Garrison Brothers Distillery

Can you believe the first and oldest bourbon distillery in Texas is only nearly 20 years old? Garrison Brothers Distillery got its legal permit in 2006.

The story goes, that Dan Garrison lost everything in the dot com bubble burst and went to Kentucky to take a break (and drink bourbon). While there, he learned from the Kentucky bourbon greats and decided to bring this potion-making to Texas. Long story short (and leaving out all the ups and downs of this endeavor), he roped in his brother Charlie, they set up their process and ranch, and they’ve been making bourbon ever since.

The scrappiness of building this bourbon distillery is something that’s part of their identity. As said during the tour: “We’re just a bunch of rednecks making really good bourbon.”

They now make nine different types of bourbon, from their signature small batch (the black handle) to their 115-proof, twice-barreled Balmorhea (the blue handle).

Take the Tour

At their property, you can stop by the whiskey shack for a cocktail and food and walk around the gift shop, but they also have a tour, which takes you up the hill to their production facilities where you’ll get to meet the people behind the operation.

Like many distillery tours, we got to see the stills, learn the process of making whiskey, and see the bottling room with many volunteers churning out finished bottles. We even joined in for the “quality control” shot.

Something unique I was excited to do was dip my bottle of bourbon for the wax finish! This might have been special for our group, though I think there is an opportunity for anyone on the tour to do it.

Details for Your Visit

The distillery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm or 6 pm. The place is an hour and a half away from Downtown Austin and 30 minutes away from Downtown Fredericksburg.

Tours are available Tuesday through Thursday at 12 pm and 2 pm and Friday and Saturday at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm. Tours are an hour and a half and cost $10 per person on weekdays and $20 on Saturdays.

The whiskey shack also has a kitchen; from experience, the food is delicious! I recommend the burger and fries.

In Texas, we’re proud of what is produced locally, and Garrison Brothers Distillery is another delicious example. If you’re visiting the Texas Hill Country, stop by for a cocktail or a bottle!

Garrison Brothers Distillery
1827 Hye-Albert Rd, Hye, TX 78635
https://www.garrisonbros.com/

The post Take a Bourbon Tour at Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Cider is quickly becoming my go-to drink. It’s lightly sweetened, bubbly, and in some of my favorites, also hoppy! Made from fermented apple juice (or pear juice in perries) and typically carbonated, cider is naturally gluten-free. Its sweetness comes from the fruit naturally or is added in the process.

Here are the four cideries of Austin and each has a few cider flavors.

Austin Eastciders

Ever since Austin Eastciders released their first cider in 2012, they have been cranking out flavors, including pineapple, Texas honey, ruby red grapefruit, blood orange, lemon ginger, pear rosemary, hopped, rose, and their most recent watermelon. Visit their cidery in East Austin for some weekend exploring.

Address: 979 Springdale Rd, Ste. 130, Austin, TX 78702
Taproom Hours: Monday 3-10 pm, Tuesday – Saturday 1-10 pm, Sunday 12-7 pm
Food on site: Food truck Dipping Springs Tender Co
Website: https://austineastciders.com

Fairweather Cider Co.

Fairweather Cider is a gluten-free drinker’s dream and a welcome option in the North Austin brew-borhood (lots of breweries in a small radius). Compared to the other cideries in Austin, Fairweather has a smaller taproom, but they’ve got enough spunk and cider to make up for that. Keep a look out for their frozen cider!

Address: 10609 Metric Blvd #108, Austin, TX 78758
Taproom Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 12-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 12 pm-12 am, Sunday 12-7 pm
Food on site: All Gimmicks Coffee; Food truck Spicy Boys
Website: http://www.fairweathercider.com/

Moontower Cider

The newer kid on the block, Moontower Cider Co is experimenting with flavors at their East Austin tasting room. Four of their ciders are canned and available in stores, but you’ll find many more in their tasting room.

Address: 1916 Tillery St, Austin, TX 78723
Taproom Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 1-9 pm; Sunday, 1-7 pm
Food on site: Snacks like Antonelli’s Cheese are available
Website: http://moontowercider.com/

Texas Keeper Cider

I was first introduced to Texas Keeper Cider at the farmer’s market. I really like their Heirloom but the Goldrush is another good one. Their taproom is a house on 19 acres in South Austin, so it feels like you’re in the Hill Country.

Address: 12521 Twin Creeks Rd, Manchaca, TX 78652
Taproom Hours: Thursday 2-8 p.m.; Friday 2-9 p.m.; Saturday 12-9 p.m.; Sunday 12-8 p.m.
Food on site: In-house Texas Keeper Kitchen
Website: http://www.texaskeeper.com

Have you tried any of these ciders or do you have any favorite ciders?

Looking for more drinks in Austin?

