Spirits

Sipping Through Texas History with Maverick Whiskey

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Maverick Whiskey may be new to San Antonio, but the distillery, microbrewery, and bar has Texas roots that go back a long way.

The company takes its name from Sam Maverick, one of the first mayors of San Antonio. He was also a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Sam’s great-great-great grandson, Ken Maverick, owns the company. There are all sorts of Texas memorabilia in the lobby, along with pictures of the Maverick family. This company knows its heritage and is proud.

Sipping Through Texas History with Maverick Whiskey

Photo: GM Kenneth Fey with portraits of Sam and Mary Maverick, photo by Paul Ehrlich

The building that Maverick Whiskey is in was opened in 1918. It was originally a bank, and the company now keeps whiskey barrels down in the vault. Seems like a good idea!

Sipping Through Texas History with Maverick Whiskey

Photo: Paul Ehrlich

When the attached bar originally opened, business was good. Then COVID struck and business plunged. Ultimately, the company was forced to close the bar due to state restrictions and revenue basically disappeared.

Sipping Through Texas History with Maverick Whiskey

Photo: Paul Ehrlich

Not thinking of themselves, the folks at Maverick Whiskey got to work making hand sanitizer for the community. They donated buckets of it to the city of San Antonio and to local health care providers. The company even was featured on the local news for their efforts.

Maverick Whiskey also started selling their hand sanitizer to the general public. You can buy it on their website (www.maverickwhiskey.com). They say it’s the only alcohol they sell that you shouldn’t drink.

Maverick Whiskey also opened a restaurant. At first, they struggled a bit, but they got a new chef and simplified their menu. The restaurant is open Thursday through Sunday.

GM Kenneth Fey, a San Antonio native, reports that Thursday nights tend to be the slowest. So if you are concerned about social distancing, Thursday night may be the best time to visit.

Sipping Through Texas History with Maverick Whiskey

Photo: Paul Ehrlich

The company also offers tours of their distillery. They are only taking tours of ten people or less right now. Of course, everyone involved with the tour is wearing masks. The tours are about an hour long, and you can taste some of the spirits made here, at the end of certain tours. So, you’ll have something to look forward to.

If you can’t go to the downtown area, Maverick Whiskey’s spirits are now available in retail stores. You can buy Maverick Whiskey in certain Specs stores, as well as 60 different independent liquor stores. Total Wine is also carrying Maverick products in three of their San Antonio stores. Eventually, Maverick hopes to have their spirits available throughout Central and South Texas.

So if you’re ever in Downtown San Antonio, or looking for an interesting new whiskey at your liquor store, check out Maverick Whiskey. You’ll be helping a local business, whose origins are about as Texan as it gets.