Garrison Brothers Distillery to release Balmorhea 2020

balmorheabourbon — Garrison Brothers will celebrate the release with a drive-thru purchasing opportunity on Friday May 22. Photo: Adam Voorhes, used with permission.

Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, announces the third release of its multi-award-winning twice-barreled bourbon, Balmorhea. The limited release will kick off on Friday, May 22 in Hye, Texas, at the distillery. The team will have a drive-through purchasing experience for the first available bottles. Balmorhea will then be available nationwide in extremely limited quantities beginning May 25. First released in 2018, the twice-barreled bourbon’s 2020 release produced 6,000 bottles total. Named after the iconic West Texas Park that is home to the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, the initial release of this bourbon raised over $250,000 to help keep Balmorhea State Park open. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2020)

Garrison Brothers’ Balmorhea has won the most awards to date in the distillery’s portfolio of grain-to-glass bourbon whiskies. Most recently, Balmorhea won a Double Gold medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Awards. Double Gold distinctions are only awarded to entries that receive a Gold medal rating by all members of the judging panel; these are noted to be among the finest products in the world.

Balmorhea is the only Garrison Brothers’ twice-barreled bourbon released annually. It is aged four years in new American white oak barrels made from wood grown, yard-seasoned and dry-aged for 25 months in the Ozarks. Then, the liquid is transferred to a second new American white oak barrel, custom designed by Master Distiller Donnis Todd to highlight specific flavors and qualities and aged for another year. The bourbon is bottled at 57.5% alc/vol or 115 proof and comes from a sweet mash bill, like all of Garrison Brothers’ releases. Todd’s tasting notes for Balmorhea include a litany of what he calls “Dairy Queen toppings” including bourbon candy, frozen fudgesicle bars, amaretto coffee with cream, sticky buns and pecan brittle.

Garrison Brothers will celebrate the third release of Balmorhea Twice-Barreled Bourbon with a drive-through purchasing opportunity at their distillery in Hye, Texas, on Friday, May 22, 2020. Distillery gates will open at Hye Noon (12p.m. CDT) and remain open until 2p.m. All bottles allocated to the distillery typically sell out within one hour, so the Garrison Brothers team encourages early arrival. The purchase limit is two bottles per person.

One lucky attendee will win the chance to join Master Distiller Donnis Todd as he tastes his way through the Garrison Brothers’ rickhouse to find the perfect barrels for the 2021 release of Balmorhea. Seventy-seven barrels went into making the 2020 release. One special bottle will be secretly labeled with “#77” and placed on gift shop shelves. The patron who purchases it will win barrel selection rights for the following year. Balmorhea lovers are encouraged to keep an eye on Garrison Brothers’ Instagram page for teasers and more info.

Only 504 bottles of Balmorhea Twice-Barreled Bourbon will be available at the distillery in Hye, Texas, for $159.99 beginning May 22. The remaining 5,496 bottles will be distributed to select liquor stores, bars and restaurants throughout Texas and the other 26 states and military bases where Garrison Brothers is sold. Bottles will be available for purchase nationwide the week of May 25.

Garrison Brothers Distillery
1827 Hye Albert Rd
Hye, TX 78635
(830) 392-0246

Twin Liquors enhances safety guidelines

twinliquorssocialdistance — Twin Liquors has installed social distancing markers in an effort to keep customers safe. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.

Twin Liquors, committed to its team members and community, has been working on enhanced guidelines to ensure the safety of all customers and staff members. Over the last three weeks, Twin Liquors has expanded to over 40 stores to offer delivery and in-store pick-up in addition to implementing extra safety precautions and preparedness in every store across Texas. All Twin Liquors locations will remain open Monday through Saturday with modified hours from 11a.m. to 8p.m. (Twin Liquors, 2020)

Other safety measures include Plexiglas “sneeze-guards” for protection between the cash register and counter; safety signage, social distancing markers and reduced hours and the use of gloves and protective gear. The staff is also actively disinfecting the store on a regular basis.

The Texas-based family-owned liquor store has also expanded the online process. Originally providing delivery and online ordering for 12 locations, Twin Liquors is now offering e-commerce with delivery and in-store pick-up to 40+ stores varying by city, county and store location. Twin Liquors is currently serving most areas in Austin, Austin Metro, San Marcos and San Antonio; select areas of Houston; and select areas of Dallas (through Twin Liquors’ Sigel’s brand). This week, Twin Liquors also launched e-commerce to Georgetown, Killeen, New Braunfels, Temple, Victoria and Waco.

To shop with Twin Liquors, please visit the link here. To shop Sigel’s in Dallas, please use the link here. Customers are able to shop through the website or the Twin Liquors app, available to download on iOS and Android app stores. For a step-by-step video on how the ordering process can be done, please visit the links provided here – Twin Liquors and Sigel’s.

