Whisky Magazine • The Story Of Ironroot Republic

In May 2024 we returned to the US with Whisky Magazine, this time to Dension, Texas to meet the incredible Likarish family and find out how they went from dreaming about distilling to making the world’s best bourbon.

Founded by brothers Jonathan and Robert Likarish, Ironroot has become a major player in the Texas whisky scene, garnering accolades from across the globe. The brothers, alongside their family, have poured their hearts into making not just whisky, but a legacy. This was the essence of what we wanted to capture on film.

In just 10 years, Ironroot Republic has scooped up titles like World’s Best Bourbon and World’s Best Corn Whiskey, and after spending three days with them, it's easy to see why. Their passion, innovation, and dedication really blew us away. 

Our team dove into the fabric of the Likarish family’s success by interviewing not just Jonathan and Robert, but their family, friends, and the dedicated workers at the distillery. In just three days, we were able to dig deep into their origin story—what started as a dream and has now become an internationally recognised brand, known for its innovation and craftsmanship.

Ironroot isn’t just another distillery. Their approach to whisky making is as distinctive as the Texas terroir that influences every bottle. The brothers, under the mentorship of French brandy master Hubert Germain-Robin, have pioneered methods that mix traditional techniques with the demands of the Texas climate, particularly the scorching heat and low humidity. It was crucial for us to capture not just the process but the passion behind it. From the copper pot stills to their unique barrel-ageing method (known as élevage), every step of Ironroot’s process is a labour of love and science.

One of the most powerful aspects of this project was capturing the bond between the Likarish family. Their story isn’t just about whisky—it’s about family, resilience, and a shared vision. Whether it was their mother Marcia, known as the ‘Mother of Texas Whisky,’ or their father John, who helps run the day-to-day operations, Ironroot is a family affair. Their collective strength and vision have been central to Ironroot's meteoric rise.

Our goal was to distill the essence of the Likarish family and their groundbreaking whisky.

The final product? A short but impactful film that brings to life the grit, passion, and innovation that defines Ironroot Republic.