Texas Grain-to-Glass Whiskey
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Texas Grain-to-Glass Whiskey
The farm-to-table movement stretches far and wide when it comes to the food and beverage industry. In recent years, whenever I shop for fresh produce, I have strived to source it from local Texas producers local to my area. Thankfully, the farm-to-table trend has even made its way to one of my favorite drinks of all time in the grain-to-glass movement—whiskey.
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Referred to as “grain-to-glass”, this movement is particularly interesting when framed from the perspective of Texan history. During the time of Prohibition, the grains used to produce whiskey were in short supply. Now that Texas heartily allows the sale and production of alcoholic beverages, craft distilleries are looking back to methods of Texan whiskey production that date to before the Prohibition Era. For me, this is like taking a time machine back to the old saloons, which is why the whole prospect of grain-to-glass is so exciting. By using local grains to make whiskies that honor those which our forefathers used to chug down, grain-to-grass offers a historical window into the past.
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Currently, the grain-to-glass movement is not clearly defined. Based on my experience as a weekend whiskey boozehound, I have encountered distillers that grow the grains they use to make their craft whiskey. Some distilleries source their grains within a certain radius of their stills to ensure the quality of their alcoholic product. However, regardless of how a distillery may source its raw material, I’ve observed that there are some common foundations upholding the grain-to-glass movement in Texas.
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Texas-Grown Grains for Texan Stills
The grain-to-glass movement makes it a point to source their grains from within the state of Texas. Craft distilleries are keen on sourcing their raw materials within a specific region of Texas as this highlights the unique flavors native to the Lone Star State. What’s more, the attention given to Texan grain producers when it comes to whiskey production allows for distinct flavor variations that whiskey-lovers like me cannot find elsewhere. For example, some Texas-based distilleries use a combination of corn and malt to make bottles of bourbon-inspired whiskeys, while others, such as the Garrison Brothers Distillery, infuse their whiskeys with honey-dipped oak chips for a distinct smokey-sweet flavor.
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Of course, consistency is key to making a whiskey stand out from the rest. With the grain-to-glass movement, craft distilleries build a close working relationship with local Texas producers to ensure quality and a consistent supply of grains. Combined with the meticulous attention given to the whiskey-making process, this approach produces some of the finest whiskies that I’ve ever tasted.
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The Good in Grain-to-Glass
Apart from making killer bottles of Texas craft whiskey, there are huge benefits that come with the grain-to-glass movement. Craft distilleries in Texas either grow their grains or source ingredients from within a close radius of their stills. This bond formed with the local producers ensures that these distilleries are supplied with high-quality grains that are often grown under strict specifications. When it comes to big-name whiskey brands, it is hard to be certain of the grains that have been used to make the tipple you are sipping. The grains sourced by these big brands may have been exposed to pesticides, with some commercial distilleries even using GMOs in sourcing their grains in exchange for huge profits.
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Another benefit of the grain-to-glass movement is the support given to the Texas grain industry. By sourcing locally-produced grains, Texan distilleries give back to local farmers, establishing a sustainable approach when it comes to making craft whiskeys by empowering producers. Grain-to-glass also opens up a historical perspective on the history of whiskey production in Texas by focusing on using specific grains that were used by distilleries at the turn of the 20th century. The Still Austin Whiskey Company is a great example of a craft distillery that incorporates heirloom grains used in pre-prohibition days into their production.
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On your next Texas whiskey tour, there are tons of distilleries out there in the Lone Star State that give you the genuine grain-to-glass experience. If you're out and about this coming weekend, be sure to talk to the staff of your local go-to still about grain-to-glass, you'll be surprised to find that they might have something that's going to surprise your whiskey palate.
Familiarizing oneself with the grain-to-glass movement in Texas is both an enjoyable and, literally, dizzying experience. There are a lot of craft distilleries in Texas that focus on this specific approach when it comes to concocting great whiskies. Next time you are searching for a stunning handcrafted whiskey, make sure to try the different versions proudly grown from Texan grains.
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