Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery sits on a sprawling 200-acre property in the Texas Hill Country near Spicewood, about 45 minutes west of Austin. Founded by Steve and Susan Holle in 2014, this working ranch turned distillery represents their pivot from corporate careers to craft spirits production. Steve, a former technology executive, and Susan, who worked in healthcare, decided to combine their love of the Hill Country with their passion for quality spirits. The distillery opened its doors to the public in 2016, operating out of a custom-built facility that houses their copper pot still and grain-to-glass operation where they produce bourbon, vodka, and seasonal spirits.
The Holles didn’t just stumble into distilling—they spent years researching and planning their operation, even traveling to Scotland to study traditional distillation methods. Steve handles the production side while Susan manages the business operations and visitor experience. Their approach focuses on using local Texas ingredients when possible, including corn from nearby farms and Hill Country water. The ranch setting isn’t just for show either—they raise cattle and grow some of their own grain, making it one of the few true farm-to-bottle operations in central Texas. The couple’s commitment to quality over quantity shows in their small-batch production methods and hands-on approach to every aspect of the business.
Visiting Iron Wolf feels more like stopping by a friend’s ranch than touring a typical distillery. The rustic tasting room overlooks the ranch property where you might spot cattle grazing while you sample their spirits. Tours take you through their production facility where Steve or one of his team members explains their grain-to-glass process, from milling their own corn to the final bottling by hand. The atmosphere stays relaxed and unpretentious—exactly what you’d expect from former corporate folks who traded the rat race for ranch life. It’s not the biggest operation in Texas, but the personal touch and genuine Hill Country hospitality make it worth the drive from Austin or San Antonio.
