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Bourbon Distilleries of the Texas Hill Country
The Hill Country of Texas has become a mecca for spirit lovers of all kinds! From haunted tours and towns, to vodka, beer, wine and whiskey. In this piece we are going to focus and explore a few the Bourbon/Kentucky Whiskey distilleries close to our accommodations, Walnut Canyon Cabins.
Garrison Bros Distillery
Garrison Bros Distillery is one of the standard bearers. As the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas and one of, if not the first, bourbon distillery outside of Kentucky. Dan Garrison, the founder, takes pride in and is devoted to crafting a world class bourbon on the ranch in the heart of the Hill Country of Texas. Learning the story of the beginnings of Garrison Brothers, from the raising of the capital, to the changing of the liquorlaws in Texas, to every other challenge you can imagine, it is worth every minute you have there at the ranch.
The intense climate and the collected rainwater brings the sweet mash to life like no other. Go online to secure your visit to the ranch, take the tour and get on the list to volunteer to hand dip a few bottles. The tastings that happen through your journey at the distillery showcase the different stages key to each bottle.
Garrison Brothers is as authentic as the people who make it! Check out more, schedule your tour and sign up for your time as a "volunteer bottle dipper" at garrisonbros.com
1693 Distillery
1693 Distillery is just up the Hwy 290 wine and spirit trail from Hye, Texas and the Garrison Brothers headed toward Fredericksburg. 1693 Distillery is named after the altitude where the aging rooms are. All the whiskey is aged onsite in premium oak casks. Their small batches are highlighted as "farm to bottle estate grown corn" or "farm to bottle estate grown rye". 1693 Distillery also features a "light whiskey" and a "honey whiskey". All are unique, and very tasty!
In addition to the whiskeys, 1693 Distillery also features "Elevacion". Elevacion is a spirit reminiscent of Agave. Much like tequila, Elevacion is available in Blanco, Reposado and Anejo varieties. You will discover the essence of Agave through the eyes of a Texan, unique and spirited! Learn more and schedule your tasting here at 1693distillery.com
Bending Branch Winery
Just outside of Comfort Texas is home to Bending Branch Winery that has recently added Bending Branch 1840 Bourbon Whiskey. Born and raised in Kentucky, owner Alison, while studying and building a career in sustainability, moved to Texas. Not long after, Doctor Bob and Brenda Young also moved to Texas and they all started Bending Branch winery. After winning "Top Texas Winery in 2018", Alison longed to create her signature Texas Aged Bourbon, America's only native spirit and hence Bending Branch 1840 was born. The tasting room is a beautiful drive from accommodations at Walnut Canyon Cabins, and away from much of the hustle of the 290 Wine trail. A must stop on your whiskey tasting tour of the Texas Hill Country.
And in case you were wondering, all of these venues are just 15-20 minutes from ACCOMMODATIONS at Walnut Canyon Cabins. So choose your dates and BOOK NOW for your next bourbon distillery tour!
