The Texas Whiskey Festival stands as one of the premier events celebrating the Lone Star State’s thriving craft whiskey scene. This annual gathering brings together whiskey enthusiasts, distillers, and industry professionals for an unforgettable evening of tastings, education, and community.
Held at the scenic Star Hill Ranch just outside Austin (in Bee Cave, Texas), the festival offers a perfect blend of rustic Texas charm and world-class spirits. The 9th Annual Texas Whiskey Festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Attendees can expect over 30 Texas distilleries pouring more than 100 different whiskeys, alongside live music, food trucks, cigars, educational seminars, and dueling pianos.
Spotlight on the Best Texas Whiskey Competition
The heart of the festival is the Best Texas Whiskey Competition, a blind-judged contest that recognizes excellence in Texas-made whiskeys. Entries are evaluated purely on flavor, balance, and drinkability — no favoritism for branding, production size, or marketing.
Recent years have showcased the incredible quality and diversity coming out of Texas distilleries. In the 2025 competition, standout winners included:
Best Bourbon in Texas
Gold: Still Austin Cask Strength Bourbon (Still Austin Whiskey Co.)
Silver: Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Straight Bourbon
Bronze: Milam & Greene Unabridged Volume 3
Best Rye Whiskeys in Texas
Gold: Devils River 5-Year Straight Rye Whiskey
Silver: IronRoot Slight of Hand Rye
Best Malt Whiskeys in Texas
Gold: Ranger Creek Texas Landmark Single Malt
Silver: UnBendt Straight Malt Whiskey Bottled in Bond
Bronze: Spirit of Texas Pythagoras
Best Cask-Finished Whiskey
Gold: Giant Texas Distilling Tejas Collaboration – Cigar Blend (Sweet Vermouth Finished)
People’s Choice Award (voted by festival attendees)
Top honors went to Mossy Horn Whiskey, with strong showings from Andalusia Whiskey Co. and Milam & Greene.
These results highlight the consistent excellence of brands like Still Austin, Garrison Brothers, Ranger Creek, Devils River, and IronRoot, while also spotlighting innovative newcomers and creative finishes.
Why Texas Whiskey Continues to Impress
Texas distilleries benefit from the state’s extreme temperature swings, which accelerate barrel aging and produce bold, complex flavors. Combined with a commitment to grain-to-glass production, local ingredients, and creative experimentation, Texas whiskey has earned national respect and a growing fanbase.
Whether you’re a bourbon purist, rye enthusiast, single-malt lover, or simply curious about what Texas has to offer, the Texas Whiskey Festival provides the ideal setting to discover your next favorite pour.
Tickets for the 2026 event are available through the official site at txwhiskeyfest.com. Plan ahead — this popular 21+ event sells out quickly.
If you’re searching for an authentic Texas whiskey experience, mark your calendar for April 18, 2026, and join the celebration of the South’s premier whiskey festival.
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