Texas Whiskey Festival 2022 Winners Announced

The Texas Whiskey Festival, with a dedicated focus on all things whiskey in the Lone Star State, is in its fifth iteration this year. As one of the judges of the festival (like I have in years past), I had the chance to taste some of the best being produced in this part of the whisk(e)y world. Now the winners of the Festival, ahead of the May 13-14 show date, have been announced.

Each year, according to festival officials, judges such as myself take part in a blind tasting competition to determine the best Texas bourbon, rye and malt whiskey. It can result in some rather interesting placements, as small brands not known outside of the state go up against well established names with national presence.

Some of the Texas Whiskey Festival 2022 winners (image via Texas Whiskey Festival)

The results by category are posted below:

Bourbon: Grain to Glass

1. Still Austin Whiskey Co. – Cask Strength Straight Bourbon

2. Shire Distilling Co. – Cask Strength Percheron Bourbon

3. Ironroot Republic Distilling – Harbinger 115 Straight Bourbon

Bourbon: Aged and Bottled in Texas

1. Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery – 6 year Single Barrel Bourbon

2. Oak & Eden – Bourbon & Vine

3. Luckenbach Road Whiskey – Straight Bourbon

Rye Whiskey: Grain to Glass

1. Tahwahkaro Distilling – Texas Rye Malt Whiskey

2. Maverick Whiskey – Straight Rye Whiskey

3. Devils River Whiskey – Straight Rye Whiskey

Rye Whiskey: Aged and Bottled in Texas

1. William Price Distilling – Straight Rye finished in bourbon barrels

2. Oak & Eden – Rye & Rumba

3. Old Humble Distilling Company – Double Oak Straight Rye

Malt Whiskey: Grain to Glass

1. Andalusia Whiskey Co. – Stryker Smoked Single Malt

2. Acre Distilling Co. – Texas Single Malt

3. Spirit of Texas Brewing and Distilling – Pfluger Single Malt Whiskey

Other Whiskeys: includes whiskeys aged in used barrels, blended whiskey, and light whiskey.

1. Austin Craft Spirits – Austin 85 Light Whiskey

2. Maverick Whiskey – Straight Triticale Whiskey

3. Dripping Springs Distilling – Republic Whiskey

“Our panel of judges smell and taste their way through each whiskey, rating the aroma, taste complexity, and finish,” said Texas Whiskey Festival Co-Founder Jake Clements in a prepared statement. “These are their winners, but remember the best whiskey is the one you like.”

Those wanting to partake in trying these whiskeys, and others from Texas, are encouraged to attend the festival, where you’ll be able to choose from 70+ whiskeys made by the 34 distilleries participating. It is being held in the Austin, Texas area, and tickets are available for purchase now.

As a side note, festival attendees will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite distillery to decide on the people’s choice award.