Talk of Waco

By Doug

October 12, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

This is so dang cool. I want to sip on some of this at Tom Chase’s upcoming Irish pub.

By Dale

October 12, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

I only hope he is really commited to making this venture work and sticking with it on a long-term basis. Small businesses grow big but they take time and patience.

Waco once had a local ale brewery. It was actually very good ale. But, from what I read, the owner overextended himself by brewing too many kinds of ale and trying to break into the DFW market when they were already saturated with local breweries. I also read that he couldn’t manage his personal life. These 2 things combined shut his brewery down. We lost a great ale when he closed.

Let’s don’t repeat this again.

By Jason Attas

October 12, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

I’ve gotten to know Chip casually over the last few months, and if there is anyone that can pull this off, it’s Chip!

We have shared a couple of small-batch whiskeys together and while I am an amateur bourbon buff, Chip has a polished palate that would make a professiona sommelier envious.

If he says he can make a Texas-style rum with mission figs, texas honey, and turbinado sugar that’s buttery but not sweet, believe him.

I can’t wait to Rumble!!

By KDF

October 13, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

This is great news for Waco!!! Let us encourage alcohol consumption, where people drink and drive. Don’t kid me about bars in Waco where folks go in drink one or two, then drive off down the road. Bars could not stay in business if this were true.

Let us build a tobacco shop, too. Oh, don’t think we should? I would rather have a smoker/driver on the road than a drinker/driver. As a matter of fact, I can’t remember a court case involving the former. <><

By j.b. smith

October 13, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Perhaps the story didn’t make this clear, but no alcohol will be for sale at the distillery. It will be sold through existing channels, such as bars and liquor stores.

By Rick

October 13, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Having only been a resident here for 5 weeks, I am looking forward to sampling some “home-spun” spirits. I wish Chip every success! We’ll be patiently waiting.

By GO away

October 13, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

To KDF

It is up to the Responsible Driver to NOT Drink and Drive! It does not matter if its made in Waco or across the country!!If you choose to Drive when your loaded thats your choice… not the place where the beer or liquor was made! Get Real!! I hope your Business goes very well Mr. Tate and I wish you the BEST!! I am looking forward to trying out your Rumble!!

By BeachBM1982

October 13, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

KDF- Your ignorance astounds me. The gentleman discussed in this article is obviously not looking to promote binge drinking. He is hoping to bring something of value and culture to the state of Texas. The process of distilling alcoholic spirits is as old as written history. It is one of the very few cultural traditions shared across every culture and continent. It is an many ways an art form. The beverages he intends to produce are intended to be enjoyed and not used as some vehicle of self destruction. I understand that many people miss-use alcohol to dangerous ends, but they are to blame not those who created the beverage for other purposes. A kitchen can be used for murder but that does NOT mean that it should not have been made for other purposes. Some of the most influential figures in our countries history dabbled in this ancient art. And I cannot help but laugh at your comment about people going to bars and having “one or two” drinks. You say that like it is shocking or hard to believe. I will not “kid” you. Most people that go to bars have many more than that. Read a book or at least step outside your bubble, then tell me how this man is some sort of bad influence on society. Ignorance such as your own is the worst influence.

By BeachBM1982

October 13, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

KDF- Your ignorance astounds me. The gentleman discussed in this article is obviously not looking to promote binge drinking. He is hoping to bring something of value and culture to the state of Texas. The process of distilling alcoholic spirits is as old as written history. It is one of the very few cultural traditions shared across every culture and continent. It is an many ways an art form. The beverages he intends to produce are intended to be enjoyed and not used as some vehicle of self destruction. I understand that many people miss-use alcohol to dangerous ends, but they are to blame not those who created the beverage for other purposes. A kitchen can be used for murder but that does NOT mean that it should not have been made for other purposes. Some of the most influential figures in our countries history dabbled in this ancient art. And I cannot help but laugh at your comment about people going to bars and having “one or two” drinks. You say that like it is shocking or hard to believe. I will not “kid” you. Most people that go to bars have many more than that. Read a book or at least step outside your bubble, then tell me how this man is some sort of bad influence on society. Ignorance such as your own is the worst influence.

By Beachbm1982

October 13, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

KDF- Your ignorance astounds me. The gentleman discussed in this article is obviously not looking to promote binge drinking. He is hoping to bring something of value and culture to the state of Texas. The process of distilling alcoholic spirits is as old as written history. It is one of the very few cultural traditions shared across every culture and continent. It is an many ways an art form. The beverages he intends to produce are intended to be enjoyed and not used as some vehicle of self destruction. I understand that many people miss-use alcohol to dangerous ends, but they are to blame not those who created the beverage for other purposes. A kitchen can be used for murder but that does NOT mean that it should not have been made for other purposes. Some of the most influential figures in our countries history dabbled in this ancient art. And I cannot help but laugh at your comment about people going to bars and having “one or two” drinks. You say that like it is shocking or hard to believe. I will not “kid” you. Most people that go to bars have many more than that. Read a book or at least step outside your bubble, then tell me how this man is some sort of bad influence on society. Ignorance such as your own is the worst influence.

By BeachBM1982

October 13, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Sorry about the double post. And I meant to say that a “kitchen knife can be used for murder”. And good luck to Mr. Tate. I hope to have a taste here soon!

By David

October 14, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

This is great. I really hope they approve it and succeed. I also hope they open the place to tours. I’d love to take the kids to see and learn about how a distillery works. (Yes, we’re big fans of How Its Made on the Discovery channel) It’d be even better if they had a little mini-museum describing the history of distilleries in Texas.

Of course some folks would say, “How can you be so irresponsible to take kids to a brewery” (as I’m sure the anti-drinking guy that posted would). Lighten up people, learning about how brewing and distilling works can teach a lot of concepts and its not like I’ll be feeding the kids samples.

By Justin

October 27, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Good luck to Chip & crew! Chip is incredibly maticulous & discerning in his processes and flavors - he won’t be messing around. He will have a craft product & if anyone can afford to binge drink that, then they’re already a pretty serious drinker and are going to find something to drink anyway.

I wish there was a little more emphasis regarding the quality of the product that Balcones will be producing compared to Vodka & other spirits.

Anyway, this will only contribute to Waco’s reputation in a positive way. We look forward to sampling!

Justin