Category: Liquor/Spirits

Celebrate Father’s Day with special sales from Twin Liquors

Twin Liquors has special sales just for Father’s Day. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.

Twin Liquors is excited to announce that from now until Saturday, June 19, the Austin-based liquor store will be celebrating Father’s Day with sales on select whiskeys, spirits, and wine. Customers can save on top liquor brands such as Crown Royal, Highland Queen Majesty, Mr. Whiskey, and more. Treat yourself to a special bottle, or get a gift for the father figure in your life. Twin Liquors offers complimentary gift wrap and you can get it delivered right to Dad’s door. (Twin Liquors, 2021)

Additionally, be sure to also check out the Twin Liquors Summer Entertaining Guide designed to provide advice on hosting this summer season. Whether “Entertaining at Home” means making a nice meal for dad this weekend or having a few friends over for a backyard get-together, Twin Liquors has you covered with everything you need for beverages. Featuring cocktail combo packs with recipes, wine pairings, and tips for hosting, the entertaining guide has something for everyone.   

The Father’s Day sale on select whiskeys, spirits, and wine will run through June 19. Twin Liquors is open Monday – Saturday from 10a.m. to 9p.m. Online hours are 11a.m. to 8p.m. 

To find a Twin Liquors store near you visit Twin Liquors online. You may also through their website or Twin Liquors app, which is available on IOS and Android stores. Twin Liquors also offers online ordering and in-store pickup and/or delivery to all stores.

Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful “home-grown” Texas family-owned company. It has developed 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 100+ neighborhood stores from Austin to San Antonio, the Hill Country to Houston, and the DFW area with their Sigel’s branded stores.

Pearl launches new slim can and lifestyle guide

Pearl’s new 12 oz. slim can for Pearl xXx. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

The Pearl Brewing Company announced this week the launch of a new 12 oz. slim can for Pearl xXx beer in conjunction with the announcement of Fine Times, a new online lifestyle guide for Texans looking to explore the best food, fashion, and lifestyle the state has to offer. The new website is the product of a partnership with the Texas Food & Wine Alliance that encourages Texans to explore the elevated gems Texas has to offer by visiting the brand’s curated list of must-see restaurants, shops, artisans and local makers, hotels, bars, and attractions. (Pearl, 2021)

Fine Times features suggestions on things to do and see in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and West Texas, which includes cities like Marfa, Lubbock, El Paso, and others. The guide will rotate seasonally to highlight curated recommendations on the website.

“We are delighted to partner with Pearl Brewing on Fine Times,” said Mariam Parker, Executive Director of the Texas Food & Wine Alliance. “The breadth of talent in the Lone Star State can’t be beat. We are grateful to be able to highlight the movers and shakers that make us proud to call Texas home.”

Established in 1883, with production beginning in 1886, Pearl Brewing has been a timeless icon in Texas. Pearl Beer made its latest resurgence in May of 2020 with the launch of Pearl xXx. Brewed in the Texas hill country, Pearl xXx has an ABV of 3.8%, and is made with the finest ingredients including premium Czech Pilsen malt, caramel malt, and a touch of wheat for a smooth, modern take on a classic American lager. A touch of citrus at the end of the boil gives it a truly distinct flavor. The can was designed by Austin-based agency Guerilla Suit, and the look is inspired by the original characteristics of the brand, including its iconic clamshell shape and script, and is updated with a new timeless look.

Pearl Beer’s slim cans will be available at select retailers in all major Texas cities, with six-packs available at a suggested retail price of $9.49. Fans of the brand can use Pearl xXx’s beer finder tool on its website to find a retailer nearest to them. 

The Pearl Brewing Company, commonly known as Pearl, is an American brewery established in 1883 in Downtown San Antonio, with its first production beginning in 1886. Pearl Beer is proudly based in downtown San Antonio. Pearl is owned by Pabst Brewing Company, one of the largest independently owned American brewing companies.

