Whiskey Business

Mark Twain once said, "Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough." Here in Houston, we are lucky to have many options when it comes to whiskey, including three local craft distilleries within an hour of one another. Sure you can just go to your neighborhood liquor store and pick up a bottle, but these places are worth a visit. At the distillery you can get a tour of the facility, learn about the whiskey making process, and sample a wide variety of spirits. Plus you are supporting family owned businesses and Texas made whiskey. 

Making whiskey takes time and skill. The five basic steps for making whiskey are: 
1. Making the mash 2. Fermenting 3. Distilling 4. Barreling 5. Bottling. This lengthy process is why most distilleries will make other products, such as vodka, which doesn't need to be aged.

Whitmeyer's Distilling Co., Harris County's first distillery, opened in 2012 and is located in a small business park near the hustle and bustle of FM 1960. This business is run by native Texans and military veterans, Chris and Travis Whitmeyer, along with their father Wesley. Their passion for making whiskey is apparent the moment you step foot in the warehouse. They currently have 6 products available: Peach Whiskey, Space City Vodka, Single Barrrel Bourbon, Moonshine Whiskey, Moonshine Reserve, and Gin.  The first four products are available at most liquor stores, and the other two directly from the distillery. I recently attended a double blind Bourbon tasting at their facility and Whitmeyer's new Texas Barrel Select was the group favorite by an overwhelming majority. Read more about the bourbon tasting in the Public News http://www.publicnews.us/pn014.pdf 

Whiskey Tank

Gin in the making

Whitmeyer's conducts tours on Saturdays at 2pm and 4pm.  The tour includes a sample of all their products and reservations can be made online or by calling them directly.  There is also a cash bar and drinks are only $5.  The facility is also available for private parties.

Yellow Rose Distilling, located in the heart of Houston, off of North Post Oak is a wonderful place to visit. Founded by neighbors Troy Smith and Ryan Baird, along with business partner Randy Whitaker, they are Houston's first legal distillery. From the outside it looks like a regular office building, but once you step inside you see a beautiful reception area and bar.  Just beyond the bar is the entrance to the warehouse where all the whiskey magic happens.

Yellow Rose currently makes five products:  Howdy Stranger Vodka, Outlaw Bourbon, Double Barrel Bourbon, Rye Whiskey, and Blended Whiskey.  The Blended was definitely my favorite.  Tours are very informative and take you through the entire process from grain to bottle.  Tours are $7 and include a sample of all five products. Times are: Thursday and Friday 4:30 and 5:30 and Saturday at 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30.  Bringing snacks, games, and just hanging out at the bar is highly encouraged. The facility is also available for private events and their barrel room is the perfect place for a party.

Big Thicket Distilling is located in Conroe, Texas. Founded in 2012 by childhood friends Daniel Bass and Joseph Breda, they make everything in house one small batch at a time. They pride themselves on being Texas made from grain to glass. Products that are currently available include Dog Trot Vodka and Boom Town Whiskey.  Soon to be released is Boom Town Bourbon and Roughneck Reserve Bourbon.
  
Tours are conducted every Saturday at 12, 2, and 4pm.  The facility is also available for private parties.  The have several events coming up such as game night on March 13th and the first annual Bugs and Booze Crawfish Boil on April 25th.

Grab some friends and head on out to one or all three of these great local distilleries.  Be sure to check out Groupon or Living Social for discounts on tours.  Also, to be informed on new products and events be sure to like their pages on Facebook.