When one talks about distilling in Texas, the conversation understandably usually revolves around whiskey and tequila. But, just like the Lone Star State, the spirit landscape is diverse. That’s especially true in the Hill Country. So, in rounding up area distillers of note, we intentionally included spirits other than those mainstays. Some may be well known, while others have more recently popped onto the radar. No matter how extensive or storied these creators may be, we hope you enjoy exploring the deep history and developing future of the spirits scene in our state—a history and future as bright, broad, and beautiful as the Texas sky.
1/ Sisterdale Distilling Co. The Bourbon expertise of these long-time friends comes through in four styles, including rye and over-proofed varieties. Find them online and in discerning retailers. sisterdaledistillingco.com
2/ Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling Already one of San Antonio’s oldest craft breweries, Ranger Creek has mastered whiskey too, with bourbon and rye standards, alongside special releases of single-malts specialties. drinkrangercreek.com
3/ Elk Store Winery & Distillery Brothers carry on their great-grandfather’s legacy in this Fredericksburg destination. Hand-crafted moonshine, gin, rum, and whiskey are exclusively available at their historic Main Street storefront. elkstore1895.com
4/ Hill Country Spirits These specialty liquors crafted in Kerrville from prickly pear cactus are unmistakably Hill Country. With flavors reminiscent of vodka, tequila, and gin, there’s a uniqueness to these spirits that’s unmistakably Texas. hcspirits.com