2025 TXWA Board of Directors
Natasha DeHart, President
Member Distillery: BENDT Distilling Co. (North Texas Distillery Trail)
Position at Member Distillery: Owner & Blender
Natasha DeHart is the co-founder and blender at BENDT Distilling Co. in Lewisville, Texas. Established in 2012 alongside her husband, Ryan DeHart, Natasha has been instrumental in the company’s evolution, overseeing operations and pioneering innovative whiskey blends.
A graduate of Florida State University, Natasha’s passion for whiskey and blending is complemented by her interests in cooking, learning, and traveling the world. She is also a devoted mother to three children.
Natasha’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative blending techniques have positioned her as a notable figure in the traditionally male-dominated whiskey industry, contributing significantly to the growth and recognition of Texas whiskey.
Nancy Finney, Treasurer
Member Distillery: Hush & Whisper Distilling Co. (South Texas Distillery Trail)
Position at Member Distillery: CPA & Chief Revenue Officer
Nancy serves as the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at Hush & Whisper Distilling Co. in Bryan, Texas. With over 40 years of experience in her field, Nancy has held Chief Financial Officer (CFO) roles for the past two decades.
During the planning and construction phases of Hush & Whisper Distilling, Nancy played a pivotal role as CFO. In her current position as CRO, she focuses on marketing, corporate direction, and brand development. Additionally, Nancy actively participates in various committees in the area, concentrating on economic development and user awareness.
Nancy holds Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Accounting and Finance from Texas A&M University and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Her extensive background and leadership have been instrumental in establishing Hush & Whisper Distilling Co. as a notable presence in the Texas whiskey industry.
John evans, secretary
Member Distillery: Wilson Valley Mercantile (Hill Country Distillery Trail)
Position at Member Distillery: Owner, Operator, Distiller, Farmer
John Evans is a fifth-generation farmer and the owner, founder, and distiller at Wilson Valley Mercantile, Bell County’s first legal distillery, located near Little River-Academy, Texas. Established in 2022, the distillery embodies a “seed-to-sip” philosophy, utilizing grains grown on the Evans Ranch to produce spirits.
The Evans family’s agricultural roots date back to 1867, with a legacy of farming corn, wheat, oats, and cattle. In 2018, John and his wife, Erica, began constructing the distillery, completing it amidst their ongoing farming and ranching operations. Wilson Valley Mercantile offers a range of whiskey, all distilled from grains cultivated on their farm.
Beyond distilling, John is actively involved in the broader spirits community, including the Texas Distilled Spirits Association. His dedication to preserving and innovating within the family’s farming traditions has positioned Wilson Valley Mercantile as a notable destination on the Texas Whiskey Trail.
Josh Golladay, Marketing
Member Distillery: Ironroot Republic Distilling (North Texas Whiskey Trail)
Position at Member Distillery: Marketing & Technology Director
Josh Golladay is the Digital Operations Manager at Ironroot Republic Distilling, a family-owned distillery in Denison, Texas. In addition to leading content creation, graphic design and strategy, he also oversees internal technology and software platforms.
An early enthusiast and longtime supporter of the Texas whiskey scene, Josh has been actively involved in promoting the state’s whiskey industry.
Through his multifaceted contributions, Josh has played a significant role in enhancing Ironroot Republic Distilling’s presence and reputation within the Texas whiskey community.
Jared Himstedt
Member Distillery: Balcones Distilling (North Texas Whiskey Trail)
Position at Member Distillery: Head Distiller
For Jared Himstedt, the craft of making whisky is a relational journey of discovery. Getting to know one's place and one's work are parts of a feedback loop through which we get to know ourselves. It's an ongoing, dynamic conversation with purpose, meaning and growth.
Jared's path wandered through social work, ceramic arts, punk bands, bicycle repair and homebrewing before arriving at distillation. In the early days of Balcones, he did a bit of everything--fabricating equipment, designing labels, making cuts at the stills, driving innovation concepts and blending expressions.
These days, his role is a mix of long-term planning and blending, all while keeping the company's creative and existential goals moving forward to "make it meaningful."
Julian Giraldo
Member Distillery: Giant Texas Distillers (South Texas Distillery Trail)
Position at Member Distillery: Head Distiller
Julian serves as the Head Distiller at Giant Texas Distillers in Houston, Texas. With a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Julian brings over 13 years of industry experience to the distillery.
Under Julian’s leadership, Giant Texas Distillers has invested $15 million in cutting-edge technology and facilities, solidifying its position as the largest distillery in Texas and west of the Mississippi. He has been instrumental in developing a diverse portfolio of spirits, including bourbon, rye whiskey, and experimental offerings.
In his personal time, Julian enjoys outdoor activities like camping, mountain biking, stunt kite flying, and traveling with his family to visit wineries and other distilleries around the world.
tim raines
Member Distillery: Shire Distilling (South Texas Distillery Trail)
Position at Member Distillery: Founder & Head Distiller
Tim is the co-founder, Vice President of Operations, and Head Distiller at Shire Distilling Co., a Houston-based micro-distillery established in 2017. Alongside co-founders George and Lynn Daher, Tim has been instrumental in upholding the company’s core values of honor, integrity, and the pursuit of superior spirits.
At Shire Distilling Co., Tim oversees the production of a diverse range of handcrafted whiskeys. Each expression reflects the distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Tim’s dedication to crafting exceptional spirits and his proactive engagement with the community have established him as a respected figure in the Texas whiskey industry.
Jake Clements,
Ex-officio
TXWA Member: Texas Whiskey Festival
Position: Founder
Jake is a distinguished whiskey sommelier, creative director, and event producer, renowned for his significant contributions to the Texas whiskey scene. In 2017, he co-founded the Texas Whiskey Festival, an annual event dedicated to promoting and celebrating the diverse whiskeys produced in the Lone Star State. Under his leadership, the festival has grown from featuring 11 distilleries initially, to attracting over 1,200 attendees, showcasing the rapid expansion and appreciation of Texas whiskey.
Through his multifaceted endeavors, Jake Clements continues to be a pivotal figure in the whiskey community, championing the growth and recognition of Texas whiskey on both a state and national level.