They say everything is bigger in Texas, and nowadays that goes for liquor too! Texas has become a hotspot for up and coming spirits as well as the base of operations for several established Texas-owned brands. We’ll be taking a look at some of these and introducing you to a few new ones you may not have heard of yet.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
First up is Tito’s Handmade Vodka. If you haven’t heard of Tito’s, you must have just gotten here so, Welcome to Texas! Tito’s Handmade Vodka is produced in Austin at Texas’ oldest legal distillery. They make it in batches, use old-fashioned pot stills, and taste-test every batch. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is designed to be savored by spirit connoisseurs and everyday drinkers alike. Their process, similar to those used to make fine single malt scotches, requires more skill and effort than others, but it’s well worth it. You’d be hard-pressed to find a bar that doesn’t carry it.
Balcones Distilling
Texas has over 20 registered whiskey distilleries within her borders, and Balcones Distilling is among the most prominent. Their Baby Blue corn whiskey was the first whiskey made in Texas since the Prohibition. A grain-to-glass distiller, all aspects of whiskey creation are performed in-house. They are renowned for making a great product–such a great product that they have traditionally met only 10% of market demand. They’ve got a great variety of spirits totaling 13 different offerings.
Tequila 512
This Austin tequila brand won an impressive double gold medal and was awarded “Best in Show” at the prestigious 15th annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition. That’s pretty amazing for any spirit, but even more so from a tequila company that is less than three years old. The aroma entices with honey, and subtle vegetal notes. Meanwhile, the palate has a lightly fruity flavor, suggesting raspberry, honey and vanilla, plus a sprinkle of cayenne on the crisp finish. Needless to say, their tagline of “The Perfect Anytime Tequila” is spot on.
Deep Eddy Vodka
Born in Austin and raised all over Texas, Deep Eddy Vodka produces seven flavors of vodka all of which are column-distilled ten times using corn, the finest Texas water, and natural flavors. Their original vodka is a great clean-tasting spirit, but what put them on the map was their Deep Eddy Ruby Red grapefruit vodka. Now you can find flavors like lemon, peach, sweet tea, orange, and even cranberry. Perfect for cocktails or on the rocks, Deep Eddy does Texas vodka right.