• Ultimate Austin Brewery Guide
• Take a Downtown Austin Wine Tour with Austin Wine Collective
• I Tried 5 Non-Alcoholic Hopped Drinks – Here’s My Favorite

Keep up with my food adventures! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post Guide to Austin Cider and Cidery Tours appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Located in Southeast Austin about 15 minutes from downtown is Austin’s newest destination distillery. If you’re looking for the setting of the hill country but the proximity of Austin, you’ll find Fierce Whiskers Distillery is the perfect solution. Keep reading to learn more!

Fierce Whiskers Distillery

The distillery’s name comes from an 1849 quote by the 19th U.S. President Rutherford B Hayes: “Austin is an inconsiderable village with large expectations…full of discharged ‘Rangers’…costumes of every variety…Fierce whiskers, gaming, and drinking very abounding in all quarters.”

If you’re an Austinite, you’ll feel the truth to that quote. We’re proud to be weird, we aim to be unique, and we’re a city filled with ambition. Co-founders Tri Vo and Tim Penney were inspired to open this distillery by the love of the craft and the desire to do things differently in an industry steeped with tradition.

Their focus on sustainability is a way to bring more integrity to the whiskey. Sustainability is not simply an impressive footnote; both founders work in the energy industry. Reducing waste and following a regenerative system are no-brainers for Fierce Whiskers, as it should be in all companies. You’ll see examples all over, from the wind vents in the rickhouse for climate control to the sourcing and reusing of ingredients.

Fierce Whiskers wants people to recognize Austin as a birthplace for premium whiskey. Tennessee and Kentucky have the history, but Austin has the future. It’s primed to be true with the number of distilleries in the area, especially with Fierce Whiskers driving quality.

The first batches of straight rye and straight bourbon whiskey were distilled in September 2020 with the goal to release the rye in 2023 and whiskey in 2024. Good things come to those who wait, right?

A Scenic Destination in Austin

After driving through an industrial area, you’ll pull into the Fierce Whiskers Distillery parking lot and immediately see this photo-worthy exterior. The bright white main building and the four-story rickhouse are the focal points from the parking lot.

The four-story rickhouse is incredible! Rows and rows of barrels and empty spaces that will soon be filled with barrels are what you’ll see when you go on a tour. You might even spot a Rutherford B. Hayes face on the 100th barrels.

The main white building is where you’ll find the tasting room and production room. The tasting room is an interior design dream. One side of the tasting room features large doors that open up to the patio and the tall, white drapes give an elegant feel. It’s the most beautiful tasting room I’ve seen in Austin!

There is additional seating on the patio, which provides a scenic view of the expansive six-acre property.

If you’re interested, you can book a tour ($15) to see their production facility and go into the rickhouse.

Cocktails in the Distillery Tasting Room

This distillery has been in the works since 2015 and recently opened the tasting room in September. Various early-stage liquors such as new-make whiskey, gin, rum, and agave spirits are available as they age their goal product. Their cocktail menu is a lot of fun and has something for everyone to enjoy. (Yes, even non-alcoholic cocktails!)

Choose from their list of classic cocktails by spirit or the seasonal signature cocktail list. Here are two of the delicious cocktails we enjoyed.

The New Republic is a rum and rye milk-clarified punch. It’s in a custom ceramic cup handmade by local Austin’s Soul Matter Studio. This is a fun way to feature local artists and give the cocktail some extra flair.

The Gambler is made with agave spirit, gin, stone fruit shrub, champagne acid, and sparkling water.

There isn’t a cocktail menu online, but they have more than 20 cocktails on the menu that range from $8-12 each.

Food Truck: CHAR ATX

You’ll want to come hungry too. CHAR ATX is the permanent food truck at Fierce Whiskers. This food truck serves chargrilled Texas yakitori (Japanese skewered meat), and the trailer is set up well with a unique, open grilling area on one side of the truck.

We opted for the omakase meal to be able to try many dishes. (Off menu item, so ask for it!) It was definitely the right decision. Our meal consisted of grilled chicken, beef, tomato, cabbage, mushroom, pork belly, and bacon shishitos with pickled vegetables on the side. It was hard to pick a favorite, but I think it was the pork belly!

CHAR ATX is a big win for a tasty experience at Fierce Whiskers, so come ready for food and drinks!

Plan Your Visit

Fierce Whiskers Distillery and CHAR ATX are great additions to Austin! It’s the place to visit for a leisurely weekend afternoon and you’ll want to keep an eye out for their future whiskey releases. Until then, enjoy their tasting room!

Fierce Whiskers Distillery
5333 Fleming Ct, Austin, TX 78744
https://www.fiercewhiskers.com/

P.S. Looking for more ways to explore Austin? This page has lots of ideas!

