History of the Texas Whiskey Association
Texas makers. A shared purpose.
The Texas Whiskey Association began with a question that mattered to distillers and whiskey drinkers alike: what should it mean when a bottle says it is made in Texas? In 2018, a group of whiskey makers came together to support the people doing that work, give consumers a clearer understanding of what was in their glass, and build recognition for Texas whiskey.
Coming together in 2018
The Association was incorporated on July 5, 2018. Its first membership meeting followed on September 13, and it made its public debut in Austin on September 20.
Eight distilleries formed the original group: Andalusia Whiskey Co., Balcones Distilling, Crowded Barrel Whiskey Co., Garrison Brothers Distillery, Ironroot Republic Distillery, Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling, Still Austin Whiskey Co., and Treaty Oak Distilling. The founding class expanded during the remainder of 2018 as more Texas producers joined the effort.
These makers brought different grains, equipment, traditions, and approaches to aging. Their common ground was a commitment to whiskey made in Texas and to helping drinkers understand its origins. Working together gave them a way to tell that story while preserving the character of each distillery.
A standard rooted in place
That commitment took shape in Certified Texas Whiskey. The Association's voluntary, industry-led program identifies qualifying whiskey that is mashed, fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled in Texas. The shield gives consumers a recognizable way to find those expressions and learn how they were made.
Certification applies to the whiskey bearing the mark; membership in the Association does not mean every product a distillery sells is certified. It is an industry standard rather than a government designation. The purpose is straightforward: make the production story clearer and encourage transparency in labeling. Learn about Certified Texas Whiskey.
Taking the story beyond the bottle
In May 2019, the Association launched the Texas Whiskey Trail, inviting visitors to meet distillers and experience their work firsthand. Tours, tastings, and regional travel connected the Association's educational mission with the places where Texas whiskey is made.
The Association also developed a collective voice on issues affecting producers. In October 2019, TXWA and the Texas Distilled Spirits Association joined the Spirits United grassroots platform, working with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States to engage the wider spirits community.
Collaboration across Texas
By 2024, that collaborative work extended to new audiences and community needs. TXWA partnered with the Texas Department of Agriculture on the GO TEXAN Explores: Texas Whiskey Trail podcast, introducing listeners to distillers and their connections to Texas agriculture.
That year, the Association was also among the partners in Panhandle Proud. The combined fundraising effort delivered $220,000 to the Amarillo Area Foundation for communities affected by the Texas Panhandle wildfires. It was a practical expression of the relationships linking whiskey makers, agriculture, hospitality, and their neighbors.
Today, the Association continues the work that brought its founders together: supporting Texas whiskey makers, educating consumers, and encouraging truth and transparency. Through certification, maker stories, and the Trail, it helps people discover the craft and the communities behind Texas whiskey.