Just outside of Austin, I discovered a local distillery making vodkas, gin, and bourbon, called Dripping Springs.
I had arrived at the perfect time for one of their daily tastings. It was a great setting. The weather was perfect to sit out on their porch with picnic tables all set up for the tastings.
Our guide was fantastic. He explained everything about the process of making the vodka and gin. He was also funny and entertaining.
I am not a gin fan but the gin that Dripping Springs makes had a subtle taste. I had no idea that besides juniper, it also had hibiscus and cardamom in it as well.
The gin was very tasty in a bloody Mary that I was able to try there. The spiciness of the bloody Mary paired well with the earthy taste of the juniper.
For the vodkas, there was a traditional unflavored, which was smooth. It did not have any after burn feeling. They also sampled their Texas Orange Vodka. They used fresh, hand zested oranges to create the orange flavor. It was very refreshing.
They make all their vodka in 50-gallon batches, so each bottle is really special.
In between all the tastings I munched on fresh popped popcorn. The salty taste helped cleanse my palate.
The last thing I got to try was their 1876 bourbon whiskey. They used Texas corn and Oklahoma rye and blend it in aged barrels. They finish it off with Hill Country spring water. I could taste hints of vanilla and smoke from the barrel. It went down smooth and had a sweet after-taste.
I was really entertained by the tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable of what we were drinking, what the ingredients are, and the entire process of how it is made. I would recommend anyone stopping by to check them out.
Visit their website at www.drippingspringsdistilling.com
Enjoy!
T