The post Austin Weekend Plans at Fierce Whiskers Distillery appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

When we were planning the Napa trip, I thought maybe it would be my chance. Russian River Brewing, located in Santa Rosa and about an hour from Napa, is distributed in California, so maybe I could find Pliny the Elder at a local bottle shop. Since this trip would be all about my friend’s birthday, I wouldn’t make it a quest (hello, type A trip planner here), but I’d be pretty happy if the stars aligned.

The first day, we walked to a nearby Whole Foods to pick up some snacks and I walked by the beer coolers, just in case…YES there it was! I casually (probably not casually) brought this up to our group and we bought four bottles to start. There was a lot of wine in our future after all.

Pliny the Elder, the Roman author, and philosopher, is thought to be the first person who referenced hops in this writing. Pliny the Elder, the beer, is named after this first hops enthusiast. Rightly so, as the beer is a double IPA with four kinds of hops. It really is one of the best beers I’ve ever had. This beer is hoppy yet refreshing and very approachable for being a double IPA. The balanced flavors of pine, citrus, and floral are well-blended.

After enjoying our first sips of Pliny the Elder in the hot tub at our house, we took a road trip a few days later to visit its birthplace – Russian River Brewing. We were able to try many of their beers on tap, including Blind Pig (another of their flagship beers) and Pliny for President (a dry-hopped limited release). Their special releases and marketing may have helped drive their popularity, but at the foundation is an excellent beer worthy of praise.

It’s satisfying and surreal to have experienced something you’ve thought about for so long. But I’m also left wondering, did I drink the best beer I’ll ever have? The good thing is, there is a lot of fantastic beer out there, so I’ll keep tasting, just to make sure.

P.S. If you can’t get any Pliny the Elder, here are some hoppy beers you could find in a store near you:

• Bell’s Two Hearted Ale
• Lone Pint Brewery’s Yellow Rose
• 4th Tap’s Stay Gold
• IPAs from Pinthouse and Zilker Brewing

P.P.S. Looking for more posts about beer? See my Ultimate Austin Brewery Guide or my experience with an Italian brewery.

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The post I Crossed Pliny the Elder Off My Bucket List appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

I was lucky to be invited to visit Still Austin for a tasting and tour recently. This distillery has been open in Austin for about two years and I hadn’t been. Spoiler alert: I had an excellent experience and am excited to tell you more about Still Austin, so keep reading!

Distilleries are a booming industry in Texas. In 2008, there were fewer than 10 distilleries in the state, and today, there are over 130, quickly catching up to the number of wineries and breweries! There are about 20 distilleries in the Austin area, though Still Austin is the only one in city limits. Located in South Austin, the spacious and bright distillery is in a hip mixed development area called The Yard.

Still Austin – Texas Grain-to-Glass

The distillery might have started by coincidence, but since then, calculated steps have grown the company to its recognition and popularity.

In 2013, six people, each pair a stranger to the others, attended a brewing class in Seattle. As they got to talking, they realized they were all from Austin and passionately curious about progressing in the craft and sharing it with the world. After years of planning, Still Austin opened its distillery in 2017 and recently celebrated its two-year anniversary.

One way to describe Still Austin is Texas grain-to-glass. In the midst of my year-long farm-to-table challenge where I’ve been learning so much about local food and makers, it’s exciting to see how Still Austin takes Texas-grown grain and turns it into whiskey and gin. They are in control of every step, from inspecting the farmer’s grain to tasting the barrel, to make sure their product fulfills their perfectionist detail. (They also give the spent grain back to farmers for food and fertilizer.) Their whiskey and gin are Texas born.

They’ve also gathered an excellent team who contribute their expertise. From perfecting the taste of the whiskey to drawing the chalkboard signs displayed in the distillery, their team comes together to provide the perfect branding and tasting experience. Still Austin illustrates the common theme of the things I share on my blog – passionate people making things happen for the fun of it, and luckily, they are finding success from their time and effort.

Still Austin Tour and Tasting

Did you know whiskey starts as beer? That liquid is then distilled (vaporized) multiple times to become whiskey. Then, the whiskey is put into barrels for aging. You can drink whiskey before aging – see Still Austin’s New Make Whiskey – and the color deepens the longer it is aged. Check out this display in the distillery to see how the color changes the more months it ages.

For those of you not familiar with whiskey, here are some quick facts:

• Scotch and bourbon are both types of whiskey. Most scotch is made in Scotland while bourbon can be made anywhere. But, the spelling differs. Scotch and Canadian are whisky (without the “e”) while whiskey (with the “e”) is Irish and American.
• Whiskey is typically aged in barrels. Angel share is the term used for the percentage of whiskey that evaporates from the barrels. Because of the Texas climate, it’s about 10% at Still Austin.
• Some say moderate whiskey consumption has health benefits and can prevent cancer, stroke, heart disease, and dementia.

Gin is made in the same way as whiskey but ingredients like botanicals are used in the distilling process and the result is not aged. With all the equipment on the ready, Still Austin began making gin and now has a Texas Rye Gin on the shelf. Because gin doesn’t need to be aged, it’s a shorter process to turn over a profit. Their gin is complex and refreshing.

