The 2nd Annual Galaxy Whisky Gala – Austin’s Premier Whisky Experience!

The Galaxy Whisky Gala is back for another unforgettable night of world-class whisky, gourmet dining, and exclusive experiences – all in support of Bears for Bairns.

🥃 Love Scotch? Adore world whiskies? Curious about bourbon? This is your chance to explore a curated selection of exceptional whiskies from around the globe, including rare Scotches, unique world whiskies, and even a few standout bourbons for those who can’t resist a good dram of American whiskey.

This elegant, red-carpet event is perfect for whisky enthusiasts of all levels, featuring:

✅ Premium Whisky Tastings – Rare & exclusive Scotch, world whiskies, and bourbon
✅ Educational Seminars – Dive deeper into the whisky world
✅ Charity Auctions – Bid on top-tier bottles & experiences
✅ Gourmet Pairings – Savor expertly crafted food & whisky pairings
✅ Formal Gala Atmosphere – Dress to impress (Kilts, suits, gowns—no casual wear)

🎟 VIP Tickets – SOLD OUT!
🎟 General Admission – STILL AVAILABLE!

🔥 EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT – ONLY AVAILABLE HERE! Use code CALEBR50 for HALF OFF the regular price —making tickets just $50! You won’t find a better price for a whisky festival anywhere!

📍 Austin, TX | Formal Attire Required

🔗 Get Tickets & More Info: Galaxy Whisky Gala

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a bourbon drinker ready to explore Scotch, this is your chance to taste, learn, and celebrate whisky in style—at an unbeatable price. Get your tickets before they’re gone!

Join us for our State & Republic Wheated Bourbon Release on March 29th at the Ranger Creek Distillery.

Our Wheated Bourbon continues our dedication to crafting the best grain-to-glass, authentically-made Texas spirits. A mindset that can be attributed to Texas being one of the only territories to have been both a Republic (1836) and a State (1845).

This resilience of purpose is reflected in our handcrafted process using meticulously sourced Texas grains. Where exacting inputs of ingredients, techniques, and time are calculated to the Nth degree.

This is our story. Spirits as distinctive as the 28th State in the Union.

Music: Tejas Bohemio 4:30-9
Food: Green Line BBQ

It's back! Whiskey Riot is officially returning to Houston on March 29, 2025.

This event is *THE* event of the year for whiskey lovers and the whiskey curious where you'll get to try over 200 whiskies, taste creative whiskey cocktails, meet fellow whiskey lovers, and more.

Ready to riot? Keep reading + make sure to mark yourself as 'Going' or 'Interested in this event page to stay up to date on all things Houston Whiskey Riot

Whiskey Riot: A Festival of Whiskeys

• The world of whiskey is vast; diving in can be daunting. Our festival offers samplings of hundreds of whiskeys, seminars and fantastic conversations with whiskey lovers, distillers, brand founders and more to arm you with the tools you need to become a whiskey expert. And, oh, yeah... you'll have one hell of a time.

WHO IS WHISKEY RIOT FOR?

• The Whiskey Lover, the Whiskey Curious, the Whiskey Enthusiast, the Whiskey Aficionado, the Whiskey Rookie. All are welcome!

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

• Discovering new whiskeys can be an expensive exploration. Signage in a liquor store and the details on a bottle’s label will only tell you so much. How do you know you’re going to take home something you love? There’s no better way to find your new favorite drink than side-by-side comparison tasting.

• Whiskey Riot is a large format tasting event complete with brand representatives who can answer questions, explain the nuances of what your tasting and leave you feeling armed with more whiskey knowledge.

FAQs and General Rules

• Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
• Time: 4-7 PM (Early Entry Admission Hour: 3-4 PM)
• Place: POST Houston, 401 Franklin St., Houston, TX 77201

How many whiskeys will be available to try?

• Over 200 varieties!

What’s included in a General Admission (GA) Ticket?

