Panhandle Pride: Bomb City Distillery Unveils First Bourbon, Aims for National Stage
Bomb City Distillery, the Panhandle’s pioneering craft spirits maker, is making waves again—and in a bigger way than ever before. Following the success of its flagship vodka, the Amarillo-based facility has launched its first-ever bourbon whiskey, marking a major milestone in its growth journey and a bold leap into the national bourbon scene.
From Craft Vodka to Bourbon Boldness
Established with a mission to deliver high-quality, small-batch spirits infused with local character, Bomb City Distillery quickly gained recognition for its clean, smooth vodka. But bourbon was always in the cards. After years of planning, distillation, and aging, the distillery has finally bottled a spirit that reflects the grit, warmth, and tradition of Texas itself.
“This bourbon is our way of saying Bomb City can play with the big boys,” noted a representative from the team. With just 280 bottles released in the initial batch, the company is setting the tone with exclusivity, confidence, and quality at the forefront.
Inside the Bottle: What Makes This Bourbon Special
The new bourbon from Bomb City isn’t just a product—it’s a carefully crafted expression of Amarillo pride. While exact mash bill details remain proprietary, the spirit features a classic blend of corn, rye, and malted barley. Aged in new charred oak barrels, the whiskey develops a rich golden hue, complex nose, and smooth finish that reflects both craft precision and regional character.
Tasting notes from the distillery suggest layered hints of vanilla, toasted oak, honey, and subtle spice. It’s a flavor profile that straddles tradition and innovation—respecting the roots of Kentucky bourbon while asserting a distinctive Texas identity.
Bottled at a refined proof, it’s designed to appeal to both collectors and casual bourbon enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed neat, with a splash of water, or in a handcrafted cocktail, the bourbon aims to deliver a memorable sipping experience.
Limited Launch, Unlimited Ambition
Only 280 bottles of this bourbon were released in the first batch—a clear nod to small-batch craftsmanship. Distribution is initially focused within Texas, with availability through select local retailers and directly at the Bomb City tasting room in Amarillo.
The limited release strategy creates demand and positions the distillery’s bourbon as a coveted new player in the craft whiskey market. As production scales and more barrels reach maturity, the distillery plans to expand availability beyond state lines.
Proudly Texan: Locally Sourced, Regionally Inspired
Bomb City’s commitment to authenticity goes beyond its branding. The distillery sources corn and grains from farms in the Amarillo area, and the water used in production is naturally filtered through local limestone formations. This not only roots the bourbon in the High Plains terroir but also supports the local agricultural community.
Sustainability is also part of the equation. The distillery emphasizes efficient water usage, barrel reuse in tasting room décor, and partnerships with local food producers to minimize waste. It's an eco-conscious approach that blends well with the values of today's craft spirit consumers.
The Tasting Room: More Than a Destination
At the heart of Bomb City’s customer experience is its vibrant Amarillo tasting room—a warm, industrial-chic space that showcases gleaming copper stills, oak barrels, and a central bar where spirits are sampled and stories are shared. Guests can enjoy guided tastings, educational tours, and specialty cocktails made with the distillery’s lineup of spirits.
Special events, such as bourbon pairing dinners, mixology classes, and local music nights, make the tasting room a cultural hub for Amarillo residents and visitors alike. This direct connection with the community not only builds brand loyalty but also contributes to the city’s growing tourism appeal.
Community and Culture: Bourbon with a Local Soul
Bomb City Distillery isn’t just making bourbon—it’s telling a story about Amarillo. The name “Bomb City” itself is a nod to the city’s nickname, tied to its legacy of defense manufacturing and aviation. That industrial past meets modern creativity in every aspect of the distillery’s design and product line.
Local artists, designers, and makers have played a role in shaping the distillery’s aesthetic, from custom bottle labels to the interior décor of the tasting room. This collaboration further ties the brand to Amarillo’s evolving identity as a cultural and culinary destination.
Inside the Industry: A Bold Move at the Right Time
The launch of Bomb City Bourbon comes at a strategic moment. The U.S. craft spirits industry has been booming, particularly in bourbon, where consumers increasingly seek small-batch, regionally distinctive products. Bomb City’s move into the bourbon space aligns with this demand and gives Texas whiskey fans another hometown favorite to support.
While Kentucky still dominates the bourbon market, Texas has emerged as a serious contender, with unique climate conditions that accelerate aging and create bold, distinctive flavor profiles. Bomb City joins a growing list of Lone Star distillers proving that world-class bourbon doesn’t have to come from the Bluegrass State.
Expert Commentary and Public Reception
Brad Thompson, co-founder and head distiller at Bomb City, commented during the release:
“This bourbon is our boldest statement yet. It captures where we’ve been with our vodka, where we are now, and where we’re going—a national footprint built one batch at a time.”
Amarillo locals had the first opportunity to try the new bourbon, and early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. One local bourbon enthusiast remarked,
“This is the kind of bottle you bring out for special occasions. It’s got character, smoothness, and that extra kick that tells you it’s the real deal.”
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Bomb City
While the first bourbon release is still in its early days, the distillery is already looking ahead. Upcoming plans include:
Additional bourbon releases with different barrel selections and aging profiles.
Single-barrel, cask-strength, and finished editions (e.g., port or sherry casks).
A rye whiskey currently in development.
Expanded retail distribution across the Southwest and eventually nationwide.
Licensing for online direct-to-consumer shipping, where legally permitted.
Bomb City also aims to scale up its hospitality offerings, with more tasting room experiences, cocktail-focused events, and potential collaborations with chefs and mixologists across Texas.
How to Get Your Hands on a Bottle
For now, the best way to experience Bomb City’s bourbon is by visiting the distillery in Amarillo. Bottles are available in very limited quantities through their tasting room and select Texas retailers. Interested customers are encouraged to follow the distillery’s official channels for updates on future releases, events, and pre-order opportunities.
A Toast to Texas Craft
With its debut bourbon release, Bomb City Distillery has proven that it’s more than a local upstart—it’s a serious player in the craft spirits space with a compelling story, a loyal community, and a product worthy of attention.
In every bottle, there’s a piece of Amarillo: the hard work of local farmers, the spirit of Texan entrepreneurship, and a commitment to doing things the right way. This bourbon isn’t just another craft release—it’s a declaration. Bold, small-batch, and authentically made, Bomb City Bourbon is a taste of what’s possible when tradition meets innovation, and local roots meet national ambition.
Cheers to what’s next.
