What started as an accidental phone call to a distillery in Luling, Texas, led me to discover a remarkable hidden gem. KC Cantwell, the self-proclaimed "Chief Bottle Washer," introduced me to Edelbrand--a European-style fruit brandy with over 6,000 years of Austrian mountain tradition. The Austrian Connection In the Alpine slopes, Edelbrand production is strictly regulated by local government. Distillers receive low taxes but can only use water, yeast, and fruit--absolutely no sugar or added flavors. Violators face license revocation, heavy fines, or imprisonment, echoing Germany's Beer Purity Law philosophy. Founder Alexandra Cantwell traveled to Austria's Alpine region, where she discovered that in the town of Stanz alone, 52 distilleries operate--each guarding family secret recipes passed down through generations. These craft producers make only about 62 gallons annually, too limited for chain stores and typically served only in local restaurants. The Austrian tax system is fascinating: officials visit each distillery during fruit season to assess harvest volume and estimate liquor yield. Since taxes are based on fruit input rather than sales, producers are incentivized to optimize their processes for maximum yield. Just before Alexandra's departure, a local master discovered her true mission--bringing Edelbrand to Texas. Intrigued, he arranged for her to be interviewed by seven masters from another village. They believed Edelbrand-making is a cultivated ability, not merely a learned skill. After passing their tests, she trained intensively for two weeks, leaving not as an apprentice but as a certified master. The Texas Operation KC and Alexandra launched their Luling distillery in 2016, sourcing only pristine fruit from across the United States--no rot, bruises, or windfalls accepted. Their fermentation process occurs in temperature-controlled rooms around 65°F. While standard fermentation lasts 3-10 days, theirs extends 3-4 weeks using temperature-sensitive Austrian yeast with multiple monitoring alarms. Distillation happens in two German-built Schmidt stills with two runs: the stripping run quickly removes alcohol and water, while the spirit run precisely separates heads, hearts, and tails to capture the purest spirit. The chemistry is complex. The fermented mash contains water, alcohols, ethers, esters, acids, sugars, tannins, and sulfur compounds. The critical second distillation has three temperature phases. The "heads" contain toxic methanol that must be removed, but this temperature range also includes desirable esters and aldehydes contributing fruity and floral aromas. Masters taste the product constantly--every hour, then every 30 minutes, then every 5 minutes, finally every 30 seconds--to capture the "heart" that's methanol-free but retains aromatic compounds. The second cut separates "heart" from "tail," which contains heavier problematic compounds like higher alcohols, fatty acids, and sulfur compounds with rubbery or rotten-egg odors. Cutting too early loses flavor compounds that provide sweetness and fruity notes. Aging Innovation After distillation, the liquor ages 7-18 months depending on batch conditions. Here's where they innovate: traditional bourbon aging can lose 20% to "angel's share," unacceptable for high-end Edelbrand. Instead of barrels, they age in stainless steel tanks with lightly toasted American white oak spiral strips soaked in the liquor. The oak amount is carefully controlled to avoid overpowering the delicate fruit aromas. The Tasting Experience I sampled six varieties: clear apple, pear, and cherry, plus their oaked versions. The apple's aroma was so pronounced I could smell it three feet away when KC opened the half-empty bottle. The clear pear showed layered complexity, while the cherry didn't initially smell like cherry but revealed its flavor after a moment in the mouth. Among the oaked versions, the apple oak opens with oak and finishes with apple; the pear oak reverses this--pear first, then oak. The cherry oak achieves beautiful balance with both flavors present throughout. Worth the Investment I spent nearly $85 that afternoon--significant for a graduate student--but felt completely satisfied. The $22 tasting, $44 clear apple bottle, taxes, and $10 tip were well worth it. KC generously spent two hours with me, a single customer, sharing his knowledge and passion. This distillery represents something special: authentic European tradition transplanted to Texas soil, where Austrian mountain craft meets American innovation. If I return, I'm definitely bringing friends for the full tasting experience. read more

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Go here! Me and 3 other guys went here for a bachelor party evening. Kasey was absolutely unbelievable, his knowledge was amazing and the lesson he gave us was amazing. The drinks are spectacular. If you are into good Brandy, check this place out. It's cheap and you will learn a lot. Alexandra's ability as a master distiller is beyond amazing and you'll learn that. read more

AFT Distillery - the inside of the building - Distilleries Near Me - Luling, Texas

Finally got to check this place out. It is the truth as far as distilling is concerned. Met the owners and they are as sweet and informative as can be. The tasting room is small and intimate with the whole atmosphere as laid back as can be. I learned so much about the process and how every piece of fruit is touch by hand. I'm usually a whiskey drinker so this was very different for me. I tasted all three basic fruit brandy's and the flavor was subtle and extremely clean. I was surprised at how smooth this stuff was especially being 80 proof. I also tried their liqueur made from eggs and other spices and wow!!!!! I thought about this in my coffee or over ice cream. This place is a jewel. I have already planned a trip back this coming weekend with friends. read more

AFT Distillery - a man and a woman holding wine glasses - Distilleries Near Me - Luling, Texas

Casey was an awesome host, the tour and history was fascinating. All of the brandy was delicious. Truly fantastic stuff

Had a great time visiting your distillery over the Thanksgiving holiday! Friendly staff and delicious cocktails! The Dreamcicle was amazing! Really enjoyed sitting on the patio and seeing the interesting animals at the adjoining property. Can't wait to visit again! read more

We wound up here completely at random, and had a wonderful time. Very warm reception by the husband and wife team who craft the spirits, and delicious product. We will absolutely be back, and next time we'll bring friends! read more

I'd never really tried brandy before coming here and you can tell they really care about what they produce. I think the pear was my favorite flavor but a sneak preview of the cherry was also really good too. Oh and make sure to try some cocktails while you're there, they're fantastic. read more

Amazing!!! True Texas gem. A must try!!!! By far the best brandy I have ever had.