Spirits

Try It on the Rocks at Andalusia Whiskey Company Near Blanco

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Farm to table is referenced in food culture but are you familiar with “grain to glass” in regards to liquor? Andalusia Whiskey Company, located outside of Blanco at 6462 N US Hwy 281, firmly believes in this concept. They create whiskey on site from the very first step: with malted barley. As whiskey making is a water-intensive process, a 56,000-gallon rainwater collection tank is utilized to conserve as much water as possible. Additionally, spent grain (grain left over after the mashing process) is fed to the local livestock surrounding the distillery.

Blanco distillery

Photo by Honky Tonk Foodie

Founded by Tommy Erwin and Ty Phelps, who met while working at nearby Real Ale Brewing Company, Andalusia Whiskey Company is named after a historical reference to the distillery’s homestead as Andalusia Ranches, reminiscent of the rolling hills in Spain’s southern region known as Andalucia.

Current varieties of whiskey available are all 50% ABV (100 proof) and include Andalusia White: a white Texas malt, triple distilled and made from pure rainwater; American and Texas malted barley, Revenant Oak: a peated, single malt crafted from 100% malted barley and steeped in authentic, dead bourbon barrels; Stryker: mashed from malted barley that has been smoked with oak, mesquite, and apple woods; and Andalusia Triple-Distilled: an American single malt, triple distilled in the Irish tradition.

Relaxing vibe

Photo by Honky Tonk Foodie

Open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy an in-depth tour of the production area and bottling room with a distillery owner. Tours include a tasting of the whiskeys or cocktail of your choice; tours are $12/person and need to be scheduled prior to your visit.  The library, loft space, or entire tasting room can also be booked for special events. Food trucks are often onsite for Saturday visitors.

Small room to savor

Photo: Honky Tonk Foodie

All whiskeys can be purchased at the tasting room in Blanco, or at some local retailers. Visit the website to see which stores carry Andalusia as unfortunate current legislation prohibits selling or shipping products out of the state or country. ​Just 21 miles from Dripping Springs, 31 miles from Marble Falls, 39 miles from Fredericksburg, and 56 miles from San Antonio!