How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

Texas

Schitz Creek Distillery & Brewery

Liberty Hill,

Texas

— Vodka, Whiskey, Rum

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🍺

Dual Craft

Beer and spirits from same makers

👨‍💻

Engineer Precision

Software background meets distilling process

🏠

Family Operation

Husband and wife team since 2018

🔬

Custom Filtration

Unique vodka process developed in-house

🗣️

Direct Access

Owners handle tastings and tours

🌾

Hill Country

30 minutes northwest of Austin

📞 (512) 778-5990

🌐 http://www.schitzcreek.com/

📍 101 Co Rd 257 Suite B, Liberty Hill, TX 78642, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Hill Country Combo Brewery Meets Distillery

Schitz Creek Distillery & Brewery sits in Liberty Hill, Texas, about 30 minutes northwest of Austin in the heart of Hill Country. Founded by husband-and-wife team Michael and Jennifer Schitz, this operation combines craft distilling with brewing under one roof—something you don’t see everywhere in Texas. They opened their doors in 2018 after Michael, a former software engineer, decided to turn his home brewing and distilling hobby into something bigger. The facility produces vodka, whiskey, and rum alongside craft beers, operating out of a modern industrial space that feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a corporate tasting room. What started as weekend farmers market sales has grown into a full production facility with a loyal local following. Jennifer handles much of the business operations while Michael focuses on production, and they’ve built something that feels authentically theirs rather than trying to copy what everyone else is doing. The combination of spirits and beer gives visitors more options than your typical distillery visit, and their location puts them right in the path of Hill Country tourism without the crowds you’ll find closer to Austin.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Both Beer and Spirits Under One Roof

The brewery-distillery combo is what sets Schitz Creek apart from most Texas operations. While plenty of places make whiskey or beer, doing both well under the same roof takes different skill sets and equipment. Michael’s background in software engineering shows in their methodical approach to recipes and processes—everything gets documented and refined rather than just going with gut feelings. They’re also one of the smaller operations in the Liberty Hill area, which means you’re likely to meet the actual owners rather than just employees. Their vodka production uses a unique filtration process that Michael developed himself, and they’re not trying to rush their whiskey to market like some newer distilleries. The Hill Country location gives them access to good water and puts them in wine country, but they’re focused on spirits while most of their neighbors are making wine.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Meet the Actual Owners Behind Everything

You’ll walk into a space that feels like a combination brewery taproom and distillery tasting room, with stainless steel tanks visible alongside copper stills. Michael or Jennifer usually handle tastings themselves, so you’re getting information straight from the people who make everything. Tastings include their vodka, available whiskey, and beer selections, with explanations of their processes and ingredients. The atmosphere is casual—think craft brewery vibe rather than formal whiskey library. You can see the production equipment up close, and they’re happy to talk about their methods if you ask specific questions. The space isn’t huge, so it feels intimate rather than industrial, and you’ll likely end up chatting with other visitors.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Personal Touch Worth the Drive

If you’re doing a Hill Country spirits tour or you’re curious about small-scale operations that do multiple things well, it’s worth the stop. Beer and spirits enthusiasts will appreciate seeing both processes, and the casual atmosphere works well for people who find some distilleries too formal or pretentious. It’s not going to blow your mind if you’re used to large craft distilleries with elaborate tours, but that’s not what they’re trying to be. The personal interaction with the owners is the main draw here—you’ll learn more about the actual business and production challenges than you would at bigger operations. It’s also a good stop if you’re visiting other Hill Country attractions and want something different from the wine trail.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their social media before visiting since hours can vary, especially during slower seasons. The location is easy to find on County Road 257, but GPS should get you there without issues. Parking is straightforward with space right in front of the building. Weekends tend to be busier, but that also means you’re more likely to catch both Michael and Jennifer there. Try their vodka if you normally skip clear spirits—their filtration process makes it smoother than typical craft vodka. Ask about their whiskey aging process if you’re interested in the technical side of distilling. They often have beer and spirits specials, so ask what’s new or what they recommend pairing together.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Schitz Creek Distillery & Brewery — Visitor FAQ

Do you make both beer and spirits on site?

Yes, we’re both a brewery and distillery operating in the same facility. Michael handles production for both beer and spirits, so you can taste both during your visit. It’s not common to find both operations under one roof, especially at our scale.

How long has your whiskey been aging?

Since we opened in 2018, our whiskey is still relatively young, but we’re not rushing it to market just to have something to sell. Michael monitors the barrels regularly and will release them when they’re ready rather than hitting arbitrary age targets.

Can I meet the owners during my visit?

Very likely, especially on weekends. Michael and Jennifer are usually on site handling tastings and tours themselves. We’re small enough that you’ll probably end up talking directly with whoever made what you’re drinking.

GETTING THERE

Find Schitz Creek Distillery & Brewery

📍101 Co Rd 257 Suite B, Liberty Hill, TX 78642, USA

—

📞 (512) 778-5990

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