THIS AWARD-WINNING DESTINATION DISTILLERY OFFERS A UNIQUE FAMILY-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE
In 2006, Daniel Barnes started making rum, sweet tea vodka and gin out of a small, hotter-than-Hades warehouse in North Austin alongside a handful of equally passionate folks who wanted to bring locally made, quality spirits to the area. Today, Treaty Oak Distilling is a vanguard distillery that has remained at the leading-edge of the small spirits movement and is the most awarded distillery in Texas.
The brand’s success within the Lone Star State led to the purchase of a 28-acre property in nearby Dripping Springs, in the picturesque Texas Hill Country, where a state-of-the-art distillery is now able to meet demand and fine tune a portfolio that focuses on whiskey and gin exclusively. Until now, the company’s award-winning portfolio was available only in Texas but thanks to a partnership with Mahalo Spirits Group, Treaty Oak expanded its U.S. footprint to Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee and Virginia. They replaced the original oak tree label and short apothecary-style bottles with slender bottles and a slick logo that comprises a representation of the team’s philosophy and progressive spirit, combined with the unique qualities of the ranch.
“We strive to strike the perfect balance between heritage and innovation,” says Barnes. “Our willingness to be different based on knowledge and expertise is what sets us apart.” The Treaty Oak portfolio includes three expressions each of whiskey and gin. The team carefully balances tradition vs. experimentation, and when possible, use local resources, including limestone filtered Texas spring water. The team sources corn and wheat from Barton Springs Mill, where 90% of grains are grown by Texas farmers using sustainable organic practices. But they’re also transparent when sourcing from outside partners. “We find the best of the best and make it better," says Barnes. “There’s no shame in that. The only shame would be blatantly misleading our customers.”
The Treaty Oak Ranch, as the property is known, enjoys an idyllic Hill Country setting among beautiful live oaks and expansive vistas. The complex of rustic-chic buildings includes the distillery, a gift shop and tasting room, a Texas-inspired restaurant and The Rickhouse cocktail bar, which serves outstanding original cocktails on tap in a super relaxed, convivial atmosphere. Recent renovations added new production stills and re-imagined the restaurant and menu. On weekends there's live music in the afternoons until the sun sets.
Its beautiful location and many amenities have cemented the Treaty Oak Ranch as a popular destination for locals and visitors. Families can enjoy a full day out while the kids play in the open fields, and there’s even a dog park for furry family members. The newly revamped Alice’s Restaurant has elevated the original menu up a notch with the addition of pit boss Scott Fogle to the culinary team.
“Aside of our smoked and wood fired meats, our BBQ program will have a modern arrangement as we incorporate pickled fruits and vegetables and seasonal herbs to balance and enhance each particular cut and style,” says Nate Powell, the distillery’s general manager.
Fogle is collaborating with chefs Jessica Vargas and Javier Parga to include original BBQ offerings, creative salads, unique sandwiches and Southern comfort sides like green chile mac and cheese, German potato salad and peach slaw, which speak to the gastronomic heritage and bountiful seasonal produce of the area.
They are also incorporating their spirits into the culinary program. “For example, we use our Waterloo gin to make our house pickles and our bourbons for our BBQ sauces,” says Powell. “This summer we will start to dig into fermented goods and barrel aged products like hot sauces and maple syrup as we transform our bottle shop into more of a mercantile.”
Treaty Oak Ranch is about 22 miles of downtown Austin, an easy 30 minute drive, and very much worth the visit.
Written by Claudia Alarcón
Original article from Forbes.com