Texas is America’s second-largest state, and it is famous for different things like hot weather, Texas BBQ, and rodeos.
However, Texas is an excellent whiskey-producing state, too. While Tennessee and Kentucky dominated the American whiskey market, Texas is becoming a big player.
Let’s go over the Texas whiskey industry and get to know the best Texas whiskey brands.
Top 15 Best Texas Whiskey You Need To Try
15. Ironroot Icarus Straight Corn Whiskey
Average Price: Around $52.99
Alcohol Content: 58.9%
Why We Like It:
Ironroot Icarus Straight Corn whiskey is a Texas whiskey made from non-GMO yellow dent corn, heirloom purple corn, and red flint corn.
The whiskey is finished for an additional twelve months in peated and port single malt barrels. We like the rich aroma of stewed fruits, light smoke, and strong and hot finish.
On the palate, Ironroot has a touch of sweet port and some oiliness from the corn whiskey.
14. Milam & Greene Triple Cask Bourbon
Average Price: Around $48.99
Alcohol Content: 47%
Why We Like It:
Milam and Greene Triple Cask is a Texas straight bourbon made from 70% Texas corn, 8% Wyoming barley, and 22% Pacific Northwest malted rye.
The Texas Straight bourbon is a blend of three hand-selected bourbon whiskies from two to eleven years old.
Since it is bourbon, it should be aged in new charred American oak barrels for a certain time. The blended whiskey is made in Milam and Greene Distillery, from grain to glass.
13. Herman Marshall Texas Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $38.07
Alcohol Content: 46%
Why We Like It:
Herman Marshall is a Texas straight bourbon whiskey from 77% Texas corn and 23% malted barley. Thanks to the distillery’s centuries-old production techniques, it is a smooth and rich bourbon whiskey.
We like the light caramel aroma, gingerbread, and apple of Herman Marshall Texas bourbon. The sweet and spicy flavor profile is noticeable in the bourbon and carries sweetness and light dryness into the finish.
Did You Know?
The Dallas Distilleries started with two friends having coffee at the North Dallas Starbucks.
12. Grayson Texas Blended Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $53.95
Alcohol Content: 59.7%
Why We Like It:
Grayson is a blend of straight Texas whiskeys, and aside from its high alcohol content, whiskey lovers will agree that the Texas bourbon has amazing layers of complexity.
On the nose, Grayson has a rich aroma of coffee grounds, dark chocolate, jalapeño jelly, barrel-aged maple syrup, and raisins.
The blended bourbon whiskey has sweet and syrupy waffle notes with nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Moreso, it has noticeable burnt pecan, baking spices, and fennel finish.
11. Ironroot Harbinger Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $27.66
Alcohol Content: 57.5%
Why We Like It:
Ironroot Harbinger Bourbon whiskey is one of the Texas bourbons with a rich and great history.
It was the 1800s when Denison, Texas, experienced a phylloxera outbreak [1], and one grape breeder managed to save the grapes from it, and it became known as iron grapes.
The flagship bourbon whiskey is non-chill filtered and made from purple corn, non-GMO yellow dent corn, rye, and bloody butcher corn. On the nose, it has amazing notes of maple syrup, complex red fruit, and orange marmalade.
10. Balcones Texas Blue Corn Bourbon
Average Price: Around $54.99
Alcohol Content: 64.5%
Why We Like It:
Balcones Texas Blue Corn is one of the Texas whiskies you should not miss out on because, compared to other blended whiskies, it does not have an overpowering smell despite its high ABV.
Every bottle of the Texas straight bourbon whiskey has rich flavors of creamy custard and an explosion of savory with the right amount of salt and heat.
The blue corn bourbon whiskey has a rich amber color, bold flavor, creamy texture, and sweet flavor.
9. Still Austin The Musician Straight Bourbon
Average Price: Around $43.99
Alcohol Content: 49.2%
Why We Like It:
Still Austin The Musician Straight bourbon whiskey is one of the best Texas whiskeys in the market today. It is made from a mash bill of 70% white corn, 25% rye, and 5% malted barley, and the straight bourbon is well-loved because of its affordability.
On the nose, Still Austin has rich notes of toasted coconut, pineapple, and smores, while on the palate, it has cinnamon, roasted nuts, peppery spice, and brown sugar flavor profile.
8. Firestone & Robertson TX Straight Bourbon
Average Price: Around $48.39
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Like It:
Firestone & Robertson Tx Straight bourbon came from one of the first Texas distilleries in North Texas. The mash bill proportion of the bourbon is undisclosed, but they made the bourbon from corn, barley, and wheat grown by four generations of farmers.
We were greeted by a lovely touch of pecan and vanilla cream as we opened the bottle.
The bourbon is aged in small American oak barrels (charred oak), and it gives a nice freshness with an exciting combination of brown sugar, butter, pecan, and a touch of oak and pepper.
7. Ranger Creek.36 Texas Straight Bourbon
Average Price: Around $64.99
Alcohol Content: 48%
Why We Like It:
Ranger Creek .36 Texas straight bourbon is inspired by the .36 caliber pistol used by the Texas Rangers. It is a flagship bourbon from Drink Ranger Creek, originally crafted by TJ Miller.
The Ranger Creek bourbon whiskey is made from grain to glass using milled, mashed, and fermented Texas corn. After distillation, the Ranger Creek is aged in new oak barrels and matured under the Texas heat.
6. Iron Wolf Select Bourbon
Average Price: Around $42.66
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Like It:
Iron Wolf Select Bourbon is made from the Iron Wolf Ranch and distillery, and it is a high rye bourbon with 51% corn on its grain bill. It is aged for at least four years in charred oak casks for a rich and deep flavor.
