HM

Herman Marshall Distillery

Region
  • Texas
Awards
  • Awarded Best Distillery, Gold Medal Winner: At the American Distilling Institute’s annual Craft Spirits Competition in Louisville, Kentucky.
Website
  • http://hmwhiskey.com/
Phone Number
  • +14693040069
Address
  • 121 N Ballard Ave, Wylie, TX 75098

 

Red brick building with whiskey bar storefront.

 

History of Herman Marshall Distillery

 

Founding and Prohibition Era

The Herman Marshall Distillery’s story is intertwined with the history of Prohibition in the United States. Prohibition, starting with the 18th Amendment in 1917, led to the destruction of the whiskey industry, with distilleries shutting down and the rise of illegal alcohol production.

This era saw the emergence of bootleggers and organized crime syndicates like the Sicilian Mafia and Al Capone’s outfit, who filled the void left by legal distilleries.

Revival and Distilling Philosophy

Herman Beckley and Marshall Louis, the founders of Herman Marshall Distillery, were driven by a passion to revive the lost craft of honest whiskey-making.

They researched old bourbon recipes from the 1800s and, through trial and error, perfected their distilling techniques. Their philosophy, “Whiskey from the grain up,” emphasizes starting with the finest grains, specifically AAA-rated corn from the Texas Panhandle.

Unique Production Techniques

The distillery employs traditional methods, such as using hand-built cypress tanks for fermentation and a custom 400-gallon copper pot still heated with steam.

Their proprietary yeast strain and water sourced from a secret spring in East Texas contribute to the whiskey’s distinct flavor. The aging process in new charred American white oak barrels, combined with Texas’s extreme temperatures, imparts a unique depth and richness to their whiskey.

Awards Won by Herman Marshall Distillery

  • Awarded Best Distillery: They were named Best Distillery by the Dallas Observer in both 2020 and 2023.
  • Gold Medal Winner: Their Rye Whiskey won a gold medal at the American Distilling Institute’s annual Craft Spirits Competition in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • Popular Products: The distillery is known for its rye, bourbon, and single-malt whiskies, celebrated for their quality and flavor.

Herman Marshall Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Current Status and Future Plans

As of now, Herman Marshall Distillery is undergoing construction for their new distillery in Wylie, TX, which is set to open in Spring 2023. Due to this ongoing construction, distillery tours are currently unavailable.

However, whiskey enthusiasts can look forward to the opening of their new Tasting Room in Downtown Wylie, which promises an immersive experience in enjoying their whiskeys.

Tasting Room Events

The Herman Marshall Tasting Room offers a variety of event options:

  • Let’s Whiskey Section: Ideal for intimate gatherings, this section accommodates up to 15 guests. It’s a cozy corner perfect for enjoying live music on Friday and Saturday nights, with a booking requirement of a $50 deposit and a minimum $200 drink tab.
  • Outdoor Patio: The first floor includes a 500 sq. ft. patio, offering a breath of fresh air and a relaxed outdoor setting.
  • Spacious Event Room: The 2,000 sq. ft. event room on the upper floor is versatile, suitable for various events like birthday parties, company meetings, weddings, or receptions. The room fee is $150 per hour.
  • Customization Options: Guests have the flexibility to cater food of their choice and even bring in a live band, making it an ideal venue for personalized events.

Booking and Contact

For those interested in booking the Tasting Room or inquiring about more details, they can reach out via email to Clint Ecord at cecord@hmwhiskey.com.

What To Do Nearby Herman Marshall Distillery

  • Lakewood Brewing Company: A popular brewery known for its excellent beers like Temptress Stout and BBT. It’s a great spot for beer enthusiasts looking to explore local brews.
  • Plaza Theatre: This beautifully restored theater in downtown Garland offers an intimate setting for plays and live musical performances, with good prices and great ambiance.
  • Curtis Culwell Center: A venue hosting various events. Check their website for upcoming activities.
  • Hawaiian Falls Garland: A fun water park with slides, a river, and a wave pool, perfect for a family day out.
  • Garland Symphony Orchestra: Enjoy classical music concerts for a cultured evening.
  • Duck Creek Greenbelt: A serene park offering a nice path for a peaceful walk alongside a creek.
  • Spring Creek Forest Preserve Nature Trail: Ideal for short hikes and dog walks, offering a touch of nature in the city.
  • Granville Arts Center: Another theater option for various live performances.
  • Firewheel Town Center: A shopping mall for those looking to indulge in some retail therapy.
  • On the Rocks: Located in Dallas, it’s known for its ready-to-serve bottled cocktails, perfect for trying out unique drink mixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Herman Marshall Distillery?

  • Napoli’s Italian Wylie Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 701 N State Hwy 78, Wylie, TX 75098.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +19724424653. 
  • The South: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 560 Country Club Rd STE 101A, Wylie, TX 75098.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +14692980440. 
  • Creekside Fine Grill: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 2600 FM 544, Wylie, TX 75098.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +14695571963.

What hotels are near Herman Marshall Distillery?

  • Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 5101 N President George Bush Hwy, Garland, TX 75040.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +19724143500.