Ironroot Republic

In 2011, the Likarish brothers took a leap of faith. Robert was wrapping up his law degree and Jonathan was working as a biomedical engineer when they decided to throw caution to the wind and pursue distilling. Over the next several years, they traveled the country interning under the best minds in the industry until they decided to put down distilling roots in Denison, TX.

The name Ironroot pays tribute to viticulturist and Denison native T.V. Munson’s hardy “iron” roots that helped save the French wine industry from total destruction. Munson’s efforts resulted in Denison and Cognac ultimately becoming sister cities. The brothers found inspiration in adapting the French distilling techniques, especially the process of elévage, to tame the intense climate of Texas rather than imitate traditional flavor profiles.

The distillery finally opened in 2014 to much local fanfare. When the brothers realized they needed someone to help manage the business (and them), their mother Marcia — aka the Mother of Texas Whiskey — joined the staff. The Likarishes mash, ferment, distill, barrel-age and bottle on site in Denison. The spirits are made using high quality heirloom and non-GMO corn from local farms to capture the authentic flavor of north Texas.