An annual blind tasting event tied to the festival and conducted by judges reveals the bottles that are the cream of the crop of the Texas whiskey scene.
AUSTIN, Texas - When you think Texas, think Texas whiskey. Once again, the Texas Whiskey Festival, the signature brown spirits event in the Lone Star State, brought together the best of the best, highlighting through its coveted awards program the must-try Texas whiskeys of the moment.
One thing that quickly emerged in 2026 is a snapshot of Texas whiskey in motion. The evolution of flavor—working with the grains, climate, and individual styles—creates remarkable whiskey that is a reflection of the state and the people who make it.
“Texas whiskey reflects where it’s made and who’s making it—the heat, the grain, the independence,” said Jake Clements, founder of the Texas Whiskey Festival. “What we’re seeing now is a category coming into its own, with distillers writing their own playbook. That’s what makes it so compelling.”
The whiskey type Texas is best known for is bourbon. High-quality Texan grains, hot Texan summers, and fierce Texan pride all combine to bring to the world stage bourbons that can easily rival those coming out of Kentucky. For the 2026 Texas Whiskey Festival Best Bourbon, the must-try bottle is Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon. A monster of an expression aged at least six years and bottled at a staggering 146.4 proof, it is a testament to the pioneering Texan bourbon distillery behind it—crafting such a high ABV offering that is so loved by so many and highly sought after each year it is released.
This exceptional bourbon also got the coveted nod as the overall must-try of all the whiskeys submitted for judging.
Another well-known whiskey category out of Texas is rye. The top 2026 Texas Whiskey Festival choice here, Koopers Family Barrel Reserve Rye, is a masterfully crafted blend of straight rye whiskeys, each aged between four and seven years, from a mix of first- and second-fill barrels. As if this wasn’t enough, the team at Koopers Family then finishes the blend with toasted oak staves before bottling it at barrel proof.
Malt whiskeys, particularly American single malts, are another whiskey category that’s put Texas on the map. For 2026, the Festival must-try bottle is the Andalusia Whiskey Co. Cigar Malt. A joint venture between master blender Irene Tan and one of the best “grain-to-glass” distilleries in all of Texas, this very limited edition American single malt release is a peated, wine cask-finished bottling meant to pair with the finest cigars. Delivering rich notes of dark fruit and tobacco, it is a perfect whiskey for any time of the year.
Light whiskey and cask-finished whiskeys are also big must-haves in Texas. Judges from the Texas Whiskey Festival sampled a number of well-produced offerings in these categories. For light whiskey, a type of whiskey developed in the late 1960s to help brands at that time compete against white spirits in a changing market, the must-have is from light whiskey specialists Austin Craft Spirits. Their Austin 121 is a cask-strength release that varies in high proof barrel by barrel.
Cask-finished whiskeys in Texas build upon the already high-quality spirits put forth by local distilleries. A range of cask-finishing types showcase the diversity of possibilities in this category. For the must-have choice from the 2026 Festival, Andalusia Whiskey Co. is again on the list with its Madeira Cask Stryker. This bold American single malt, distilled from grains smoked with oak, mesquite, and apple woods, is finished for six months in ex-Madeira casks, resulting in flavors of BBQ, campfire, leather, and dark chocolate.
In addition to the judge awards, the night of the Festival revealed the People’s Choice Award winner. Milam & Green Whiskey was this year’s winner. An error during the event resulted in an incorrect initial announcement of the People’s Choice Award. Final results have since been verified, and we apologize for any confusion.
“This tasting is about what people actually enjoy drinking, not just what checks technical boxes,” noted Clements. “Each of these bottles earned its place in the glass and reflects where Texas whiskey is today—bold, diverse, and continuing to evolve.”
Judging for the Texas Whiskey Festival occurs annually, with all entries being put through a blind tasting process, grouped by style. Judges focus on tasting criteria that prioritize what people actually want to drink.
About Texas Whiskey Festival
The purpose of the annual Texas Whiskey Festival is to promote and enhance the brands of the many great distilleries throughout Texas. Along with promotion, we’re focused on educating whiskey enthusiasts on the many fantastic whiskeys produced in our great state, while having fun, drinking great whiskey, and building memorable experiences. We believe that Texas has some of the best distilleries and whiskeys in the world, and the Texas Whiskey Festival is an opportunity to expand the reach and status of Texas Whiskey through public and private events.
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