“Twin Liquors is committed to our team members and our communities. We are working diligently during this challenging time to balance the needs of the community and our staff while navigating through this uncertainty together. With that, we are continually updating safety procedures and are expanding e-commerce capabilities daily.” – David Jabour, president of Twin Liquors.

Pluckers Cocktails available for pickup or delivery

pluckerslogo — Gallons of select Pluckers Cocktails are now available for curbside pickup or contactless delivery. Photo: Pluckers, used with permission.

Pluckers recently launched their gallons of select Pluckers Cocktails and they are now available for curbside pickup or contactless delivery. All orders must be accompanied by a food purchase and must be placed online or through the Pluckers app which is available for free download on iTunes and Google Play. There is a $30 minimum on all delivery orders. As always, Pluckers Club Specials are not available for delivery or take-out. (Pluckers, 2020)

Pluckers will be offering select bottles of beer, White Claw and Truly, in addition to the following:

Pluckers Lemonade ($40): A gallon of Pluckers Lemonade mix and a 375ml bottle of Tito’s.
Psychedelic Frog ($40): A gallon of Pluckers Batman mix, 3 50ml bottles of Tito’s, 2 50ml bottles of Bacardi Rum, and 2 50ml bottles of gin.
House Margarita ($45): A gallon of Pluckers Margarita Mix and a 375ml bottle of tequila.
Patron Margarita ($55): A gallon of Pluckers Margarita Mix and a 375ml bottle of Patron Silver tequila.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul and Sean Greenberg opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 24 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 25 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen, San Marcos and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for their signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant. They offer guests a fun, laid-back atmosphere where friends, family, and co-workers can enjoy a great meal and watch sports. Pluckers has been named in USA Today’s “Top Ten Wing Restaurants” and ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work 2017” by the Austin Business Journal and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar.”

Pluckers Wing Bar
14881 IH-35 North
Selma, TX 78154

Pluckers Wing Bar
15651 I-10 W
San Antonio, TX 78249

Twin Liquors biannual Dollar Sale

twinliquors20 — Twin Liquor’s 2020 Dollar Sale is this Thursday through Saturday. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.

Twin Liquors, Central Texas’ fine wine and spirits retailer, is excited to announce its winter 2020 Dollar Sale, offering incredible deals on wine and spirits. This Dollar Sale is set for Thursday, February 27 through Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 10a.m. to 9p.m. at all 85+ Twin Liquors locations. It will feature incredible savings on wine and spirits 750 ml and larger. Prices will drop down to the absolute lowest plus a dollar. Shoppers can look forward to amazing prices on collectible wines, rare whiskies and other popular spirits. (Twin Liquors, 2020)

Highlights of the sale include:
Product (750ml)                                Retail            Dollar Sale          Price Savings
Suntory Toki Japanese Whiskey   $37.99           $29.00                   $8.99
Casamigos Blanco Tequila             $46.99          $35.53                   $11.46
Sazerac Rye Whiskey                      $27.99           $20.50                   $7.49

On Thursday, February 27, starting at 10a.m. shoppers at all Twin Liquors Marketplace locations can expect cocktails and complimentary breakfast tacos provided by Deep Eddy Vodka. Marketplace locations include: College Station Marketplace, Hancock Marketplace, South Lamar Marketplace and San Antonio Marketplace.

Twin Liquors Fine Wine & Spirits began in downtown Austin, Texas as one small store. Since then, it has developed into a successful “home-grown” Texas company that has a unique and well-respected reputation throughout the United States for having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, extensive selections of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world and substantial community involvement. Twin Liquors currently operates 90+ neighborhood stores across central, south, and southeast Texas.

Garrison Brothers Distillery celebrates Veterans Day with fundraiser

bourbonwhiskey — The 2019 Red, White and Bourbon will be this Saturday November 9. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Garrison Brothers Distillery recently announced the 2019 edition of Red, White and Bourbon, a collaborative event aimed at raising funds for the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. The Admiral Nimitz Foundation was established in 1971 as a 501(c)(3) and provides development funding for the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, a museum dedicated to telling the human story of WWII in the Pacific. Since 1971, the Foundation has built a well-established and respected institution, which annually welcomes more than 100,000 visitors, including 15,000 middle and high school students from across the state. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2019)

To observe Veterans Day and to honor those who have served, Garrison Brothers will partner with several neighboring businesses for a day-long celebration on Saturday, November 9. Distillery regular Mike Walsh will trumpet Reveille to kick off the event at 11a.m. and blow Taps at 4p.m. to conclude the event. Red White and Bourbon will take place at Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas. Guests can enjoy bourbon barrel-aged craft beer from Family Business Beer Co., hamburgers from Fischer & Weiser, cold drinks from Coca Cola and a variety of red, white and rosé wines from William Chris Vineyards, Cicada Cellars, Calais Winery and Hye Meadow Winery. 100% of sales of beer, wine and food will go directly to the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. Habana Cowboy will also be on site with a mobile cigar lounge. Garrison Brothers would like to thank this year’s Red, White and Bourbon sponsors – Tecovas, Mercedes of Boerne and HEB.