The Iron Wolf Select bourbon has a deep caramel aroma with spicy goodness and vanilla on the palate. The rye spice is interesting and gives a nice complex experience to the bourbon whiskey.
5. Ben Milam Single Barrel Bourbon
Average Price: Around $51.25
Alcohol Content: 43%
Why We Like It:
Ben Milam Single Barrel bourbon presents bourbon in its purest form because there is no mixing to create a uniform taste on the whiskeys produced.
At 86 proof, the bourbon has rich notes of caramel, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. It is a versatile spirit, so you can drink it neat, on the rocks, or as base liquor for your Mint Julep or Old Fashioned.
4. Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Bourbon Single Barrel
Average Price: Around $121.99
Alcohol Content: 47%
Why We Like It:
Garrison Brothers is the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, and they only use 100% food-grade Texas corn on all of the expressions. Compared to a small batch bourbon, Garrison Single Barrel is pure and unblended since it came from a single cask.
The Garrison Brothers bourbon is aged in charred oak barrels, and the hot Texas climate gives a unique set of flavors and notes to the distilled spirit.
3. Treaty Oak Ghost Hill Texas Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $49.99
Alcohol Content:
Why We Like It:
Treaty Oak Ghost Hill Texas bourbon is named after the distillery in Dripping Springs, Texas. It is made from 57% corn, 11% barley, and 32%, and the good aging gives smooth whiskey its great flavor profile and identity.
The Ghost Hill Bourbon has nice hints of banana bread, ripe cherry, and caramel. The sweet corn, rich wood, and subtle caramel flavor on the palate blend well.
2. Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $57.19
Alcohol Content: 46%
Why We Like It:
Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon is made from 100% yellow corn, aged in oak casks in Houston between 15-20 degrees of Texas.
The Outlaw bourbon is full of flavor with vanilla and warm caramel overtones. Thanks to its traditional pot still, every sip of the Outlaw bourbon is smooth and pure.
1. Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon
Average Price: Around $245.00
Alcohol Content: 67.4%
Why We Like It:
Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon is one of the great Texas whiskeys in the market today. Garrison Brothers release a cowboy bourbon every year, becoming one of the US’s most highly coveted bourbon whiskeys.
The Garrison Brothers Cowboy bourbon is made using corn, red winter wheat, and two-row barley aged for five years. Thanks to the Texas heat, it has a rich taste and predominant aromas [2].
*Average prices are based on Drizly and Total Wine. Prices may vary in local liquor shops.
What’s A Texas Whiskey?
Texas whiskey is a grain-based distilled spirit produced and aged within Texas.
Unlike other distilled spirits, Texas whiskey should be mashed, fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled within the state, and all steps contribute to the economy and community of Texas.
There are no limitations on making Texas whiskey, and distillers are free to make bourbons or other types of whiskeys like a single barrel or single malt whiskey.
How It’s Made
Texas whiskey is a relatively open-style whiskey, and you can make bourbon or other types of whiskey.
The grain is mashed and fermented with yeast before distillation in pot stills. It is then aged in oak barrels within a certain time, but it is usually above two years. Here are some bourbons you can only get in Kentucky.
FAQs
What kind of whiskey do Texans drink?
Texans drink bourbon whiskey. Bourbon is primarily made from corn, and the state has rich soil for growing corn. Moreso, Texans have been big consumers of bourbon since 2010.
What is the original Texas whiskey?
Balcones Baby Blue Corn is the original Texas whiskey. It is the first legally produced and sold whiskey after prohibition [3].
How many whiskey distilleries are in Texas?
There are more than 130 spirits distilleries in Texas. The state is one of the top five states that produce whiskey in the US. Meanwhile, here’s a list of Kentucky bourbon distilleries.
Do Texans drink whiskey a lot?
Yes, Texans drink whiskey a lot. Based on InsideHook, Texans drink a lot of bourbons and Canadian whisky.
What makes Texas whiskey different?
Texas whiskey is different from other types of whiskey because it is an open style. Distilleries do not have many restrictions as long as they are made inside the state.
Are there specific characteristics to look for in the best Texas whiskey?
Yes, the best Texas whiskey often exhibits characteristics such as robust flavors, smoothness, and a distinct sense of terroir, reflecting the region’s local grains and aging techniques.
How does Texas whiskey compare to other whiskey styles?
Texas whiskey stands out for its unique flavor profile, influenced by factors like the hot climate, which accelerates aging, and the use of local grains, resulting in a distinct taste experience compared to other whiskey styles.
What are some notable brands or distilleries producing the best Texas whiskey?
Several distilleries in Texas are known for producing exceptional whiskey, including Balcones Distilling, Garrison Brothers, and TX Whiskey, which have gained recognition for their quality and innovation.
Can I expect variations in flavor among different Texas whiskey brands?
Yes, Texas whiskey brands often showcase a wide range of flavors and styles, influenced by factors such as production methods, aging techniques, and the use of different grains, barrels, and distillation processes.
Final Thoughts
Aside from Kentucky and Tennessee, Texas is the next great whiskey destination. Aside from its open style, Texas whiskey is well loved because of its open style.
There’s a massive selection of Texan whiskeys in the market today, so we hope you find our guide helpful for your whiskey hunting.
References:
- https://www.winemag.com/2019/05/02/wines-worst-enemy-phylloxera/
- https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/weather/2021/12/03/weather-drives-the-uniqueness-of-texas-bourbon
