Bendt Distilling Co.

History of Bendt Distilling Co.

Founding and Early Years

• 2011-2012: The journey of BENDT Distilling Co. began when Quentin Witherspoon, Ryan DeHart, Natasha DeHart, and Laurent Spamer came together to venture into craft distilling.
• 2012: The company, named initially Witherspoon Distillery, became operational, with an initial focus on rum production.

Evolution and Growth

• 2013: Texas law changes enabled direct consumer sales, which transformed the distillery into a tourist destination and bar.
• 2014-2015: Due to space constraints, the search for a larger facility began, leading to a move to the former site of a Piggly Wiggly grocery store in 2015.
• 2015: Introduction of Sazerac as a minority partner, signaling a shift towards a more robust operational scale.

Focus on Whiskey Production

• The subsequent years saw a notable increase in team growth and an enhanced focus on whiskey production, diversifying the distillery’s product range and market presence.

Significant Rebranding

• 2018: Quentin Witherspoon departed the company.
• 2019: The distillery was rebranded to BENDT Distilling Co., coinciding with a new focus on whiskey blending and experimentation.

Adaptation and Innovation

• 2020: During the Covid-19 pandemic, BENDT Distilling Co. contributed to community efforts by producing hand sanitizer.
• Despite the pandemic’s challenges, the company continued to grow, releasing new products such as the UNBENDT Bottled-in-Bond series in 2022.

Present Day

• Today, BENDT Distilling Co. stands as a symbol of resilience and innovation in the craft distilling industry, continually adapting to changing circumstances and opportunities.

Awards Won by Bendt Distilling Co.

1. Bendt No. 5 American Blended Whiskey:
   • In 2022, it earned 84 points at the Bartender Spirits Awards, receiving a Silver Medal.
   • It also achieved a score of 91 points at the 2022 USA Spirits Ratings, winning a Gold Medal.
   • Additionally, it was awarded a Silver Medal at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
2. Bendt Bourbon Cream:
   • This liqueur won a Silver Medal at the 2022 Bartender Spirits Awards with a score of 82 points.
   • In 2023, it received a Gold Medal at the USA Spirits Ratings, scoring 92 points, and a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
3. Witherspoon Whiskey Texas Old Fashioned (RTD):
   • In 2022, this ready-to-drink spirit was awarded a Bronze Medal at the Bartender Spirits Awards with 73 points.
   • It also received a Silver Medal at the 2023 USA Spirits Ratings, scoring 85 points.
4. Unbendt Malt Whiskey:
   • This whiskey earned a Gold Medal at the 2023 USA Spirits Ratings, achieving 92 points.
5. Unbendt Straight Wheat Whiskey:
   • It received a Gold Medal at the 2023 USA Spirits Ratings with 90 points.
   • It was also awarded a Gold Medal at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a Double Gold Medal at the 2022 New York International Spirits Competition, and another Gold Medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
6. Unbendt Straight Bourbon Whiskey:
   • This whiskey was awarded a Silver Medal at the 2023 USA Spirits Ratings, scoring 89 points.

Bendt Distilling Co. Tour Information and Experience

The tour experience at BENDT Distilling Co. offers a unique and immersive journey into craft distilling. Visitors can reserve their distillery tour through the company’s website. While the specific details of the tour are not explicitly outlined on the tour booking page, it’s common for such tours to include several key elements:

1. Behind-the-Scenes Look: Tours typically involve a walk-through of the distilling facilities, where guests can see the distillation process up close. This might include viewing the stills, fermentation tanks, and other equipment used in whiskey production.
2. Educational Component: Guides often explain the distillation process, from grain selection to fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling. This educational aspect offers guests a deeper understanding of the craft and science behind spirit production.
3. Tasting Sessions: A highlight of any distillery tour is usually a tasting session. Here, guests might sample a range of BENDT Distilling Co.’s products, such as their signature whiskeys. Tasting sessions often include guidance on how to taste and appreciate the nuances of each spirit properly.
4. Gift Shop Access: Tours typically conclude with a visit to the distillery’s gift shop, where guests can purchase bottles of the distillery’s products, along with branded merchandise and other memorabilia.
5. Special Events and Offerings: Distilleries like BENDT often host special events or offer unique experiences, such as cocktail classes, special releases, or food pairings.

It’s important to note that while these elements are common in distillery tours, the specific offerings and structure of BENDT Distilling Co.’s tours may vary.

Flask & Barrel Review of Bendt Distilling Co.

As someone who’s visited more than my fair share of distilleries, I’ve got to say, Bendt Distilling Co. really stands out in my mind. I’m giving it a solid 4.7 out of 5, and here’s why.

First off, the location is pretty unique – housed in what used to be a Piggly Wiggly grocery store. It’s not every day you see a distillery with such a quirky backstory. Walking in, the vibe is welcoming and the staff are down-to-earth. They know their stuff without making you feel like you’re in a lecture.

Now, onto the main event – the whiskey. As a collector, I’ve tasted my way through a variety of spirits, and Bendt’s offerings are top-notch. Their Bendt No. 5 American Blended Whiskey is a standout. It’s a smooth blend of five whiskeys, and you can really taste the craftsmanship. They’ve got this grain-to-glass philosophy that really shines through in the flavor.

The tour itself was informative but laid-back. I’ve been on tours that feel like you’re just being shuffled through, but here, it felt more personal. They shared insights about their blending process and how they’ve adapted over the years, which I found fascinating as a collector.

I’m not going full 5/5 because I felt the tasting room could do with a bit more ambience. It’s comfortable, but a touch more character would make it perfect.

What To Do Nearby Bendt Distilling Co.

Greater Lewisville Community Theatre (0.1 mi): An intimate venue in Old Town Lewisville offering homegrown musicals and plays in a historical building.

Medical City Lewisville Grand Theater (0.1 mi): A hub for various performing arts like musicals, plays, concerts, and ballet, along with an art gallery.

Wayne Ferguson Plaza (0.2 mi): A local landmark ideal for a leisurely stroll, with points of interest and landmarks to explore.

Old Town Lewisville: A revitalized center for arts, dining, and outdoor festivals, offering a unique shopping and dining experience with a mix of eclectic businesses.

Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (1.3 mi): A natural wilderness area where you can enjoy fishing, birding, hiking, kayaking, and even primitive camping.

Old American Golf Club (approx. 8 mi): A challenging golf course with Pinehurst and Pebble Beach influences, known for its tricky bunkers.

The Tribute Golf Club (approx. 8 mi): Offers links-style play amid windswept sand dunes, providing a golf experience reminiscent of Scotland.

Main Event Entertainment (approx. 2 mi): An indoor entertainment center with activities like bowling, laser tag, billiards, and arcade games.

Hawaiian Falls Water Park (approx. 8 mi): A fun water park in The Colony with thrilling rides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.

Bridlewood Golf Club (approx. 9 mi): A beautiful golf course in Flower Mound with lush Bermuda grass and challenging lakes and trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Bendt Distilling Co.?

54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at (972) 436-0054. Their address is 2415 S Stemmons Fwy, Lewisville, TX 75067.

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at (972) 315-6202. Their address is 2418 S Stemmons Fwy, Lewisville, TX 75067.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at (972) 459-9700. Their address is 2609 S Stemmons Fwy, Lewisville, TX 75067.

What hotels are near Bendt Distilling Co.?