What is Balcones Distilling Company known for?

Balcones is recognized as one of the leading producers of American Single Malt Whisky in the United States and has earned over 500 national and international tasting awards. It is also known for its bold grain choices and disciplined experimentation.

What are the visitor center hours for Balcones Distilling Company?

The visitor center is open Wednesday and Thursday from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

How much do tours cost and when are they available?

General tours cost $21.00 per person and are available Thursday through Saturday, though times vary by day.

Is Balcones Distilling Company good for kids?

Tours are restricted to guests age 19 and up, and spirit sampling is limited to guests age 21 and older.

What can I expect to see on a tour of the distillery?

Tours last approximately one hour and walk visitors through the whisky making process, from the grain silos to copper pot stills imported from Scotland.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Balcones Distilling Company in Waco

Balcones Distilling Company

A pioneering Texas craft distillery founded in 2008, Balcones Distilling is renowned for its award-winning American Single Malt Whisky and bold, experimental approach to spirit production in the heart of Waco.

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What to know

Balcones Distilling was founded in Waco in 2008 and began distilling in 2009. The distillery has built a reputation for bold grain choices and disciplined experimentation, refusing to follow traditional scripts. It is recognized as one of the leading producers of American Single Malt Whisky in the United States and has earned more than 500 national and international tasting awards by 2022. In addition to Single Malt, the distillery produces Bourbon, Straight Corn, and Rye whiskies. Originally, the distillery was built mostly by hand and operated until 2015. In early 2016, Balcones moved into its current home, a building that previously served as a barrel warehouse. The production facility features grain silos and copper pot stills imported from the Scottish manufacturer Forsyths, making it one of the few distilleries in the USA to use such equipment. Visitors can explore the production facility through guided tours that walk through the whisky-making process from grain silos to the copper pot stills. These tours last approximately one hour and are restricted to guests aged 19 and up, with spirit sampling limited to those 21 and older. In 2022, the distillery was acquired by Diageo, a global spirits company.

Visitor tips

General tours are available Thursday through Saturday and cost $21.00 per person.
Tours are restricted to guests age 19 and up; spirit sampling is limited to 21 and older.
Visitor center hours are Wednesday 2-7 PM, Thursday 2-7 PM, Friday 1-8 PM, and Saturday 1-8 PM.

Nearby context

Located at 225 S. 11th Street, Balcones Distilling is situated in downtown Waco, near the Waco Downtown Farmers Market and The Brasserie at Hotel 1928.