Courtesy Blackland Distillery
Ezra Cox, Blackland distiller, and Markus Kypreos, Blackland owner
Fort Worth’s vibrant history and rich culture aren’t just found in its stockyards or art museums—it’s alive in its distilleries, too.
Three stand out: Oak & Eden, with its brand-new tasting room, Blackland Distillery, where visitors create their own whiskey, and TX Whiskey Ranch, with its unique, signature flavors.
Whether you're a connoisseur of fine liquor or simply enjoy savoring a well-crafted cocktail, Fort Worth offers a dynamic selection worth exploring. Each one tells its own unique story, blending tradition, innovation and a whole lot of Texas flavor.
Fort Worth’s New Whiskey Haven
Oak & Eden, the Southlake-based whiskey brand that has been revolutionizing the spirits industry with its patented in-bottle finishing technique, is making its mark in Cowtown.
Their new Fort Worth tasting room in the Clearfork district is more than a bar – it’s an experience. Inspired by their Bridgeport flagship location, this Fort Worth destination offers whiskey enthusiasts the opportunity to create their own customized bottles. Guests can select everything—from their whiskey base to the wood spire, toast level and infusion flavors—to craft a one-of-a-kind bottle tailored to their tastes.
At the heart of Oak & Eden’s creations lies the aforementioned wood spire. After years of experimentation, the founders, Joe Giildenzopf, Jamie Giildenzopf and Brad Neathery, perfected the art of in-bottle finishing. This method involves placing a carefully treated, toasted spire of oak or other woods directly into the bottle, allowing the whiskey to continue maturing and developing unique flavor profiles even after it’s sealed.
Beyond wood, Oak & Eden has taken it up a notch with an infused series of spirits featuring spires soaked in flavors like cabernet sauvignon, Caribbean rum and cold brew coffee. OakAndEden.com
Activities Abound At Blackland Distillery
Known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Blackland offers an impressive lineup of spirits, including vodka, gin, bourbon, rye whiskey and Texas pecan brown sugar bourbon. The distillery also prioritizes sourcing grains from Texas farmers, so visitors are supporting a true homegrown business.
Blackland is a paradise for spirit enthusiasts who are more hands-on. Located in The Foundry District of Fort Worth, Blackland’s offers behind-the-scenes tours, guided tastings and workshops led by Master Distiller Ezra Cox, who will help you create your own gin, vodka or whiskey-based spirit.
Of course, there’s a seat for the casual sippers, as well. Walk-ins for a cocktail - or two - are more than welcome, but tours and tastings do require a reservation. Blackland’s tasting room and cocktail lounge offer a sophisticated setting to enjoy its spirits. Guests can indulge in 10 to 15 handcrafted cocktails made with Blackland spirits, served at a marble-topped horseshoe bar or in velvet-upholstered banquettes. BlacklandDistillery.com
TX Whiskey Remains A Classic
Tradition meets modern craftsmanship at TX Whiskey Ranch, creating an inviting atmosphere for whiskey lovers and adventure seekers alike. The home of the famous TX Whiskey, the 112-acre ranch – currently the largest whiskey distillery west of the Mississippi River – is located on the historic Glen Garden Country Club grounds and creates spirits using locally sourced ingredients, including their signature yeast strain harvested from a Texas pecan.
TX Whiskey Ranch boasts state-of-the-art distilling equipment, including a 50-foot copper column still and the world’s first “doubler” designed with sight windows, allowing visitors to witness the distillation process firsthand. The facility's production capacity enables the creation of up to 135 barrels of whiskey per day, making it a significant player in the industry .
The bar is also a must-visit. Once you pull up a stool, patrons can sip on TX Straight Bourbon (notes of caramel, vanilla and warm spices), TX Blended Whiskey (a creamy body good for sipping neat or mixed in a cocktail) or other limited-edition batches.
Everything a whiskey enthusiast could dream up is available on the grounds of the Whiskey Ranch: behind-the-scenes tours that take you deep into the whiskey making process; live music and festivals; the chance to make your own whiskey; and a gift shop full of TX Whiskey merchandise. TXWhiskey.com