Balcones Distilling

In the heart of Waco is Balcones Distilling—one of the most decorated craft distilleries in the USA. This is a place where ancient traditions meet bold Texan character, housed in a majestic building with a century of history. Interestingly, this structure proved so sturdy that it survived one of the most powerful tornadoes in American history, preserving its unique atmosphere for modern connoisseurs of fine spirits.

The distillery became famous as a true pioneer in creating the American single malt whiskey category. It was here that the legendary Texas 1 was released—the first single malt produced in Texas. To create their spirits, the master distillers use impressive copper pot stills made in Portugal, which are considered some of the tallest in the world, as well as elite Golden Promise barley delivered straight from the Scottish Isles.

Today, Balcones Distilling is more than just a plant; it is the winner of over 140 national and international awards. Visitors are drawn here not only by the opportunity to see the complex process of spirit maturation in Texas's unique climate but also by the chance to touch the living history of a brand that created a new page in American whiskey culture from scratch.

For those planning a visit, detailed contact information for Balcones Distilling is provided below. Please note that pre-booking may be required to participate in tastings or tours.

The main experience offered by Balcones Distilling is a deep dive into the whiskey-making process. During an organized tour, guests follow the entire journey of the grain: from the massive storage silos to the brewhouse and the floor with the giant copper stills. You will peek into the inner sanctum—the blending room and the rickhouse, where barrels rest, absorbing the character of the Texan land.

Guides pay special attention to the influence of the local climate. You will learn how sharp temperature fluctuations, reaching up to 30 degrees within a single day, force the whiskey to "work" with the barrel wood much more intensely than in cool Scotland. This allows Balcones spirits to acquire an incredibly rich and deep flavor in a shorter period.

After the production tour, be sure to stop by the tasting room. Here you can try the flagship Texas Single Malt, the unusual Baby Blue corn whiskey, or the unique Rumble spirit, crafted from wild honey, figs, and sugar. Remember that tours are by appointment only, so it is worth booking in advance to ensure you don't miss the chance to see the masters at work with your own eyes.

Balcones Distilling is located at 225 S 11th Street in the heart of the downtown business district. The distillery is easy to find by keeping an eye out for the district's historic architecture. For travelers arriving by car, guest parking is available directly at the building.

If you are heading to Waco from other major Texas cities, the drive takes about an hour and a half from Dallas (approximately 100 km south). For getting around the city, it is convenient to utilize taxis or ride-sharing apps, which can take you from central hotels or the station in a matter of minutes.

For those who prefer public transport, the city operates a municipal bus system. While buses run regularly, it is recommended to check the current routes and schedules on the city's official transport website in advance to plan your trip as comfortably as possible.

The story of Balcones Distilling began in 2008 as a bold experiment by a group of enthusiasts. At that time, Texas was not associated with whiskey production at all, and the founders had to literally blaze their own trail. The project's first "home" was an old welding shop under a bridge, which the team spent a year restoring by hand: they replaced the roof, relaid the brickwork, and installed copper stills in a cramped space of just 185 square meters.

Their efforts paid off in 2009 when the first distillation began. The Balcones team created the first Texan whiskey since Prohibition, effectively laying the foundation for an entire industry in the state. Their product, Texas 1, became the first single malt whiskey ever produced on Texan soil, allowing the brand to quickly earn its status as an industry pioneer.

By 2013, the distillery had outgrown its original scale. The need for larger areas for barrel maturation led to a massive relocation. In 2015–2016, production moved to its current building on 11th Street—a monumental historic storage facility that has become a symbol of the brand's success.

In its fifteen years of existence, Balcones Distilling has transformed from a garage startup into a world leader in craft production. With over 140 prestigious awards, it has proven to the world that the Texan climate and dedication to the craft can produce spirits that rival the finest classic examples.

For a complete experience at Balcones Distilling, most visitors need between 2 and 3 hours. This is enough time to take a detailed tour of the production facilities and enjoy a thoughtful tasting in the tasting room, where you can discuss the nuances of flavor with experts.

If your goal is simply to stop by the gift shop and pick up a couple of bottles of exclusive whiskey, 1–1.5 hours will be quite sufficient. In any case, the atmosphere of this historic building invites you to take your time and soak in the spirit of modern Texan distilling.

Balcones Distilling typically welcomes guests from Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Monday and Sunday are the days off, when both the production facility and the tasting room are closed to the public.

Since tours are very popular and run on a strict schedule, we strongly recommend checking the current opening hours and available slots on the official website or by phone before your visit. Even for visiting the tasting room without a tour, it is better to plan for the evening hours when the atmosphere becomes most cozy.

A stroll around the distillery will allow you to better feel the city's atmosphere and get acquainted with its rich history. Both historic buildings and modern leisure spots are within walking distance.