1845 Distilling Company is a family-owned craft distillery based in Lowry Crossing, Texas. Established with a mission to produce premium, small-batch Texas whiskey, the company blends heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation to create distinctively bold spirits that reflect the Lone Star State’s independent spirit. As a proud participant in the Texas Whiskey Trail, 1845 Distilling has quickly become a name of reverence among whiskey connoisseurs, collectors, and regional aficionados.
Core Business and Product Offerings
1845 Distilling specializes in producing Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskeys, utilizing locally sourced grains and traditional distillation techniques. The company has developed a series of expressions under its flagship brands—Preemption and Preemption Reverence—catering to diverse palates from everyday drinkers to high-proof enthusiasts.
Product Categories and Key Offerings:
- Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Preemption Texas Straight Bourbon
- Preemption Reverence Texas Straight Bourbon Cask Strength
- Texas Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Preemption Texas Four Grain Straight Bourbon
- Preemption Reverence Texas Four Grain Cask Strength
- Texas Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Preemption Texas Wheated Straight Bourbon
- Preemption Reverence Texas Wheated Cask Strength
- Special Edition
- Panhandle Proud Texas Straight Whiskey – Double Oaked
Each bottle is meticulously distilled and aged in charred new American oak barrels, capturing the essence of the Texas terroir. Their use of non-chill filtering and cask-strength options caters to purists seeking authenticity and complexity.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition
1845 Distilling’s competitive edge lies in its micro-batch production and commitment to grain-to-glass transparency. The distillery’s small size allows for hands-on attention throughout the distillation, aging, and bottling process, ensuring a consistent and high-quality product. Their decision to release Cask Strength variants under the "Reverence" label targets experienced bourbon drinkers who appreciate uncut, unfiltered expressions.
Furthermore, by using Texas-grown corn, wheat, rye, and barley, 1845 reinforces its commitment to supporting local agriculture and capturing Texas’ unique flavor profile. This local-first approach has become a cornerstone of their branding and marketing strategy.
Market Presence and Sales Channels
1845 Distilling operates through a combination of direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales, regional distribution, and participation in festivals and events under the GO TEXAN initiative. Their visibility through events and their involvement in the Texas Whiskey Trail has amplified brand awareness across the southern United States.
Distribution Highlights:
- Regional availability in select Texas liquor retailers
- DTC through tasting room and special events
- Online visibility and media coverage via GO TEXAN and whiskey trail episodes
Financial Insights
Though the company remains privately held and does not disclose detailed financials, anecdotal and market indicators point to steady revenue growth driven by a strong brand story, strategic local partnerships, and an expanding product portfolio. Their presence in curated events like the Texas Whiskey Festival has contributed to consistent retail turnover and collector interest.
Export and Shipment Data
As of 2024, 1845 Distilling primarily serves the domestic U.S. market, with emphasis on Texas and surrounding states. Limited export activity has been noted, with inquiries from Canadian and European distributors exploring craft bourbon opportunities. The company is expected to scale distribution as production capacity increases.
Certifications and Compliance
1845 Distilling complies with U.S. federal and state regulations for alcohol production. All products are:
- Bottled in Bond under ATF standards (where applicable)
- Labeled in accordance with TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) guidelines
- Produced with verified batch traceability and quality control processes
Their participation in the Texas Whiskey Association ensures adherence to best practices and transparency in sourcing and aging.
Target Market
1845 Distilling primarily targets:
- Whiskey enthusiasts and collectors
- Texas-based spirits consumers seeking local craft options
- On-premise accounts (restaurants, bars, lounges) featuring regional products
- Retailers and distributors specializing in small-batch, artisanal spirits
Their branding and storytelling also resonate with consumers drawn to Americana, heritage, and authenticity, expanding their appeal beyond traditional bourbon drinkers.
Capabilities
- Batch Production: Micro-batch distillation with agile bottling capacity
- Custom Labeling: Cask strength and limited edition runs for events and retailers
- Visitor Engagement: Tasting room experiences and whiskey education tours
- Branding & Merchandising: Well-developed storytelling through visual media and retail-ready packaging
Customer Feedback and Recognition
1845 Distilling has received overwhelmingly positive feedback through social platforms and review boards. Their feature on GO TEXAN Explores: The Texas Whiskey Trail has drawn thousands of views and reinforced their standing within the state’s burgeoning spirits community.
“A small distillery making big statements. The Preemption Reverence Cask Strength is among the finest we’ve tasted this year.” – Spirits Enthusiast, Texas Whiskey Festival 2024
“The craftsmanship and clarity of purpose at 1845 make them one of the most exciting new distilleries to watch in the state.” – Bourbon Magazine, 2023
Achievements
- Featured on GO TEXAN’s official video series highlighting Texas distilleries
- Membership in the Texas Whiskey Association
- Regular exhibitor at Texas Whiskey Festival and other craft spirit showcases
- Released over 10 distinct expressions within 2 years of launch
With a growing fanbase, a solid product lineup, and a deep connection to Texas history and culture, 1845 Distilling Company is poised to become a significant name in the American craft bourbon movement.
