OUR STORY
Coastal Bend Distilling Company offers an authentic distillery experience that embodies the spirit and lifestyle of South Texas. Representing the rich heritage and independence of the Coastal Bend Region, our premium spirits provide a memorable taste of Texas. Established in 2019, we produce Live Oak Vodka, Lucky Star Gin, Colonel Fannin's Whiskey, and limited-edition releases like Louisiana Purchase Single Barrel Whiskey, Aged Rum, Copano Bay Rum, and La Lechuza Agave Spirit. Located in downtown Beeville, Texas, Coastal Bend Distilling Co. distributes statewide and in select national locations.
MEET OUR FOUNDER

Kenneth Bethune often faces questions about choosing a distillery and why he selected Beeville. Unlike many entrepreneurs drawn to Texas's booming cities like San Antonio or Austin, Bethune chose Beeville for its historic charm and personal connection, as his family ranch is nearby in Live Oak County. Beeville reflects his passion for small-town America.
The choice to start a distillery came naturally to Bethune as a fun challenge. Coastal Bend Distilling Co., founded in 2016, opened its Tasting Room and Stillhouse in January 2019. Although the pandemic in 2020 led to a temporary shift to producing sanitizer, the company has since successfully distributed its core products—Live Oak Vodka, Lucky Star Gin, and Colonel Fannin's Whiskey—across Texas. Now, with Covid behind us, Coastal Bend Distilling is strengthening its presence in the Texas Coastal Bend and San Antonio, aiming for broader state-wide recognition. Bethune’s goal is to build a respected spirit brand that stands out and supports the beloved community.
The choice to start a distillery came naturally to Bethune as a fun challenge. Coastal Bend Distilling Co., founded in 2016, opened its Tasting Room and Stillhouse in January 2019. Although the pandemic in 2020 led to a temporary shift to producing sanitizer, the company has since successfully distributed its core products—Live Oak Vodka, Lucky Star Gin, and Colonel Fannin's Whiskey—across Texas. Now, with Covid behind us, Coastal Bend Distilling is strengthening its presence in the Texas Coastal Bend and San Antonio, aiming for broader state-wide recognition. Bethune’s goal is to build a respected spirit brand that stands out and supports the beloved community.
MEET THE TEAM
Robert J. Nollen, II
General Manager Daniel Naselli
Sales Representative - San Antonio Bo Davis
Sales Representative - Coastal Bend Noe & Victoria Urrea, NV Brands
Sales Representative - Houston/DFW Peyton Myers
Tasting Representative |
Lindsay Horton
Director of Marketing |
![]() Craig Olson
Distiller |
BEING GOOD NEIGHBORS
Social Responsibility
Coastal Bend Distilling Co. is committed to transparency, authenticity, quality, and innovation in all aspects of its business. Operating with responsibility and conscious practices is integral to our vision and strategy. Our core values guide executive decisions and daily operations, reflecting our dedication to craft, community, and culture. As a family-owned business, we uphold a strong sense of corporate and social responsibility, ensuring that these principles shape every facet of our work.
Craft
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Community
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Culture
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"Craft Spirit" Disclaimer
Coastal Bend Distilling Co. incorporates Grain Neutral Spirits (GNS or NGS) as a base ingredient in some of our products. While the craft liquor industry often views grain-to-glass production as the sole definition of "craft," we believe GNS has a legitimate place in the market. Start-up distilleries can find hand-craft production prohibitively expensive, and our hands-on involvement in distilling and packaging justifies our use of the "craft" label.
We prioritize transparency regarding the use of GNS in our products. All GNS-based spirits undergo rigorous distilling and proofing processes at our Beeville, Texas, stillhouse and are hand-bottled on site. This direct involvement in every stage of production and packaging ensures that our GNS products meet our high standards of craftsmanship.
We prioritize transparency regarding the use of GNS in our products. All GNS-based spirits undergo rigorous distilling and proofing processes at our Beeville, Texas, stillhouse and are hand-bottled on site. This direct involvement in every stage of production and packaging ensures that our GNS products meet our high standards of craftsmanship.