Acre Distilling Co. sits in Fort Worth’s Near Southside district on Calhoun Street, occupying a converted warehouse that fits right into the neighborhood’s industrial-meets-artsy vibe. Founded in 2014 by Kirt Bowden, a former finance guy who ditched corporate life to chase his whiskey dreams, the distillery officially opened its doors in 2016 after navigating the usual maze of permits and city approvals. The 4,000-square-foot space houses their copper pot still setup and serves as both production facility and tasting room, specializing in bourbon, rye, and vodka. Bowden’s journey from Wall Street to whiskey started with home distilling experiments and a growing obsession with craft spirits. He partnered with local investors who believed in bringing small-batch distilling back to Tarrant County, which hadn’t seen legal distilling since Prohibition. The team focuses on grain-to-glass production, sourcing corn and wheat from Texas farms when possible. Their approach emphasizes smaller batches that allow for more hands-on control throughout the process. The distillery operates more like a neighborhood hangout than a formal tour destination. You’ll find locals sipping cocktails made with house spirits while watching the production process through large windows. The tasting room has that warehouse feel with concrete floors and exposed brick, but it’s comfortable rather than austere. What makes it worth visiting is the combination of serious whiskey-making with a relaxed atmosphere where you can actually talk to the people making your drink.