Whiskey News
Fort Worth distiller issues limited release of city's first bourbon
After over four-and-a-half years of aging, Firestone and Robertson Distilling Company has the first bourbon out of Fort Worth ready to go. Its TX Straight Bourbon is available in limited quantities at the company's Fort Worth distillery, and in select Dallas and Fort Worth stores beginning December 12.
Leonard Firestone, who co-founded Firestone and Robertson with partner Troy Robertson, says that they've impatiently endured a long wait but are proud of the result.
"The final product has certainly achieved all our goals," he says. "The bourbon has a beautiful aroma. It's smooth. It's balanced. And on the palate, it reveals classic bourbon characteristics but clearly possesses its own personality."
F&R distilled and barreled its first batch of TX Straight Bourbon in the beginning of 2012. Utilizing a yeast strain that F&R captured and cultivated from a pecan tree nut located in Glen Rose, Texas, it is the only whiskey in the world to use a wild Texas yeast strain. It gave the spirit its distinct flavors of dark fruit, sweet spice, and caramel. To add to its roots, the product is produced exclusively with corn and wheat grains farmed in Texas.
Robertson says that the company is committed to innovation, ushering in the next generation of whiskey production. "Our philosophy has always been to embrace traditional methods, while pushing the boundaries of our craft and taking risks," he says.
Firestone and Robertson founded the company in 2010. They released the first product, TX Blended Whiskey, in 2012. Its smooth profile has made it a regional favorite in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.
The bourbon has a dark amber color, a result of the hot Texas climate after years of aging in oak barrels. In the glass, the bourbon's viscosity can be seen in the long, slow "legs."
The nose has aromas of oak, caramel, cinnamon, and allspice. After dilution with a few drops of water, you get dark dried fruit, coconut, toasted almonds, and more sweet spice. On the palate, there's a velvety, mouth-coating sensation that's classic with bourbon.