• General Admission ticket holders will receive a branded rocks tasting glass and be given full range of the venue to taste whichever whiskeys they desire. Sorting through this many whiskeys would require a prohibitively expensive investment in bottles were a whiskey explorer to pursue a tasting this vast on their own. The GA ticket provides a pathway to finding your new favorite whiskey without breaking the bank.

What’s included in an Early Entry Admission Ticket (formerly known VIP tickets)?

• Early Entry Admission ticket holders (formerly known as VIP in years past) will receive access to the event 1 hour earlier than General Admission entry. They’ll receive all of the same benefits of the General Admission ticket, which include a branded tasting glass, full range of the venue to taste whichever whiskeys they desire and access to limited edition and rare whiskies that will not be available during the General Admission time (list to be added in late-December!) The big emphasis on this ticket is an extra hour in the event without large crowds.

• Early Entry Admission tickets for Houston Whiskey Riot also include a full dinner.

What happened to VIP tickets?

• If you bought VIP tickets for previous years, you might wonder where those went. Good news! Early Entry Admission is the new name for the previously known VIP tickets. The only thing that has changed is the name! The same things are included in the Early Entry Admission ticket as was previously included in VIP; you'll receive access to the event 1 hour earlier than General Admission and have access to limited edition and rare whiskies that will not be available during the General Admission time.

Will there be Designated Driver (DD) Tickets available?

• Due to limited capacity, there are no DD tickets offered for the event. Please be responsible and coordinate a ride using a ride share service or friend/family member.

Are samples free?

• Once you have your ticket for admission and enter the venue, you will not be charged for any whiskey tasting.

Are cocktails free?

• Each guest will receive 1 ticket for each of the specialty cocktail branded sample bars (3-5 cocktail samples per event). Don’t think of a traditional bar where you walk up and tell the bartender what you’d like. The cocktail bars are hosted by showcasing brands and typically offer just one specialty cocktail per bar. Each attendee will have one redemption ticket for each of the cocktail bars. This redemption method is only used for the cocktail bars and not for the general sampling of whiskeys (it’s rooted in an effort to make sure that showcasing brands have enough inventory for everyone).

Is the event for people 21 and over?

• Yes. If a person is under 21 years old and tries to enter the event with a ticket they purchased online or one that was provided to them, they will not be granted entry and the purchaser will not receive a refund for the ticket. You must be 21 years of age or older to enter this event and no exceptions to the rule will be made.

Do I have to buy anything when I’m in the event?

• No! All whiskey samples are included with purchase of admission. Complimentary water bottles will be available in the event!

Can I purchase merchandise or food at the event?

• Yes! There will be food and merchandise on site for purchase.

Is there security?

• There will be security present at the event and they are tasked with keeping the evening civilized and safe. Please be courteous, respectful and kind to others and keep in mind that everyone is coming together to have fun and positive experience.

Strong Suggestions for a Safe and Enjoyable Time:

• Eat a hearty meal beforehand! There's nothing worse than being hungry, and while we'll have snacks on hand and food for purchase, we encourage you to eat before the event.

• Use the spit buckets. Seriously. You’re doing a tasting and should pace yourself! There’s no pressure to drink everything you’re trying. The brand representatives who will be present expect you to spit out their products after trying and won’t be offended if you do! It may seem silly or impolite, but it’s how the whiskey world works. This is sage advice.

• Rinse out your glass between whiskeys! You don’t want a new bourbon to taste like the last smokey Islay scotch you tried!

• Do not pre-game the event. Fight any social temptation you may have to do so. Your evening will be so much more enjoyable if you just wait for the event to start imbibing.

• There’s going to be a rush at the beginning of the event as people get in and spread throughout the venue. It may seem like you won’t have enough time to try everything you want, but we promise that you will. No need to rush, be pushy or drink quickly. You will have time to explore everything!

• Please coordinate a ride home from a ride share service or friend/family member.

