Sunday, April 25, 2010

1. Visit a Distillery


Unless you are trying to infiltrate Fort Knox, or a company such as Grey Goose, it is a very simple process. For example, here in Texas, there are about 10 distilleries that are all family owned and operated and the websites direct you hassle-free to the owners. We emailed the owner of Balcones Distillery in Waco, Tx, and received a response by the end of the day. After the craftsmen gave us a tour and a tasting of the Baby Blue (the only whiskey made from blue corn mash) and Rumble (a cross between rum and whiskey made from figs), the owner even sat down and chatted with us. The two products are one-of-a-kind, just like the experience we had. It was a long drive, so I suggest drinking for flavor and not for fun ;) It can be a bit overwhelming if you have never indulged in the process of how a liquor is made, so I also recommend that you read up before you go. It is on the “must do” list because there is nothing like stirring a mash and knowing that someone, somewhere will end their day on a good note.