Patrons can dip their own red, white, and blue wax bottles at the gift shop and a portion of proceeds from the sale of each bottle will also be donated to the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. The museum will also have living history displays set up showcasing WWII weapons and equipment.

Only 800 tickets are available (600 online, 200 at the distillery) and are priced as follows:

$20 for adults
$10 for kids (ages 3 to 12)
$10 for Admiral Nimitz Foundation members
$5 for veterans

“The National Museum of the Pacific War is a Texas treasure. We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a distinguished neighbor in our sister city of Fredericksburg. We’re excited to partner with Mercedes Benz of Boerne and Family Business Beer Co. to present Red, White, and Bourbon. They share our passion for honoring and appreciating those who have served.” – Dan Garrison, founder and proprietor of Garrison Brothers Distillery.

Garrison Brothers Distillery
1827 Hye Albert Rd
Hye, TX 78635

Independence Brewing Co releases new beers for fall

spacehighboy — Space Case Highboy is one of the new beers Independence Brewing Co is releasing for the fall season. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Independence Brewing Co. recently announced the release of two seasonal beers just in time for fall: a double IPA dubbed “Space Case Highboy” and a Redbud Berliner Weisse infused with strawberries and raspberries. The specialty releases come just before the brewery’s 15th anniversary and just after the passage of the beer-to-go sales amendment, which enable manufacturing breweries to sell up to one case of beer to-go per person, per day. The brewery will be celebrating their 15^th anniversary with an all-day art and music festival at the brewery on Saturday October 19. (Independence Brewing Co., 2019)

As part of Independence’s rotating Berliner Weisse series, the new Strawberry Raspberry Redbud is a flavorful iteration that delivers an unmistakable mélange of sweet strawberry and tart raspberry. The beer has a jammy aroma of hand-picked berries and a subtle maltiness on the palate. The finish is long, crisp and fruit-forward to celebrate peak berry harvest season in the Lone Star State. It is perfect for sipping as the temperatures begin to drop and the days begin to shorten.

Space Case Highboy is the latest addition to Independence’s rotating 16-ounce double IPA series. The intergalactic inspiration for the beer’s name comes from the variety of hops head brewer Brannon Radicke used; Comet for citrusy notes, Galaxy for tropical notes and Apollo for a thrust of bitterness. He designed the beer to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s moon landing.

As of September 1, fans of Independence Brewing Co. can visit the brewery to purchase up to one case of canned beer, or the equivalent of 288 fluid ounces, to take home per day. Patrons can bring their own growlers to be filled in the tap room and the brewery has plans to sell crowlers in the near future.

Both seasonal brews are available on a rotational basis at the taproom and at local retailers throughout Texas. Cans are hard to miss on store shelves, with bright pink and purple graphics against Independence’s recently redesigned matte-black backdrops.

As one of the longest standing craft breweries in Central Texas, Independence is proud to continually release new brews alongside their core lineup, Austin Amber, Stash IPA, Power & Light Session IPA, Redbud Berliner Weisse, Convict Hill Oatmeal Stout, and Native Texan Pilsner.

Independence Brewing Co.
3913 Todd Ln Ste 607
Austin, TX 78744
(512) 707-0099

Twin Liquors announces Great Whiskey Release Raffle

Twin Liquors, Texas’ fine wine and spirits retailer, is pleased to announce the Great Whiskey Release, a raffle opportunity to win a chance to purchase fine and rare whiskey. The whiskey offerings and lineup are unique to each marketplace location and can be previewed on Instagram and Facebook. Participants must be present to enter and win. The raffles start at 5:30p.m. and each attendee will be able to enter once. The raffle closes at 6:45p.m. and raffle drawings start at 7p.m. sharp.

Highlights of the Twin Liquors San Antonio Great Whiskey Release include:
Suntory Yamazaki 18 Year
Pappy Van Winkle 10 Year 107
William Larue Weller
Old Forester Birthday 2017
Old Forester Birthday 2018

Twin Liquors San Antonio Marketplace
12955 San Pedro Ave
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 403-2322

Skinny Dip Margaritas at Hopdoddy Burger Bar

hopdoddyskinnydip — Enjoy $5 Skinny Dip Margaritas all weekend long at Hopdoddy Burger Bar. Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, used with permission.