Hard Rules (Break them and you’re out):

• No violence or aggressive behavior
• No firearms or weapons, regardless of personal permits
• No smoking in the venue

*Houston Whiskey Riot proudly benefits the Family Meal Hospitality Trust 501(c)(3)*

Artisan Craft Market

Hello all! We are 2 months out and are excited for our 2nd market day at Rio Brazos. At this time we have our vendor list set. If you didn’t make it in, don’t fret as we will be doing this again in the fall!

On that note; unfortunately there have been multiple attempts by scammers to mess with this happy event. This event is FREE for all customers and vendors. At NO point should anyone reach out about tickets or vendor booth fees. If anyone gets such a message please forward it to me at Megan@riobrazosdistillery.com so they can be reported.

Below is the list of vendors and what they will be selling!

-Bayou Bakery
-Blue Ridge Weaves
-Cinnamon Swirl
-Chrispy Love
-Creative Southern Pearl
-DOA GAM Crafts
-J5 Freeze Dry LLC
-Lankart Family Farms
-Morgan Creations
-Small House Breads
-The Coconut Lanai
-The Country Moon
-Tubb Star
-Twisted Creek Seasoning

Hope to see y’all there!

Your favorite BBQ Cookoff is BACK and this time as a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! Teams can sign up at the link below!

Tickets

International Whisky day is March 27th! We will be celebrating by taking a guided tasting through the evolution of Balcones American Single Malts. Join Emma Crandall and Jared Himstedt as they walk you through 5 unique American Single Malts expressions!

Featuring:

• Texas '1' SM 19-1

• High Plains 19-1

• Peated Single Malt 18-1

• Live Oak 23-1

• De Color 23-1

Get your tickets before they’re gone!

What’s better than a free meal and drinks?
A free meal and drinks with great people and zero awkward networking vibes.

Join us on March 25th for the second edition of Just The Tip: A Dinner Series, a monthly gathering celebrating Texas food, Texas booze, and good company.

Hosted by AustinEater & ThiccBoyMedia, this dinner is all about bringing people together over incredible bites and sips from his favorite spots in Austin.

Limited to the first 20 people who sign up.

How to Get In?
The event registration link drops one week before the dinner, and it goes fast. If you want to be notified when it’s live, sign up for the newsletter here: https://docs.google.com/.../1JuXDCeNnv6DMNfi1.../viewform...

The Catch?
There isn’t one—except we ask that you bring cash to tip the folks making this possible.

Spots are gonna disappear faster than queso at a Texas BBQ, so sign up, stay tuned, and we’ll see you at the table!

Sign up to cook or taste!
Competitor $25 entry
Adult taster $20 (includes a cocktail)
Kids/ Under 21 taster $10
Always so fun. Great cause.

More info here.

Join us for Fireside Flight Night! Come get toasty around a firepit and enjoy specialty whiskey flights. There will be live music by Megan Marie

Food truck: Green Line BBQ

Tasting room 5-9. Children and pets allowed under supervision.

Cheers to SIX years of craft & community!

Join us as we celebrate Blackland’s 6th anniversary on Saturday, March 22, from 2-6 PM at our Foundry District tasting room. This special event is our way of saying thank you for six incredible years of support!

What to Expect:
Distillery Open House: take a behind-the-scenes look at our innovative facilities
Gusto’s Burgers: on-site to help fuel you through the afternoon.
Music by DJ Roix La Croix: bringing the energy!
Discounted Drinks: enjoy our signature cocktails at a special price.
Raffle Prizes & More: a few surprises to celebrate the occasion!

No tickets or reservations required — just stop by, raise a glass, & celebrate with us!

Blackland Distillery | 2616 Weisenberger Streets

Join us for our annual (and final!) Crawfish Boil at BENDT, featuring Chef Couillon! First boil drops at noon, with crawfish, live music, cocktails and more!

Crawfish Boil at BENDT - the Grand Finale!
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Distillery hours: 12-10pm

First boil at noon
All ages welcome - no tickets necessary - free entry
Crawfish is sold by the pound (mkt price / includes fixings)

Live music:
1-5pm: Justin Collins

Craft cocktails, mocktails & N/A beverages, BENDT Beer, wine, distillery tours (21+ only on tours), non-Cajun / non-crawfish food options.

