Blackland Distillery

The Blackland Distillery is located in a business strip center of sorts, but the facility is anything but a cookie cutter storefront.  Walking up to the front door, you get an industrial chic Asian-inspired vibe.   You pass the wood enclosed patio which is surrounded by beds of smooth stones.  The black matte finish on the signage and outside walls are offset by the greenery positioned at the corners of the patio.  It's a great minimalist and serene feel.  

Once inside, the mood shifts to more of a smoking lounge decor - without the smoke.  It's dark but not depressing.  The furnishings are modern clean lines, but still inviting.  Tables, couches and booths surround a horseshoe shaped bar centered under a large chandelier.  It definitely feels like you are more of a client than a customer.  

Blackland distills four spirits on site, and creates all the offered cocktails from just those spirits.  They also make their own bitters and infusions.  A cheese board and a couple of other small bites are also available.  We decided on the flight of all four spirits to see the range of this distillery.  

 The order presented was vodka, gin, bourbon and rye.  The disclaimer here is that I'm not much of a vodka nor gin drinker, but wanted to give theirs a try.  The vodka was nice and fairly nondescript.  The gin was very floral, but smooth in delivery. I could see using both of these as mixers if that's your alcohol go to.  

Tried the bourbon and rye as a side by side comparison.  The bourbon presented quite a bit darker than the rye, and opened with an aroma that we decided was sandalwood.  Reminded me a little of cologne, but maybe that's just a memory I hold in association.  The taste was full, but had a slightly harsh finish.  Tried them all neat, and would like to have seen what it would do over ice.  The rye had that same sandalwood overtone, but had the traditional spicy finish.  

Blackland seems to have certainly found a niche, and has stuck to it.  I appreciated the knowledge and the friendliness of the staff.  The ambiance is top notch, and the cocktail list has many inviting entries.  Give them a look next time you are in Ft. Worth.

Cheers, y'all!