Moonshine Company Started in a Hill Country Cave Takes Off, Shoots Down Those Old Outlaw Stigmas: This Drink is Texas Legal — and Quite a Kick

To distill or not to distill? That is the question. Shane Berber and Sam Wakefield, co-founders of Crystal Creek Moonshine, sought to  answer when they opened the doors to their flavorful moonshine business five years ago.

Looks like they discovered the key to distilling because they’re still successfully doing it — and for a good cause.

The duo found a small cave in the Hill Country, where they created the recipe. They tried more than 100 different combinations before deciding upon one that primarily uses corn mash, local Good Flow honey and sugar.

Inspired by the Roaring Twenties, Crystal Creek Moonshine brings some Texas twang and twists to the American classic. They are located in Spicewood (an hour from Austin) and are one of the few moonshine distilleries in the entire state

Even better than the novelty is the mission. A percentage of each bottle of moonshine sold helps build water wells in Ethiopia through A Glimmer of Hope — a charity started by Berber’s parents that seeks to alleviate poverty in rural Ethiopia.

This ties into their awareness to be environmentally cautious with ingredients and food waste. The company uses all-natural Texas-grown ingredients to create a smooth tasting spirit.

“Our moonshine is basically an unaged whiskey, but it tastes more like a vodka. It mixes very well and can easily substitute other liquors in cocktails,” says Alicia Keene, a Crystal Creek Moonshine spokesperson. “All the flavors are only 80 proof (about 40 percent alcohol by volume), which still packs a powerful punch.”

You can sample the distillery’s products in cocktails such as the Orange Creamsicle (orange juice, classic ‘shine and non-dairy French vanilla cream), Moontai (peach lavender ‘shine, orange juice, almond rose water and grenadine), and Moongarita (Serrano cucumber ‘shine, margarita mix and lime). Crystal Creek Distillery offers a variety of cocktails for $8 and under.

Currently, the four official moonshine flavors are original, peach lavender, Serrano cucumber and coffee pecan. All of the liquors are vegan and gluten free.

No Outlaw Drink

With a hush-hush stigma around moonshine, is what they’re doing at Crystal Creek even legal? Turns out making and selling moonshine with proper permits is allowed, so they are in the clear.

You can even learn how to make some ‘shine, as there are tours and classes at the distillery. Live music accompanies the laid-back atmosphere of the venue most Fridays and Saturdays. Of course, a Texas bar with an outdoor patio would not be complete without cornhole and other tailgating games.

Thursdays bring an all-day happy hour, and Crystal Creek offers flight tastings any day of the week.

Unfortunately, legal restrictions prevent moonshine from being shipped, but the brand is now in more than 100 liquor stores in Texas. Bottles are also available at the distillery.

Just minutes from Pace Bend Park, Crystal Creek Distillery makes for something of a weekend retreat. Did someone say road trip?