No tickets or reservations needed. No charge for entry. All ages welcome. Online reservations for distillery tours suggested (21+ only for tours).

Spirit of Texas Tasting at Plano’s Texas Forever Fest

📅 When: March 22, 2025
📍 Where: Plano, Texas

Raise a glass to the Lone Star State at the Spirit of Texas Tasting, a featured event at Plano’s Texas Forever Fest! Hosted by the Texas Whiskey Festival, this intimate gathering will celebrate the artistry and heritage of Texas’ finest distillers. From sweet sips to bold blends, this event offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the best in Texas-made spirits.

A Prelude to Texas Forever Fest

The Spirit of Texas Tasting, presented by the Texas Whiskey Festival, serves as a small sampling of what attendees can expect at the larger whiskey festival. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your journey into the world of craft spirits, this tasting event is designed to delight your palate. Bring your taste buds, your thirst, and your favorite tasting glass—monogrammed, of course—and prepare for an evening of discovery and camaraderie.

Event Highlights

• Exclusive Tastings: Sample a curated selection of Texas’ finest spirits, from whiskey and bourbon to innovative craft blends.

• Meet the Makers: Connect with local distillers and learn about the inspiration behind their creations.

• Vibrant Atmosphere: Enjoy a lively setting that captures the heart and soul of Texas culture.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025

• Time: Various times throughout the day

• Location: Texas Forever Fest, Plano, Texas

Plan Your Visit

Make the most of your Texas Forever Fest experience by starting with the Spirit of Texas Tasting. Tickets and event details will be available soon, so be sure to check back for updates. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate Texas pride in every sip!

Enjoy distillery-only whiskies while learning about the uniqueness of Texas terroir and Ranger Creek's philosophy, distilling, and aging methods. Explore sensory evaluation throughout each stage of the bourbon-making process. Visit our website to learn more!
21+ up Tour
Limited Seating

Ticket Link

Elevate your drink-making skills with our exclusive, one-of-a-kind cocktail class. Sip and savor timeless classics as our expert mixologists guide you through a comprehensive seminar covering the historical, cultural, and practical applications of drink-making. Learn how to craft iconic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Negroni, and Martini, discovering the secrets behind each recipe.

Get hands-on experience as you create your own signature cocktail. Experiment with flavors and ingredients under the guidance of our professionals, and design a drink that is uniquely yours. This immersive experience will transform your understanding and appreciation of mixology.

As a special memento, choose any bottle of our premium grain-to-glass craft spirits to take home. Perfect for aspiring bartenders, cocktail enthusiasts, date nights, or group outings, this class promises an unforgettable journey into the world of mixology. Reserve your spot now and start mixing like a master!

Tickets Here

It's back! Whiskey Riot is officially returning to Dallas on March 15, 2025.

This event is *THE* event of the year for whiskey lovers and the whiskey curious where you'll get to try over 200 whiskies, taste creative whiskey cocktails, meet fellow whiskey lovers, and more.

Ready to riot? Keep reading + make sure to mark yourself as 'Going' or 'Interested in this event page to stay up to date on all things Dallas Whiskey Riot

Whiskey Riot: A Festival of Whiskeys

• The world of whiskey is vast; diving in can be daunting. Our festival offers samplings of hundreds of whiskeys, seminars and fantastic conversations with whiskey lovers, distillers, brand founders and more to arm you with the tools you need to become a whiskey expert. And, oh, yeah... you'll have one hell of a time.

WHO IS WHISKEY RIOT FOR?

• The Whiskey Lover, the Whiskey Curious, the Whiskey Enthusiast, the Whiskey Aficionado, the Whiskey Rookie. All are welcome!

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

• Discovering new whiskeys can be an expensive exploration. Signage in a liquor store and the details on a bottle’s label will only tell you so much. How do you know you’re going to take home something you love? There’s no better way to find your new favorite drink than side-by-side comparison tasting.

