Texas Whiskey Festival 2026: One Night, Nearly 30 Distilleries, and a Whole Lot of Texas Whiskey
Saturday, April 18th marked the 9th Annual Texas Whiskey Festival, and it did not disappoint. Nearly 30 Texas distilleries lined the street, pouring some of the best whiskey this state has to offer. Guests moved from table to table—glass in hand—stopping to talk with distillers, catch up with friends, and discover something new along the way. It felt less like an event and more like a gathering.
For a moment, the weather decided to join in—rolling through with a quick downpour—but like everything else that night, it became part of the experience. We stepped under cover, shared a few laughs, and got right back to it once it passed.
One of the highlights of the evening was a panel discussion exploring pot still vs. column still distillation and how each shapes flavor. A few distilleries brought something special—new make straight off each type of still—giving attendees a rare opportunity to taste whiskey at its origin.
Leading up to the festival, a panel of judges blind tasted whiskies across five categories: Bourbon, Rye, Malt, Light Whiskey, and Cask Finished. The goal wasn’t to crown a single “best,” but to highlight the must-try bottles for 2026—a snapshot of where Texas whiskey stands today. The Texas Whiskey Trail was well represented, with standout bottles like Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon, Andalusia Whiskey Co. Cigar Malt, and the Stryker Madeira Finish. Other notable pours included Still Austin Cask Strength Rye, Balcones Texas “1” Single Malt, and the Maverick Distilling & Ranger Creek collaboration BouRye.
When it came to the voice of the people, Trail members once again made their mark. Milam & Greene took top honors in the People’s Choice Award, alongside strong showings from fellow members like Ironroot Republic.
You can explore the full list of must-try bottles and People’s Choice winners here.
At the end of the night, what stood out most wasn’t just the whiskey—it was the people behind it. The Texas Whiskey Festival is about bringing those people together, connecting stories, and building friendships—one pour at a time. The Texas Whiskey Trail gives you the opportunity to take that experience further. Support local, plan your stops, and get out on the trail.
