FIRES FLOODS EXPLOSIONS AND BLOODSHED

A History of Texas Whiskey

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Pub Date 15 May 2023 | Archive Date 30 Jun 2023

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Description

There have been dozens of books written about the history of American whiskey and its place in our culture, yet there are still many stories about whiskey that haven’t been told. The history of Texas whiskey is one of those stories. It’s a fascinating and important topic that, for some reason, has never been documented, until now. 


As it happened, the Republic of Texas was founded during the zenith of drunkenness in North America. It’s no surprise that early Texans took to distilling as soon as they arrived, nor that whiskey soon became the spirit of choice.

 

The relationship between Texans and whiskey is a long and complicated one. Stephen F. Austin, the Father of Texas, wished for prohibition in his colony but took the pragmatic view that if Texans were going to drink, then it would be better if that booze was made in Texas.

 

The Lone Star State quickly had dozens of distilleries operating, several of which had grand aspirations that would rival those of any modern craft distillery. Many early Texas distillers hailed from other Southern states and brought with them a rich distilling tradition that was further honed on the frontier. Some were European immigrants who brought extensive knowledge of distilling and fermentation. But these early entrepreneurs had to deal with all manner of obstacles, including floods, fires, explosions, and occasional gun play. As the success of modern Texas distilleries demonstrates, there is a strong market for Texas-made whiskey. Today, whiskey culture encompasses not only distillers, but also farmers, mixologists, consumers, and, increasingly, chroniclers of the spirit’s proud history and resurgence.



Filled with fascinating stories of the pioneering spirit of Texas whiskey distillers, archival photos and newspaper clippings, figures of homemade and commercial whiskey stills, and even lists of Texas distilleries, Fires, Floods, Explosions and Bloodshed should be a staple in every whiskey lover’s bookshelf or bar.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Before catching the distilling bug, Andrew Braunberg was an industry analyst for several decades covering cybersecurity technologies. After moving to Texas in 2012, Andrew and his wife co-founded the first whiskey distillery in Austin, called Still Austin Whiskey Co. Andrew has spent the last couple years documenting the pre-prohibition history of making whiskey in Texas. He lives (mostly) in Austin with his wife and two dogs.


There have been dozens of books written about the history of American whiskey and its place in our culture, yet there are still many stories about whiskey that haven’t been told. The history of Texas...


A Note From the Publisher

TIMELY TIE-INS!
APRIL
D.E.A.R. Month (drop everything and read)
Austin Whiskey Riot - April 8
Houston Whiskey Riot - April 15
Texas Whiskey Festival (Austin) - April 22
Tell a Story Day - April 27
Independent Bookstore Day- April 29

MAY
Texas Writers Month
Mother’s Day - May 14
World Whiskey Day- May 20
National Craft Distillery Day - May 22

JUNE
Father’s Day (gift guides)
National Moonshine Day - June 1
National Craft Spirits Day - June 18

TIMELY TIE-INS!
APRIL
D.E.A.R. Month (drop everything and read)
Austin Whiskey Riot - April 8
Houston Whiskey Riot - April 15
Texas Whiskey Festival (Austin) - April 22
Tell a Story Day -...


Advance Praise

"I’ve always wondered who the gamblers and raconteurs were who were doing it first and why there are so many roads in Texas called "distillery road" or "stillhouse road." Andrew Braunberg has opened my eyes. When we put our first sign out in front of Garrison Brothers Distillery in 2006, it read “The first legal bourbon distillery in Texas history.” Turns out I was wrong. Fortunately for me, the dead distillers can’t sue me for trademark infringement. And how interesting that the Revenuer who was killed in the 1800s by a licensed distiller was named Hyram Garrison. I thoroughly enjoyed this knowledgeable and well-researched trip through 4 centuries of distilling in Texas. The history of Texas Distilling is rich with colorful and brave swaggering entrepreneurs. Still is."

—Dan Garrison, Founder, Garrison Brothers Distillery


"We often focus on the promising future of Texas whiskey. But we rarely discuss our past. Until now. Braunberg has amassed a treasure trove of facts and stories in this book, and it's a must read for anyone with a passion for whiskey, history, or the great state of Texas." 

—Rob Arnold, PhD, Author of The Terroir of Whiskey


"I’ve always wondered who the gamblers and raconteurs were who were doing it first and why there are so many roads in Texas called "distillery road" or "stillhouse road." Andrew Braunberg has opened...


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Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781649670168
PRICE $16.95 (USD)
PAGES 140

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