The Texas Food & Wine Alliance is dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in South Texas culinary communities through grants, educational programming, and events. Guided by an all-volunteer board of directors and committees made up of culinary and community-minded professionals, the Alliance’s work ensures a strong local food system and inspires and showcases Texas and beyond through the power of our diverse culinary communities.

“Pearl Beer is an iconic part of Texas’ history and the new slim can format is the next step in its 135 year-long legacy. The new can design comes at a perfect time and allows us to show up in more exciting places and spaces as people begin to come together more and more. We are thrilled to be expanding our presence state-wide and launching Fine Times, our guide to the finer life in Texas. This guide is another way we can shine a light on some of the great things Texas has to offer.” – Pearl Brand Manager and Texas native Daniel Crawford.

Lone Star Brewing announces first ever agave hard seltzers

Lone Star Seltzer will debut with two refreshing flavors, Agave Lime and Agave Watermelon. Photo: Lone Star Brewing Company, used with permission.

Lone Star Brewing is excited to announce Lone Star Agave Seltzers, refreshing hard seltzers inspired by beloved Texas ingredients and local taste profiles. The new beverages will be available in stores throughout Texas in two flavors, Agave Lime and Agave Watermelon, starting in April of this year. The refreshing beverages are made with Texans in mind and are best paired with fun Texas activities; by the pool, on the lake, or your favorite porch or patio – wherever you find enjoyment in the land of Texas. (Lone Star Brewing Company, 2021)

Brewed locally in Austin, TX  with a high quality sucrose base, the 5% ABV seltzer is enhanced with blue agave nectar that provides a crisp, balanced, and distinct drinking experience. Lone Star Agave Seltzers are the ultimate Texas hard seltzers made with locally-minded natural fruit flavors. Lone Star Agave Seltzer’s Agave Lime flavor has a light, natural citrus twang that complements the sweetness of the blue agave nectar. The Agave Watermelon seltzer embodies the light sweetness of the watermelon, making it perfect for Texas’ mild spring and hot summer seasons. 

Both flavors of Lone Star Agave Seltzer will be available for purchase in six-packs of 12 oz. sleek cans. The Agave Lime flavor is also available in a 19.2 oz. single-serve can. The six-packs will retail for the suggested price of $8.99, while the Agave Lime single serve will retail for $2.79. Lone Star Agave Seltzer is a refreshing option at just 100 calories for its 12 oz. can, with only 2g carbs and 1g sugar.  

To find a nearby retailer carrying Lone Star Seltzer, consumers can use Lone Star’s seltzer finder tool. Lone Star Seltzer will be available at select retailers starting this month including Walmart and Albertsons, Quick Trip, Circle K and HEB slated for May. 

To celebrate the launch of Lone Star Agave Seltzers, Lone Star is teaming up with Cowboy Pools, a full-service stock tank pool company based in Austin, who creates unique oases in Texas backyards by reimagining the classic stock tank for outdoor enjoyment. Lone Star will be giving away and installing 5 stock tanks that are perfect to combat the common native enemy, “The Texas Heat.” This giveaway program will run in select retailers throughout the state, and on Lone Star’s own social media channel. The in store portion of the giveaways are slated to begin in May, with the Instagram giveaway rolling out sometime this summer. 

“There’s a clear demand for quality hard seltzers, so we’re excited to break into the market with flavor profiles that are both refreshing and have an essential Texas quality to them,” “This is a proudly Texas product, with locally minded ingredients for modern taste palates, perfect for all Texans who enjoy easy drinking beverages and socializing outdoors in our beautiful state. This is just the beginning of our Texas Seltzer exploration. We have some really fun flavors & concepts in the works.” – Daniel Crawford, Lone Star Brand Manager

Lone Star Brewing Co., the makers of Lone Star Beer “The National Beer of Texas” and Lone Star Texas Light Beer, has been proudly brewing beer in Texas since 1884. Since its founding, Lone Star has partnered with local communities throughout the state, supporting Texas-specific charities and organizations. Lone Star Brewing Co. is owned by Pabst Brewing Company, one of the largest independently owned American brewing companies.