• Whiskey Riot is a large format tasting event complete with brand representatives who can answer questions, explain the nuances of what your tasting and leave you feeling armed with more whiskey knowledge.

FAQs and General Rules

• Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
• Time: 4-7 PM (Early Entry Admission Hour: 3-4 PM)
• Place: The Tower Building @ Fair Park (Located at "Big Tex Circle"), 3809 Grand Ave., Dallas, TX 75210

How many whiskeys will be available to try?

• Over 200 varieties!

What’s included in a General Admission (GA) Ticket?

• General Admission ticket holders will receive a branded rocks tasting glass and be given full range of the venue to taste whichever whiskeys they desire. Sorting through this many whiskeys would require a prohibitively expensive investment in bottles were a whiskey explorer to pursue a tasting this vast on their own. The GA ticket provides a pathway to finding your new favorite whiskey without breaking the bank.

What’s included in an Early Entry Admission Ticket (formerly known VIP tickets)?

• Early Entry Admission ticket holders (formerly known as VIP in years past) will receive access to the event 1 hour earlier than General Admission entry. They’ll receive all of the same benefits of the General Admission ticket, which include a branded tasting glass, full range of the venue to taste whichever whiskeys they desire and access to limited edition and rare whiskies that will not be available during the General Admission time (list to be added in late-December!) The big emphasis on this ticket is an extra hour in the event without large crowds.

What happened to VIP tickets?

• If you bought VIP tickets for previous years, you might wonder where those went. Good news! Early Entry Admission is the new name for the previously known VIP tickets. The only thing that has changed is the name! The same things are included in the Early Entry Admission ticket as was previously included in VIP; you'll receive access to the event 1 hour earlier than General Admission and have access to limited edition and rare whiskies that will not be available during the General Admission time.

Will there be Designated Driver (DD) Tickets available?

• Due to limited capacity, there are no DD tickets offered for the event. Please be responsible and coordinate a ride using a ride share service or friend/family member.

Are samples free?

• Once you have your ticket for admission and enter the venue, you will not be charged for any whiskey tasting.

Are cocktails free?

• Each guest will receive 1 ticket for each of the specialty cocktail branded sample bars (3-5 cocktail samples per event). Don’t think of a traditional bar where you walk up and tell the bartender what you’d like. The cocktail bars are hosted by showcasing brands and typically offer just one specialty cocktail per bar. Each attendee will have one redemption ticket for each of the cocktail bars. This redemption method is only used for the cocktail bars and not for the general sampling of whiskeys (it’s rooted in an effort to make sure that showcasing brands have enough inventory for everyone).

Is the event for people 21 and over?

• Yes. If a person is under 21 years old and tries to enter the event with a ticket they purchased online or one that was provided to them, they will not be granted entry and the purchaser will not receive a refund for the ticket. You must be 21 years of age or older to enter this event and no exceptions to the rule will be made.

Do I have to buy anything when I’m in the event?

• No! All whiskey samples are included with purchase of admission. Complimentary water bottles will be available in the event!

Can I purchase merchandise or food at the event?

• Yes! There will be food and merchandise on site for purchase.

Is there security?

• There will be security present at the event and they are tasked with keeping the evening civilized and safe. Please be courteous, respectful and kind to others and keep in mind that everyone is coming together to have fun and positive experience.

Strong Suggestions for a Safe and Enjoyable Time:

• Eat a hearty meal beforehand! There's nothing worse than being hungry, and while we'll have snacks on hand and food for purchase, we encourage you to eat before the event.

• Use the spit buckets. Seriously. You’re doing a tasting and should pace yourself! There’s no pressure to drink everything you’re trying. The brand representatives who will be present expect you to spit out their products after trying and won’t be offended if you do! It may seem silly or impolite, but it’s how the whiskey world works. This is sage advice.

• Rinse out your glass between whiskeys! You don’t want a new bourbon to taste like the last smokey Islay scotch you tried!

• Do not pre-game the event. Fight any social temptation you may have to do so. Your evening will be so much more enjoyable if you just wait for the event to start imbibing.

