A local distiller is planning to open in the former Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. space at 701 Galveston Ave. in south Fort Worth in the fall with what it says will be the first North Texas distillery focused on American single malt whiskey.
Blue Flag Distillery announced July 1 that the 37,000-square-foot space just off South Main Street will include — along with distillery and brewing operations — a private tasting room, retail sales and event space for hosting gatherings of 50 to 60 people.
“The concept for Blue Flag began with evenings on our family’s porch, where friends and neighbors would gather for drinks and conversation,” said Will Rucker, founder and president in a statement. “We’d fly the flag to let the neighborhood know that all were welcome to join us.”
Along with Rucker, the distillery is led by head of operations Nate Swan, who spent more than a decade as a brewer and also worked in that position at Rahr & Sons.
“Introducing our American single malt whiskey to North Texas and beyond is something I’m passionate about,” said Swan in a news release. “The opportunity to do that in Fort Worth makes it even more meaningful.”
Blue Flag Distillery stills are visible in its new space off South Main in Fort Worth. (Courtesy photo | Blue Flag Distillery)
American single malt whiskey was recently recognized as a whiskey category by the U.S. government’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. The designation means the product must be mashed, distilled and aged in the U.S., distilled from 100% malted barley at a single distillery and aged in oak barrels.
The market for American whiskey has been growing in recent years, though threats of tariffs have slowed some of that growth, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. In 2023, more than 31 million 9-liter cases of American whiskey were sold in the U.S., a 132% increase since 2003, generating nearly $5.3 billion in revenue for distillers.
Blue Flag’s new location will house two of the largest pot stills in the nation, according to the company.
While the American single malt whiskey will age for an anticipated three years, Blue Flag also will produce artisanal gin and beer on-site.
“Blue Flag Distillery is our extension of that hospitality and connection to our city on a large scale — to aspiring spirits enthusiasts, seasoned whiskey connoisseurs and everyone in between,” said Rucker.
Rahr & Sons, which helped usher in the Texas craft beer boom and was a trailblazer in the South Main revival, announced in April a move to a new Fort Worth location. The company’s beer is made at other breweries as it seeks a new permanent location, Rahr said on its website.
Bob Francis is business editor for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at bob.francis@fortworthreport.org.At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
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