Major Texas Whiskey Brands
When you think of Texas, images of sprawling ranches, bustling rodeos, and legendary BBQ might come to mind. But there’s another gem in the Lone Star State’s treasure trove: whiskey. Over the past few decades, Texas has emerged as a powerhouse in the whiskey world, producing some of the finest spirits you’ll find anywhere. Here’s a closer look at some of the major Texas whiskey brands, their fascinating histories, and their standout offerings.
Garrison Brothers
History
Garrison Brothers, founded in 2006, holds the distinction of being the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas since Prohibition. Located in Hye, Texas, this family-owned business was the brainchild of Dan Garrison, who left his corporate job to pursue his passion for whiskey. The distillery has since become synonymous with high-quality bourbon, thanks to its commitment to using organic grains and the purest water from the Texas Hill Country.
The journey of Garrison Brothers began with a vision to create a distinctly Texan bourbon. Dan Garrison purchased a plot of land in the Hill Country and started experimenting with different grains and fermentation processes. After years of trial and error, the distillery released its first batch of bourbon in 2010, which was met with critical acclaim. Over the years, Garrison Brothers has expanded its production capabilities and gained a reputation for producing some of the finest bourbon in the country.
Notable Products
Garrison Brothers offers a variety of bourbons that have garnered acclaim. Their flagship product, Garrison Brothers Texas Straight Bourbon, is aged in charred American oak barrels and is known for its rich, complex flavors. This bourbon has a deep amber color and a nose of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. On the palate, it delivers notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and a hint of spice, finishing with a warm, lingering sweetness.
Another standout is their Cowboy Bourbon, an unfiltered, barrel-proof bourbon that offers a bold and robust tasting experience. Each bottle is hand-numbered and signed by the master distiller, making it a collector’s item. The Cowboy Bourbon is known for its intense flavors of dark fruit, leather, and tobacco, with a powerful, long-lasting finish.
The Small Batch Bourbon is another popular choice, offering a harmonious balance of caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors. This bourbon is crafted in small quantities, ensuring meticulous attention to detail in every batch. It is smooth and approachable, making it a favorite among both novice and seasoned bourbon drinkers.
Balcones Distilling
History
Balcones Distilling, established in 2008 in Waco, Texas, has quickly become a powerhouse in the American whiskey scene. Founded by Chip Tate, Balcones is known for its innovative approach to distilling, often experimenting with different grains and aging techniques. The distillery’s name pays homage to the Balcones Fault, a geographical feature of Texas that symbolizes the brand’s strong connection to the state’s natural landscape.
Balcones began with a small copper pot still and a passion for crafting unique spirits. The distillery quickly gained a reputation for its creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of traditional whiskey making. In 2012, Balcones moved to a larger facility to accommodate growing demand and continued to experiment with different grains, barrels, and aging conditions to create distinctive whiskeys.
Notable Products
Balcones Distilling is renowned for its diverse range of whiskeys. The Texas Single Malt is a standout, made from 100% malted barley and aged in new charred oak barrels. This whiskey has won numerous awards for its depth and complexity, offering notes of ripe fruit, toasted malt, and rich caramel. It has a silky mouthfeel and a long, satisfying finish.
The Brimstone is another unique offering, featuring a smoky profile achieved through a Texas scrub oak smoke infusion. This whiskey has an intense smoky aroma, reminiscent of barbecue, with underlying notes of sweet corn and spice. On the palate, it delivers a bold, smoky flavor with hints of vanilla and caramel, finishing with a touch of peppery heat.
Additionally, Balcones produces Baby Blue, the first Texas whiskey made from blue corn, offering a smooth and slightly sweet flavor profile. This whiskey is light and approachable, with notes of roasted corn, honey, and baking spices. It has a creamy texture and a gentle, warming finish, making it a versatile addition to any whiskey collection.
Still Austin Whiskey Co.
History
Still Austin Whiskey Co., founded in 2015, is a relatively new player in the Texas whiskey market but has already made a significant impact. Located in Austin, Texas, the distillery focuses on producing high-quality whiskeys using locally sourced ingredients. The founders, Chris Seals, Andrew Braunberg, and Sal and Joanna Salinas, aim to capture the essence of Texas in every bottle.
The distillery’s commitment to quality begins with its grain-to-glass philosophy. Still Austin sources its grains from Texas farmers and mills them on-site to ensure the highest quality. The distillery employs traditional pot stills and uses a slow distillation process to extract the purest flavors from the grains. This meticulous attention to detail is evident in the final product.
Notable Products
Still Austin Whiskey Co. is best known for its straight bourbon, The Musician, which is crafted using Texas-grown corn, rye, and malted barley. This bourbon is aged in new charred American oak barrels and offers a well-balanced flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. The Musician has a smooth, velvety texture and a long, warm finish that leaves a lasting impression.
