Lockwood Distilling Company sits in Fort Worth’s Near Southside district, occupying a restored 1920s warehouse at 1411 W Magnolia Avenue that once housed automotive parts. Founded in 2014 by Jason Lockwood, a former oil and gas executive who traded corporate life for copper stills after becoming fascinated with the science of distillation during weekend hobby experiments. The 8,000-square-foot facility houses a 500-gallon copper pot still and produces bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka, with plans for gin and rum releases. Lockwood’s journey from weekend warrior to full-time distiller took three years of navigating Texas regulations and convincing city officials that a distillery could revitalize the Magnolia Avenue corridor. He hired master distiller Chris Jorgensen, who previously worked at small-batch operations in Kentucky, to develop recipes that showcase Texas grain. The operation reflects Lockwood’s engineering background—everything from fermentation temperature controls to barrel storage systems shows meticulous attention to detail and efficiency. The tasting room feels more like a neighborhood bar than a sterile production facility, with exposed brick walls, industrial lighting, and a copper-topped bar where you can watch the distillation process through large windows. Tours take you through the grain-to-glass process, and Lockwood or Jorgensen often lead them personally, explaining how Texas heat affects aging and why they chose specific mash bills. It’s small enough that you’re not herded through with crowds, but serious enough that whiskey geeks will appreciate the technical discussions about cuts and barrel selection.