Building a Distillery That’s Built to Last

KBS CFO logo at top left. Headline reads ‘Building a Distillery That’s Built to Last’ in bold dark magenta text. Illustration of a man holding bottles next to large distillery equipment and tanks, with pipes and gauges in view.

In August, I’ll be speaking at the ADI 2025 Craft Spirits Conference & Expo in San Antonio. An event that brings together some of the most passionate and forward-thinking leaders in the distilling industry.

There’s no better backdrop than Texas. With more than 180 distilleries and counting, the state has become a national force in craft spirits. Texas-made spirits are showing up everywhere, from backyard barbecues to high-end cocktail menus.

And of course, you can’t talk about Texas distilling without talking about Tito’s. The story of humble beginnings, a big idea, and now a household name with global reach. Tito’s success has inspired hundreds of entrepreneurs to jump into the industry with dreams of building the next big thing.

But here’s the hard truth:

​​Most distilleries won’t become Tito’s.

The reality for most distilleries is far more complex. It’s late nights worrying about payroll. It’s cash tied up in barrels that won’t be ready for years. It’s managing production delays, distributor negotiations, and inventory headaches, while trying to keep your team motivated and your finances in check.

There’s pressure from all sides:

  • Investors want returns.
  • Customers want quality and consistency.
  • You want to sleep at night without wondering if you’re going to run out of working capital next quarter.

This is why I’m excited to speak on two topics that are often overlooked, but critical if you want to build a business that doesn’t just launch, but lasts.

KBS CFO logo at top left. Headline in bold dark magenta font reads ‘Financial Budgeting and Forecasting for Your Distillery.’ Illustration shows a woman in an apron holding a tablet next to a large yellow liquor bottle and fermentation tanks, with a tray of bottled beverages in the background.

Financial Budgeting and Forecasting for Your Distillery

We’ll break down the difference between budgeting and forecasting, how to use both tools in tandem, and why looking at actual results isn’t just for tax season. It’s for making better, faster, more confident decisions. I’ll share real-life strategies to help distillers stop flying blind and start building with intention.

KBS CFO logo at top left. Bold headline reads ‘So no, Your Distillery Probably Won’t be the Next Tito's’ in dark magenta font. Illustration of a bearded man in an apron inspecting bottles on a distillery production line with fermentation tanks in the background.

Barrels and Inventory Investments: Valuation Options

In this session, I’ll also be sharing insights from a recent dissertation exploring professional burnout in the craft beverage space and how it impacts everything from workplace culture to operational output. It’s time we recognize that burnout doesn’t just affect people. It affects productivity, profitability, and the long-term viability of your business.

Because if your people are struggling, if you are struggling, your systems will, too.

At KBS CFO, we’ve helped dozens of distilleries navigate the growing pains that come with scaling a product-based business in a capital-intensive industry. We know what it takes to go from surviving to thriving:

  • Smarter financial systems
  • Operational visibility
  • Future-focused strategy
  • And leadership that’s willing to face the numbers honestly, even when it’s uncomfortable.

So no, your distillery probably won’t be the next Tito’s.

But it can be something better: profitable, sustainable, resilient, and built around your vision. 

For distillery owners looking to strengthen their financial leadership beyond bookkeeping, exploring the role of a fractional CFO can be a game-changer. Understanding how this strategic position differs from traditional accounting, and how it can help you anticipate cash flow challenges and secure financing is a vital part of building a business that lasts.

If you’re headed to San Antonio for ADI 2025 this August, I’d love to see you there.

Let’s talk about building businesses that last.