Western Son brand logo with bird icon.

Western Son Distillery

Region
  • USA, Texas
Awards
  • Cigar & Spirits magazine’s 2017 World Spirits Competition., The Blueberry flavored Western Son Vodka was awarded a Gold at the 2017 Sip Awards, Best of Class Award at the 2018 Sip Awards for their Gin.
Website
  • https://www.westernsondistillery.com/
Phone Number
  • +19403240008
Address
  • 217 W Division St, Pilot Point, TX 76258, United States

Outdoor patio at Western Son distillery.

History of Western Son Distillery

Founding and Early Days

Western Son Distillery was founded in 2011 by a group of individuals driven to create their own path outside the corporate world. This dream was realized with the establishment of Western Son Vodka. John Straits, one of the founders, remains with the company as its president and CEO. Initially, the company operated in Carrollton, Texas, but in 2014, it moved into a larger, 45,000-square-foot facility in Pilot Point, Texas​​.

Production and Techniques

The distillery stands out for its commitment to quality and innovation in spirit production. They distill their vodka ten times in a 20-foot column still and use 100% American yellow corn, which gives the vodka its gluten-free characteristic. The distillery also produces several flavored vodkas and a gin. Their process involves a detailed mashing, fermentation, and distillation approach, ensuring a smooth, high-quality final product​​​​.

Current Operations and Community Involvement

As of now, Western Son Distillery continues to thrive in Pilot Point. They have expanded their reach, with their products available in 40 states across the USA. The distillery also shows a strong commitment to the community, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they produced hand sanitizer and distributed it to local first responders.

This initiative was part of their broader strategy to protect their employees and support the local community during the crisis. Remarkably, the company was able to avoid furloughing any of its employees during this period​​.

Contribution to Charitable Causes

Western Son Distillery also contributes to charitable causes. They donate a portion of the profits from each bottle sold to the Peter Burks Unsung Hero Fund. This non-profit organization supports deployed military personnel by sending care packages and supplies​​.

Awards Won by Western Son Distillery

  • Western Son Original Vodka received a high rating of 95 from Cigar & Spirits magazine’s 2017 World Spirits Competition.
  • The Blueberry flavored Western Son Vodka was awarded a Gold at the 2017 Sip Awards.
  • At the 2018 Sip Awards, their lime-flavored vodka was distinguished with a Double Gold Award.
  • The Prickly Pear Western Son Vodka earned a Platinum Award in the 2018 Sip Awards.
  • Their Cucumber flavored vodka was awarded Double Gold at the Fifty Best Awards for flavored vodkas.
  • The Peach flavored Western Son Vodka received a Best of Class Award at the 2018 Sip Awards.
  • They also received a Best of Class Award at the 2018 Sip Awards for their Gin.
  • The Red Ruby Grapefruit flavored Western Son Vodka won a Gold Award at the 2018 Sip Awards.
  • Western Son Vodka was honored with a 93 rating for their Watermelon flavored vodka in Cigar & Spirits 2017 World Spirits Competition.
  • The company has also been a four-time winner of Impact’s Spirits Hot Brand Award.

Western Son Distillery Tour Information and Experience

The Art and Science of Vodka Making at Western Son Distillery

The Western Son Distillery tour, guided by Distiller Vincent Messina, provides an in-depth exploration into the intricate world of vodka making. This journey delves into how the process transcends mere recipe adherence, showcasing the intersection of art and science in creating a distinguished vodka.

Recipe and Ingredients: The Foundation of Quality

Central to the tour is an insight into the distillery’s unique vodka recipe. While maintaining the confidentiality of the specifics, Messina likely shares insights into the selection of premium ingredients. The tour might highlight the importance of quality grains and water sources, underscoring their impact on the vodka’s smoothness and taste profile.

The Distillation Process: Crafting Excellence

A key feature of the tour is the detailed walkthrough of the distillation process. Visitors have the opportunity to view the distillery’s equipment and learn about the different stages of distillation. This includes understanding how factors like temperature and distillation time are meticulously controlled to achieve the desired purity and flavor.

Tasting Experience: Savoring the Craft

While not explicitly detailed, the tour likely includes a tasting session where visitors can sample Western Son’s vodka. This part of the tour is designed to educate guests on the subtleties of the vodka’s flavor, providing a deeper appreciation of the craft and care put into every bottle.