• There’s going to be a rush at the beginning of the event as people get in and spread throughout the venue. It may seem like you won’t have enough time to try everything you want, but we promise that you will. No need to rush, be pushy or drink quickly. You will have time to explore everything!

• Please coordinate a ride home from a ride share service or friend/family member.

Hard Rules (Break them and you’re out):

• No violence or aggressive behavior
• No firearms or weapons, regardless of personal permits
• No smoking in the venue

*Dallas Whiskey Riot proudly benefits the Family Meal Hospitality Trust 501(c)(3)*

St. Patrick's Day Celebration! March 15th!

Join us for a fun day of Irish traditions! Live music by The Happy Out, food by @anywichwaytx

#greencocktails and #prizes and of course, whiskey!

Saturday, March 15th from 2-9!

Cooking with Garrison Brothers Bourbon

We’re excited to introduce the Garrison Brothers Cooking Class—an interactive four-course cooking demonstration, led by Executive Chef Jack Mac and his team, showcasing the art of cooking with the rich notes of Garrison Brothers Bourbon. Join us at the new Showbarn Bar on March 13th from 6:00-7:45 PM for an evening of bold flavors and true Texas hospitality.

Click the link below for more information and to purchase tickets!

https://garrisonbrothers.ticketspice.com/gb-cooking-class?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=%20%20Celebrate%20Texas%20Independence%2C%20Cooking%20with%20Bourbon%2C%20and%20More%21&utm_campaign=2-6-25%20Email

Come get a tasty Funky's Smash'D Burger at Dowling Distilling, see some live music from Lyla Plumlee, and enjoy an in-house cocktail or soda, AND try some of FUNKY's Banana Pudding! while supplies last March 10th 6pm-9pm.
If you plan to join, please RSVP through this event (Facebook Event) to help us determine the quantity of meat to purchase. Meat will be from Dons Smokehouse in Howe Texas. Hope to see you there!

Mardi Gras this way, y’all!
March 8th & 9th The Acre is pairing up with Fort Worth’s own @thedustybiscuit !
Taste 7 spirits, sample 4 scrumptious Dusty Biscuit treats, receive a 15% discount on bottles purchased
and enjoy enough Fort Worth history to keep you coming back for more!
​Reserve your seats now and pay when you arrive!

oin us in learning how to make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls! In this class you will recieve step by step instruction AND a pan to take and bake at home. To top off these delicious rolls we will use Sledge Distillery's very own Big Dad's Butter Pecan whiskey to infuse the icing. This is optional BUT man is it good! Class is 3-5 PM.

Join us for the Third Annual Andalusia Chili Cookoff! Details below!

Saturday, March 8 from noon until 4 p.m. at Andalusia Whiskey Co.

$10 entry to sample all the chilis! Each sampling ticket comes with one ticket to submit to vote for your favorite team for the People’s Choice! All ages welcome, 21+ to drink. Tickets on-sale in person the day of the event.

Free Registration! Team sign-ups are free but competitors are responsible for all their own table/tent display and cooking equipment. Power/fuel is not provided. Keeping reading for requirements!

Prizes: Braggin' rights and we'll have some fun swag lined up!

Set-Up for contestants is 8–8:30 a.m. on the 3/8. Chili must be ready to sample by 12 p.m.

Email Mario@AndalusiaWhiskey.com to get more information and to sign your team up!

Chili Quantities:
Teams are asked to prepare a minimum of 2-3 gallons of chili for the Cookoff. Please ensure that your booth can adequately provide samples throughout the duration of the event. Sampling cups and spoons provided by Andalusia Whiskey Co.

Booth:
You will receive your booth location upon arrival at the cookoff. These are assigned the day of the event in no particular order. You will need to provide your own tent (optional) and tables (required) for your booth space. Please arrive between 8–8:30 a.m. for check-in. Signage for the booth is the team’s responsibility (Not required). Vinyl or paper signs may be hung at the front top of the booth. Booth space is approximately 10’ x 10’. All decorations must be removed by the team at the conclusion of the event. Items left behind will be thrown away.

