You and your co-founder Wendell Robbins were childhood friends.
Our parents were friends before we were born, so we have been around each other forever. We started a bar together around the same time we decided to try our hand at distilling. When we started, it was just us hanging out in Wendell’s horse barn doing runs through a little 13-gallon still. We were both married with kids by this time so it was a cool, low-key way to hang out and stay out of trouble, ha!
Tell us about your Highway.
It was a little hobby we started 10 years ago that turned into something! Highway is a one-of-a-kind grain-to-glass vodka made with 3 simple ingredients... hemp seed, corn, and water. There has never been another recipe like it in American spirits. We know that because it took us nearly three years to get our permit!
Hemp! Explain?
Hemp is the secret that gives Highway that smooth and full mouth feel without the burn you normally experience with almost all other vodkas. The oil also holds some of the sweetness from the corn on your palate. We’ve built our own custom filtration system, so we only collect the hearts of the run which is the purest part.
How exciting is the Austin drinks scene right now?
You can feel the vibes when you’re pulling into town. I’ve become a fan of South Congress … you can do some shopping then duck into a really cool bar. One bar I love to visit when I’m in SoCo is White Tiger.
What are your hopes for the future?
We want Highway Vodka to be an example to all the visionaries and creatives out there of what can be done when you create something purely from your personal passion. The goal is to grow and reach folks all over the world with the same energy.
For more information, go to highwayvodka.com