Josh was our self-described “whiskey nerd” tour guide and he shared so much about the distillery and distilling. From the silos and custom-made 42-foot column to the barrels, we got an inside look at how the magic happens. Here’s a video of Josh with a look behind the distillery.

In the tasting portion of our tour, we tried their liquor straight and talked about the notes and process. I don’t have a refined palate (yet) but I enjoyed learning about the ingredients and tasting the base of what would make some delicious cocktails. One thing I could decipher was how smooth and drinkable the liquors were.

For those familiar with whiskey, you’ll enjoy the new Sherry Cask Whiskey or their Hye Rye Bourbon Whiskey. The Mother Pepper Whiskey has some heat (spice) to it and the Daydreamer is perfect for summer sipping. If you’re interested in a tour and tasting, they’re available Wednesday through Sunday. The hour-long tour costs $15 and includes the tasting.

Their bartenders are ready to mix up some cocktails with their liquors. There’s plenty of seating in their spacious tasting room and they also have a big patio. You’ll also find their food truck Pairings on their patio, serving a mix of cuisines.

Follow the Texas Whiskey Trail

With a young industry like this, it’s important to look for unique ways to market to the public and partner with other distilleries. The Texas Whiskey Trail gives whiskey enthusiasts the opportunity to support the local market while getting exclusive perks.

Three levels of membership, including a free level, provide members news and access to 15 Texas distilleries. There are eight in the Hill Country Region (Austin-San Antonio area), five in the North Texas Region (Dallas area), and two in the Gulf Coast Region (Houston area). If you love whiskey and want to support Texas whiskey, joining as a member is the best way to learn more.

Conclusion

I never stop being amazed at the passion and ambition of makers in Austin. We’re lucky to live in a city driven by new ideas and doing cool stuff. Still Austin embodies that entrepreneur spirit. They’re people obsessed with the art and science of creating a product to perfection. With all the change that comes through our city, Still Austin’s name reminds us that who we are – the passion, innovation, and ambition – will continue to drive us despite the challenges.

Still Austin has come a long way since they’ve opened and what I experienced is much different than I expected. What they’re producing is worthy of a space on your bar cart and if it’s been a while since you’ve visited, I encourage you to give them another taste. 

If you’re looking for something different to see and drink in Austin, stop by Still Austin.

Plan your visit!
Still Austin
440 E St Elmo Rd Unit F, Austin, TX 78745
Tasting Room Open: Tuesday – Sunday, 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Tours available
Social Links: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
See all info on their website: https://stillaustin.com/

What’s your favorite spirits brand?

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The post Drinking Local with Still Austin’s Grain-to-Glass Whiskey and Gin appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Although there are three more official weeks until summer ends, I’m already seeing the shift in seasons. School is back in session (as the increased traffic in our commutes show) and we’re making plans for football season and the fall. How did summer fly by so fast??

I know the fall season will be full this year. We have a little wedding and honeymoon thing fast approaching. So, this was the perfect time for Will and me to slow down while enjoying cocktails from Austin-based company RAYS Spirits.

RAYS Spirits are not only delicious but easy to assemble and one of the only spirits found in your local HEB and Central Market. That means a one-stop-shop when you’re grocery shopping! Distilled from grapes, RAYS Spirits is 17% alcohol and 100% all-natural with no added sugar and additives. Yep, each of their flavors – lemon, lime, and blood orange – are flavored with real fruit!

What do I mean by easy to assemble? All you need is a glass of ice to enjoy these spirits. But it’s also easy to mix it up and make a simple cocktail. These are the three cocktail recipes we enjoyed:

RAYS Arnold Palmer

Named after the famous golfer, this drink is half lemonade, half tea, and spiked with fun.

• 4.5 oz RAYS Lemon
• Top with iced tea (about 2 oz)
• Garnish with lemon slices

RAYS Mule

For something a little spicier, this Moscow mule is another favorite of mine.

• 4.5 oz RAYS Lime
• Top with ginger beer (about 2 oz)
• Squeeze of lime

RAYS Blood Orange Fizz

Break out from the normal and try this blood orange cocktail filled with fresh citrus.

• 3 oz RAYS Blood Orange
• 1.5 oz orange juice
• Top with club soda or sparkling water

These cocktails would be easy to make for a party! Making food and drinks ahead of time makes parties a lot less stressful for the host and these will be a crowd-pleaser. To make these as batch cocktails, use the following measurements. I recommend making the batch in a pitcher without ice and pouring a drink over ice for guests.