Teams are invited to submit their best tasting chili using only safe and edible ingredients. Chili must be cooked thoroughly PRIOR to the start of the event at 12 p.m. Chili ingredients may be brought in from home but we encourage preparing as much from scratch as possible and nothing be made in a commercial kitchen in the interest of fairness. Chili must be prepared in as sanitary a manner as possible.

Chili Cooking/Heating Equipment
Teams are responsible for supplying all of their own equipment, including: a working food thermometer, propane cook stoves or sterno fuel/chafing dishes, serving utensils (long handled but small bowled ladles), pots, etc., Plastic gloves for food servers, hot pads, small hand towels, a flat dish or basket to hold clean tasting spoons and any other kitchen equipment needed. Electricity will not be provided.

Chili Submission:
Chili will be submitted to the judges between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m. Your judging cup must be filled 3/4 full. Do not bring your sample to the judging area. An Andalusia representative will collect your judge’s cup and provide your sample to the judges.

Award Categories:
Panel Judging – During the event, each team will be asked to provide one sample of their chili for the judges. The judges will be asked to select the best tasting chili from all the entries. Each chili will be judged based on the following criteria on a five-point scale:

1. Color - Chili should look appetizing. A reddish brown appearance is generally traditional and expected.
2. Aroma - Chili should smell good. This also indicates what is in store when you taste it.
3. Consistency - Chili must have a good ratio between sauce and meat. It should not be dry, watery, grainy, lumpy, or greasy. Ideally, it should be thick enough to eat with a fork.
4. Taste - Taste, above all else, is the most important factor. The taste should consist of the combination of the meat, spices, etc. with no particular dominant ingredient.
5. Aftertaste - The aftertaste, or bite, is the heat created by the various types of spices and/or peppers.

Categories:

1) Traditional Red:
Traditional Red Chili is any kind of meat, or combination of meats, cooked with red chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients. Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed. Preference is not given to either cut meat, ground meat, shredded meat or cubed meat.

2) Homestyle Chili:
Homestyle Chili is any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients. Homestyle chili may be any color. Beans are required. Preference is not given to either cut meat, ground meat, shredded meat or cubed meat. Seafood is allowed.

3) People’s Choice

Join us for a delicious educational evening of whiskey and Girl Scout Cookies!. Each GS Cookie will be paired with a unique Ranger Creek signature whiskey, and our Chief Whiskey Ambassador will explain the creative distilling process and pairing choice.

This event requires a pre-purchased ticket and includes: whiskey flight with special whiskeys, cocktail, cookies, light snacks, and educational talks.

Doors open at 6, pairings start at 6:30.

Join us in celebrating TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY on Saturday, March 1st from 2-5 PM at MKT Distillery, LLC. The University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band will be in attendance playing some Texas tunes as we enjoy food and drinks while celebrating our Lone Star State and the University of Texas! This event is family-friendly and pet-friendly, so bring the whole group and celebrate with your own Texas Exes Katy Chapter!

Howdy Everyone...Save the Date!

Fire Oak Distillery’s 2nd Annual Gumbo Cookoff – March 1st!

Calling all gumbo lovers! Whether you're cooking or just craving some amazing gumbo, this is an event you don’t want to miss!

Watch the teams battle it out for gumbo glory!
Live music by Justin Cole from 2 PM - 5 PM
Sip on craft cocktails featuring our award-winning spirits
Family & pet-friendly atmosphere

YOU be the judge! The public will vote to crown the People’s Choice Champion, so bring your crew, cheer on your favorite cooks, and cast your vote for the best gumbo!

Think you’ve got what it takes? Team entry is just $20 – sign up now! Simply go to: https://www.fireoakdistillery.com/events/

Date: March 1st | 1 PM - 7 PM
Location: Fire Oak Distillery

Let’s make this a day full of flavor, fun, and friendly competition! Tag your gumbo-loving friends and spread the word!

