Bomb City Distillery, known for its successful vodka, is expanding its offerings with the introduction of its first bourbon whiskey. The distillery celebrated this milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the release of a bourbon that has been aging for over two years. There will be a limited quantity available, with only 251 bottles of 750ml and 36 bottles of 375ml from Barrel Number 2.

Founded on July 16, 2019, Bomb City Distillery is the first distillery in the Texas Panhandle, named after Amarillo’s history with the Pantex Plant, which is involved in nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly. This connection has influenced the distillery’s identity and its relationship with the local community.

Owner Kyle Michels expressed excitement about the release, highlighting the bourbon’s unique mash bill, which includes blue corn, winter wheat, and red-malted barley. The distinct flavor profile is a reflection of the Panhandle’s terroir, shaped by significant temperature variations that enhance its interaction with charred oak barrels.

Michels commented, “We’re really excited about this bourbon. It’s something special… it creates a flavor profile that you won’t find anywhere else.”

The distillery’s journey began with Bomb City Vodka, which received a silver medal at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition shortly after opening. As they transition to bourbon production, Michels notes the aim to attract a different consumer base who appreciate the distinct tastes that bourbon can offer.

The distillery was established by Michels and Ryan Barnard, who both brought substantial experience in business and pharmaceuticals to their venture. Michels developed the idea after watching “Moonshiners” on TV. They restored a historic 1947 building in Amarillo, maintaining its original charm with reused materials. Following Barnard’s passing, Michels reminisced on their partnership, expressing pride in their accomplishments and reflecting on their shared dream of producing bourbon.

Today, Bomb City Distillery has become a notable part of Amarillo’s tourism and economy, with a tasting room that attracts visitors. The distillery is looking to expand its reach, planning to distribute its bourbon across Texas and eventually nationwide.

Michels stated, “We’re starting with Texas, but we’re hoping to go nationwide in the future. Texas is a big state, so we’ve got a lot of ground to cover.”