What do you think of when you think of whiskey? Maybe barrels to age the liquor in, or glass tumblers to drink it from.
Maybe your mind went to Scotland or the states of Tennessee or Kentucky, which is often associated with bourbon distilling.
But Texas, too, has whiskey makers, and now you can learn about them on a new podcast, The Texas Whiskey Trail, produced by the State Department of Agriculture’s Go Texan program and hosted by Mando Rayo, who hosts the Tacos of Texas podcast.
The podcast takes listeners on a journey from the Hill Country to North Texas and the distilleries that are making a name for themselves.
Chloe Bertrand, a digital and social media marketing specialist at Go Texan, said the idea for the podcast came about as part of an effort to promote Texas-made spirits.
“The Texas Department of Agriculture and Commissioner [Sid] Miller are frequently looking for new ways to promote the wine, beer and spirits industry in Texas. So when we were considering promoting Texas whiskey this year, we said, ‘Why don’t we do it at the State Fair of Texas in the Go Texan Pavilion?’” she said. “So every evening we have the Texas Whiskey Hour from 6 to 7 where folks can sample Texas whiskey.
“We needed a way to promote that, though, and get folks out to the pavilion. So when Mando approached us, we thought it was a perfect opportunity for a great collaboration. So it became the very first podcast for the GoTexan program.”
Rayo said they visited distilleries across the state to ask people why they were passionate about making whiskey.
“When I take on a project, it’s all about understanding not only what they’re making, but the stories behind it,” he said. “We talked to six of the distillers across Texas that are part of the Texas Whiskey Trail. I’m talking about Garrison Brothers, TahWahKaro, Andalusia, Ranger Creek and 1845. With each conversation, it kind of morphed into like their own personal journeys into distilling whiskey and making a name for themselves here in Texas.”
» GET MORE NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE: Sign up for Texas Standard’s weekly newsletters
Rayo said the artistry behind the distilling process was interesting to explore.
“The small batch distilling really kind of connected with me,” he said. “This idea of really focusing on the craft. It’s about getting your hands dirty, right. And being there in the process in every step, every stage of that distilling and then putting it in like this little flask [to drink].”
Rayo said he considers himself an amateur whiskey aficionado.
“I enjoy a good whiskey and bourbon, and for me, it was about understanding what that whole process is like, but as well as how can I drink a whiskey?” he said. “How do you really kind of start to really taste the difference, whether it’s a nutty, a fruity flavor, a rancho style with TahWahKaro, because they do a little a chewy bourbon and you can feel it all over your palate.”
Bertrand said that people with an interest in distilling can follow along the Texas Whiskey Trail and visit distilleries as laid out by the Texas Whiskey Association.
“You can visit North Texas, East Texas, the Texas Hill Country. And you can sip along that trail until you complete all of them,” she said. “But a great place to start is listening to the podcast. See where you vibe with what whiskeys you think you would like the most. And then from there, plan your route.”
And of course, Rayo had suggestions for tacos to pair with your drink.
“I’m going to go with bourbon carnitas,” he said. “But also [whiskey goes with] barbecue, you know, brisket, obviously. And I think if you’re having a snack or even dessert, pecan pie.”
