When Kathy & I travel we don’t come home with a lot of “stuff.”  A few things for the kids sometimes, or a keepsake for the bookshelf at home.  But one thing we do like to do is bring home liquid souvenirs.  We enjoy stopping at distilleries or wineries, sampling their products and bringing some home.  It’s another way to extend the vacation, an ounce or two at a time! 😉

On our recent trip through Texas, I had identified two distilleries I wanted to visit: Balcones Distilling in Waco, and Garrison Brothers, in Hye (near Fredericksburg).  I had hoped to pick up some Texas tequila, but these two distilleries only make brown liquor – whisky and rum at Balcones, and whisky (but very good whisky) at Garrison Brothers.  The tequila distilleries appear to be further south than we went, more like Austin and San Antonio.  Perhaps another time.

Balcones makes a number of different bourbons and rye whiskys, including one whisky made from blue corn.  It has a very interesting flavor, very sweet with hints of corn tortilla (my taste, anyway), fresh bread and brown sugar. We brought home a bottle of that along with a bottle each of their cask strength rye, their Texas single malt pot still whisky and their cask strength rum.  Those big boys will make good old fashioneds and Manhattans once the weather cools back down.

At Garrison Brothers, they make bourbon.  And only bourbon.  Several different kinds, something for everyone who likes bourbon.  We brought home a bottle each of their Small Batch and their Single Barrel.  A little on the pricey side, these will occupy the “occasional shelf” in our cabinet!

Every distillery has its own story, and we always enjoy hearing them.  It’s fun talking and listening to people who are passionate about their craft, whether it is in Kentucky, Texas or Barbados.  We’ll be ready for some more the next time we head out!