In the great state of Texas, where agriculture is a diverse industry and grains such as wheat, barley, rye and corn grow abundantly, it isn’t surprising that craft distilleries are on the rise all over the Lone Star State, especially within the lush area of the beautiful Hill Country. Fredericksburg, Texas is well-known for opulent 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 Fredericksburg 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 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. For those who prefer distilled spirits and like to meddle in the world of mixology, it’s becoming more common to find the occasional distillery hidden within the Wine Country Community. But for those who are looking for an exceptional Fredericksburg Distillery whose spirits will leave a lingering taste on the palate and will cause even the most prudent of guest to raise their glass to a second round, the Paul Bee Distillery, a Texas Hill Country favorite that is quickly becoming a well-known “watering hole” for the locals, is the perfect place to spend a relaxing evening.

 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 3^rd generation rancher, S.A. Baxter, at an auction one year later. Paul Bee, whose lineage can be traced back to foundational 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 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. 

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 “spirits”, but it is agreed the name was derived through alchemy around the 14^th 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 the alcoholic liquid. The drink would literally “breathe” the distinct flavors of whatever grain was used in the distillation process. You can learn more about the history and the name here.

At the Paul Bee Distillery, not only do our spirits “breathe” of the highest quality ingredients that are used in every single distilled bottle that comes directly from our production facility located on-site at Arch Ray Resort, but every drink that is served exudes the “vital essence” of the spirited quarter horse, Paul Bee.

Within the Fredericksburg area, guests will find the Paul Bee Distillery along with several other fantastic choices when it comes to The Fredericksburg Distilleries. 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 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 all the way to 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 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.