Meet Evan Batt of Western Son Distillery in Pilot Point

Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Batt.

Evan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
John Straits and I began conversations about starting a distillery in December 2010. We had met while working for a Russian Vodka company and began the hypothetical discussion at a bar, much like most ambitious master plans. A week after our epiphany, we had a short phone call that started our journey in opening our own shop. We split up responsibilities and started to look at the financial side and the production side. Unlike most craft distillers, we had extensive experience in the distribution side of the business – which can be the most challenging. We researched equipment, built a business plan, looked at space to rent and soon began raising money. Looking back, time flew by because there was so much to do. We were working during evenings and weekends while raising families and working current full-time jobs. We instantly realized that while working for ourselves, we didn’t have bosses to spite or office politics to slow us down. We enjoyed ‘working’ and moving things forward. A tremendous amount of work went into getting licensed, equipment set up and perfecting our craft. Things didn’t always go to plan but we took pride in building something that we could be proud of. People used to ask, “What did you do with the first bottle off of the line.” We’d laugh and do everything in our power to NOT tell them that the first bottle broke and the second didn’t fill properly and that the third was poured back into the tank. The reality of doing something on your own is that nothing goes to plan the first time. Luckily for us, we accepted the challenge and have now had over a million bottles off the line.

Since our humble beginning, we now have products in 24 states and operate in 30,000 sq. ft. in Pilot Point, TX. We have almost 50 employees and intend to sell 100,000 physical cases in 2017. We are larger than we ever imagined and have pushed ourselves to bring quality and innovation to the local spirits market. Since day one we have donated to the Peter Burks Unsung Hero Fund which is a military charity operated in North Texas. They send care packages to troops deployed all over the world. We also keep a very high standard of quality in our products and believe that is where our success has been driven from. One of our greatest rewards is when we talk to people who love our brand. Seeing someone have such a connection with something we have created is what drives us to compete against the massive liquor brands that have been around for decades.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’d love to meet someone who started a company and didn’t have any struggles – I’m not sure it exists. When I think of how many struggles we had, it reminds me of what my Dad told me his first employer told him, “We don’t pay much, BUT we’ll work you real hard.” That was our reality and also what drove us to get out of holes. We’d outwork anyone and loved the challenge. We hoped we’d be rewarded for it in the future but there was no guarantee.

We were 100% comfortable selling, distributing and marketing our brand. Combined we had 25 years’ experience. But manufacturing and selling was way more than twice as hard. Inventory management, shipping, tax, etc. were all new challenges. All while on a very thin bank account. We had corks that wouldn’t stay in, labels that wouldn’t stick and boxes that would fall apart. All the things you count on to work, would work properly. It’s impossible to plan for something like that.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Western Son Distillery – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We produce Western Son Texas Vodka, Western Son Texas Gin and Red River Texas Whiskey. We have been innovative in process and meticulous in quality. Our original vodka is our most popular but we get a lot of excitement from our Blueberry Vodka and Prickly Pear Vodka. The latter was not a flavor in spirits and has been very well received.

What sets up apart from others, is that our value is most important. Many brands have a fancy names or labels and don’t tout the quality of their product. Our vodka is 10x distilled and is absent of most impurities and defects that are commonly found in alcohol. Our flavor profile was created for the Western World vodka drinker who seeks out smooth and clean vodka. We are locally produced with pride and support the charitable efforts of The Peter Burks Unsung Hero Fund. We have done this since day one and will continue as long as we can. A big part of going out on our own was to be able to donate and help the community.

Also, what separates us from others is that we offer some of the best quality spirits at a price below (sometimes well below) bigger brands. We are below most of the popular vodkas in the premium category and feel that the quality is an excellent value for the price. This isn’t an easy task for a small operation but it has been one of our core principles from day one.

I am most proud of two things. Our people and our charitable contributions. We tried for a while to do everything ourselves and our needs surpassed our reach. We have been able to find some of the best people in the world. Their commitment and belief in our cause has been amazing. To put up with us, is pretty impressive in itself. To genuinely care about task1 they perform has helped drive everyone forward. They are the best!

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are still expanding our distribution footprint across the country. We hope to tackle the remaining states next year and we would love to extend our reach overseas. We are distributed in Puerto Rico and would like to further expand and offer our Texas Spirits across the world.

Besides growing, we have cut back on some smaller projects to give our 3 categories the best chance for continued success. No other changes expected in the near future.

We have grown a concert series at the distillery and that has been a fun project to cultivate. We encourage anyone in the Dallas area to come check out a show if they can. We’ve got some great acts this year like Roger Creager, Cory Morrow, Gary P Nunn and Charlie Robison.

Pricing:

• Western Son Vodka 750 ML – $16.99
• Western Son Vodka 1.75 ML – $24.99
• Red River Whiskey 750 ML – $32.99

Contact Info:

• Address: 217 W Division St, Pilot Point TX 76258
• Website: www.westernsondistillery.com
• Phone: 940-324-0008
• Email: info@westernsondistillery.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/westernsonvodka
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/westernsonvodka
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/westernsonvodka

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