Hill couNtry DiStillerieS

In Our Own Backyard

by kRiStine duRan

Everywhere you turn in and around the San Antonio area, you’re bound to stumble into a new cocktail bar critics are ranting or raving about. Cocktail consumption hasn’t been this popular since Prohibition, and the scene is only growing stronger with the support of notable area distilleries. Although the mixology craze has garnered new attention to cocktail culture, there are still many locals who aren’t aware of the extraordinary distillers we have in our own backyard.

REBECCA CREEK DISTILLERY

(22 miles from Cordillera Ranch)

Only five years old, this San Antonio distillery uses old and new technology to produce Enchanted Rock Vodka and Rebecca Creek Fine Texas Spirit Whiskey. They use a traditional copper pot distillation process; a time consuming craft that sets their premium products apart from the rest. The copper pot still produces a hefty 80,000 cases of their Texas proud spirit each year. Stop by their Hill Country distillery on Saturdays between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. for a tasting and free distillery tour. Visit www.rebeccacreekdistillery.com for more information.

GARRISON BROTHERS DISTILLERY

(36 miles from Cordillera Ranch)

As the oldest whiskey distillery in Texas, the artisans at Garrison Brothers use only the finest ingredients to create their Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, such as the organic winter wheat grown directly on site. Each barrel and bottle is made by hand, resulting in only a few hundred barrels of bourbon each year. Although it might be the best bourbon ever made, they suggest that you savor each sip in moderation because this hooch isn’t cheap. Before investing in a bottle, stop by the distillery in Hye, Texas for a free tasting or tour the place with a group of whiskey swiggin’ friends. Visit www.garrisonbros.com for more information.

DORCOL DISTILLERY

(37.9 miles from Cordillera Ranch)

What began as a century-old Serbian family tradition for owner, Boyan Kalusevic has transformed into a growing business venture nestled in the heart of Southtown. Dorcol is churning out a versatile fruit-based spirit called rakia, and their award-winning rakia is a white apricot brandy they dubbed Kinsman. Their 400-square-foot tasting room is a popular addition to second Saturday artwalks, where thirsty patrons can take a brief tour and purchase cocktails prepared by an onsite mixologist to the tunes of live bands. Picture a cocktail bar (with rakia as its only spirit) where you can get a free distillery tour after a few drinks. Visit www.facebook.com/ dorcoldistilling for more information.

RANGER CREEK BREWING AND DISTILLING

(39.9 Miles from Cordillera Ranch)

This San Antonio crowd pleaser is for beer nerds and spirit enthusiasts alike. As a brewery and distillery (brewstillery), Ranger Creeks concocts craft beer and whiskey with their own distinct and highly intriguing process. This homebrewing project turned booming business combines the operations in many ways, such as aging the beer in bourbon barrels and distilling the beer into whiskeys, always using local ingredients. Join the crew at Ranger Creek for a brewstillery tour (two tours in one!) or swing by their Spring Open House on March 14th to get a real taste (three pints) of what they’re cooking. Visit www.drinkrangercreek.com for more information.