Texas distilleries drive tourism growth, contributing $830 million+ to state's economy

[Erik Owens]

https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/texas-distilleries-drive-tourism-growth-contributing-830-million-to-states-economy-standard-proof-whisky-fierce-whiskers-money-covid-pandemic-tasting-rooms

by Monique Lopez

Fri, April 26th 2024 at 9:13 PM

Updated Sun, April 28th 2024 at 10:01 PM

AUSTIN, Texas — Distilleries in Texas are on a bounce back. Like many industries, the distillery industry took a hit during the pandemic, but a new study shows they are on their way up, helping Texas’ tourism economy greatly.

“We really had zero business, until the lockdowns were really lifted,” said Fierce Whiskers co-founder Tim Penney.

COVID made things difficult for almost every industry, including the beverage manufacturing business.

Fierce Whiskers in Austin was just getting started at the onset of the pandemic, which was not at all optimal, but now things are looking up.

“It keeps growing. Texas is becoming more and more of a category in whiskey,” said Penney. “People are coming here; people love Austin – one of the reasons we wanted to do the business here in Austin is it is a destination city.”