St. Patrick’s Day DIY cocktail recipes from Twang

San Patricio with Desert Door Sotol and Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

St. Patrick’s Day is next week and what better way to celebrate than with some tasty cocktails inspired by the Emerald Isle. Below are two festive cocktail recipes from Twang, the San Antonio, Texas-based producer of salts and seasonings. Twang is a family-owned and operated company based in San Antonio with product lines that include Twang-A-Rita, Beer Salt and more; these are salts and seasonings designed to easily add flavor to drinks and elevate your at-home alcoholic beverages to cocktail bar status. Twang’s products are available throughout the country in 46 states, in grocery stores, convenience stores, online and through Amazon. (Twang, 2021)

San Patricio with Desert Door Sotol and Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime

Ingredients:
Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime
2 oz. Desert Door Texas Sotol
.5 oz. Agave nectar
1 oz. Lime juice
1 oz. Pineapple juice
Ice
Pineapple wedge for garnish

Instructions
Rim glass with Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime. In a shaker with ice, combine Desert Door Texas Sotol, agave nectar, lime juice, and pineapple juice. Shake and strain over ice, garnish with pineapple wedge.

Lucky Grapefruit Sour with Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love

Ingredients:
Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love
1 kiwi
Ice
½ oz. simple syrup
1 oz. lime juice
2 oz. Irish whiskey
Jarritos Grapefruit Soda; make sure it is cold

Instructions
Rim Collins glass with Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love. Cut kiwi in half and use a spoon to scoop out the fruit and put it into a shaker filled with ice, along with the lime juice. Pour into glass over ice. Top with Jarritos Grapefruit soda. Stir and garnish with a kiwi slice.

 

Lucky Grapefruit Sour with Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Twin Liquors opens new San Antonio location on Potranco Road

Twin Liquors continues to observe safety guidelines, one of which is providing social distancing markers throughout the store. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.

Today Twin Liquors announced the opening of its 12th San Antonio location. The Texas based liquor store began in 1937 as a small store in downtown Austin and has grown into a successful “home-grown” Texas company with over 100 locations. The new Twin Liquors is now open and will be located at 14311 Potranco Rd. #101 with business hours Monday through Saturday from 10a.m. to 9p.m. (Twin Liquors, 2020)

Twin Liquors is committed to its team members and the communities it serves. With the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, Twin Liquors has established enhanced guidelines across all their locations across Texas to ensure the safety of customers and staff members during this time. Plexiglass “sneeze-guards” have been placed between the cash register and counter in all Twin Liquors locations, along with safety signage and social distancing markers and protective gear. Staff members are also actively disinfecting the stores.

Additionally, Twin Liquors recently announced the launch of its new Entertaining at Home guide designed to provide tips on hosting this holiday season. Featuring cocktail combo packs with recipes, wine combo packs, and recommendations for creating the perfect bar cart, the entertaining guide has something for everyone.   

For those who prefer to shop online for delivery or in-store pick up, Customers can do so through Twin Liquors’ website or the Twin Liquors app, available to download on iOS and Android app stores. Online ordering will be available beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, December 15, 2020.

Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as a small store and has grown into a successful “home-grown” Texas company.  It 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 85+ neighborhood stores across central, south, and southeast Texas.

Holiday gift guide and cocktail recipes from Twang

Pomegranate Moscow Mule recipe from Twang. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Twang Partners, Ltd. is a manufacturer of premium flavored salts, seasonings, and more based in San Antonio, Texas. This year, Twang is sharing several festive holiday cocktail recipes and gift giving suggestions to make holiday preparations easy. (Twang, 2020)

In addition to its wide variety of products (Twang-A-Rita, ZAS!, Reserve, Twangerz and Beer Salt) that are available for purchase on the Twang website year round, Twang has a “stocking stuffers” section on their site that makes holiday shopping simple and easy. Twang also has a selection of its products available on Amazon Prime for last minute shoppers. Twang’s products can ship nationwide, making them ideal gifts for cocktail connoisseurs and home chefs.

