The Texas Distillery Behind Bexar Ridge and Pecan Ridge Closes for Good

Saturday, 17 January 2026 at 14:33

The Texas craft spirits scene is losing a standout player. Artisan Craft Distillery will close its doors for good on January 25. The distillery has been active for 13 years in the heart of San Antonio.

The distillery announced the news on Instagram, citing a combination of economic and market factors that make it impossible to continue.

Rising production costs, import tariffs, and shifting consumer preferences play a major role. According to Artisan, enthusiasm for handcrafted cocktails and micro-distilleries is waning while costs continue to climb, making it impossible to keep the business going.

From vodka experiments to Texas whisky

Artisan started with Spike Vodka and quickly grew into a versatile producer with Texas Pride Vodka, S&C Gin, and several whisky expressions. In 2017, the distillery introduced Bexar Ridge Bourbon.

This bourbon, made from corn, wheat, and rye, matured for six months in new oak barrels. The result was an approachable bourbon that could be sipped neat or used in cocktails.

Pecan Ridge Whiskey: one-of-a-kind in the United States

Alongside Bexar Ridge, the team developed Pecan Ridge Whiskey an expression that carved out a unique place for Artisan in the American whisky landscape. The whiskey ages for at least 24 months and is not flavored. The spirit matured with soft pecans and smoked pecan-wood staves in the barrel, lending woody, nutty notes with a dry undertone.

One last toast together

Before the final curtain, Artisan wants to look back one more time on everything they’ve built. On the last Saturday before closing, the distillery will host one final market as a tribute to all the great markets of the past. Former vendors are invited to gather one last time, and Southern Fried Vegan is making a special trip to help celebrate the farewell.

Invitations are going out now, but external vendors can still sign up via the link in Artisan’s Instagram bio.

What a shame to see another player disappear from this beautiful drinks landscape!

Want to learn more about the nectar of the gods from the United States? Check out our page.

FAQ

Where is Artisan Craft Distillery located?
The distillery is located in Texas. It’s a small-scale, craft producer.

Which spirits does Artisan Craft Distillery produce?
They make rum, gin, and vodka, among others, often in small batches with an experimental approach.