creation of the state’s first amaro, with notes of hibiscus, sumac, cedar, and orange peel.

Try a tasting flight to find your favorite spirit, then indulge in a specialty cocktail or, even better, a boozy slushie.

Gulf Coast Distillers

Prefer your spirits paired with a hearty meal? Look no further than this classy Houston spot, easily one of the most gorgeous distilleries in Texas.

Housed inside an old Uncle Ben’s rice manufacturing plant, the tasting room stays true to its industrial roots, with exposed brick walls, bare bulbs, and picnic table-style seating.

Their Giant Texas Bourbon’s Special Reserve 91 Proof Gold Label is a must-try and is best enjoyed alongside the mouthwatering deep-fried Brussel sprouts. Or, visit on a Thursday for steak night.

They run tours Wednesday-Saturday. For $10, you’ll get a walk-through of their distilling process from start to finish, as well as a tasting of some exclusive spirits. 

If you still can’t get enough, just ask the bartender to upgrade your tour and get access to a full-tasting flight.

Read next: Best Rooftop Bars in Houston

Stinson Distilling

Two hours away from the hustle and bustle of Austin, you’ll find the quaint, charming small town of Llano, Texas, and its best-kept secret–Stinson Distilling & Winery.

This family-owned and operated spot brings together the best of both worlds–tranquil Hill Country landscapes and award-winning spirits and cocktails.

At $10 for four samples, their tasting flight is a steal. Plus, they regularly feature specials and happy hours that drop cocktail prices to a temptingly low level.

If you’re visiting around the holidays, Stinson’s eggnog is beloved by many (one reviewer even described it as “nectar of the gods”).

Treaty Oak Distilling

Close your eyes and picture the most idyllic spot to sip on a cold glass of whiskey. That vision comes to life at Treaty Oak, a 28-acre ranch in stunning Dripping Springs, Texas.

Treaty Oak’s historic property is filled with old-growth live oak trees, grassy lawns, and picnic tables, plus indoor seating space for the colder months.

Tours run Wednesday-Sunday. For $25, you get a walkthrough of the facilities (with a complimentary cocktail in hand), guided tastings of both Dripping Springs gins and whiskeys produced onsite, and $5 off any Treaty Oak bottle.

Still, Treaty Oak’s most popular offering is the Ghost Hill Bourbon grain-to-glass whiskey, made with local heirloom grains and aged for two years.

Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery

Whether you know it or not, you’ve probably sipped on Deep Eddy, a larger-than-life brand out of Austin and one of the most iconic distilleries in Texas.

Deep Eddy Distillery’s lineup of small-batch, gluten-free vodkas comes in an array of fun, fruity flavors like peach, cranberry, and lime, as well as an oh-so-Southern sweet tea.

Bring your friends to the distillery in Dripping Springs and try a tasting flight, which comes with your choice of 4 flavors. 

Then, stay to enjoy the super trendy property, complete with a sprawling 38-foot bar, performance stage, and outdoor terrace.

Cypress Creek Reserve

Now that we’ve covered distilleries in Texas that specialize in bourbon, gin, and vodka, it’s time to show rum some love! And that’s where Cypress Creek Reserve shines.

Located in the enchanting town of Wimberley, Texas, this spot draws on the pristine local spring water to make its magic spirits, as well as the dedication of husband and wife team, David and Laura.

You can enjoy your drink from the comfort of a covered outdoor patio or even atop a treehouse deck perched in a giant oak–both built by David himself!

As for what to order, the Vanilla Rum has received many a rave review, and you can’t go wrong with any of their rum-based cocktails either.

Rebecca Creek Distillery

Although Austin and the surrounding area claim many of the best distilleries in Texas, San Antonio is not to be forgotten! And Rebecca Creek puts this cultural center back on the map for spirits production.

To make their fan-favorite Texas Ranger Whiskey, Rebecca Creek taps into local ingredients (like spring water from the Edwards Aquifer), then adds a twist with funky flavors like Peach, Coconut Pecan, and Peanut Butter Cup.

This is a great place to visit if you’re traveling with a group, as they boast live music, tons of yard games, spacious seating areas, and onsite food trucks serving up finger-licking Texas BBQ.

Still Austin Whiskey Co.

Hip, happening, and right in the heart of downtown Austin, this distillery is a must-visit on any trip to Texas’ capital. 

Although it’s relatively new to the scene, it has already made quite a splash.

A bright, urban taproom invites you to stay awhile, and that’s before you even sample Still Austin’s menu items.

Try the Straight Bourbon Whiskey, made from Texas-grown grains and aged for at least two years, or the American Gin, a crisp mix of juniper, coriander seeds, cinnamon, citrus peels, elderflower, and allspice.

BENDT Distilling Co.