Interactive and Educational Engagement

The Western Son Distillery tour is crafted to be both interactive and educational, catering to both aficionados and newcomers to the world of vodka. The tour encourages engagement, questions, and discussions, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the art and science of vodka making.

Flask & Barrel Review of Western Son Distillery

As a seasoned whiskey collector who has toured many distilleries, I recently visited Western Son Distillery and I must say, it was an experience worth sharing. I’m giving it a solid 4.7 out of 5.

First off, the location in Pilot Point, Texas, is a gem. It’s not just about the spirits; the setting itself is quite inviting. The facility, with its expansive layout, offers a great blend of modern and rustic charm, which really adds to the overall experience.

Now, onto the spirits. While I’m primarily a whiskey enthusiast, I was pleasantly surprised by their range of vodkas. Each flavor, from the robust Blueberry to the unique Prickly Pear, carries its own distinct profile. It’s clear they’ve mastered the art of flavor infusion. And yes, their whiskey didn’t disappoint either. It was rich, smooth, and had just the right amount of complexity that I look for.

The tour itself was informative and engaging. As someone who’s been on numerous distillery tours, I appreciated the depth of detail they provided about their distillation process, especially the 10-times distillation technique for their vodkas. It’s always great to see a distillery that doesn’t just produce quality spirits, but also takes pride in their craft.

Moreover, their commitment to community and the environment, especially their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, added an extra layer of respect for them in my eyes. It’s not just about the spirits; it’s about the ethos of the company too.

The only reason I’m holding back on a full 5 rating is the limited whiskey selections. As a whiskey collector, I would’ve loved to see more variety in that department. But that’s more of a personal preference than a critique.

What To Do Nearby Western Son Distillery

Pilot Point “Old City Park”: Just a short distance from Western Son Distillery, this park is a beautiful outdoor space that’s dog-friendly. It’s a great place for a relaxing stroll or a picnic, surrounded by lush greenery and ample space for pets to play​​.

Historic Downtown Pilot Point: Explore the rich history and charming architecture of Pilot Point’s historic downtown. It’s a perfect spot for leisurely walks, shopping in quaint stores, and admiring the well-preserved 19th-century buildings​​.

Lizzygator: For nature lovers, Lizzygator offers a serene environment perfect for hiking and bird-watching. Located amidst picturesque landscapes, it’s an ideal place to reconnect with nature and enjoy the tranquility​​.

Clifton & Nadene Irick Museum: Discover the history and culture of Pilot Point at this museum, which showcases a wide range of artifacts and exhibits. It’s an educational experience for visitors of all ages​​.

Texas Tulips, LLC: A short drive away in Aubrey, Texas, this attraction features fields of vibrant tulips. It’s a beautiful destination for those looking to enjoy the beauty of nature and the magic of blooming tulips​​.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park: This state park is perfect for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing. It’s a scenic park with a lot to offer for nature and adventure enthusiasts​​.

Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch: A unique wildlife area where you can see a variety of animals. It’s a fun and educational experience for the whole family​​.

Whistle Post Brewery: Located near Western Son Distillery, this brewery is an excellent spot for craft beer enthusiasts. They often host special events and offer a range of beers to try​​.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Western Son Distillery?

Buff’s Grill: This traditional American restaurant boasts a high rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. For those looking to make reservations or inquiries, you can contact them at (940) 686-4745. The restaurant is located at 400 US-377, Pilot Point, TX 76258.

Ernesto’s Fine Mexican Food: Known for its Mexican cuisine, Ernesto’s has earned a 4.5-star rating. You can reach them for reservations at (940) 686-3500. The restaurant’s address is 10279 Farm to Market 455 E #100, Pilot Point, TX 76258.

Uncle Betos Mexican Restaurant: This Tex-Mex restaurant enjoys a 4.4-star rating. They can be contacted at (940) 686-0143. Uncle Betos is located at 108 US-377, Pilot Point, TX 76258.

What hotels are near Western Son Distillery?

Lone Star Lodge & Marina: This hotel has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can contact them at (940) 686-0261. Their address is 2200 FM 1192, Pilot Point, TX 76258.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Denton – University Drive: This hotel holds a 4.0-star rating. You can reach out to them for reservations at (940) 808-0444. The hotel is located at 4465 N Interstate 35, Denton, TX 76207.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Denton-Unt-Twu: With a 4.3-star rating, this hotel can be contacted for reservations at (940) 808-0600. It is situated at 4485 N Interstate 35, Denton, TX 76207.