I had the pleasure of sitting down with John Evans, the dynamo behind Wilson Valley Mercantile, for an unforgettable chat about whiskey, farming, and everything else. Located outside Temple, Texas, this place is a goldmine of quirky charm and passion.

Farm Roots & Liquid Gold This is no run-of-the-mill distillery. Nestled on a farm that's been in John’s family since 1867, Wilson Valley Mercantile breathes history. John shared tales of his ancestors and how he decided to throw whiskey into the mix. Seven years ago, John thought, "Why not make corn worth more by turning it into whiskey?" Fast forward, and here we are, sipping on bourbon-made seed to sip while soaking in the ambiance of a tasting room that feels like home. It was like sitting at my grandmother's table but with booze.

Music plays a vital role here, with live singer-songwriter sessions on the first and third Thursday of each month.

Whiskeys Galore Curious about what makes his whiskey unique, I quizzed John on everything from mash bills to yeast varieties. Whether it’s the Bloody Butcher or the robust Texas Three Way, each product has a story to tell. “If Three Way was a song, it would be Radney Foster’s ‘Sweet and Wild,’” John mused, giving us another glimpse into his imaginative mind.

Triple Threat: Whiskey, Beef, and Cigar Not content with distilling whiskey, John also manages a full-time farm and ranch. You can literally grab a bottle of bourbon and a beef box in one trip. Plus, if you’re into cigars, his on-site air-conditioned cigar lounge is the ultimate indulgence.

Valley Fest 24 & Whiskey Trails Keep your eyes peeled for Valley Fest 24 on October 26th—a music festival supporting the Panhandle Proud wildfire victims.