In the heart of Texas, where the sun beats down on sprawling plains and the spirit of independence runs as deep as the roots of a mesquite tree, Yellow Rose Distilling has uncorked something special. The Houston-based distillery, known for its trailblazing role as the city’s first legal whiskey maker, has rolled out its latest creation: Yellow Rose Travis County Blended Whiskey. This release, the first in two years, is a tribute to the vibrant, eclectic region of Travis County, home to Austin and the beating heart of Texas governance. It’s a whiskey that captures the essence of Central Texas—bold, distinctive, and worth raising a glass to.
A Nod to Texas Roots
Yellow Rose Distilling, founded in 2010, has spent over a decade carving out a reputation for crafting premium whiskeys that embody the Lone Star State’s rugged charm. Their Travis County Whiskey is the latest addition to the Craft County Series, a lineup that celebrates Texas’s diverse regions through unique whiskey expressions. The series kicked off with Harris County Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a nod to the distillery’s Houston home. Now, Travis County steps into the spotlight, honoring the cultural and political hub that is Austin.
The choice of Travis County as the inspiration for this whiskey is no accident. As Toni Hardisty, Yellow Rose’s master blender and one of the few women in Texas shaping the whiskey world, explains, “Travis County was an obvious choice, given the outsized reputation and esteem of this important Central Texas region.” Austin’s vibrant music scene, bustling food culture, and role as the state’s capital make it a fitting muse for a whiskey that aims to stand out in a crowded market.
The Craft Behind the Whiskey
What makes Travis County Whiskey special is its carefully crafted blend. This isn’t just another bourbon—it’s a marriage of 100% sweet Texas corn whiskey and a traditional bourbon mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. The ingredients are all locally sourced, grown in Texas soil, and aged in new American oak barrels under the state’s punishing heat and humidity. The result is a whiskey that carries the distinct imprint of its environment, with flavors that evoke the rugged beauty of the Texas landscape.
Bottled at 86 proof (43% alcohol by volume), Travis County Whiskey strikes a balance between strength and approachability. Its aroma is inviting, with a gentle waft of brown sugar that draws you in like a warm Texas evening. On the palate, it unfolds with subtle notes of applewood, toasted marshmallow, tobacco, and chocolate, finishing with a hint of toasted banana that lingers like a sunset over Lake Travis. It’s a whiskey that invites you to sip slowly, savoring each layer of flavor as it reveals itself.
Toni Hardisty’s touch is evident in the whiskey’s nuanced profile. As a master blender, she brings a fresh perspective to Yellow Rose’s lineup, crafting a spirit that feels both timeless and innovative. “This is truly a Texas whiskey worth savoring,” she says, and it’s hard to argue with her. The blend’s complexity makes it versatile—perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned, where its flavors can shine alongside a twist of orange and a touch of bitters.
The Craft County Series: A Texas Tradition in the Making
The Travis County Whiskey is the second release in Yellow Rose’s Craft County Series, a collection designed to pay homage to the state’s most iconic regions. The series started with Harris County Straight Bourbon, a high-rye bourbon that showcases Houston’s bold character. Like its predecessor, Travis County Whiskey is made with Texas-grown grains, a testament to the distillery’s commitment to local sourcing. The extreme Texas climate, with its wild temperature swings, plays a starring role in the aging process, imparting unique characteristics that can’t be replicated elsewhere.
Yellow Rose hints at more releases to come in the Craft County Series, each one set to capture the spirit of a different Texas region. For whiskey lovers, this promises a journey across the state, one bottle at a time. Whether it’s the coastal plains of Nueces County or the rolling hills of Blanco, the series is shaping up to be a love letter to Texas, written in oak and grain.
Yellow Rose’s Storied Portfolio
While Travis County Whiskey is the new kid on the block, it joins an impressive lineup of Yellow Rose offerings. The distillery’s core portfolio includes Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon, a rule-breaking spirit made from 100% Texas yellow corn; Yellow Rose Premium American Whiskey, a smooth and slightly sweet blend; and Yellow Rose Rye Whiskey, a fan favorite with a spicy kick. These whiskeys have earned accolades from the likes of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the American Distilling Institute, cementing Yellow Rose’s place on the global whiskey map.
The distillery’s commitment to quality is evident in every bottle. From the hand-selected Texas grains to the double-pot distillation process, Yellow Rose pours its heart into crafting whiskeys that reflect the state’s independent spirit. The Houston climate, with its intense heat and humidity, accelerates the aging process, resulting in a higher “angel’s share”—the portion of whiskey lost to evaporation. This makes each bottle a rare and precious commodity, infused with flavors that can only come from Texas.
A Taste of Texas, Available Now
Yellow Rose Travis County Blended Whiskey is available at fine wine and spirits retailers across Texas, with a suggested retail price of $39.99 for a 750ml bottle. It’s an accessible price point for a whiskey of this caliber, making it an easy choice for both seasoned collectors and newcomers looking to dip their toes into the world of craft whiskey. Whether you’re toasting to a Texas sunset or sharing a dram with friends, this whiskey is designed to elevate the moment.
For those outside Texas, the distillery’s partnership with Zamora Company USA ensures wider distribution of its portfolio. Based in Dallas, Zamora handles sales and marketing for Yellow Rose, alongside other premium spirits like Licor 43, Martin Miller’s Gin, and Fercullen Irish Whiskey. This partnership has helped put Yellow Rose on the radar of whiskey enthusiasts across the country and beyond.
The Legacy of Yellow Rose
Yellow Rose Distilling’s story began in 2010, when a group of Texans set out to create something new in a city better known for oil than oak barrels. Inspired by the legend of Emily West, the “Yellow Rose of Texas” whose bravery helped secure the state’s independence, the distillery has always been about pushing boundaries. From its humble beginnings in a 1,500-square-foot warehouse to its current home near Houston’s Galleria, Yellow Rose has grown into a powerhouse of craft whiskey.
The distillery’s ethos is rooted in hard work and a refusal to follow the beaten path. Every bottle tells a story of Texas pride, from the grains grown by local farmers to the barrels aged in Houston’s unrelenting heat. The result is a lineup of whiskeys that feel as authentic as a pair of well-worn boots, with flavors that resonate with anyone who appreciates a good story and a better drink.
Why Travis County Whiskey Matters
In a world where whiskey shelves are crowded with options, Yellow Rose Travis County Blended Whiskey stands out for its authenticity and craftsmanship. It’s not just a drink—it’s a celebration of Texas’s spirit, bottled for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Whether you’re drawn to its connection to Austin’s vibrant culture or the rich, layered flavors crafted by Toni Hardisty, this whiskey is a testament to what makes Texas whiskey unique.
For those who call Texas home, Travis County Whiskey is a chance to taste the state’s heritage in every sip. For everyone else, it’s an invitation to discover what makes Yellow Rose Distilling a name to watch. So grab a bottle, pour a glass, and raise a toast to the Lone Star State. This is Texas whiskey, done right.
For more information on Yellow Rose Distilling and its portfolio, visit yellowrosedistilling.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