Regardless of how people celebrate this year, Twang is also sharing some cocktail recipes to help make the season more festive. See below for holiday-themed cocktails from Twang that can be made at home.

Pomegranate Moscow Mule Recipe

  • Ingredients:
    • 1.5 oz. premium vodka
    • .5-ounce fresh lime juice
    • 3 ounces of pomegranate juice
    • Crushed ice
    • Ginger beer
    • Copper mug
    • Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime 
    • One fresh lime
    • One mint sprig

Preparation:

  • Rim a copper mug with Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime 
  • Add crushed ice to the mug
  • Combine 1.5 oz. of premium vodka, .5 oz. of fresh lime juice, and 3 oz. of pomegranate juice and add to the mug
  • Top off with ginger beer
  • Garnish with lime and mint sprig

Hot Zas!

Recipe courtesy of Owner/Bartender Aaron Peña of The Squeezebox in San Antonio 

  • Ingredients
    • Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime
    • Two dashes of Twang’s ZAS! Mango Chili
    • 3/4 oz. lemon juice
    • 3/4 oz. honey syrup
    • 1.5 oz. apple brandy
    • .5 oz. creme de cacao 
    • 8 oz. hot water
  • Preparation
    • Build in glass and stir

Garrison Brothers to release Hye Rye on National Repeal Day

Garrison Brothers’ first rye whiskey, Hye Rye. Photo: Garrison Brothers Distillery, used with permission.

Garrison Brothers Distillery recently announced the release of Hye Rye, the company’s first-ever rye whiskey. This limited-run, experimental expression is a 98-proof rye whiskey that pays homage to rye whiskey’s deep roots in American distilling history. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2020)

Hye Rye will be available exclusively at Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas, for $99.99 beginning December 5 —the 87th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition in America and founder Dan Garrison’s birthday. Garrison Brothers will celebrate the release of Hye Rye with a drive-thru sealed bottle sales day at their distillery in Hye, Texas, on December 5. Gates open at 8a.m. and singer-songwriter Scooter Pearce will play her own blend of outlaw Americana and country-western music beginning at 11a.m. Purchase limit is two bottles per person. 

Rye, known as the “flavor grain,” yields spicy and savory notes that are unique amongst Garrison Brothers’ portfolio of ultra-premium, Texas-born bourbon whiskies. Where bourbons tend to be sweeter and smokier with hints of caramel, rye whiskey is spicier, with notes of pepper, grass, and grain. It has been distilled in America since the late 1700s.

For Garrison Brothers, the production of Hye Rye dates to 2012 when Master Distiller Donnis Todd sourced several hundred bags of organic rye from Justin Crownover’s Lonestar Family Farms in Sunray, Texas. His goal was to create a sweet mash bill of 52% South Texas corn and 37% organic rye. Todd aged the test barrels for two years, tasting them at six-month intervals to assess flavor development. Although he was initially pleased with the progress of Hye Rye’s aging, Todd wanted a more robust flavor profile, so he decided to mature the bourbon for five additional years. In the summer of 2015, Todd and his production team strategically placed fourteen barrels in rickhouses throughout the ranch to allow the flavors to evolve.

 “It’s an honor to create Garrison Brother’s first-ever rye whiskey. Although the quantity is limited, we are excited to hear what fans think of this experimental release.” – Master Distiller Donnis Todd

Garrison Brothers Distillery is a small farm and ranch located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country that authentically produces straight bourbon whiskey. Garrison Brothers introduced the first bourbon whiskey legally made in Texas in 2010 and is one of the first distilleries in America outside of Kentucky to produce authentic, handmade bourbon whiskey—and only bourbon whiskey. The business was founded in 2006. Garrison Brothers is a proud and active member of the communities of Blanco, Fredericksburg, Hye, Johnson City, and Stonewall. The distillery and its barrel barns are open to the public for tours in Hye, Texas.