Dallas residents or visitors, you’re in luck! We finally leave the Texas Hill Country and head next to BENDT Distilling Co. (former Witherspoon Distillery) in Lewisville, just 30 minutes from the Big D in North Texas.

Sample their menu with a tasting flight, which features staples like the house straight bourbon as well as a wildcard seasonal drink, but don’t leave without ordering a glass of BENDT No. 5.

This American blend is the first of its kind because it brings together five individually hand-crafted whiskeys (all made in-house) and doesn’t draw on any other grain-neutral spirits.

Visit BENDT on a Friday or Saturday night for live music, or go anytime to enjoy the cozy outdoor garden.

Read next: Best Rooftop Bars in Dallas

Western Son Distillery

You might not have heard of Pilot Point, Texas, located 1.5 hours north of Dallas, but Western Son provides reason enough to visit. (They also have a super charming Main Street and small-town atmosphere).

Their recognizably colorful vodka bottles are just what you need to get any party started, and they come in classic fruit flavors like watermelon, blueberry, and grapefruit, as well as more out-there varieties like prickly pear and cucumber.

With expansive indoor and outdoor seating and a concert stage, Western Son is a great place to spend an evening.

Firestone and Robertson Distilling Co.

Leave the kids at home for this one. Few Texas distilleries are as gorgeous (and exclusive) as the adults-only Firestone and Robertson Distilling Co.

The operation is set on a sprawling 112-acre ranch/golf course/event venue in Fort Worth and serves a curated selection of award-winning whiskeys.

Make sure to try the TX Blended Whiskey, a house favorite with aromas of vanilla bean and pear, and flavors of honey butter, banana, and caramel.

Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling

Why choose between two good things–craft beer and craft spirits? At Ranger Creek, San Antonio’s proud “brewstillery,” you can have your cake and eat it too.

Their flagship product is a must-order, a delectable .36 Texas Straight Bourbon with notes of caramel, butterscotch, and cinnamon and a warm, sweet finish.

You can even go behind the scenes and score two tours in one! 

Ranger Creek’s $10 immersive experience walks you through both the beer and bourbon-making processes, plus you’ll get to sample three of their finest menu items.

For an additional $15, true aficionados can join the VIP Whiskey Sampling Experience and snag an advance tasting of two future releases straight from the barrel.

Deep Ellum Distillery

No list of distilleries in Texas would be complete without a mention of this Deep Ellum hotspot, known to draw quite a crowd. 

If you’re looking for a more social atmosphere while you sip some local vodka, Deep Ellum Distillery is it.

They specialize in funky flavor infusions, serving up everything from coffee to pineapple mango to spicy serrano pepper. 

You can also order from their lineup of year-round bourbon, vodka, and whiskey bottles.

Plus, the super-trendy space and live music performances provide bonus reasons to stick around and hang out.

Ironroot Republic Distillery

With major awards under its belt, like “#1 Craft Whiskey Distillery” and “Craft Producer of the Year,” Ironroot knows how to make a quality drink.

They have an airtight lineup of whiskies (all worth trying), as well as vodka, gin, and moonshine options.

But perhaps the most highly recommended is their flagship bourbon, Ironroot Harbinger. 

Named the “World’s Best Whiskey,” this fan-favorite has tasting notes of “red fruits and baking spices on a bed of dark sugars.”

Want to see how they do it? Tours of the distillery run every Saturday at 12 PM and 2 PM for $10.

Desert Door Distillery

Escape to the tiny town of Driftwood, Texas and experience something magical at Desert Door, named the 2019 best craft distillery in the United States by USA Today.

They utilize wild-harvested sotol plants (similar to agave) to create smooth, drinkable spirits you won’t find at many other mainstream spots in the state.

So grab a glass of their Desert Door Texas Sotol and enjoy the “desert-modern” tasting room, complete with fireplace, cushy sofas, games, and frequent live music performances.

Dripping Springs Distilling

Vodkas, gins, and bourbons–oh my! This spot in Central Texas, founded in 2005, has been steadily expanding to offer more and more delicious spirits over the years.

Introducing Dripping Springs Distilling, a hideaway in the Texas Hill Country that doubles as a wedding venue (so you know it’s picturesque).

Their bestselling Dripping Springs Vodka and Orange Vodka are micro-distilled a whopping 20 times, then mixed with pure local spring water for an ultra-smooth finish.

Meanwhile, bourbon fans will love the 1876 Port Barrel Finish Bourbon, aged for 3-5 years, and gin aficionados can indulge in a delicate floral and citrus tasting Artisan Gin.

More Texas Distilleries Worth Checking Out

• Frog Pond Distillery – they produce small batches of gin and vodka crafted in the Texas Hill Country setting, just east of Dripping Springs.
• Crystal Creek Distillery – unfortunately, this Texas distillery has been closed since the publishing of this article.