Texas is known for so many things: BBQs, football, country music… and someday soon, we’re sure its distilled spirits will make the list.

Texas is home to a growing number of distilleries that are producing some of the most sought-after spirits in the country, including Greenhouse Gin, Rebecca Creek Whiskey, and Dripping Springs Vodka – just to name a few.

However, the Texan spirits industry has grown faster than anyone could have imagined, and it has left local distilleries and communities in need of a voice, and changes in legislation to serve the interests of local businesses and consumers.

Enter: the TDSA. In this post, we’re going to explore exactly what the Texas Distilled Spirits Association does, who can join, and how distilleries function in the state. Without further ado…

Who Are The Texas Distilled Spirits Association?

The Texas Distilled Spirits Association (TDSA) is a strong, voluntary community of Texans that have come together to support the local distillery industry. All members have a passion for locally sourced Texan spirits, and members include licensed distilleries, enthusiasts, companies with common interests, and more.

The organization’s main aim is to keep growing the distillery industry (and community) and help pass legislation that will benefit craft distillers in Texas.

The TDSA was formed in 2012 after the rapid growth of distilleries in the local area. Between 1995 and 2008, Texas saw a sharp increase in the number of operational distilleries, but business owners still felt like they lacked a voice.

This is why the TDSA was formed – to help businesses get their voices heard, meet consumer needs, and put the industry on the map.

What Does The Texas Distilled Spirits Association Do? 

Although we’ve discussed the main aims of the organization above, here’s a closer look at how the TDSA aims to prioritize the interest of local distilleries:

• Education: The TDS wants to educate the community about the benefits of locally-sourced alcoholic beverages. The TDSA increases awareness, encourages community involvement, and increases networking opportunities between businesses, budding entrepreneurs, and the wider community.
• Marketing: Strong marketing is at the heart of any successful business. The TDSA partners with local distilleries and helps increase their marketing opportunities through local events and partnerships.
• Influencing Legislation: The TDSA provides all distillers with a voice and helps influence legislation in the distillery industry to ensure that the best interests of all distilleries are served.

Relationships with Government: The association maintains strong relationships with governments to put the local economy on the map, and serve the best interests of local businesses.

The TDSA maintains close relationships with the government and lawmakers and encourages the local community to weigh in on issues in the industry, too.

Which Distilleries Are Members Of The Texas Distilled Spirits Association?

The Texas Distilled Spirits Association has a growing membership. There are currently 47 distilleries in the Texas Distilled Spirits Association. Here is the list of current members:

• Yellow Rose Distilling LLC in Houston, Texas
• yDrink in Austin, Texas
• Wilson Valley Mercantile, LLC in Little River Academy, Texas
• Western Son Distillery in Pilot Point, Texas
• Treaty Oak Brewing and Distilling Company in Dripping Springs, Texas
• Texas Whiskey Festival in Austin, Texas
• Structure Tone Southwest in San Antonio, Texas
• Stoelzle Glass USA
• Still Austin Whiskey Co. in Austin, Texas
• Southwest Spirits in Dallas, Texas
• Southwest Packaging Solutions in Dallas, Texas
• Slicker Beverage Insights in Colleyville, Texas
• RFG Distilling Company
• Rebecca Creek Distillery in San Antonio, Texas
• Railean Distillers, LLC in San Leon, Texas
• Persedo Spirits in Alvin, Texas
• OPA Design Studio, INC in Austin, Texas
• Nine Banded Whiskey in Dripping Springs, Texas
• Moss Adams in Dallas, Texas
• me&u
• MBS Seed, Inc in Denton, Texas
• Martin, Frost and Hill- Law firm in Austin, Texas
• Llano Craft Distillery LLC. in Llano, Texas
• Kelly Hart & Hallman
• HYE Rum in Dripping Springs, Texas
• Hill Country Distillers in Comfort, Texas
• Gulf Coast Distillers in Houston, Texas
• Grandstand Glassware & Apparel
• GBMB Insurance Agency
• Garrison Brothers Distillery in Austin, Texas
• Free Spirit Distilling in New Braunfels, Texas
• Fire Oak Distillery in Liberty Hill, Texas
• Dripping Springs Distilling in Dripping Springs, Texas
• Dragon Spirits Marketing
• Devils River Whiskey Company in Driftwood, Texas
• Desert Door Distillery in Driftwood, Texas
• Crowded Barrel Whiskey Company in Austin, Texas
• Code Ranch Distillery in Austin, Texas
• Burleson’s Pure Honey
• Black Flag Distillery, LLC in Caddo Mills, Texas
• BKCW Insurance
• Bendt Distilling Co. in Lewisville, Texas
• Balcones Distilling in Waco, Texas
• Bahnbrecker in New Braunfels, Texas
• Arryved
• Apex Speciality Grains
• Acre Distilling Co in Fort Worth, Texas
• Accu-Print/Accu-Labels in San Antonio, Texas
• 1845 Distilling Company in Fairview, Texas

How Can I Join The Texas Distilled Spirits Association? 

Joining the association is simple, and you can choose from several membership options, including:

• Principal Member
• Principal Member (biannual renewal)
• Associate Member
• Trade Member
• Enthusiast Member

Memberships start at $25 per year for enthusiasts,  and can cost as much as $1,000 per year for those with a TABC “D” license. The membership you require will depend on your needs, and whether you’re a business or enthusiast.

At the highest levels of membership, you can become a voting member of the association and have your say on legislative issues, and you’ll even receive promotional items and access to exclusive events.

For more information about TDSA memberships, benefits, and pricing, visit the Texas Distilled Spirits Association Website for more information.

State Fees 

The average cost for a distillery license in Texas is between $1,500 and $2,081. However, fees vary depending on the exact license you require, your manufacturing needs, and more.

Remember: you will not only need a license to distill alcohol but also a license to sell it on your premises (if required). Such licenses can cost anywhere between $300-$6,000.

Licensing Requirements

You’ll need a commercial distilling license to own and operate a distillery in Texas. Multiple licenses exist for the manufacturing, distribution, and retail of alcoholic beverages at craft distilleries.

Federal licenses you may require include:

• TTB 5110.41 basic permit
• TTB 5100.24 distilled spirit plant
• TTB 5110.74 for the manufacture of ethanol

Note: these are federal licenses only. You will also need to follow state requirements, and obtain the relevant state licenses which will depend on the type of alcohol you’re distilling, what materials you’re using, and more.

For more information, contact the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

Distillery Restrictions 

• You cannot legally own or run a distillery without the appropriate licensing
• You cannot offer more than 3,000 gallons per alcohol in your tasting room (with a “D” permit)
• You cannot sell any more than 3,500 gallons of alcohol per year (with a “D” permit)
• Most licenses will only allow you to open on Sundays between 10 am-12 noon (for food service only), and noon until midnight for regular distillery functions.

Note: Depending on which license you have, your distillery may be subject to further restrictions. Consult the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for more information.

Final Thoughts 

Since its inception, the TDSA has come leaps and bounds, and it’s now the primary voice for distillery owners and enthusiasts across the state. Thinking of joining?

The application process is quick and easy, and there are so many benefits for businesses and enthusiasts alike. Consult the Texas Distilled Spirits Association website for more information.