Take a break from the heat and enjoy $5 Skinny Dip Margaritas at Hopdoddy Burger Bar all weekend long. This special is happening at all locations. The margarita features a 7oz. Coronita dunked into a goblet of frozen margarita with a black lava salt rim. The $5 Skinny Dip will be available starting Friday August 2 through Sunday August 4 from open to close. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2019)

Hopdoddy Burger Bar was founded in 2010 in Austin and is a nationally recognized burger and beer joint. The menu includes burgers, hand-cut Kennebec fries, farm fresh salads and handcrafter milkshakes. Hopdoddy also carries a variety of local craft beers on tap, can and bottle and a has a full bar featuring regional spirits, house-made liqueurs and freshly squeezed juices. Named “The Best Burgers in America” by Food & Wine, Hopdoddy has locations in Texas, Arizona, Colorado and California with more to come.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar at the Rim
17623 La Cantera Pkwy Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 434-2337

Rambler Sparkling Water expanding across Texas

ramblerwater — Founded in Austin, Rambler Sparkling Water is expanding across Texas. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Born in Austin and sourced in Texas, Rambler Sparkling Water is committed to locally and sustainably sourced drinking water, purified through their unique Texas Limestone Filtration process. This process gives the water a distinctively crisp taste and profile unique to the state and the people who drink it. Thoughtfully crafted for the health-conscious drinker, Rambler is a one-of-a-kind Texas gem. The company, which was founded in 2018, partners with Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation. Rambler is made in Austin, Texas and is available throughout the state at HEBs, Central Market, Whole Foods, and other bars, restaurants and retailers. (Rambler, 2019)

Rambler rivals popular sparkling water brands like Topo Chico with its unique filtration process, mineral composition, its commitment to giving back to Texas Parks & Wildlife, and their production: they are a local, sustainable sparkling water made in Austin. Rambler’s fresh taste makes it a great option for non-alcohol drinkers, a versatile mixer for cocktails, and a refreshing complement to any meal, especially in the heat of summer.

Founders James Moody, Jeff Trucksess and Dave Mead come from a variety of backgrounds and extensive experiences, ranging from business and entrepreneurial work to branding and advertising. Each has a passion for the outdoors, the wilds of Texas and the Austin community. The brand is uniquely produced at the Austin Beerworks (ABW) brewery: when the brewery is not making beer, they make Rambler.

Independence Brewing Co. releases beer to spark voter engagement

Ahead of its fifteenth anniversary, Independence Brewing Co. announced the release of Freak Power, a new blood orange hefeweizen named in honor of Hunter S. Thompson’s groundbreaking campaign for sheriff of Aspen in 1970. The beer debuts just in time to kick off the voter registration period for Texas residents ahead of state elections in 2019 and national elections in 2020. Just as Thompson created the “Freak Power Party” to inspire fellow “freaks” to vote, Independence Brewing aims to inspire the inner freak in everyone to participate in our democracy. (Independence Brewing Co., 2019)

Freak Power is part of Independence Brewing’s upcoming initiative to help spread political awareness and civic engagement among eligible voters in markets where their beer is sold. As part of the Freak Power rollout, team members will be deputized as volunteer voter registrars for Travis County and the South Austin brewery will host voter registration drives ahead of Texas state elections on November 5, 2019. In addition to the brewery’s efforts in Austin, Independence Brewing’s sales representatives throughout the state will organize promotional events at local bars and retailers and assist on-site voter registration.

The recipe for Freak Power is a twist on the classic Bavarian hefeweizen, balancing the sweet clove esters with the citrusy tang of blood orange. The result is a hef that starts like a traditional German wheat beer and ends with a crisp finish that does not linger too long on the palate. It pairs best with light, starchy, and lemony foods, and at 5.4% ABV, Freak Power is an ideal candidate to engage and mobilize voters of all stripes, without clouding their judgment. As far as the taste is concerned, Head Brewer Brannon Radicke states – “The tanginess of the citrus cuts a little bit of that sweetness and dries out the finish. Plus, the fruitiness of the blood oranges pairs nicely with the style’s signature clove and banana esters.”

The seasonal brew is available through September at the taproom and at local retailers throughout Texas. The can will be easy to spot since the bright pink and orange graphics against a matte-black backdrop will make this beer a standout on store shelves.

“The design decisions for Freak Power are inspired by ideas and aesthetics tied to the free thinkers and radical minds of the late 60s,” said designer Lauren Dickens. “The color palette and energetic rays behind the illustration are a nod to the burst of blood orange flavor in the beer.”

“Now, more than ever, we need to encourage each other to speak up and enact change. The 2020 election is a critical moment for our nation and will set the political agenda for the coming years. With Freak Power, we sought to create something that ignites enthusiasm the way Hunter S. Thompson did back in 1970.” – Amy Cartwright, President and Co-Founder of Independence Brewing Co.

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