Our Story Begins In
Fort Worth, TX
FROM BEANS TO BOURBON
Our Building's Humble Beginnings
Nestled in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, the Trinity River Distillery occupies a landmark building steeped in over a century of local history. What now echoes with the clinking of whiskey bottles and the warmth of copper stills once hummed with the bustle of one of Texas’ most iconic food factories: the Ranch Style Beans plant.
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1913: Foundations of a Texas Icon
The story begins in 1913, when the original structure was built as a state-of-the-art facility for the Great Western Foods company. This building would soon become synonymous with Ranch Style Beans—a staple of Texan pantries and Southern cuisine. For nearly a century, the factory was a beacon of industry and consistency, churning out cans of beans flavored with a proprietary blend of spices that became a household name across the American Southwest.
Through the Great Depression, world wars, and rapid urban growth, the plant endured—providing steady jobs and a distinct, smoky aroma that defined the neighborhood for decades. The site’s towering smokestack and iconic signage became beloved local landmarks.
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2008: The End of an Era
After 95 years of operation, the bean plant closed its doors in 2008 when production was relocated by the parent company. Though the machinery fell silent, the bones of the building—its massive steel trusses, exposed brick, and industrial soul—remained intact. For many in Fort Worth, it was a bittersweet moment; a chapter had ended, but the structure still held promise.
2011–2016: A New Spirit Rises
In 2011, U.S. Navy veterans and Texas entrepreneurs Don and Ben Alexander saw more than just an empty factory—they saw the future home of something bold and uniquely Texan. They founded Trinity River Distillery with a vision to honor the legacy of the building while crafting something entirely new.
Over the next five years, the facility underwent a meticulous transformation. Rather than erase the past, the renovation embraced it. Original architectural features were preserved and repurposed: time-worn wood, rugged steel beams, and historic brickwork now frame gleaming distillation equipment. The very essence of Texas grit and craftsmanship lives on in every corner of the space.
Present Day: Heritage in Every Sip
Since 2016, the Trinity River Distillery has proudly produced Silver Star Spirits on this hallowed ground—premium whiskeys, vodkas, and liqueurs distilled with care and tradition. Uniquely, all spirits are crafted using purified Texas rainwater collected on-site in massive 13,000-gallon storage tanks, tying the product to the land in a way few distilleries can claim.
Today, the distillery is not just a place of production—it’s a community gathering spot, an event venue, and a symbol of Fort Worth’s enduring resilience. From its early 20th-century roots to its modern-day revival, the Trinity River Distillery building stands as a tribute to craftsmanship, heritage, and the Texan spirit.
Texas Grain, Texas Rain
Harnessing Texas Rainwater
Situated near downtown Fort Worth, the distillery captures rainwater from its rooftop, storing it in 13,000-gallon tanks on-site. This collected rainwater undergoes a meticulous double reverse osmosis purification process, ensuring a clean and neutral base for distillation. This method not only conserves water but also imparts a unique smoothness to the spirits, distinguishing them in flavor and character.
A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
By integrating purified Texas rainwater with locally sourced grains and ingredients, Trinity River Distillery crafts spirits that reflect the essence of Texas. This approach marries traditional distilling techniques with innovative practices, resulting in products that are both authentic and forward-thinking.
Visitors to the distillery can experience this unique process firsthand through tours and tastings, gaining insight into how Texas rainwater plays a pivotal role in creating Silver Star Spirits. It's a testament to the distillery's dedication to quality, sustainability, and local heritage.
