85R21746 JGH-D

By: Phillips H.R. No. 1415

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Ironroot Republic Distilling in Denison earned great distinction by winning a 2017 World Whisky Award from Whisky magazine for its Hubris Corn Whiskey; and

WHEREAS, An alcoholic beverage distilled from the fermented mash of barley, corn, rye, or wheat, whiskey has been made for centuries by cultures all around the world; the name originates from the Gaelic term for "water of life," uisce beatha, and by long tradition, the Irish and American versions are spelled "whiskey," while liquor distilled in Scotland or other countries is spelled "whisky"; and

WHEREAS, Ironroot Republic was founded in Denison in 2014 by two brothers from El Paso, Jonathan and Robert Likarish; the name of the distillery pays tribute to Thomas Volney Munson, a horticulturist in Denison who pioneered a new disease-resistant grape by grafting European grapes to the "iron roots" of the Texas mustang grape; and

WHEREAS, The Likarish brothers practice a local, grain-to-glass philosophy, distilling spirits that celebrate the agriculture, history, and culture of the Lone Star State; in addition to whiskey, the company makes brandy, moonshine, gin, and vodka, largely with grains grown within 60 miles of the distillery; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the award from Whisky magazine, Ironroot Hubris Corn Whiskey also won Double Gold and Best Corn Whiskey at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition; Ironroot's Harbinger Bourbon Whiskey won Gold for Non-Kentucky Bourbon from Whisky magazine and Double Gold at the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition, while its Promethean Bourbon Whiskey took Best in Class Gold at the Whiskies of the World Competition; the company itself was a Texas Rural Challenge winner in 2016, and that same year, it won the Governor's Small Business Award; and

WHEREAS, Locally owned and operated enterprises make a welcome contribution to the prosperity and distinct character of their communities, and it is a pleasure to recognize Ironroot Republic Distilling for the reputation for excellence that it has achieved; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Ironroot Republic Distilling on winning the World's Best Corn Whiskey Award from Whisky magazine and extend to Jonathan and Robert Likarish and their employees sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ironroot Republic Distilling as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.