Raising a Glass to 1845
Every good family story improves with age, and the best ones get retold at the holiday table with something amber in the glass. The folks at 1845 Distilling Company, winners of the 2026 Best of Texas Award for Distilleries, have one worth pouring.
Their “Preemption Texas Straight Wheated Bottled in Bond Bourbon”, aged five years, is currently a Class Finalist for the “Best Wheated Bourbon” in the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, scoring an impressive 99 points. In fact, the Family has had a Class Finalist in three of the last four competitions. Add this to the 100+ awards they have received since opening in 2023, and the story gets more interesting.
The Family has deep Texas roots and began working together in 2008, beginning with a Brewpub in Port Aransas Texas. Their commitment to quality landed them a spot on Texas Monthly Magazine’s “50 Best Burgers in Texas” List in 2009.
That same commitment shapes their Grain-to-Glass production methods. Using only Texas grown grain, all fermentation, distillation, and ageing takes place onsite. Each bottle reflects Texas agriculture, patient craftsmanship, and the Family’s determination to build something lasting.
Visitors can explore that craftsmanship through Distillery Tours that bring bourbon making to life. Guests learn how grain selection, fermentation, distillation, oak, and Texas heat influence what ultimately reaches the glass. Before tasting the final products, guests are offered samples from various ageing barrels.
For an especially memorable visit, the 1845 Fill Your Own Bottle Single Barrel Event is a three-hour deep dive into bourbon styles with guests curating their own keepsake bottle.
Corporate and Private Events are also available.
Contact Information
Company Name: 1845 Distilling Co.
Phone: 469-989-3100
Email: info@1845Distilling.com
Address: 2070 S Bridgefarmer Road, McKinney, TX 75069
Website: 1845Distilling.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/1845Distilling
Facebook: facebook.com/1845distilling
