Craft, Cocktails & Community
My Night at the Blackland Distillery Happy Hour in Austin
On Friday night, tucked inside the moody glow of Tiger Lilly’s speakeasy in downtown Austin, I joined a gathering of fellow spirit lovers and media guests for an evening hosted by Blackland Distillery. It was more than just a happy hour, it was a full-on celebration of Texas craftsmanship, hosted with style, intention, and some seriously impressive pours.
The vibe was relaxed, the people welcoming, and the drinks? Next level.
Texpresso Whiskey: The Headliner That Deserves the Spotlight
Let’s start with the star of the night: Blackland’s Texpresso Whiskey. This smooth, coffee-infused whiskey hits all the right notes, bold espresso on the nose, rich vanilla and caramel on the palate, and a clean, balanced finish that avoids the syrupy sweetness you sometimes find in flavored whiskeys.
The Texpresso Martini was the signature cocktail of the night, and for good reason, it was velvety, eye-opening, and dangerously easy to sip. Guests even walked away with a full Texpresso Martini kit, complete with a bottle of the Texpresso whiskey, premium espresso from Cherry Coffee, and bar accessories. A gift that kept the party going even after we left the speakeasy.
“If there’s one thing we love at Blackland, it’s creating spirits that are both familiar and surprising,” said Markus Kypreos, founder of Blackland Distillery. “Texpresso Whiskey brings the boldness of coffee and the elegance of whiskey together — it’s become one of our most talked-about bottles, and we’re proud of that.”
More to Love: The Blackland Lineup
Blackland isn’t a one-hit wonder, their portfolio is stacked with thoughtfully crafted spirits that bring a modern twist to classic categories. Their vodka is exceptionally clean, with just a hint of sweetness, distilled from Texas grains and perfect in minimalist cocktails where its purity can shine. The rye whiskey is bold and spicy, yet incredibly smooth, ideal for sipping neat or stirring into an Old Fashioned, delivering warmth and character in every sip. For something cozier, the Texas Pecan Brown Sugar Bourbon leans into rich, dessert-like notes of pecan and brown sugar without being cloying, offering a taste of Southern comfort in a glass. Their gin is crisp, floral, and herbaceous, elegant yet refreshing, and a perfect foundation for a garden-style G&T or a well-crafted martini.
Every cocktail I tried featured one of these spirits, and everyone was a hit. Standouts included the Salted Pecan Old Fashioned, which let the brown sugar bourbon shine, and a bright, herbal “Garden Party” cocktail that showcased their vodka’s smooth finish. Click here for full Blackland cocktail recipes.
The Extras That Made It Special
Founder Markus Kypreos was on-site mingling with guests, a rare chance to hear about the distillery’s culinary-driven philosophy directly from the source. There was also live bottle and glass engraving happening throughout the evening, adding a personalized, thoughtful touch. A beautifully curated grazing board offered the perfect bites between sips, and a Lyft credit ensured guests could arrive and depart safely and in style, a detail that didn’t go unnoticed.
In The Texas Spirit
Blackland Distillery brought the full experience to Austin: bold spirits, refined cocktails, and a laid-back but luxurious atmosphere. Their products don’t just taste good, they tell a story of Texas terroir, innovation, and hospitality.
Whether your team vodka, whiskey, gin, or somewhere in between, they’ve got something that’ll make you pause and say, “Damn, that’s good.”
You must be of drinking age in your country to view this content.
Please drink responsibly!
This is my private account; no bottles are for sale.