Barrels stack up at Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye. The whiskey distillery is one of several in the Highland Lakes. Staff photo

Barrels stack up at Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye. The whiskey distillery is one of several in the Highland Lakes. Staff photo

For a spirited outing in the Highland Lakes, visit its whiskey distilleries. Some offer tours and live music; one has a disc golf course.
Taste what these producers have to offer:
Ben Milam Whiskey and Milam & Green Whiskey, 208 Carlie Lane in Blanco — Since opening in 2017, this distillery has earned a great reputation for its whiskeys. The craftspeople behind them have more than 50 years’ experience. They produce beautifully aged whiskey in handpicked Tennessee and Kentucky casks. Go to benmilamwhiskey.com or call 830-833-3033.
Flanigan’s Wine and Spirits, 330 N. Lampasas St. in Bertram — Learn the history of what you’re drinking on a tour at Flanigan’s Wine and Spirits. Dana and Kevin Flanigan opened the winery and distillery out of love for both wine and spirits, and they craft some of the most unique flavors you’ll ever find. They offer food and events as well. Go to flaniganswineandspirits.com or call 512-777-3162.
Garrison Brothers Distillery, 1827 Hye Albert Road in Hye between Johnson City and Stonewall off U.S. 290 — According to its website, it’s the first and oldest legal whiskey distillery in Texas. Its Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey is crafted from organic yellow corn from the Texas Panhandle, organic winter wheat it grows itself, and two-row barley from the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Garrison Brothers offers tours of its facility. Go to garrisonbros.com to make reservations.
Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery, 101 CR 409 in Spicewood — This Hill Country favorite creates some truly unique craft spirts with names such as Iron Hot, Giddy’ Up, and Hotscotch. It makes bourbon, gin, rum and vodka. Along with the spirits, the distillery has live music, a disc golf course, corn hole, bocce ball, and life-size bourbon pong. Go to ironwolfranch.com.
Llano Craft Distillery, 103 E. Main St. in Llano — This distillery features craft spirits that “offer a unique taste and blend from anything else on the market.” Go to llanocraftdistillery.com.
Real Ale Brewing Co., 231 San Saba Ct. off U.S. 281 in Blanco  — In 2017, the brewery added Real Spirits Distilling featuring handcrafted spirts such as Texas Hill Country Signature Whiskey, Grain to Glass Gin, and Signature Barrel Whiskey. Go to realalegrewing.com or call 830-833-2534.
Others to check out are: