Lockwood Distilling sits in a restored 1920s building on Louisiana Street in downtown McKinney, Texas, about 30 miles north of Dallas. Founded in 2017 by husband-and-wife team Chris and Jennifer Lockwood, this craft distillery focuses on small-batch bourbon, rye, and vodka production using traditional methods with modern equipment. The 6,000-square-foot facility houses custom copper stills and serves as both production space and tasting room for visitors looking to experience Texas craft spirits.
Chris Lockwood brings an engineering background to the distilling process, while Jennifer handles the business operations side of their venture. They started Lockwood after years of home distilling experimentation and a shared vision of creating quality spirits that reflect Texas craftsmanship. The couple spent over two years navigating permits and regulations before opening their doors, transforming what was once a commercial building into a working distillery that maintains the character of historic McKinney.
The distillery operates as a grain-to-glass operation, meaning they control every step from milling to bottling. Visitors can see the entire production process during tours, from the mash tuns where grains are converted to the copper pot stills where the magic happens. The tasting room maintains an industrial-meets-rustic atmosphere with exposed brick walls and polished concrete floors, creating a space that’s both functional and welcoming for guests wanting to sample their spirits or enjoy craft cocktails made with house-distilled products.