Rio Brazos Distillery

Rio Brazos Distillery

Region
  • USA, Texas
Awards
Website
  • https://www.boxcarwhiskey.com/
Phone Number
  • +19797037935
Address
  • 11405 N Dowling Rd Unit D, College Station, TX 77845

Stacked wooden wine barrels in cellar storage.

History of Rio Brazos Distillery

Establishment and Founding

The Rio Brazos Distillery, a notable landmark in Brazos County, was established in 2013. It holds the distinction of being the first distillery in the county.

The Barkman family, driven by a passion for crafting unique spirits, founded the distillery with a commitment to quality and tradition.

Distillation Process and Products

The distillery is renowned for its meticulous distillation process and the exceptional quality of its whiskey. They produce small batches of whiskey using sweet corn, red winter wheat, and two-row malted barley.

Notably, all these grains are sourced from Texan farmers, emphasizing the distillery’s dedication to supporting local agriculture and ensuring the freshness of their ingredients.

The distillation process is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to tradition and quality. They employ a double-distillation process, known as a Tennessee narrow hearts cut.

This involves four all-day cooks, four all-day stripping runs, and a final spirit run lasting 13 hours. This rigorous process ensures the richness and purity of the whiskey, setting Rio Brazos Distillery apart in the craft spirits market.

Community and Sustainability

In addition to their dedication to whiskey-making, the Rio Brazos Distillery is also committed to sustainability and community involvement.

They donate their spent grains to a local company that specializes in growing insects for poultry farming.

This not only helps in waste management but also supports local businesses and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices.

Rio Brazos Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Public Tours and Tastings

Rio Brazos Distillery offers an immersive tour and tasting experience, allowing visitors to delve into the world of whiskey-making.

Public tours and tastings are available from Wednesday to Friday, between 3 pm and 8 pm, and on Saturdays from 12 pm to 8 pm. These tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the distillery, understand the intricate process of whiskey production, and sample the exquisite flavors of their spirits.

Private Tours

For those seeking a more personalized experience, Rio Brazos Distillery offers private tours by appointment.

These tours are tailored to meet the preferences of the visitors, ensuring an exclusive and intimate exploration of the distillery’s offerings and processes.

Whiskey and Cocktail Selection

At the conclusion of the tour, visitors have the chance to purchase select bottles from the distillery’s core range of whiskeys. Additionally, a variety of cocktails crafted from their premium spirits are available for purchase.

This allows guests to take a piece of the Rio Brazos experience home with them, enjoying the rich flavors of their meticulously crafted whiskeys at their leisure.

Location and Contact

The tours and tastings take place at the distillery’s location at 11405 North Dowling Road, Unit H, College Station, TX 77845. For inquiries or to arrange a private tour, visitors can contact the distillery at (979) 703-7935.

Flask & Barrel Review of Rio Brazos Distillery

I recently visited Rio Brazos Distillery and, let me tell you, it’s a gem! As a whiskey collector, I’ve been on my fair share of distillery tours, but this place stands out.

The vibe is just right – not too commercial, with a real, down-to-earth feel. Their public tours are super convenient, and I loved that they offer private tours for a more personal touch.

The whiskey? Absolutely top-notch. They’ve got this double-distillation process that really brings out the flavors. And the fact that they source their grains locally? Big plus in my book. I grabbed a couple of bottles to add to my collection and even snagged some of their unique cocktails.

The staff was friendly and really knew their stuff, making the whole experience feel welcoming and informative. The only reason I’m not going full 5/5 is that I wish the tasting room was open a bit more often.

But hey, that’s just me wanting more of a good thing. Solid 4.7/5 for Rio Brazos Distillery – a must-visit for any whiskey lover!

What To Do Nearby Rio Brazos Distillery

  • Century Square: A vibrant area offering a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. It’s a great place to experience the nightlife, live music, or just enjoy a family day out.
  • The Gardens at Texas A&M University: Perfect for a peaceful stroll or relaxing with a good book. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and those looking to unwind.
  • George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum: Dive into the life and legacy of the 41st President of the United States. This museum offers a rich historical experience with a variety of exhibits and events.
  • Museum of the American G.I.: A must-visit for history buffs, this museum showcases the history of the American military with an impressive collection of restored military vehicles and artifacts​​​​.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Rio Brazos Distillery?

  • Gate 12 Bar & Grill: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1770 George Bush Dr W, College Station, TX 77845.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +19797759925. 
  • Caminos Mexican Cafe: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 11907 Farm to Market Rd 2154 #101, College Station, TX 77845.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +19794852055. 
  • Polly’s Cocina: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 12675 Farm to Market Rd 2154, College Station, TX 77845.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +19796957000.

What hotels are near Rio Brazos Distillery?

  • Wingate by Wyndham College Station TX: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 3610 Texas 6 Frontage Rd, College Station, TX 77845.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +19793075883. 
  • Best Western Plus College Station Inn & Suites: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 950 Arrington Rd, College Station, TX 77845.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +19797046444. 
  • The Stella Hotel, Autograph Collection: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 4100 Lake Atlas Dr, Bryan, TX 77807.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +19794214000.