Spirited Cheers,

#GumboCookoff #PeoplesChoice #FireOakDistillery #SpiritsAndSpice

Join us as we celebrate our Master Distiller, Marlene Holmes' recent induction into the '25 Whiskey Hall of Fame! As the first female distiller, and only Texan, we couldn't be more proud. We'll have flights, cocktails, live music, & BBQ -- plus we'll be releasing a special "MKHOLMES Hall of Fame Edition Bourbon" (only 1 bottle per person). Come raise a glass to Marlene!

Live Music:
Jesse Stratton Band from 12-2pm
Above the Law from 2:30-5:30
Food Truck: Hill Country BBQ

No ticket needed!

126 S. Main Drive, Van Alstyne, Texas 75495

Honey Jalapeno is making a comeback and does not disappoint!

Come sample Red Ear Bourblend - Honey Jalapeno and take a bottle home to share with family and friends.

Live Music from Ken Franz from 1pm-3pm, delicious food, bourbon and bourblend pours..

*Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcohol.

We’ll be celebrating with a specialty cocktail, Pardi Gras Punch, DJ Clark Field is spinning his NOLA-inspired set on the Threadgill’s Stage, and Oh My Pizza Pie will be offering cajun-inspired pizza. Come see us & let the good times roll!

Salud to the Lone Star this Texas Independence Day!

Join us in raising a glass to Texas freedom on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the distillery! We’re celebrating all things Texas and rallying behind a cause close to our hearts: supporting the @texasparkswildlifefoundation and the conservation of our natural wonders that make Texas uniquely Texas.

This year, we’re proud to feature 11 different Balmorhea Cask Strength Single Barrels, available only at this event. These bottles are a tribute to Texas tradition and a testament to our commitment to protecting the wild beauty of our great state. Proceeds will benefit Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, funding their mission to conserve the wild things and wild places of Texas.

We’ve got an unforgettable day planned, packed with all things TEXAS and BALMORHEA. Enjoy line dancing, custom cowboy hat fittings, a Hay-less Hayride Distillery Tour, and much more. Sip on our signature Balmorhea Old Fashioned and savor specially crafted dishes from the Whiskey Shack. Plus, we’ll have live music from Jeremy Parsons from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and Noah Kurtis from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

This event is free and open to the public. Unlike other releases, this will not be a drive-through event. You’ll park and have the opportunity to personally select the bottle of Balmorhea Bourbon Single Barrel at Cask Strength you’d like to take home.

We can’t wait to see y’all there! #goodbourboncanchangetheworld #texasparksandwildlife

2nd Annual CCA Austin Bourbon Tasting Fundraiser Set for February 26, 2025

The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Austin Chapter is excited to announce its 2nd Annual Bourbon Tasting Fundraiser! This year's event promises to be an evening filled with exceptional bourbons, delicious food, and the chance to win rare bottles, all in support of coastal conservation efforts.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025

• Time: 6:00 PM

• Location: Warren Wildlife Gallery, Austin, TX

• Tickets: $125 each (limited to 125 tickets)

What to Expect

Guests will enjoy tastings of a dozen unique and rare bourbons, including sought-after labels like W. B. Saffell, Barrell, and the highly coveted Weller 12-Year. This event offers a fantastic opportunity to explore a curated selection of bourbons in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

In addition to the tasting, the event will feature a raffle for some rare bourbon bottles, giving attendees the chance to take home something special.

Culinary Delights by Verdes Mexican Parrilla

To complement the evening's bourbon selections, Verdes Mexican Parrilla will provide a delicious spread of food, adding a flavorful twist to the event.

Support Coastal Conservation

All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the CCA Austin Chapter's mission to conserve Texas’s coastal resources. By attending, you'll be contributing to a great cause while enjoying an evening of fine bourbons and great company.

How to Secure Your Spot

Tickets are limited to 125 attendees and are priced at $125 each. With a lineup of rare bourbons and fantastic raffle prizes, these tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exclusive event!

To purchase tickets or if you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Smith at 512-662-0006, or get tickets here.