Another notable product is their Cask Strength Bourbon, which provides a more intense flavor profile for those who prefer a stronger whiskey. This bourbon is bottled at barrel proof, retaining all the rich, robust flavors developed during aging. It offers deep, complex notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and toasted oak, with a powerful, lingering finish.
The distillery also produces a Texas Rye, which has quickly become a favorite among rye whiskey enthusiasts. This whiskey is made from a high-rye mash bill and aged in new charred oak barrels, resulting in a spicy, full-bodied spirit. It has a nose of fresh herbs and black pepper, with flavors of rye bread, honey, and a hint of citrus on the palate. The finish is long and spicy, with a touch of sweetness.
Rebecca Creek Distillery
History
Rebecca Creek Distillery, founded in 2009 by Steve Ison, is located in San Antonio, Texas. The distillery combines traditional distilling techniques with modern technology to create premium spirits. Named after the nearby Rebecca Creek, the distillery draws inspiration from the local landscape and culture, emphasizing quality and craftsmanship in their whiskey production.
The distillery’s state-of-the-art facility includes custom-made copper stills and a sophisticated bottling line, ensuring the highest standards of production. Rebecca Creek’s commitment to quality is evident in every step of the process, from grain selection to aging and bottling. The distillery has quickly gained a reputation for producing smooth, well-balanced whiskeys that appeal to a wide range of palates.
Notable Products
Rebecca Creek Distillery offers a range of whiskeys that have gained a loyal following. The Rebecca Creek Fine Texas Spirit Whiskey is a smooth and versatile whiskey, perfect for sipping or mixing in cocktails. This whiskey is a blend of corn, rye, and barley, aged in new charred oak barrels. It offers a nose of caramel and vanilla, with flavors of toffee, spice, and a hint of oak. The finish is smooth and mellow, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
The Texas Ranger Whiskey, another flagship product, is a blended whiskey known for its rich and balanced flavor. This whiskey is crafted using a blend of aged bourbons and light whiskeys, resulting in a complex yet approachable spirit. It has a nose of honey and toasted oak, with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and spice on the palate. The finish is long and smooth, with a touch of sweetness.
Additionally, Rebecca Creek Distillery produces a 12-year-old Single Barrel Reserve, which offers a more complex and refined tasting experience. This whiskey is aged for a minimum of 12 years in hand-selected barrels, resulting in a rich, full-bodied spirit. It has a nose of dark fruit and vanilla, with flavors of caramel, oak, and a hint of spice. The finish is long and smooth, with a touch of sweetness and a lingering warmth.
Treaty Oak Distilling
History
Treaty Oak Distilling, founded in 2006 by Daniel Barnes, is located in Dripping Springs, Texas. The distillery is named after the famous Treaty Oak tree in Austin, symbolizing strength and endurance. Treaty Oak Distilling is committed to sustainable practices and innovation, often experimenting with different grains and aging techniques to produce unique and high-quality whiskeys.
The distillery’s mission is to create spirits that reflect the rich history and natural beauty of Texas. Treaty Oak uses locally sourced grains and pure Texas Hill Country water to craft its whiskeys. The distillery employs a combination of traditional and modern techniques to produce spirits that are both innovative and rooted in tradition.
Notable Products
Treaty Oak Distilling is known for its wide range of whiskeys, including the Ghost Hill Texas Bourbon, made from Texas-grown grains and aged in new American white oak barrels. This bourbon is characterized by its smooth, rich flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It has a deep amber color and a nose of toasted oak and sweet corn. On the palate, it delivers flavors of dark chocolate, caramel, and spice, with a long, warm finish.
The Red Handed Bourbon, another popular product, is a blend of sourced bourbons finished and bottled by Treaty Oak, offering a complex and well-rounded flavor profile. This bourbon is crafted using a blend of aged bourbons from Kentucky and Tennessee, which are
Then finished and bottled in Texas. It has a nose of caramel and vanilla, with flavors of dried fruit, spice, and toasted oak on the palate. The finish is long and smooth, with a touch of sweetness.
Additionally, Treaty Oak produces the Waterloo Antique Gin, which, while not a whiskey, showcases the distillery’s versatility and commitment to quality. This gin is made using a blend of traditional and contemporary botanicals, resulting in a complex and aromatic spirit. It has a nose of juniper and citrus, with flavors of fresh herbs, spice, and a hint of sweetness. The finish is long and smooth, with a touch of spice.
FAQs
Conclusion
Texas whiskey has earned its place on the global stage, with each distillery contributing to the state’s reputation for producing exceptional spirits. From the pioneering Garrison Brothers to the innovative Balcones Distilling, the major Texas whiskey brands offer a diverse range of products that cater to every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of spirits, exploring Texas whiskey is an adventure worth undertaking.
