That's the Spirit(s) - Your Guide to Texas Distilleries

Some of the finest vodka, rum, whiskey, and other spirits come from the great state of Texas. That being said, there are only a handful of distilleries that are actually located in Texas. Each one has particular spirits it is known for, with the most famous probably being Austin's Tito's Handmade Vodka. If you enjoy smoky whiskey, smooth vodka, and rum made from cane molasses from the Gulf Coast, you may want to try some of the spirits created by the Texas distilleries below.

Balcones Distilling
This distillery handcrafts all of its spirits in small batches, and they ferment, distill, age, bottle and label all of their products themselves. Unlike other distilleries, they do not purchase alcohol from other producers and redistill it. Instead they wash and distill their own corn, malted barley, figs, and other ingredients. Balcones Distilling produces Baby Blue Whiskey, which is the only blue corn whiskey in America, and was the first whiskey marketed after the repeal of Prohibition. This distillery also produces Rumble, a spirit that is similar to rum and is created from local wildflower honey, figs, and sugar, then aged in oak barrels. Balcones Distilling also creates single malt whiskey and other spirits. For more information on this distillery and their spirits, click here.

DeLos Vodka
The first and only vodka distillery in North Texas, this Dallas distillery handcrafts small batches of vodka from scratch. Everything about this vodka, from the ingredients to the label, is made right here in Texas. DeLos Vodka is one of only three vacuum distilleries in the world, and the only one in America. Vacuum distillation is a new technique in the creation of spirits, using suction instead of heat to move the alcohol through the still. If you haven't had a chance to try this incredibly smooth member of the Texas spirits family, why not treat yourself? For more information on this distillery and their spirits, click here.

Tito's Handmade Vodka
Produced in Texas' first and oldest (legal) distillery, these Texas spirits are made in small batches and distilled six times to create one amazing vodka. It was founded by Tito Beveridge, who began by making flavored vodka for his friends and now produces what may be the best-known of all Texas spirits. This vodka is microdistilled in an old-fashioned pot still, and this Texas favorite has won the double gold medal in the World Spirits Competition, measured against 72 vodkas from around the world and coming out on top. If you enjoy a smooth, handcrafted vodka, Tito's Handmade Vodka is definitely one for you. For more information on this distillery and its spirits, click here.

Texacello
Founded by Paula Angerstein, this Texas distillery is the proud creator of Paula's Texas Orange Liqueur, which is delicious for making margaritas or even sipping on its own. This fruity member of the Texas spirits family was inspired by the limoncellos of Italy, which further inspired Paula's Texas Lemon Liqueur. If you would enjoy a fruity spirit for mixing or sipping, Paula's Texas Liqueurs are available in Austin, Houston, and Dallas, Texas. (If you've ever had a "Pinky Friedman" in a restaurant or bar, it is a mix of Paula's Texas Orange, Tito's Handmade Vodka, pomegranate juice and lime.) For more information on this distillery and its spirits, click here.

Garrison Brothers
Garrison Brothers is the oldest legal whiskey distillery in the state of Texas. Their home-grown, handcrafted spirits are made from organic corn grown right in the Texas Panhandle. Garrison Brothers is probably best known for its Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, perhaps the finest bourbon you will ever enjoy. It is made from wheat grown on their own ranch, and each batch is handcrafted in its distillery. These Texas spirits are aged in white American oak barrels, which helps to mellow the bourbon inside. Right now it is only available in the Texas Hill Country, but spirits like these are sure to make their way countrywide. In the meantime, don't miss the opportunity to sample this Texas bourbon if you are ever passing through. For more information on this distillery and its unique spirits, click here.

Source list:
Personal experience
http://balconesdistilling.com
http://delosvodka.com
http://titosvodka.com
http://www.paulastexasorange.com
http://garrisonbros.com