History

Herman Marshall Whiskey is a Texas-based, independent distillery founded in 2010 by Master Distiller Herman Beckley and business partner Marshall Louis. Originally they were in Garland, and they were known as Dallas County's first distillery since Prohibition. Over the years, the focus was on reviving old bourbon recipes from the 1800s and creating flavorful American whiskeys through patient experimentation and craftsmanship.

After nearly a decade of growth, the distillery faced challenges in 2020, and operations were temporarily closed. In December 2021, the closed operation was purchased by Dry County Distilleries and moved to a newly renovated facility in Wylie, Texas. The Garland facility was transferred to new ownership, and production now continues under Dry County, while Herman Marshall serves as Chairman Emeritus and distilling consultant. Today, small batches of handcrafted whiskey are produced and aged in new American white oak barrels with #2-char, with all grain and ingredient sourcing sourced from Texas farms.

The distillery describes itself as part of a Texas tradition that combines tradition, innovation and inspiration — and as a continuation of Herman Beckley’s legacy.

Production / Manufacturing

Herman Marshall produces small-batch, high-proof whiskeys that are distilled and aged in Texas. All grains and other ingredients come from Texas farmers, and bourbon, rye and single malt are aged for at least four years in new American white oak barrels with #2-char. The distillery still uses its old 300-gallon copper pot stills and a column, which has been in the family for more than 15 years.

Certified-recognized – the house’s products have received awards such as a silver medal and 93 points at the American Distilling Institute (ADI) Spirits Competition in 2013, as well as recognitions such as “Best Small Batch Bourbon” at the International Whisky Competition and a Bronze Medal for their rye whiskey.

Products / Whisky Series

• Herman Marshall Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 92 proof (46% ABV); Tasting notes: caramel, vanilla, fruit, dried fruit, light candied notes, lightly spicy. Aroma: vanilla, caramel, dried fruit, creamy finish.
• Herman Marshall Straight Rye Whiskey – 99 proof (49.5% ABV); Tasting notes: caramel and vanilla dominate, later developing into complex spice and a smoky body. Aroma: bold rye spice, floral note, hints of nutmeg, cinnamon and mint.
• Herman Marshall Single Malt Whiskey – 92 proof (46% ABV); Mash bill: 100% malted barley; Tasting notes: light oak, dried fruit and malt, long finish. Aroma: hint of vanilla and caramel, strong malt notes, with a note of smoke.
• Herman Marshall Bottled In Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 100 proof (50% ABV); Mash bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley; Tasting notes: complex with warm spice and a long, dry finish.
• Herman Marshall Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 115–125 proof (57.5–62.5% ABV); Mash bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley; Tasting notes: caramel, vanilla, fruit, dried fruit, lightly spicy; Finish: vanilla, caramel, dried fruit, creamy finish.
• Herman Marshall Cask Strength Rye Whiskey Finished in Pinot Noir Barrels from Landon Winery – 126 proof (63% ABV); Mash bill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley; Tasting notes: caramel and vanilla fade into a complex spicy and smoky finish.
• Herman Marshall Legacy Series Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 110 proof (55% ABV); Mash bill: 73% corn, 27% malted barley; Notes: aged character and intensity.
• Herman Marshall Legacy Series Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 137 proof (68.5% ABV); Mash bill: 73% corn, 27% malted barley; Bold, fully developed spice and caramel.
• Herman Marshall Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 92 proof (46% ABV); Mash bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley; Tasting notes: fruit, vanilla, caramel and cream layered on top of notes of brown sugar and baked spices.
• Herman Marshall Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey Benefiting Guns and Hoses Foundation of North Texas – 92 proof (46% ABV); Same base as above, with special releases in support of the Guns & Hoses Foundation.
• Herman Marshall Dry County American Whiskey – 90 proof (45% ABV); Tasting notes: light oak, dominant fruit and grain; Aroma: fruit, oakiness from used barrel and corn.
• Dry County Texas Vodka – 80 proof (40% ABV); Claimed 8-stage charcoal filtration for a clean and smooth finish.
• Herman Marshall Generation Gin and other products are mentioned as part of the portfolio, but here the focus is primarily on whiskey-focused products.

All grains and ingredients are sourced from Texas farms, and most whiskey variants are aged as noted in new American white oak barrels with #2-char for at least four years.

Visit / Experiences

Herman Marshall operates a Tasting Room in Downtown Wylie, Texas – with live music, events and creative cocktails. The address is 121 N. Ballard Ave., Wylie, TX 75098. Hours vary throughout the week, and the venue also offers the ability to arrange events through their Event Space. Guests can purchase products directly in the Tasting Room or pick up online orders there (special restrictions for Texas shipments). The Tasting Room hosts weekly events and music, bingo, trivia, poker and live music on weekends.

The distillery is part of Dry County Distilleries and is located in a newly renovated facility in Wylie. Tours were mentioned as a future possibility at the former Garland facility, but are not a permanent part of the current offering.

Philosophy

Texas whiskey is built “from the grain up” — the distillery produces small batches of handcrafted whiskey aged in new American white oak barrels, with all grain sourced from Texas farms. They value a balance between tradition and innovation, and they reference the Prohibition era’s influence as a historical driving force behind their approach to craft and the continuing development of the Herman Marshall legacy.