Recently, I was invited to attend a Virtual Media Event by Big Thirst Marketing introducing Maverick Whiskey Barrel Proof Bourbon to celebrate the launch. Maverick Barrel Proof Whiskey is a Certified Texas Whiskey.
All those that attended were sent a sample bottle of the barrel proof as well as a tasting of Maverick Whiskey Straight Rye Whiskey and Texas Dry Gin.
Joined by distillery owner, Dr. Kenneth Maverick, and head distiller, Kevin Graham for a discussion about the new Barrel Proof Bourbon, and tasting of it along with the Maverick Texas Dry Gin.
Experience a part of Texas history
Originally the land for what is now the home of Maverick Whiskey sat at the corner of the Maverick family homestead, just steps from the Alamo. Native son and distillery owner Kenneth Maverick’s endeavor, Maverick Whiskey, is a nod the Maverick family’s storied Texas roots and patriarch Sam Maverick; whom all other Mavericks are named.
The distillery is located in the historic Lockwood National Bank building, Maverick Whiskey’s 2nd floor restaurant and bar offers unique cuisine and cocktails crafted with extraordinary taste.
The Whiskey
On the zoom call, We had a spirited conversation with distillery owner, Dr. Kenneth Maverick, and head distiller, Kevin Graham. Samuel Maverick Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey has been aged for 2 years.Texas whiskey is in it’s own category due to extreme Texas heat which causes hyper-aging aka accelerated aging.
You’ll find Texas whiskies are aged for 2 to 3 years maximum from beginning to end.Texas has it’s own micro-climate which makes them unique, powerful and full of lots of complex flavors and aromas.
All of the ingredients are 100% Texas ingredients and grains.
This is a true Texas whiskey beginning with Texas water used to make this whiskey isa non-chilled charcoal-filtered from the Edward’s aquifer, which is one of the most prolific artesian aquifers in the world. Located on the eastern edge of the Edwards Plateau in Texas, it is the source of drinking water for two million people, and is the primary water supply for agriculture and industry in the aquifer’s region.
Mash Bill vs Cask Strength
It is 114% barrel proof and is the uncut version of the 88 proof Straight Bourbon whiskey
The flavors of this whiskey are pretty awesome. I have had my fair share of Texas whiskies and this one by far is at the top of my list. For the first aromas out of the glass to the last drop was a melody of big bold flavors that last and last. The nose is distinctly caramel, vanilla and brûléed sugar and a hint of smoke from the barrel. There is lots of heat on the tongue indicating the high levels of alcohol, which is delightful, by the way.
Straight outta bottle into the glass is the way I love it, yet it will make your favorite bourbon cocktail extra~
This is a sweet bourbon mainly from the corn. It is 72% Texas corn made from the corn sourced from nearby farm which is masa corn, same corn used to make tortillas. It is a hearty corn, deep and rich in flavor. The wheat and barley are 100% sourced from Texas panhandle. It is aged 2 years in new charcoal white oak barrels.
Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey has always intrigued me and I love a cocktail made with it. The Straight Rye Whiskey is 100% Texas Rye, distilled from Texas-grown Wren’s Abruzzi Rye, Yellow Corn, and malted Barley. On the nose, there are hints of banana cream pie, smoke from charred oak, warm spices such as clove and brown sugar. On the first sip there are smooth flavors of banana bread and warm baking spices with a cool menthol finish.
They recommend making a Manhattan with the rye.
Aged a minimum of 2 years in new Charred White Oak Barrels, this Whiskey is proofed to 88 (44% alcohol by volume)
Gin is one of my top three spirits and this one is in the top three for this Texas-made gin. The flavors a fresh, clean and true to the gin flavor I love so much!
This is a very unique gin with local Texas ingredients except for the Juniper. In order to call a gin- well- gin, it must contain juniper. They chose Mediterranean Juniper for it pleasant flavor. The rest of the ingredients are all Texas grown such as grapefruit peel, pecans, Mexican mint marigold grown in their window box at the distillery as well as the rosemary from their own bushes at the office.
I’ve been told this is the place to be and the culinary offerings are stellar and expertly paired with the whiskey and gin.The distillery is located in the historic Lockwood National Bank building, Maverick Whiskey’s 2nd floor restaurant and bar offers unique cuisine and cocktails crafted with extraordinary taste.
I cannot wait to go! I’ll be there soon!