San Antonio Distilleries and Breweries With the Best Libations
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If you would want to try out authentic Texan spirits, I would recommend several best distilleries in San Antonio where one can try artisanal spirits and liquors found only in the State.
Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling
Located along Whirlwind Drive, this brewstillery offers handcrafted beer and whiskey. All their craft spirits are created in batches with authentic Texan ingredients plus with lots of love and attention.
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Established in 2010 by homebrewers Dennis and Ty Rylander with a curiosity of how Texan might have an effect on how craft whiskeys are produced. The heat and humidity in the state hasten the aging process of which the Rylanders have taken advantage.
The flagship whiskey of Ranger Creek Brewing Distilling is the 36 Texas Straight Bourbon, which won the Best in Show in the 2016 American Craft Spirits Association competition. This small batch bourbon is made from Texan corn that is milled, sour-mashed, fermented, double distilled, and aged in Ranger Creek's 120-degree Texas summer rackhouse. They are also known for their award-winning white whiskey, the Ranger Creek .36 White, among many other varieties of Texas bourbons. Stop by and sample their products in the tap room, or schedule a distillery tour of their facilities. You can also check out their website for their beers and whiskeys.
Maverick Whiskey
A distillery put up to honor former San Antonio Mayor and Texas Declaration of Independence signer Samuel Maverick. The owners Ken Maverick (Samuel’s direct descendant) and wife Amy bought the Lockwood National Bank building in 2017 as it was located in the original Maverick homestead. The distillery opened in 2019 and featured several San Antonio-crafted whiskeys and spirits.
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Among these original spirits is the Samuel Maverick Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey which is distilled from a mash of 72% Texas-grown corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley (how long does barley last?), aged for a minimum of two years in new charred white oak barrels.
Their award-winning Texas Dry Gin is a traditional dry gin created with locally grown ingredients (rosemary, pecans (how long do pecans last?), bay laurel, Mexican mint marigold, and fresh Valley grapefruit zest, along with traditional gin botanicals like common juniper berries (how long do juniper berries last?) and coriander). The gin won gold medals in the 2020 John Barleycorn Awards and the 2021 Denver International Spirits Competition.
The distillery has a restaurant for guests. Old memorabilia about Samuel Maverick adorn the property and is a point of interest for history and whiskey lovers. The distillery does conduct guided group tours, which are held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. You can check out their website.
Rebecca Creek Distillery
Founded in 2009 by Steve Ison, Rebecca Creek Distillery is one of the most innovative distilleries in San Antonio. They only create high-quality products, consisting of quality distilled spirits in ultra-premium category. The company is also one of the largest artisan spirits producers in the state.
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Their line of spirits has won numerous medals and awards. Rebecca Creek’s Enchanted Rock Vodka has won numerous awards which include the Platinum Medal in the 2011 SIP Award International Spirits Competition, the Silver Medal, and the Bronze Medal at the 2011 Los Angeles International Spirits Awards. They offer a variety of flavors under this line and a must-try is their Enchanted Rock Peach Vodka
Their flagship whiskey is the award-winning Rebecca Creek Fine Whiskey, a blend of aged Texas bourbons, corn-based spirits and limestone-filtered water from the Edwards Aquifer.
The Rebecca Creek Whiskey won the Gold Medal at the 2012 SIP International Spirits Competition and the Silver Medal at the 2012 Los Angeles International Spirits Awards.
Another one of their famous spirits is the Texas Ranger Whiskey. It is a blend of different premium whiskeys with pure limestone-filtered water from the Edwards Aquifer in Texas. It has an alcohol content of 40% (80 proof) and a proprietary blend that reflects the dignity and prestige of the Texas Ranger name.
Rebecca Creek Distillery also offers ample space for outdoor seating with picnic tables to sit on, making it a great hangout place to enjoy their high-quality spirits. For more info on their products and distillery you can check out their website
Alamo Distilling Company
Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio at Houston st, the Alamo Distilling Company prides itself as one of the few grains-to-glass distilleries sourcing local grains for their handcrafted spirits. The distillery was opened in 2014 by San Antonio residents Noel Burns and Daniel Taylor. Their mission is to handcraft only the finest quality spirit that boldly represents San Antonio.
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One of the popular products of this Alamo distillery is their Alamo Bourbon, which is made from select corn, barley and a hint of rye. Made in small batches the bourbon is aged in brand-new American Oak Barrels. The Catimore Coffee Liqueur and Alamo Vodka are also some of their delicious liquid gold flagship products.
For updates and other product information, you can visit their website.
Artisan Distillery and Craft Bar
This industrial chic-themed craft bar located in downtown San Antonio hosts a small distillery and brewery that showcases handcrafted vodka, whiskey, and beer. They only serve what they distill and clients can choose in their premium selection of artisanal spirits.
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If you are into moon shine then try their Chupacabra Juice Moonshine, which they included into their portfolio in 2016. The corn-based moonshine comes from an old family recipe, distilled to 65% and diluted to 40%. Other must-try spirits include their Texas Pride Vodka, Pecan Ridge Whiskey, and Bexar Ridge Bourbon Whisky.
