This past weekend, my wife, Lu, and I embarked on an adventure to Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery, a hidden gem in Spicewood, Texas. Since opening its doors in 2017, this distillery has gained recognition for its diverse range of handcrafted spirits.
One of the distillery’s standout creations is Hotscotch, a smooth whiskey with a unique flavor profile that blends butterscotch with three undisclosed peppers. The exact formula is a closely guarded secret. For those seeking something distinctive, GIDDY’UP is a zesty, horseradish-flavored vodka that shines as an enhancer for Bloody Marys. Additionally, they offer a nine-year-old bourbon released exclusively for Father’s Day. Alongside these offerings, the distillery provides a selection of whiskies, rums, vodkas, and gins. Tastings are offered on the hour, Friday through Sunday.
We booked a tour of the Iron Wolf facility, and the story of the brand’s development captivated the group. The “Iron Wolf” name was inspired by a majestic Siberian Grey Wolf named Luna (whom you can meet on the ranch most Fridays). Their motto, “Bold Spirits, Texas Attitude,” resonates throughout the facility. With all grains and most additives sourced from Texas, the distillery offers carefully crafted beverages that are rooted in local tradition.
The tour guide shared their product lineup that reflects the diversity and boldness of a wolf pack. They expressed pride in the design of their custom stills, created by Jordan Watters, the CEO and president, who holds advanced degrees in chemistry and engineering. These stills, located in their original building, form the backbone of the distilling process.
The attention to detail and care extends to their embossed labels and bottles crafted to provide a tactile experience while standing out on retail shelves. A thick glass base on each bottle features an embedded wolf paw design.
At Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery, a passion for craft spirits was evident during our group’s tasting event. The day was marked by exceptional spirits as well as the inspiring narrative of local entrepreneurship with a strong commitment to Texas heritage and craftsmanship.
Located near Austin, Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery offers an inviting space for a variety of experiences. Spanning 15 acres, the venue features beautiful Hill Country views, recreational games, shaded seating areas, live music on two outdoor stages, and air-conditioned indoor space called The Den. A recent addition this past June is the on-site cigar lounge featuring premium Dominican cigars.
Open weekends, the property caters to families with a playground, yard games, and a rotation of on-site food trucks. Pets on leashes are welcome. Whether attendees are interested in enjoying live performances, sampling new spirits, or hosting events, Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery provides a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
For more information, see https://ironwolfranch.com/.
As always, if you drink, do not drive or ride.