RAYS Arnold Palmer

• 3/4 bottle of RAYS Lemon
• Top with iced tea
• Garnish with lemon slices

RAYS Mule

• 3/4 bottle of RAYS Lime
• Top with ginger beer
• Juice of one lime

RAYS Blood Orange Fizz

• 1/2 bottle of RAYS Blood Orange
• 6 oz orange juice
• Top with club soda or sparkling water

The fresh fruit flavor in these spirits will help me savor summer as long as possible! Knowing Texas weather, I’ll probably be enjoying these long after the first day of fall. Before then, I know these will be perfect for the holiday weekend, so grab some bottles today!

For more cocktail recipes, visit the RAYS Spirits website!

What type of cocktails do you like? How would you drink RAYS?

Keep up with my food adventures. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

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Here are four ways I’m getting ready for summer.

1. Plan ways to get in the water

The best thing about summer in Austin is the abundance of swimming holes and water activities. Life is so much cooler when you’re in the water, so I’m hoping to do at least a few of these things.

• Swim at Barton Springs Pool, Deep Eddy, Sculpture and/or Twin Falls in the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Hamilton Pool, Jacob’s Well
• Go tubing in New Braunfels (like this trip last year)
• Host a pool party
• Rent a boat or jet skis on Lake Austin or Travis
• Try out Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures

See more Texas destinations near water in this post.

2. Book a road trip

Summertime automatically makes me think of road trips. As a kid, we did short road trips, like going to Fort Worth to visit the zoo. Going to the Texas coast is the closest remedy for beach time and Padre has its fair share of fun, plus it’s baby turtle season!

I like road trips (did you see this post?) because they’re a cost-effective option for a vacation. Here are some of my favorite summer options and I’m hoping to do at least one of these.

• Luling Watermelon Thump
• Blanco Lavender Festival
• Berry picking at Sweet Berry Farm
• Two-stepping in Gruene
• Wine tasting in Fredericksburg
• Weekend getaway to San Antonio or Houston
• Day trip to Georgetown

3. Stock the fridge

It’s time to fill the fridge with fresh fruit and easy drinks. It’s easily my favorite food season with peaches, watermelon, strawberries, and more! I can’t get enough of fruit, even in my beverages.

Mighty Swell was kind to send me a sample pack of their spiked spritzers to help me get ready for summer. Their flavors include watermelon mint, peach, grapefruit, mango, and their newest flavor, cherry lime. These drinks have 4 grams of sugar from white grapes and no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. I’ll be sipping on these all summer long!

4. Make a summer bucket list

One of the best ways to get ready for summer is to make a list of all the fun things you’ll do! This summer, I’m hoping to relax and check off some things I’ve been wanting to do and see in Austin. I’m looking forward to crossing off these things one by one.

• Go to Icenhauer’s Sunday Brunch
• See a show at the Continental Club
• Take more walks
• Host a dinner party
• Visit the Cathedral of Junk
• Go to a summer festival (Maybe the Ice Cream Fest or Bat Fest?)
• Eat as many cold treats as possible

What are you planning to do this summer?

P.S. Need more summer ideas? Check out this summer fiesta.

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The post 4 Ways I’m Getting Ready for Summer appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

It started with a cupcake, and my life has never been the same.

When the cupcake craze hit the U.S. and cupcake shops were opening left and right, I became semi-obsessed with this sweet treat. Austin had its own surge of cupcake shop openings, and I had to try every single one. I loved dessert and pastries, but with a cupcake, I loved how bakers infused creativity into this seemingly simple and small cake. It was too easy to have the usual combinations of vanilla and chocolate. Now there was cookie dough, peanut butter, crumbled chocolate cookies, and fresh strawberries added into these few bites.

Being a part of Yelp and now, the Austin Food Blogger Alliance encouraged this food obsession. I dove into trying new-to-me restaurants, cuisines, and dishes constantly and was insatiable in discovering and experiencing. From a restaurant owner’s inspiration to open a restaurant to the explosion of flavors in a well-crafted dish, food continues to fascinate me with the ways it sparks joy on my tongue and in my brain.

We all have those things we’re passionate about or are interested in. They consume our thoughts and our free time, and if we’re lucky, we can share our passion with others.

What are you passionate about?

Cocktail Class at Treaty Oak Distilling

It’s this passion for learning about food and drinks that made me say an excited ‘yes’ to Treaty Oak Distilling‘s invite to a cocktail class at their Cocktail Lab. (You might remember my visit a few months prior.)

In practicing what they preach – “pursuit of the curious” – Treaty Oak Distilling hosted author Aaron Goldfarb for a special presentation about his new book “Hacking Whiskey.” In the book, Goldfarb is like a mad scientist and inspired artist, infusing things like brisket and smoke into whiskey cocktails. His creations enhance whiskey and challenge people to get creative and have fun with their drinks. In addition to recipes, “Hacking Whiskey” includes general knowledge and tips.

