Mandy Spivey

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about the distilled drink, moonshine. I, for one, thought most of it is made in bath tubs (not true … these days that is). If you avoid drinking it for fear of going blind — that would be a more popular anecdote for the drink, too. But a lot has changed in the moonshine distillation game in the last few years.

Essentially moonshine is high-proof spirits that are made at home in small quantities — sometimes illicitly. In the past and in the early 1800s many farmers made their living distilling moonshine or “white whiskey” in the Appalachian area. Corn farmers could turn their crop into a more valuable item, and cut down on shipping costs in the process. But a lot of fermenting and early distilling was done under the cover of darkness to keep their operations secret.

[Read more…] about Crystal Creek Moonshine in Spicewood: Not Your Grandpa's Moonshine

Around Lake Travis, we have a literal collection of some of the best micro-breweries in Texas. Some Saturdays I realize how lucky I am to be able to grab a familiar pint glass and head out to the breezy Texas Hill Country to some of the newest up-and-coming brew houses, like Jester King, Solid Rock Brewing or Thirsty Planet Brewing Company.

Some days call for a nice cool beer, and others necessitate a different type of drink. Say hello to Kevin Kelleher from Dripping Springs Vodka.

While hosts of other distillers are busy filtering all of their tastes out of their vodkas and gins, Kelleher is ready to serve thirsty drinkers with a totally different approach. To let the impurities (shorthand for “flavors” in distilling terms) linger, and let your taste buds do the deciding.

[Read more…] about Dripping Springs Vodka: Let the Flavors Linger