The Texan heat is harsh on spirits, and the climate can make it difficult to get distilling conditions right, the Texan spirit itself, however, means that distillers don't give up and as a result, there exists a rich vein of quality bourbon and whiskey producers throughout the state. From the Garrison Brothers Distillery being granted the first legal license to produce whiskey outside of Kentucky in 2006, Texas liquor has come along in leaps and bounds and is now home to some of America's punchiest, proudest varieties.