Whiskey isn’t my go-to spirit but I do like cocktails and learning. It’s easy to take a sip of whiskey and declare I’ll never like it but mixed with different ingredients, I might be the presentation I didn’t like, not the whiskey. There were cocktails in the class on the strong side for me, but there were also ones that I can see myself ordering again and again. I was a little surprised by that but I’ve learned that putting your preferences in a box can hinder your experiences.

Our cocktail class presented four different recipes from “Hacking Whiskey,” each customized by Treaty Oak Distilling. We enjoyed The Julius (inspired by an Orange Julius), the Brisketini (yes, with brisket-infused whiskey), Death & Taxes (infused with cigar smoke), and the Milk Punch (my favorite). Each cocktail was thoughtfully crafted, sure to give you a satisfied reaction after taking a sip and tasting how well the flavors went together.

Treaty Oak Distilling’s products are impressive to me already, especially the gin. This opportunity to “play” with whiskey illustrates the company’s desire to shake up the industry and encourage people to go beyond what they know and have experienced. If you’re curious about this, be sure to look out for future cocktail experiences in their Cocktail Lab.

5 Ways to be Passionately Curious

I encourage you to find something you’re passionate about in life. Start a quest and explore your curiosity! Here are five ways to fuel your passion:

1. Challenge Yourself

Everyone starts somewhere. My passion for food was fostered by going to restaurants and trying new cuisines. I begin to find out what I did and didn’t like and learned about traditions and cultures. Keep an open mind and be willing to try and learn new things. You might find yourself at a whiskey cocktail class with some new favorite cocktails.

2. Take on a Challenge

It’s good to have goals in place. Growing my foodie knowledge meant visiting a certain number of restaurants every month or cooking through a cookbook. With a specific goal in mind, you’re more likely to find opportunities to challenge yourself.

3. Find Supporters

I love meeting up with fellow food bloggers and going out to eat with my fiancé because they love food as much as I do. We’re adventurous in trying new dishes and we revel in a great dining experience. Find people with whom you can share tips, learn, and geek out.

4. Read Books and Watch Shows/Movies

There is a wealth of information out there and it’s easily accessible, thanks to e-books and streaming services. In addition to my new “Hacking Whiskey” book, I’ve collected a few food-focused books and gravitate towards books and shows about food.

For foodie media, I love “The Third Plate” by Dan Barber, “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan, and am currently reading “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life” by Barbara Kingsolver. I’ve also been working my way through the books “Wine Folly” and “The Beer Bible” to learn more about the history and types of wine and beer, respectively. For shows, I like “Parts Unknown,” “Chef’s Table,” “Ugly Delicious,” and “Salt, Heat, Fat, Acid,” which are all on Netflix.

5. Take a Class

Learn from the experts. If you’re interested in a subject, why not invest your time and money into it? In a class, you’ll be able to ask questions and get hands-on experience. You’re also likely to be in a class with people who are interested in the subject as you are! [I’ve got a big list of creative classes in Austin you should check out.]

What are you passionate about and how do you stay curious about it?

P.S. Want to hear more foodie adventures? I have a thing for craft chocolate, I also like craft beer, and I’m on a year-long local eating challenge this year.

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

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Today I’m excited to tell you about this excellent seven-course, wine-paired dinner we had at Cabernet Grill! The restaurant invited us out to Fredericksburg and it’s easily one of the best restaurants I’ve tried in this town.

Cabernet Grill in Fredericksburg, TX

Cabernet Grill can best be described as classy yet very approachable. You’ll notice the difference in the quality of the food and drink but it’s not stuffy or awkward as finer dining restaurants can be. As you enter the restaurant, you’ll be sure to admire the big Texas-shaped cork art behind the welcome desk. You’ll see cork art all around the restaurant, and it represents what the restaurant prides itself on – Texas wine!

Cabernet Grill only serves Texas wine and more than 25 wineries are represented on their wine list. It’s the reason why they are consistently rated one of the top 100 wine restaurants in the U.S. by different organizations. A pretty cool recognition for a Texas restaurant!

In the entrance, you’ll also see this impressive wine storage, which I think would be a great addition to my house.

In the dining room, there are two spacious floors of seating. The lighting isn’t great for food photos, but it is perfect for an intimate and romantic dining experience.

Chef Ross Burtwell opened the restaurant in 2002 and his Hill Country cuisine features local companies and familiar ingredients. From the gulf’s seafood to the meat from Texas ranches, Cabernet Grill’s menu celebrates the bounty of Texas ingredients.

In the front of the house, Wine Director and Sommelier Elizabeth and our server Joe took care of us very well. Their attentive service and clear presentation were the highlights on top of a great experience. Now, wait until you see the courses Chef and his team prepared for us!

Our Wine-Paired Dinner

We loved our dining experience! Seven courses may seem like a lot but the time flew by as we anticipated and enjoyed each dish in its perfect timing. We had a special tasting menu that allowed us to try multiple dishes and a variety of vegetables, meat, and seafood.

