attending Oklahoma State University . “ This is actually one of the first things that we found in our relationship , that our families had in common . His grandma had clipped it out of the newspaper back in the 50s , and so had mine . And we still have the original newspaper clippings ( recipes ) that our grandmas have been making every year , and now ( Mason ’ s ) mom makes it every year . We ’ ve helped a few times … we ’ ve got a few blisters to show because it ’ s quite a labor of love ,” Allyson said . “ It ’ s very rooted in Oklahoma . It ’ s rooted in our family history .”
Aunt Bill ’ s Pecan Candy Liqueur is a mildly sweet rum with a smokey pecan flavor . An enjoyable sipper on its own , the 60 proof — 30 % ABV drink can be mixed into various cocktails . Territory Distilling recommends using the liqueur in sours , old fashioneds , or to create a boozy pecan flavored cold brew coffee . “ You can start out with something , at least that is sort of familiar , has
things that you recognize , that might help you step into the spirits world ,” Allyson said .
Gov . Brad Henry signed House Bill 2348 into law in 2010 , legalizing homebrewed beer in the state , which kicked off efforts to modernize the state ’ s alcohol laws further . Those efforts have turned into business opportunities for local alcohol production , allowing a wave of craft beer to swell in Oklahoma over recent years . That wave hit Stillwater in 2014 with the opening of Iron Monk Brewing Company .
Territory Distilling is riding the next wave of the libation liberation thanks to updated laws — craft distilling . The young family has opened Stillwater ’ s first small-batch craft distillery . Tucked away in a light industrial zone in the south-central part of town , they are only the 11th licensed distiller operating in Oklahoma .
“ We felt like there was a gap , I guess , in the market and that out on the West Coast , craft distilling has become bigger and bigger and bigger . And it seems like that ’ s how craft beer got started
Allyson and Mason Jones met in Stillwater while attending Oklahoma State University . Mason graduated with a BS in Finance and an MS in Quantitative Financial Economics . Allyson earned her BS in Civil Engineering and an MS in Food Process Engineering .
12 |
Look for Aunt Bill Pecan Candy Liqueur hitting liquor store shelves across the state . Customers can also purchase bottles directly from the distillery located at 1408 South Fern Street . Learn more at territorydistilling . com
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE