Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling Logo

Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling

Region
  • USA, Texas
Awards
  • American Craft Spirits Awards (ACSA), Whisky Advocate (2021), Texas Monthly Magazine (2018)
Website
  • https://drinkrangercreek.com/
Phone Number
  • +12103392282
Address
  • 4834 Whirlwind Dr, San Antonio, TX 78217

Windmill next to commercial building entrance.

History of Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling

 

Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling, nestled in San Antonio, Texas, stands out as a unique “brewstillery,” adept at crafting both beer and whiskey.

The inception of Ranger Creek dates back to 2008 when three friends, Mark McDavid, Dennis Rylander, and TJ Miller, fueled by their passion for craft beer and whiskey, envisioned creating an establishment that epitomized the essence of Texas by combining these two crafts.

Opening and Early Days

In November 2010, Ranger Creek threw open its doors, marking its presence as Texas’s first combined brewery and distillery. This innovative approach allowed them to offer an eclectic array of products, spanning handcrafted beers to bourbons and other spirits.

The inception of Ranger Creek is a testament to the founders’ commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and the incorporation of local ingredients, encapsulating the Texas spirit in every product they offer.

Product Diversity and Distinction

Ranger Creek’s portfolio is marked by diversity and a commitment to creativity. Their range of beers varies from traditional staples to more avant-garde offerings, catering to a spectrum of tastes.

In the realm of spirits, Ranger Creek has carved a niche with its Texas Bourbon, part of the Small Caliber Series, celebrated for its small batch, craft distilling approach. This series is synonymous with limited edition releases that are coveted by collectors and aficionados for their uniqueness and quality.

The “Grain to Glass” Philosophy

Central to Ranger Creek’s ethos is the “grain to glass” philosophy, ensuring meticulous quality control and a hands-on approach to every stage of production.

They pride themselves on managing the entire process in-house, from milling the grains and fermenting the mash to the distillation of their spirits. The distinctive Texas climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, imparts a unique flavor profile to their bourbon, known for its boldness and intricacy.

Awards Won by Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling

  • American Craft Spirits Awards (ACSA): Ranger Creek’s excellence was acknowledged with the “Best in Show” and “Best Whiskey” titles at the ACSA, the most extensive craft spirits group in the United States. Their .36 Single Barrel Straight Texas Bourbon Whiskey particularly stood out, earning Best of Show, a significant achievement that dethroned the previous year’s winner, Balcones Distilling. The distillery also won another gold for their .36 Texas Bourbon Whiskey and a silver medal for their .44 Texas Rye Whiskey​​​​​​.
  • Forbes Magazine (2020): Forbes highlighted Ranger Creek among “4 New Texas Bourbons that should be on your Radar”​​.
  • Texas Monthly Magazine (2018): Texas Monthly featured Ranger Creek, recommending “Six Texas Bourbons to Drink Right Now”​​.
  • Whisky Advocate (2021): Ranger Creek was ranked in the Top 3 for Cask Strength Bourbons by Whisky Advocate, underscoring the distillery’s commitment to quality and strength​​.
  • Local Recognition: Locally, Ranger Creek has been celebrated as San Antonio’s top brewery & distillery tour and taproom experience and best distillery by the San Antonio Express News​​.

Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling Tour Information and Experience

The Brewstillery Tour & Tasting

Ranger Creek stands out as San Antonio’s top-rated brewery and distillery, offering an experience that’s both educational and enjoyable. The Brewstillery Tour is a unique two-in-one adventure where you get to learn about the beer and bourbon-making processes.

The tour is intimate and immersive, lasting 60-90 minutes, and includes three generous samples of their products for $15. For those who prefer not to indulge, a $5 designated driver option is available, and kids under 6 can join for free. The tour is capped at 20-25 guests to ensure a personal experience.

For the whiskey enthusiasts, there’s an optional VIP Whiskey Sampling Experience at the end of the tour for an additional $20. This experience lets you sample two future releases straight from the barrel and explore some of Ranger Creek’s unique and rare whiskies, including their bourbon chocolates.

Tasting Room & Events

Ranger Creek’s tasting room is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy their beer, whiskey, and handcrafted cocktails. The menu is simple yet exciting, with new offerings rotating regularly.

You can nibble on meat & cheese plates and light snacks, often accompanied by food trucks and special events like Pizza Night, Jazz & Cocktails, and Artisan Markets. The tasting room is open Monday to Thursday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and Friday to Saturday from 12 PM to 9 PM.

Private Events

Ranger Creek also offers a unique venue for private events, accommodating 10-250 guests. The industrial atmosphere, combined with handcrafted beer and cocktails, makes it an ideal spot for dinner parties, corporate outings, sales meetings, and more. The team at Ranger Creek has experience hosting over 100 private events annually, ensuring your event will be memorable.

Gift Shop

Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop where you can pick up Ranger Creek merchandise, apparel, glassware, and all currently available whiskeys. The gift shop is open Monday to Thursday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and Friday to Saturday from 10 AM to 9 PM.

Flask & Barrel Review of Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling

Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling totally nailed it, earning a solid 4.7 out of 5 in my book. As a whiskey collector who’s seen a fair share of distilleries, I was seriously impressed.

Their Brewstillery Tour is a real treat, blending beer and bourbon knowledge into one cool experience. The guides are super chill and know their stuff, making the whole tour both fun and insightful.

And those samples? Top-notch! The VIP Whiskey Sampling is a must-try for any serious whiskey fan. Plus, the tasting room vibe is just right for kicking back with some great drinks.

Whether you’re into laid-back events or looking to host a private bash, they’ve got you covered. Ranger Creek isn’t just another stop on the whiskey trail; it’s a standout spot that’s definitely worth your time.

What To Do Nearby Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling

  • Alamo Distilling Co. (Approx. 10.3 miles from Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling): Known for its bourbon and vodka, Alamo Distilling offers a comprehensive tour that requires a reservation. Expect a detailed educational experience in this four-year-old distillery that also handles bottling for other companies​​.
  • Rebecca Creek Distillery (Approx. 10.5 miles from Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling): Established in 2009, Rebecca Creek is famous for its whiskey and music under the live oak trees. Hour-long tours are available on Fridays and hourly on Saturdays, providing insight into the distillery’s journey into the national market with its Rebecca Creek Whiskey and Texas Ranger Whiskey​​.
  • Andalusia Whiskey Co. (Approx. 55 miles from Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling): Offering a unique experience, the owners themselves provide informative tours, sharing insights into their distinct whiskeys like the Revenant Oak single malt and Stryker single malt. Tours and special event tastings are available by advance arrangement​​.
  • Ben Milam Whiskey (Approx. 55 miles from Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling): As a newer addition to the Hill Country distilleries, Ben Milam Whiskey offers tastings of rye whiskey, straight bourbon whiskey, and single-barrel varieties, all bearing the name of an important figure in Texas’s fight for independence​​.
  • Real Ale Brewing (Real Spirits Distilling Co.) (Approx. 55 miles from Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling): With over 22 years of brewing excellence, Real Ale has recently ventured into distilling, offering an array of spirits. Though known for its beers, the distillery is gaining recognition for its spirits as well​​.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling?

  • Las Carretas Mexican Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 3975 Perrin Central Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78217.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +12105906254. 
  • Jim’s Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 2630 NE Interstate 410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78217.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +12106550718. 
  • Christina’s Patio and Grill Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 114 N Weidner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78233.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +12103849020.

What hotels are near Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling?

  • Drury Inn & Suites San Antonio Northeast: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 4900 Crestwind Dr, San Antonio, TX 78239.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +12106571107.