The Whiskey Castle in Hurst is exactly what the DFW whiskey scene needed: a place that treats the spirit like the living history it is, not just something to drink.
Tucked at 173 W. Harwood Road in Hurst, just a short drive from DFW Airport, the Whiskey Crusaders Whiskey Castle operates as an adult education center and houses one of the largest private educational whiskey collections in the country.
Owner and Level 3 Whiskey Sommelier Matt Zitrick didn’t open a bar. He opened a classroom with walls lined by bottles, a great hall for conversation, and a clear mission. He started with his own collection—roughly 4,500 bottles gathered over more than two decades—and turned it into a space where people can learn the stories behind the liquid instead of just ordering another round.
Zitrick is straightforward about how it began. “My interest started early and grew into a real passion for the history and craft behind whiskey. Over time that turned into a large personal collection, and I realized the best way to honor it was to open it up so other people could learn from it too,” he says. That mindset shows in every class.
Sessions cover Scotch, Irish, bourbon, rye, Japanese, and world whiskies, with up to eight pours in a single quest. Guests learn origins, distillation, flavor profiles, and serving, then leave with actual knowledge instead of a buzz. The place is deliberately not a bar—no alcohol is sold on site—so the focus stays on education and community.
What sets the Castle apart is the access. Monthly masterclasses bring in distillers, brand ambassadors, and blenders. Recent and upcoming events have featured names from Balvenie, Crown Royal, Ardnamurchan, Kilchoman, and Texas distillers. After the formal tasting, people often stick around for bottle shares from their own collections.
Zitrick notes that the after-party conversations are where real friendships form: “People finish the class, pull out something special they brought, and end up talking for another hour or two. That’s when it stops being an event and starts being a community.”
The space itself leans into the castle idea without feeling gimmicky. The central great hall is set up for conversation and learning rather than loud nightlife. Zitrick and his team, including fellow Level 3 Sommelier Erik Fortmeyer, emphasize a no-snobbery environment.
Corporate trainings, private groups, and public classes all run with the same goal: make whiskey approachable while still respecting the craft. Pricing starts around $100 per person depending on the tier, and the room holds up to about 60 people comfortably. The Castle operates by appointment, which keeps the experience focused.
Zitrick’s own credentials back up the teaching. He’s a Kentucky Colonel, Texas Whiskey Festival judge, and longtime YouTuber who’s reviewed thousands of bottles. Yet he keeps the message simple: “The best whiskey is the one you’re learning about right now.” That line captures the place. You’re not there to chase the rarest allocated bottle or impress anyone.
You’re there because you want to understand why a particular peated Scotch tastes the way it does, or how American single malts are evolving, or why certain historical moments shaped the whiskey we drink today.
The curriculum ties history and whiskey together, making the sessions feel like more than a tasting.
For anyone in the DFW area who’s tired of standard bar tastings or who simply wants to go deeper without the pressure of a night out, the Whiskey Castle delivers. It’s built by a collector who decided his bottles were more valuable when shared with people eager to learn. The result is a welcoming, knowledgeable space that turns curiosity into genuine appreciation.
If you’ve ever wondered what separates a good pour from a great one, or why certain regions taste the way they do, this is the spot that will actually show you.
Tim Young is a commentator and content creator. Follow him on X at @TimRunsHisMouth.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Dallas Express.