To check what this family owned distillery offers or if you want to book a tour, do check out their website
Seersucker Gin Distillery
Located on the outskirts of San Antonio, Seersucker Distillery is well-known for its Seersucker South Style Gin, which was launched in 2017, and has become a favourite drink prepared by the distillery, that has gained immense popularity. The distillery was opened in 2010 by Azar Family Brands. In 2011, they also launched Cinco Vodka, which also popular among drinks loyal customers love. The distillery, located on Cover Road, was remodeled to reflect this success. The facility was transformed into a country-chic-inspired distillery with an outdoor space perfect for a party or special event, and a new tasting room was added.
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Their Seersucker Southern-Style Gin is the world’s first of its kind. This gin is a slow-distilled spirit with fresh ingredients such as citrus juice and all-natural botanicals (honey, mint).
For more information on the Seersucker Distillery and its products, you can check out their website
Devils River Distillery
Located in south Texas and just a four-minute walk from the Alamo, Devils River Distillery offers its signature line of Devils River Whiskey and Bourbon. The Distillery is located at the historic Burns Building in downtown San Antonio. Whiskey aficionados can take their sip at their tasting rooms or the pre-prohibition style bar, which offers live music and good food as you watch their skilled bartenders while they’re creating drinks. Known for their spacious facility serving only premium quality cocktails, makes it the great place for unwinding after a hectic day.
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The Devils River Rye Whiskey is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail. Selected grains that bring out warm golden notes and are fermented by a proprietary yeast designed to produce dark, bold flavors.
The Whiskey’s water is the limestone-filtered spring water sourced from Devil’s River. Parts of the proceeds from the Distillery are donated to the Devils River Conservancy which ensures the pristine river is preserved for generations of Texans to enjoy.
Devils River Distillery is one of the most innovative distilleries in San Antonio. You can check out the Devils River Distillery website here.
Dorćol Distilling Company
Named after Dorćol a neighborhood in Belgrade, where one of the distillery founders Boyan Kalusevic grew up. Dorćol Distilling Company located in San Antonio’s Southtown serves Serbian-inspired spirits. Boyan teamed up with Chris Mobley in bringing the Kalusevic distilling legacy to life in this part of Texas.
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Dorćol’s spirits and craft beer have been recognized nationally, their Kinsman Apricot Rakia was named as the highest rated American brandy at the 2014 Beverage Testing Institute’s World Spirit Championships held in Chicago. Rakia is a Serbian grape-based spirit that the Kalusevic has been distilling for many generations. Aside from being a distillery, they are also brewers of artisanal ale which they named High Wheel. For more information on their spirits, cocktails and beers check out their website.
Busted Sandal Brewing Company
Weird name? The brewery takes its name from an incident where one of the company founders tripped on a busted sandal at a parking lot of a watering hole. That event would be remembered and was chosen as a name for a brewing company that would offer a new brewery experience in San Antonio.
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Opened in August 2013 at Oaklawn Drive, the brewery was conceived with the idea in mind that a great beer can be handcrafted using locally sourced seasonal ingredients and brewed in a unique energy-efficient facility. As a result, this brewery became well-known for its unique approach and quality beers among fellow local business owners.
They have great artisan beers, among their popular beers include Slippery Rock IPA, 210 Ale, El Robusto Porter, and Jeffeweizen (named after their head brewer Jeff Kuhle) to check on their brews visit their website.
Freetail Brewing Company
Freetail Brewing Company homes in on a principle that a great brewery isn't just about making good beer but is a company that embodies San Antonio which it calls home.
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Their line of beers incorporates San Antonio culture. Making it inseparable from the brand. The name of the brewery itself comes from the Mexican Free-tailed bats which inhabit a cave near San Antonio. Their notable specialties are their core beers including Bat Outta Helles (German style Lager), Soul Doubt (Indian Pale Ale), San Antonio Pale Ale. To check out their beers visit their website.
Weathered Souls Brewing Company
This San Antonio-based brewery sources its grains from local farmers. In 2020 it was named by Hop Magazine as the Best Brewery in the United States. It got high marks for its craft beers, recipes, and the use of fruits to flavor its brews.
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More than just beer quality it was their Black is Beautiful Campaign which seeks to raise awareness on injustices and prejudice faced by people of color that gave them the nod. Weathered Souls co-owner Marcus Baskerville started the campaign with his Black is Beautiful stout beer which he shared its base recipe to breweries across the world as part of the campaign.
To check out their beers and their advocacy, you can visit their website.
Künstler Brewing
Künstler is a German word for “artist” and owners Vera and Brent Deckard combines Texan pride and Bavarian tradition in their brewing process for their craft beers.
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Künstler Brewing is a brewery and restaurant located in downtown San Antonio their beers are designed and brewed by German-born Vera Deckard. Its “Chamuco” ( beer brewed with chocolate, cinnamon, and vanilla, with a blend of chipotle, ancho, and guajillo peppers) won a silver medal at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival held in Denver.
For updates on their offered beers, you can visit their website.
San Antonio is the home of award-winning handcrafted spirits. Its rich varied culture and fertile farmlands including the nearby cities in Hill Country provide the needed ingredients for its own artisanal whiskeys, wine, beers, vodka, moonshine, and other types of premium liquor, which makes San Antonio awesome. More than just imbibing the sceneries and its history or its equally unique cuisine, one can also try out what these breweries and distilleries in San Antonio can offer.
