APHA welcomes TX Whiskey as its newest corporate partner for 2018—as a new partner for APHA’s adult members, TX Whiskey will offer special awards in 30 events (for those age 21 & up) at the 2018 APHA World Championship Show.
The founders of TX Whiskey—and its parent company, Firestone & Robertson Distilling Company—Leonard Firestone and Troy Robertson became friends through their children but had no idea they shared the same passion and vision for the world of whiskey, at least until fate intervened. Though both men had developed careers in the corporate world—Leonard in multiple business enterprises and Troy in private equity and corporate finance—they were each drawn to creating truly Texas whiskeys with old-fashioned craftsmanship. Without each other’s knowledge, they both independently made plans to visit a craft distillery to learn more about the trade; the dots connected, and the rest is history.
TX Whiskey was crafted in Firestone & Robertson’s original distillery, a pre-prohibition era warehouse near downtown Fort Worth. In early 2018, production moved to F&R’s new Fort Worth facility, Whiskey Ranch. TX Whiskey has become known for its exceptionally smooth and flavorful taste, as well as for handmade bottle tops adorned with leather from local cowboy boot makers.
Troy and Leonard wanted to showcase fine Western craftsmanship, and they do just that on every cap of TX Whiskey. First, they select the boot leather to be used—often from their personal boots or leather from their local partners and friends. Next, they punch circles in the leather and match them with the appropriate-sized Portuguese corks. Then, they secure it to the cork using a custom-made beach wood ring and Troy’s handmade tools. Voila! The result is a cap that is as distinctive as the Paint Horse—it’s easy to see why the two pair well.
TX Whiskey will support APHA’s adult members and the association as a whole as part of their partnership. Current APHA members receive a 20 percent discount on products from the Whiskey Ranch Store (excluding alcohol), such as apparel, tasting glasses or whiskey jam. To use their discount, APHA members simply provide their APHA membership card or ID number.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with an association made up of some of the most hard-working and finest horsemen in the industry,” Leonard and Troy said. “The American Paint Horse Association is a great asset to not only Fort Worth but the nation. We are really looking forward to connecting with the amazing members of this Paint Horse community and sharing our award-winning TX Whiskey with them.”
APHA Executive Director Billy Smith agrees.
“We like associating with companies that are entrepreneurial and ethical. Firestone & Robertson Distilling Company has proven itself as a smart, forward-thinking Fort Worth icon. Our adult members will love the current and future opportunities that this partnership will deliver.”
For more information on TX Whiskey, visit frdistilling.com.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded in 1962. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.