There's something remarkable about a family legacy that survives across generations, transformation, and even prohibition. In this captivating conversation with Todd from Elk Store in Fredericksburg, Texas, we uncover the extraordinary journey that began when his 14-year-old great-grandfather arrived alone from Moravia in 1895, speaking no English, and eventually established the original Elk Store.

Todd reveals how his family's history during prohibition inspired his own venture into distilling after decades in the wine industry. Having witnessed Fredericksburg's evolution from a sleepy town with just two wineries in the early 1990s to a destination attracting millions of visitors annually, Todd has intentionally preserved something increasingly rare – a business built on craftsmanship rather than scale.

Unlike most distilleries that focus on a signature product, Elk Store embraces the speakeasy concept by producing everything from whiskey and vodka to their famous pecan pie moonshine (based on Todd's grandmother's recipe). Their exquisite cocktail program, featuring house-squeezed juices, handmade syrups, and spectacular presentation, has created a following that keeps visitors returning time after time.

Beyond spirits, Todd continues his négociant winemaking, collaborating with small family producers in France, Italy, Argentina, and California. His stories of working with vintners who step off tractors to unlock their wineries capture the authentic connections he values – a stark contrast to corporate wine experiences.

As Fredericksburg faces increasing corporate development, Elk Store stands as a reminder of what makes small towns special: businesses where owners know your name, remember your favorite drink, and sometimes even receive your mail. Visit Elk Store to experience this unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and community that can only be found in Fredericksburg, where Todd and his team are preserving the art of hospitality one meticulously crafted cocktail at a time.

https://elkstore1895.net/

https://www.facebook.com/elkstore1895/#

https://www.instagram.com/elkstore1895fbg

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