Megan Navarro
DRIPPING SPRINGS — “It’s time for last call,” according to Deep Eddy Vodka, who made the announcement that it will be ceasing operations of its Dripping Springs tasting room this summer, as it makes way for new ventures.
Deep Eddy first introduced its product in Austin back in 2010, naming it after the city's beloved swimming hole, a local place known for lively crowds and laid-back fun. According to the company, it took all of its favorites from its hometown — “sunshine, stellar vibes and ample excuses to get together with friends” — and bottled it up into a family of real vodkas with real ingredients.
The brand moved out to Dripping Springs in 2014 as a combined production and tasting room facility, before transitioning the distillery to Buda in 2017, when Deep Eddy was outgrowing the space. Then, the larger, current, building in Dripping Springs opened in 2019 and has operated as a tasting room ever since.
Now, Deep Eddy announced to the community April 2 that it’s made a decision to take the Dripping Springs tasting room into a new chapter by bringing the experience closer to Austin.
The company is approaching the end of its lease and, with Goodnight Loving Vodka looking to expand, Deep Eddy chose to accept the request for them to sub-lease.
“Austin was such a different place when we moved out here in 2014. There were no distilleries within the city limits. There were barely any breweries within the city limits back then,” said Eustacio Lara, sales and marketing manager for the Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room. “The climate shift in Austin over the years kind of has become a much more favorable place for us. So, we're gonna take our chance at the big city.”
As Deep Eddy has been rooted in Dripping Springs for several years, Lara shared that while the space is going away, their support of the community is not. He also shared that he foresees Goodnight Loving — a local distillery, born and raised in the Hill Country — being a part of its new community, as well.
The tasting room will officially close June 13 with a goal to officially transition over to the new tenants by Aug. 1. However, customers are invited to a week-long closing celebration to help send off Deep Eddy in high spirits the week of May 16, with live music, passport scavenger hunt, giveaways and more.
“Thanks to everyone who has come out over the years, shared a story about Deep Eddy, shared a story about an event they may have held here a wedding or rehearsal dinner or have come out and supported our events — our vendor markets [or] our 10-year anniversary,” Lara said. “Everything that we've done has always received such love from the community and we know that's not lost on us and we really appreciate the support that we've felt over the years.”
Stay up-to-date on Deep Eddy Vodka’s closing celebration and new venture to Austin by following the brand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/deepeddyvodkatastingroom.
