In the great state of Texas, agriculture is a diverse industry and grains such as wheat, barley, rye and corn, grow abundantly. Because of the bountiful crops, it isn’t surprising that craft distilleries are on the rise all over the Lone Star State, especially within the beautiful Hill Country where wine has had a foothold for many decades. Fredericksburg, Texas is well-known for lush vineyards found at wineries such as Signor Vineyards and Augusta Vin, and paradisiacal tasting rooms such as Grape Creek Winery, William Chris Vineyards and Arch Ray Resort. Another aspect of the Central Texas town that draws so much attention is the small-town charm of a well-preserved downtown area that offers a healthy dose of historical markers dotted amongst a superabundance of specialty shops and German restaurants with winery tasting rooms sprinkled about the Main Street buzz. Today, though, visitors to the area can find more than just a tall, stemmed glass boasting of a fragrant Tannat or Pinot Grigio. As tourists explore the area, they will be sure to find the occasional distillery hidden within the Gillespie County community. But for those who are looking for an exceptional distillery whose spirits will leave a lingering taste on the palate and will cause even the most prudent of guests to raise their glass to another round; it will be the Paul Bee Distillery they’re searching for as it’s one of several Distilleries in the Texas Wine Country that is quickly becoming a well-known “watering hole” for the locals and is becoming well-known for the delicious drinks coming from the bar.
The Paul Bee Distillery
The Paul Bee Distillery is titled after the spirited quarter horse that was born in 1957 at the Pine Hurst Stables in Orange, Texas, and was bought by 3rd generation rancher, S.A. Baxter, at an auction one year later. Paul Bee, whose lineage can be traced back to foundation sires such as Old Sorrel and Oklahoma Star, was trained as a cutting-horse for the historical Baxter Ranch located in Bend, Texas. It was from the stallion’s stalwart gene pool that the Baxter family began their own line of quarter horses for the ranch with descendants such as Paul Bee Too (1976) and Tiempo Scooter (1978). But it was because of Paul Bee’s resolute nature, unmatched strength and demanding presence that the Paul Bee Distillery at Arch Ray Resort was named.Â
The History of the Name
The Latin word “spiritus” means “breath, soul or vital essence” and is closely related to the Latin word “spirare” which means “to breathe”. Most historians don’t exactly know who the first person was to call distilled alcohol by the name of “spirits”, but it is agreed the name was derived through alchemy around the 14th century. It’s believed that when the alcohol was distilled through the process of evaporation and condensation that the name became a moniker that stuck through the ages. As the steam would rise through the neck of the distiller, it was almost a magical process that captured the “spirit” of the grain which was being used to create an alcoholic liquid. The drink would literally “breathe” the distinct flavors of whatever grain was used in the distillation process.
At Paul Bee Distillery, not only do our spirits “breathe” of the highest quality ingredients that are used to distill every single bottle that comes from our production facility that’s located on-site at Arch Ray Resort, but every drink that is served exudes the “vital essence” of the spirited quarter horse, Paul Bee, the distillery’s eponym.
Distilleries in the Texas Wine Country
Within the Fredericksburg area, not only will guests find the Paul Bee Distillery, but they will discover several other fantastic Distilleries in the Texas Wine Country that are gaining steam as they gain recognition. Located within the city limits of Fredericksburg is the Iron Goat Distillery, Dietz Distillery and the Elk Store Winery & Distillery. Outside of town just a short drive down Highway 290, several distilleries are peppered between the wineries along the Texas Wine Trail such as The Speakeasy at Salvation Spirits, 1693 Distillery and much further down the road toward Hye, visitors will find the very popular Garrison Brothers Distillery.
As the distillery industry begins to make an indelible mark on the Texas Hill Country, patrons arriving at the Arch Ray Resort in the heart of Gillespie County will find an array of options to choose from when it comes to a favorite drink whether wine from the Arch Ray Winery, or beer that comes from our Ogle Brewery as well as a wide choice of spirits and cocktails that flow from the Paul Bee Distillery! From a Chocolate Cake Pecan Old Fashion to an Espresso Martini or even a Strawberry Basil Lemon Drop, guests who might lean more towards a craving for spirits rather than a passion for wine will be sure to find something they will love. Be sure to stop by Arch Ray Resort and step into our story as you learn more about our love for Family, Texas and the satisfactory feeling of finding a really good drink.