Garrison Brothers Distillery crowns best bartenders in Texas

Five San Antonio bartenders win title at this year’s Bourbon Brawl. Photo: Marshall Tidrick, used with permission.

Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, announced this week that a team of five bartenders from San Antonio has won its 2020 Bourbon Brawl contest, a statewide bartender competition that ended last Thursday evening. Originally an in-person event, Bourbon Brawl 2020 was adapted to a COVID-safe format through a partnership with Sourced: Craft Cocktails. Sourced packaged and delivered kits of all five team’s cocktails to guests, which allowed them to participate in the final round by tuning-in, tasting each cocktail and casting their vote for the best. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2020)

Twenty-five bartenders, five each from Fort Worth, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin and Houston, were chosen to compete in the final round of the virtual competition. The San Antonio team is taking home a grand prize of $12,500 as well as the title of Bourbon Brawl 2020 Champions. The $12,500 prize is from a 501(c)3 public charity called Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, founded by the Garrison Family and their staff in 2018. The money will be split evenly between the five bartenders. San Antonio team members include Trinh Quan Huy-Philip, Gladys Estrada, Cruz Gutierrez, Michelle Stephenson, and Johnny Yumol.

In February 2020, contestants submitted a cocktail recipe to Garrison Brothers. A panel of drinks experts judged each cocktail blind and chose 75 bartenders to proceed to the next round. Each of the 75 bartenders’ venues featured their cocktail for two weeks, while the Garrison Brothers team visited each location to judge the cocktail along with the service. After that, they selected 25 mixologists to compete in the semi-finals, five from each major Texas city.

The five semi-finalists from each city collaborated to create one cocktail that represents their hometown. For San Antonio, it was the Alamo City cocktail that carried them to victory. This delightful combination of fresh watermelon juice, hand-squeezed lime juice, rosemary simple syrup, and Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon spoke to the rich history and vibrant culture of the city. Each city’s semi-finalists were then invited to Austin for the Finals event on November 19, where only select Garrison Brothers staff were in attendance.

In further efforts to keep Bourbon Brawl 2020 COVID-safe, Garrison Brothers partnered with Sourced Craft Cocktails, a cocktail curation and delivery service, to create custom cocktail kits available for purchase and delivery in each major city. Those who purchased a cocktail kit were able to follow along with every cocktail made in the final competition, then cast their vote for the winner. 

Garrison Brothers Distillery is a small farm and ranch located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country that authentically produces straight bourbon whiskey. Garrison Brothers introduced the first bourbon whiskey legally made in Texas in 2010 and is one the first distilleries in America outside of Kentucky to produce authentic, handmade bourbon whiskey. The distillery and its barrel barns are open to the public for tours in Hye, Texas

Funds of Good Bourbon for a Good Cause are distributed to charitable organizations in Blanco and Gillespie counties of Texas and to charitable organizations that serve current and former American military personnel nationwide. The types of charitable causes that are supported include, but are not limited to organizations that help current or former American military veterans and their families and organizations dedicated to conserving and preserving nature, wildlife, green spaces, or historical landmarks and historical sites. To date, the nonprofit organization has raised and contributed close to $500,000.

Twang launches new seasonal cocktail rimmer

Twang’s Twang-a-Rita Cranberry Cheer. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Twang Partners, Ltd., a San Antonio family-owned company known for its product line of premium salts and seasonings, is thrilled to announce a new seasonal margarita salt launched in partnership with Rancho La Gloria. Twang-a-rita Cranberry Cheer is available now exclusively at H-E-B for a limited time throughout the 2020 holiday season. (Twang, 2020)

The newest cocktail rimming blend includes ingredients reminiscent of holiday favorites like cranberry, cane sugar, salt, and natural orange flavors. Twang’s Cranberry Cheer was created to be paired with Rancho La Gloria’s new Spiced Cranberry Margarita Wine Cocktail but can complement a variety of seasonal cocktails. Twang-a-rita Cranberry Cheer comes in a six-ounce tub for the convenient rimming of margarita glasses. The new blend retails for $3.98 and is available exclusively at all H-E-B locations now through the end of the year. 

