Revolver Takes a “Spirited” Next Step Towards…

Following the overwhelming success that Revolver Blood & Honey beer continues to cultivate across Texas and beyond, the label grew such a strong fanbase that it only made sense to take a “spirited” next step. In an exciting midsummer release, Revolver Brewing has expanded its portfolio as Revolver Beer & Spirits, introducing a bespoke line of spirits with its signature blood orange flavor in every sip.

We had the honor of speaking with Hans Stafsholt, the Master Distiller for Revolver, about the Revolver Beer & Spirits line that showcases the passion and support of The Lone Star State through a made-with-honey vodka, gin and whiskey.

What inspired the Revolver line of spirits?

Revolver was built on a passion for Texas craftsmanship and a drive to create something unexpected.

When Blood & Honey Texas-style Ale became a fan favorite, it did more than define our brewery, it inspired a movement. The beer’s signature combination of citrus, honey and bold flavor became synonymous with the Revolver name, creating an opportunity to take that beloved profile beyond beer.

Today, Revolver Beer & Spirits carries that tradition forward with a collection of spirits crafted to honor the character, creativity and Texas spirit that made Blood & Honey an icon.

Can you speak to the different processes of formulating with honey in the three spirit lines? When is honey added in the distilling process?

Our Revolver Blood & Honey Bourbon, aged for a minimum of five years, is transferred to blending tanks where proof, volume and overall blend composition are evaluated.

Using Rocky Mountain water, the whiskey is carefully brought to its target proof before premium wildflower honey is incorporated under controlled mixing conditions to ensure a consistent blend. The whiskey is evaluated throughout the blending process, with flavor adjustments made as needed to achieve the desired profile.

Dried blood orange peel is gently macerated until the balance of citrus, honey and whiskey is achieved. Each batch undergoes final quality control testing to verify proof, consistency and flavor before bottling.

Revolver Blood & Honey Gin is crafted by first creating several individually-distilled botanical concentrates, each designed to highlight a specific flavor family including juniper, bright citrus, warm spice and blood orange. Distilling these components separately allows each botanical to be developed to its fullest character before the final blend is assembled.

The individual distillates are then carefully blended to create the gin’s signature citrus-forward profile. Premium clover honey is incorporated to add a subtle layer of sweetness and texture while maintaining the bright, vibrant character of the gin. Throughout the blending process, each batch is evaluated for balance, proof and consistency before undergoing final quality control prior to bottling.

Blood & Honey Vodka is crafted by blending our premium neutral spirit with our blood orange botanical distillate to create its signature bright citrus character. Clover honey is then carefully incorporated to add a subtle touch of sweetness and a smooth, rounded mouthfeel while preserving the clean profile of the vodka.

Each batch is evaluated throughout the blending process to ensure consistent flavor, proof and overall quality before undergoing final quality control prior to bottling.

What does honey contribute to each spirit specifically?

Honey contributes a subtle amount of color and viscosity, but the biggest impact is on mouthfeel and finish. It helps round out the spirit, softening some of the sharper edges of the alcohol and gives the final product a fuller, smoother texture while adding honey character without making the product overly sweet.

How does honey affect the blood orange in Revolver spirits?

Honey and citrus are a really natural pairing. With the blood orange specifically, the honey helps soften and round out some of the sharper citrus notes while complementing the fruit’s natural sweetness. The result is a more balanced blood orange profile where the citrus remains bright and fresh, but the overall spirit has a softer, more rounded, smooth and subtly sweet honey finish.

Any suggested cocktails for Blood & Honey vodka, gin and whiskey?

For the gin, a simple gin and tonic garnished with a blood orange peel is delightful and will work nicely in any simple, citrus-forward classics.

The vodka would work beautifully in a mule, lemon drop or citrus-forward martini.

The whiskey is a great fit for an old-fashioned or whiskey sour. In each case, simplicity will let the spirit do most of the work and let the cocktail shine with blood orange and honey.

The Blood & Honey spirits line is currently only available in Texas-based retail locations, such as Total Wine & More and Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods, among others.

Want to sweeten your own spirits with honey? Email [email protected]
to start the conversation.