Balcones Distilling: The Art of Crafting American Whiskey

Not Real Art

Whiskey is more than just a drink; in fact, the word “whiskey” derives from the Gaelic phrase uisge beatha, meaning “water of life.” In today’s podcast episode, NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Jared Himstedt and Gabe RiCharde of Balcones Distilling to discuss the duo’s philosophy on crafting fine whiskey in Waco, Texas.

Key Points From This Episode:

• What “Balcones” means and how it’s relevant to Texas and Balcones Distilling
• Challenges that come with high standards and keeping a business local
• How Jared and Gabe use raw ingredients as tools for artistic expression
• Where Balcones falls on the spectrum between tradition, rebellion, and innovation
• The significance of Texas to Balcones Distilling and the American Single Malt Movement
• Product development at Balcones and their sometimes surprising sources of inspiration
• Why artists shouldn’t rely on critical acclaim, external validation, or market feedback
• Insight into Gabe’s journey from geologist to spirits manager at Balcones
• Jared’s deeply personal path from ceramicist and social worker to whiskey distiller
• Why Balcones works with artists to support the visual arts

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/balcones-distilling