I’m always amazed at how specifically paired wine is able to enhance a dish. It’s an impressive talent that Elizabeth has and during every course we’d look at each other and say, that’s perfect! The balance of salt, acid, spice, and sweet between the food and the wine is a delicate dance, and it’s well done at Cabernet Grill.

Here are the dishes and wine pairings we enjoyed.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Maple Cayenne Cream and Crispy Pepitas

Pecan Crusted Crab Cake with Mango Mayo and Pico
Pairing: Hilmy Cellars Viognier

Mexican Street Corn with pasilla chile, chilantro, lime crema, and chicharrones
Pairing: McPherson Cellars Albariño

Texas Twinkie: Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño with house-made beer sausage, red neck cheddar, and jezebel dip
and
Wild Organic Argula Salad with CKC goal cheese, pickled beets, roasted San Saba pecans, Beladi Tree EVOO, 25-year balsamic
Pairing: C.L. Butaud Rosé

Rosemary Sangiovese Sorbet (palate cleanser)

Pecan-Smoked Quail with chipotle potato mash, brown butter roasted carrots with almond crema
Pairing: Kuhlman Cellars Merlot

72-Hour Niman Ranch Short Rib with paprika aioli, braise jus, and three-cheese grits
Pairing: Brennan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

German’s Chocolate Bread Pudding with brandied Amarena ice cream
Pairing: Llano Estacado Port

Incredible, right?! The short rib was my favorite savory dish, though the arugula salad with those pickled beets was also fantastic. Butternut squash soup and sweet potato mash are two of my favorites, and the ones here did not disappoint. I LOVED the bread pudding and wish I had saved enough room to eat the whole thing!

For the wine, I always think I like reds more than whites, but the viogniers continue to surprise me. This one from Hilmy Cellars is one I’d like to drink again. I’m consistently a rosé fan and this one from C.L. Butaud was wonderfully paired with the Texas Twinkie. The port also surprised me and while sweet, the wine wasn’t too sweet like many ports I’ve had.

Overall, it was a cohesive dinner with a Texas theme. We each had our favorite dishes, though we agreed the pairings were spot on.

When you visit, don’t forget to take Chef’s recipes home with you through his cookbook!

Staying at Cotton Gin Village

After we enjoyed our dinner, we conveniently rolled/walked out the door and a few steps to our cabin at Cotton Gin Village! The property has eight different cabins, including spaces for large groups. It’s perfect for a group trip. They’re also in the process of expanding their lodging.

It was nice to not have to go far and have enough room to spread out. Our spacious Pedernales cabin had a living and dining room with a big comfy leather couch, TV, fridge, and dining table.

Through the sliding door were the cozy bedroom, bathroom, and tub shower. Their soaps made by Fredericksburg Farms smelled so good!

In the morning, breakfast was delivered in a cute picnic basket and included a hot crust-less quiche, sticky buns, yogurt, fruit, and juice. Combined with our hot tea we prepared through the Keurig in our room, this breakfast was one for champions. It was such a nice morning for winter, so we enjoyed this breakfast picnic on our porch.

Conclusion

What a fun, food-filled getaway to Fredericksburg! I know when we visit again, maybe during the peach season or for Oktoberfest, we’ll have to return for dinner at Cabernet Grill. I recommend you visit too!

Cabernet Grill
2805 S. State Hwy 16, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 5-9pm

Which would be your favorite dish?

P.S. Looking for more Fredericksburg tips? Check out my travel guide here.

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post Wine-Paired Dinner at Cabernet Grill in Fredericksburg, TX appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Disclosure: Treaty Oak Distilling invited me to their ranch for a tour and to try their drinks and food, all complimentary to me. All opinions in this post are my own.

There comes a time when you finally stop and consider what you’re eating and drinking. We all have that cocktail we started with to get the job done. Then, we grow up and it becomes less about sustenance and how it makes you feel and more about how it tastes and how it was created. For me, I found a love for gin and its botanicals.

Treaty Oak Distilling created a line of gins that stand out from the rest, and I was lucky to visit their ranch to learn more. Keep reading to hear all about my visit!

Waterloo Gin

Let me first introduce you to Waterloo Gin, Treaty Oak’s gin brand. They currently have three distinct gins that will be the stars of your bar cart. What sets them apart are the unique flavors and the quality. The distillery focuses on using local ingredients to create their spirits, from Texas limestone filtered water to the sourced botanicals.

The signature gin, Waterloo No.9, has proved its brilliance, winning awards in various gin competitions. The botanicals of lavender, juniper, coriander, anise, ginger, pecan, orange, lemon, and grapefruit zest will surely enhance a martini or gin and tonic.

