An Introduction to Hill Country Texas Whiskey

By Ed Taylor

For those of us fortunate enough to have been born Texan, it never ceases to amaze us just how great this state is. From infancy to childhood ailments, our moms cured our aches and pains by dabbing a bit of this special elixir on a sore tooth or a skin scrape or even treating us to our first taste of Texas made whiskey to settle an upset stomach. We've all been tasting Texas brewed whiskey since before we were out of diapers. I'm telling you exploring our distilleries, learning and sampling the various brands is a great way to spend time in central Texas hill country.

It's an easy ride from New Braunfels. Head north on Highway 46 (on Walnut Avenue go up the hill and just keep on truckin') towards Bulverde, hook a right and go east on Highway 290. Go past President Johnson's Park a few miles to Farm to Market Road (FM) 206, turn right (go back south) and you'll find Garrison Brothers Distillery, which is Texas' first and oldest bourbon distillery. Its bourbon is hand-made from corn to cork right there on their little ranch. You'll find these cowboys out in the middle of nowhere enjoying life like it's meant to be enjoyed. They'll have time to talk, which they enjoy immensely. Ask them if Walt is around and if he is, could you get your picture taken with him. Walt Garrison is the retired Dallas Cowboys all-pro running back. Be nice to him and I'll bet he'll sneak you a free second shot of his fine bourbon.

Here are a few other spots within easy driving distance that you might want to check out:

• Hill Country Distillers

• Rebecca Creek Distillery - you gotta go check this one out and ask about Maude the talking red-furred mule who lives in the creek and only comes out about once a year to give an up-date on her thoughts about the world we live in to a certain newsreporter, Leon Hale (one of the best scribes Texas has ever had), formerly with the Houston Post and then Houston Chronicle - no one is too sure how she learns about world affairs, but she seems well versed;

• Balcones Distilling;

• Still Austin Whiskey Company;

• Treaty Oak Distilling; and

• Dripping Springs Distilling (while you are in the vicinity you should run by Camp Lucy, a resort and five-star restaurant - great place to enjoy an anniversary celebration - you won't regret it).

And if whiskey is not your cup of tea, central Texas has sum good rum and vodka, too, which you can find at:

• Railean Rum Distillery;

• Deep Eddy Vodka Distellery; and

• Tito's Vodka Distellery over in Austin (that's back north from here just a tad up IH35).