The Rest of the Story

Jacob Peraza
Head Distiller - BENDT Distilling Co.
Lewisville, Texas
September 2025 feature
Written by Pierre Bernal

Meet Jacob Peraza: Head Distiller at BENDT Distilling Co.

Jacob Peraza’s path to distilling began far from Texas. Growing up in San Diego, he watched the craft beer movement explode on the West Coast. Breweries weren’t just places to grab a drink— they became community hubs where people celebrated milestones, gathered with family, and even found comfort in hard times. That sense of connection showed Jacob the power of craft to create culture.

But while beer fascinated him, its boundaries felt limiting. Distilling, on the other hand, was wide open—a frontier where fermentation, flavor, and technique could be pushed endlessly further. For Jacob, whiskey wasn’t just about the spirit in the glass; it was about channeling that same creative energy and sense of belonging into something even more ambitious.

His heritage also shaped his perspective. Raised with a deep respect for the land, Jacob learned that nothing it gives should go to waste. That resourcefulness is now central to his distilling philosophy: every grain, every barrel, every step has value if you know where to look.

At BENDT Distilling Co. in Lewisville, TX, Jacob found his place. To him, the Texas whiskey community is more than a collection of distilleries—it’s a network of makers and doers who roll up their sleeves, take risks, and push boundaries. There’s competition, yes, but also collaboration, with everyone working toward building not just great whiskey, but a lasting legacy.

When asked what makes Texas bourbon unique, Jacob’s answer is simple: it’s unmistakable. The grains are grown here, the whiskey is shaped by the punishing heat and cold of Texas seasons, and every barrel takes on a life of its own. That climate-driven unpredictability means no two barrels are the same—each one tells its own story.

One of his proudest creations is UNBendt Straight From The Barrel Bourbon, a bold spirit made entirely from Texas grain and bottled at whatever proof remains after the angels take their share. Raw, unfiltered, and rooted in place, it’s bourbon in its purest form—and a true Texas story.

But whiskey-making isn’t a solo craft. For Jacob, it’s about teamwork, problem-solving, and treating the crew like family. “The whiskey in the glass reflects not just ingredients and technique, but also the effort, resilience, and spirit of the people who made it,” he says.

This philosophy ties directly into his heritage and culture—values of hard work, collaboration, and respect for those who came before. That’s why celebrating Bourbon Heritage Month alongside Hispanic Heritage Month carries special meaning for him. It’s about honoring both traditions while building something new for the future of Texas whiskey.

And while Jacob can talk whiskey all day, he’s also a man of simple pleasures: a Fall Old Fashioned by the campfire, made with Unbendt Rye, black cherry syrup, and a smoked orange slice. Or a plate of al pastor tacos, whose smoky sweetness pairs beautifully with bourbon’s caramel and oak. Bold, distinctive, and unmistakably Texan—that’s how Jacob Peraza describes Texas bourbon. But in truth, those same words capture Jacob himself: a distiller driven by heritage, fueled by creativity, and committed to shaping the next chapter of Texas whiskey.

Photos by Blackall Photography - Lewisville, Texas