The longest-aged gin on the market, Waterloo Antique Gin has the power to turn whiskey and bourbon lovers into gin drinkers. Barreling the gin in American White Oak barrels gives it the rich color and depth in flavor. Try the Antique Gin in the gin spin of a Manhattan – the Martinez.

The game-changer for me was the Waterloo Old Yaupon. It’s a unique take on an Old Tom Gin, featuring botanicals like Yaupon Holly, Juniper, Kaffir Lime and Anise, which are back-sweetened with Wildflower Honey. The result is a gin with tea notes, giving cocktails like a Tom Collins or Bee’s Knees, a subtle twist.

Treaty Oak Distilling – Distilling Gin and Whiskey

Not new to the industry, Treaty Oak Distilling was founded in 2006 has been doing some soul-searching to re-do their branding. The end product is beautiful and a true representation of what they believe in and produce. In working with a marketing company, they’ve adopted elements that help tell their story better and convey their focus on innovation and quality of ingredients.

Hanzoku is a Japanese word translated to rebel or resistance to convention, and you’ll see it on their bottles. It embodies Treaty Oak’s desire to pay tribute to the traditions of distilling but also bring new ideas to their products. This is best represented by the unique tastes of their products but is followed through by the shape of their bottle and the design on the glass. I love the simple yet powerful strike of color that makes the bottles elegant yet fun.

If you are familiar with the brand, they also produced rum, vodka, and beer, but they’ve dialed back their production to focus on their gin and whiskey. Maybe one day they’ll be added back into the mix, but for now, Treaty Oak is on the way to win over gin and whiskey drinkers across the country through their partnership with Mahalo Spirits Group.

If you prefer whiskey, be sure to check out their whiskey line that includes Red Handed Bourbon Whiskey (sourced bourbons re-barreled), Red Handed Rye Whiskey (sourced bourbons re-barreled and aged 10 years), and Ghost Hill Texas Bourbon Whiskey (grain to glass local whiskey aged four years).

The Cocktail Lab

One of the reasons we were invited to visit the ranch was to experience The Cocktail Lab, the distillery’s new speakeasy lounge. This reservation and first-come, first-served private space will hold about 40 guests and feature a craft cocktail and food pairing menu. What I love is this lounge will focus on science, the art of cocktails, and creativity. It’s perfect for adventurous foodies who want to explore new flavors. I can see The Cocktail Lab as a fun activity for a celebration, like booking the space for a birthday. Keep an eye out – this space will be opening very soon and you don’t want to miss these cocktails.

Touring the Treaty Oak Distilling Ranch

This sprawling 28-acre ranch in Dripping Springs is nothing like Austin in terms of space. There’s plenty of it plus free parking. But the contagious energy of entrepreneurship, the pride in its culinary endeavors, and the ideals of perfecting a craft are also things that vibrate through Austin.

When you visit, you’ll need to grab a drink in the Rickhouse Bar, where the cocktails are simply delicious. Here you’ll also find plenty of shaded seating.

Next door is the tasting area where you can sample the gin and whiskey. Peek inside the distillery where the action happens! Next to the distillery is the barrel building, where gin and whiskey are cocooning towards its final transformation.

They’re making some changes to the ranch in the next few months, including remodeling the tasting room and restaurant, so look forward to a beautiful new presentation soon. If you’re doing a spirits tour in the Hill Country, this should definitely be a stop!

Ghost Hill Restaurant

Last but not least, there’s food! Focused on Texas-inspired cuisine, Ghost Hill Restaurant is led by Chef Chris Andrews and the menu is full of barbecue! All the favorite meats are available – brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, sausage – plus, we were lucky to try the new beef belly sandwich that is coming to the menu. It was the best thing I ate there! Also, check out the daily specials since they are always testing new recipes.

You’ve probably had sweeter quick bread like banana bread, but I could eat this dill quick bread every day!

On the sweet side, the Rosemary Cake with bourbon fig chutney and brown butter whipped cream was a delightful ending.

Another feature I’m impressed by is the commitment to sustainability. They currently use compostable and biodegradable products, among other practices. One day, they hope to produce much of their ingredients on the land and support regenerative agriculture.

Conclusion

It’s clear to see there are a lot of exciting things happening at Treaty Oak Distilling. Soon it will be exciting to see people outside of Texas embrace our secret. If you’re in Texas and haven’t tried Treaty Oak’s products, check your local liquor store!

Location: 16604 Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Hours: Thursday and Friday 4-9pm, Saturday 12-9pm, Sunday 12-6pm
Tours: Saturdays, 1-6pm at the top of the hour; 45-minute tours for $15 per person
Treaty Oak Distilling Website | Waterloo Gin Website | Instagram | Facebook

I’m curious – what’s your go-to cocktail?

P.S. While you’re out there, maybe you should visit Hamilton Pool.

Always on an adventure! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post How Treaty Oak Distilling Will Challenge Everything You Know About Gin appeared first on Fearless Captivations.