Cranberry Cheer is the latest addition to Twang’s line of premium Twang-a-rita cocktail rimmers. Other Twang-a-rita flavors include Paloma Love, Citrus Splash, Sunrise Spice, Nectarberry and Unwind Lime and are available year-round.  

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Twang Partners Ltd. is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings and credited as being “The original beer salt.” Since 1986, Twang Partners has produced the highest quality products designed to enhance the taste, appearance and enjoyment of food and beverages. Brands include Beer Salt, Michelada Mix, Twangerz, Twang-A- Rita, Clamato Salt, ZAS! Super Seasoning, and Cafe Zuca. Twang products are available in grocery, convenience, liquor and specialty store shelves across the country or online. Twang Partners has successfully collaborated with some of the top food and beverage companies around the world to create innovative custom blends.

San Antonio Whiskey Month supports local bars and restaurants

‘Cocktails to go’ include the Mint To Tea. Photo: Rob Cordes, used with permission.

Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, announced this week the inaugural San Antonio Whiskey Month, a month-long promotion to support local businesses while celebrating the joy of good bourbon throughout the city. The award-winning Hill Country bourbon maker has teamed up with some of San Antonio’s best cocktail bars and mixologists to feature a limited-time San Antonio Whiskey Month cocktail. A portion of proceeds from every cocktail sold, from both dine-in and to-go cocktails, will benefit Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, a 501(c)3 public charity founded by the Garrison Family and their staff in 2018. Funds of Good Bourbon for a Good Cause are distributed to charitable organizations primarily, but not exclusively, in Blanco and Gillespie counties of Texas and also to charitable organizations that serve current and former American military personnel. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2020)

Participating businesses include local favorites like Bamboo, Botika, Broadway 50/50, Cover-3, Dorrego’s, Francis Bogside, Lucy Cooper’s Icehouse, On the Bend Oyster Bar, Ostra at Mokara Hotel & Spa, Paramour at the Phipps, Rebelle, The Good Kind, Tucker’s Kozy Korner and The Well. More business will be confirmed on a daily basis and will be added to the running list.

San Antonio Whiskey Month customers are encouraged to share their experience on social media with #sawhiskeymonth for a chance to win a Garrison Bros. prize pack (ages 21+ only).

Garrison Brothers Distillery is a small farm and ranch located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country that authentically produces straight bourbon whiskey and only straight bourbon whiskey. In 2010, Garrison Brothers introduced the first bourbon whiskey legally made in Texas and has since developed a rabid fan base. They currently have a waitlist of more than 17,000 people hoping to land a spot on bottling days, and their Cowboy Bourbon™ normally sells out within hours of its release. Garrison Brothers is the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas history and is one of the first distilleries in America outside of Kentucky to produce authentic, handmade bourbon whiskey. The business was founded in 2006, though rumor has it they may have started production a little earlier. Garrison Brothers is a proud and active member of the communities of Blanco, Fredericksburg, Hye, Johnson City and Stonewall. The distillery and its barrel barns are open to the public for tours in Hye, Texas.

At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2020, the Garrison Brothers team was awarded a double gold medal for its Balmorhea Double-Barreled Bourbon, a silver medal for its Single Barrel Bourbon and a bronze medal for its Small Batch Bourbon. Garrison Brothers was voted Best Craft Whiskey Distillery in America by readers of USA Today in 2017.

“The mission of Good Bourbon for a Good Cause is to change the world through the power of good bourbon. The inaugural San Antonio Whiskey Month gives us another tool to raise money for those impacted by the pandemic, and I’m inspired by the coalescence of our community during these uncertain times.” – Dan Garrison, founder and proprietor of Garrison Brothers Distillery.