The Best Distilleries Near Lake Travis in Austin, Texas
The history of alcohol dates back to prehistoric eras, but distilling spirits is less than a millennium old. Distilleries in Texas used to be far and few between because of regulations, but as the government has lightened up in recent years, we can now go enjoy a good distillery and tasting room any day of the week nearby!
The best distilleries near Lake Travis are listed below in order of distance from the lake, so you can map out your grain to glass journey:
Planet Rock Vodka Distillery
Planet Rock Vodka Distillery (1.3 miles away) - this place has everything, from giant swings and hammocks to rope climbing, chickens roaming around, live music, yard games, and you can even snag a brisket bloody mary (mmmmm!).
The vibe is like being in your cool best friend’s back yard. It’s one of the newest distilleries around town, and it’s Lake Travis’ own (and only) native vodka crafter!
Goodnight Loving Vodka
Goodnight Loving Vodka (20.3 miles away) - the tasting room is currently on hiatus, but we have faith that they’ll return (we’re still snagging bottles at Twin Liquors and admiring all of their stunning marketing).
They’re well known for using artesian spring water to make their mega extremely ultra
smooth vodka, and when the tasting room opens back up, you’ll feel like you stepped onto the set of
Mad Men, it is fun and gorgeous.
Revolution Spirits
Revolution Spirits (20.3 miles away) - our hearts swooned when we saw Austin Chronicle call this company’s product “consumable artisanship.” Not sold yet? Okay weird, but we’ll continue - this small-batch distillery is all about creativity, launching with their Austin Reserve Gin, and now crafting their Cafecito Coffee Liqueur, Chocolate Cafecito, and Amico Amaro.
At the tasting room, you can get a flight of their various products, or snag BBQ on the weekends. To top it all off, you can bring your dogs!
Treaty Oak Distilling
Treaty Oak Distilling (20.7 miles away) - this spot nestled into 27 acres of the hill country is easily the most worthy of taking pictures to fill your social media feeds, and it’s also family friendly. The Cocktail Lab on site is a bar for the spirits-nerds among us where they test out all sorts of creative new moves.
There’s something here for everyone, and it is a popular hotspot for veteran whiskey lovers, and future fans alike.
Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room
Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room (24.7 miles away) - this famous brand is controversial because they were founded locally and sold to a massive national label (Heaven Hill for $400M), so dudes in suspenders (that need to groom their damn beards already) say they sold out, but the quality is still so amazing that most locals have a bottle of their Sweet Tea Vodka somewhere in the pantry.
One of the founders went on to open the aforementioned Goodnight Loving Vodka, and the tasting room is still a fun afternoon to enjoy one of the most award winning brands within driving distance.
Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Still Austin Whiskey Co. (25.1 miles away) - everything here is made from scratch, just like your Mama would make whiskey if she were licensed to do so. They’re best known for their straight bourbon whiskey, but we would argue that their handmade gin is just as superior.
The tasting room feels like a cool east side bar with clean lines and crafty visuals of their ingredients. Their delectable food truck partnership is the cherry on top.
Dripping Springs Vodka
Dripping Springs Vodka (27.3 miles away) - they have gin and vodka crafted on-site, but the vodka is one of the smoothest things you’ll ever sip on - they’re the only North American Vodka to take home the gold at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in the vodka purity category.
They’re set apart by their process which involves small batches that are micro-distilled 20 times in 50-gallon copper pot stills. We’re drooling just thinking about it!
Desert Door Distillery
Desert Door Distillery (27.7 miles away) - Their building is trendy and picturesque - everything indoors and out feels like the Magnolia Silos of distilleries.
Anyone can nerd out about how highly detailed and picky their handcrafted production process is, and we’re blown away at the thoughtfulness which really shines through in their final product. This one is a must for a weekend drive.
Garrison Brothers Distillery
Garrison Brothers Distillery (61.4 miles away) - this distillery gets an honorable mention despite being so “far” away. This is only because there is no direct line from LT to their front door, but the drive is gorgeous and worth it, we promise.
They are the oldest whiskey distillery in the state, and their tasting room feels like you’re literally inside of a glorious bourbon barrel - we insist that you take their tour because learning is cool.
Take home a bottle or 10, because your friends and neighbors will recognize the label and be jealous that you didn’t take them with you.
No matter how far away you roam, the scenic Texas hill country has numerous high quality distilleries to choose from. Kick your feet up and enjoy the scenery as you sip some of the nation’s best spirits!
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