Sips & Sites & Bites

If there’s one thing TX Whiskey does especially well, it’s reminding us that Texas doesn’t play by anyone else’s rulebook … especially when it comes to whiskey. Their latest release, TX Whiskey Vino de Naranja, is proof once again that the folks at Whiskey Ranch are more than happy to color outside the lines, and honestly, we’re better off for it.

This new expression marks the 15th release in the TX Experimental Series, and it might just be one of the most intriguing yet. Vino de Naranja takes its inspiration from an old Spanish tradition … orange wine aged with citrus peels … and gives it a bold Texas spin. The result is a whiskey that feels both sun-soaked and rugged, like sipping something Mediterranean while watching the sky melt into a Texas sunset.

Here’s how they pulled it off: The blend starts with five-year TX Straight Bourbon Rye Whiskey and bourbon whiskey that spent three years finishing in Vino de Naranja casks. That extra time in those orange wine barrels brings a whole new layer of personality to the glass. On the nose, you’re greeted with orange marmalade and cherry cordial, followed by a subtle wisp of smoke.

Take a sip and things get even more interesting … spiced honey, toasted vanilla, and then a creamy, almost soda-like sweetness that lingers in the best possible way. The Spanish orange wine influence really shows up on the finish, which is jammy, warm, and unhurried.

Craig Blair, Head Blender at TX Whiskey, sums it up nicely: “Vino de Naranja embodies everything we aim to capture in a unique Experimental Series.” It’s a nod to Mediterranean winemaking, sure, but it’s also unmistakably Texan … shaped by heat, time, and a refusal to compromise. That sense of place is something TX Whiskey leans into hard, drawing inspiration from Texas ranchers, the state’s punishing climate, and the way patience can transform raw ingredients into something special.

This is a whiskey that works just as well sipped on the rocks as it does mixed into a bright, summery cocktail … but given how limited it is, you may want to think twice before pouring too heavy. Only 1,500 bottles were produced, all in 375ml format, and they’re priced at $39.99. Each customer is limited to eight bottles within a 30-day period, and once they’re gone, that’s it.

TX Whiskey Vino de Naranja goes on sale February 7th, exclusively at Whiskey Ranch in Fort Worth. If you’re the kind of whiskey drinker who loves seeing tradition collide with experimentation … and you don’t mind a little orange-kissed sunshine in your glass … this one’s well worth the trip.

For more details, check out txwhiskey.com, and maybe clear a little space on your shelf while you’re at it.