In the heart of Texas Hill Country, the Dripping Springs Distilling is a testament to premium spirit crafting and community engagement. Established in 2005 by the Kelleher brothers, the distillery began as a primitive operation, soon gaining traction with awards and local support, according to a Community Impact interview.
From its humble beginnings, Dripping Springs Distilling has evolved into a notable name, distributing products across 19 states. The distillery has expanded its range to include mixers, liqueurs, gin, and their flagship vodka, which is micro-distilled 20 times. "We had a tiny space that was a fraction of [the current distillery] size that was down the road, about half a mile," founder Gary Kelleher told Community Impact. "We had the one still that I designed, and I was spending the night there, we were filling all the bottles by hand, we were putting the corks in with hammers."
Visitors can now enjoy guided tours of the distillery and partake in various events such as weekend brunches, and live music at the visitors' center, a hub introduced three years prior. Kristi Quick, director of hospitality at the distillery, emphasized the family-focused, value-driven atmosphere. "It really is just making it a place for [visitors] to feel at home..." Quick said, describing their vision to Community Impact.
The distillery's appreciation for its patrons and region is reciprocal, manifesting in generous donations and hospitality extended to local organizations. Gary Kelleher has expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from the residents of Dripping Springs, remarking on the warm welcome they received from the outset. “When I came out here to ask about seeing if we could open a distillery here, everybody just really greeted us and had an open-arms approach to us," he told Community Impact. "It's been a great experience here because they really supported us and wanted us to be here and want us to be successful."
With a commitment to craft and community, Dripping Springs Distilling not only provides high-quality spirits but also plays a pivotal role in the local social fabric, according to a segment from CBS Austin's "We Are Austin." The segment highlights the distillery's unique offerings and encourages families to engage with the experience, underlining the essence of Texas Hill Country spirit with each sip.
