What is DeLos Vodka?
DeLos Vodka began as an illegal moonshine operation on the back porch of the founder’s home in Texas. It was originally made for friends and family as holiday gifts however a standing order began to develop amongst many neighbors. After running an illegal operation for some time the decision was made to go legit, and the operation was moved from the back porch to a legal distillery that was built by old town Lewisville, Texas. De meaning from and Los being the founders childhood nickname, DeLos became the first and only vacuum distillery in the U.S. and the first legal distillery in North Texas. Today each batch of DeLos Vodka is made from scratch in Lewisville and shipped all around the state.
What is the DeLos Vodka made from?
DeLos Vodka is handcrafted from scratch in small batches from Texas wheat. The wheat is fermented for several days and then transferred into a vacuum still that produces a clean and smooth final product. One unique attribute of DeLos Vodka is the smooth taste, this characteristic is the result of vacuum distillation. DeLos Vodka is one of three vacuum distilleries in the world and the only vacuum distillery in the United States. Although vacuum distillation produces a cleaner and smoother vodka, it is a much more time consuming process and requires more attention during the distillation phase. Most stills can be turned on and allowed to run hands free, however a vacuum still requires constant monitoring but produces a superior finished product. Creating each batch from scratch with raw ingredients is what makes this brand stand above the rest, turning it into a legal operation is what made it stay available.
What is Vacuum Distillation?
Vacuum distillation is a new technique in manufacturing spirits. This type of distillation uses suction to move the alcohol through the still instead of excessive heat. Therefore, vacuum distillation requires lower temperatures resulting in a higher quality vodka. Distillation of alcohol may be accomplished in many ways. In all cases, a heat source is required. Heat is used to bring the fermentation to a boil which transforms the alcohol into vapor. The vapor travels through the still and is deposited into a collection tank. The problem that occurs is the large amount of heat required to force the vapor through the still. Anytime heat is applied it burns and scorches the fermentation, creating a finger nail polish smell or a strong burn when consumed. With vacuum distillation, heat is still used to bring the fermentation to a boil but then the vacuum system sucks the vapors through the still instead of using long periods of excessive heat. The result is a vodka that does not have a strong odor and is extremely smooth when consumed. Although the vacuum system requires more time to produce the vodka, the main focus of DeLos is quality over quantity, creating a vodka that can be consumed straight or compliment any mixer.
Can I take a tour?
The DeLos Vodka production facility is a micro distillery and offers tour by appointment. The operation is focused on quality over quantity, requiring each employee to spend more time and detail on each step of the process. Understanding the philosophy behind the distillery helps people understand why our tours are so unique. Visitors experiencing a tour will first find an old western saloon atmosphere in the lobby. When entering the distillery, the stills and fermentation tanks demand attention with their stainless steel finish and size. Each fermentor and still has a name printed on the front after family members of Carlos and employees. This touch of identity adds a little personality and self pride during the creation of each batch. Along the entire tour one will see flags hanging from the ceiling and walls. Each flag has flown over the state of Texas at some point in history and represents dedication and perseverance. Next on the tour is the bottling room where the employees sign the batch # and their names on the band placed over each corked bottle. By the exit, displayed on a wall between two flags is a hanging white sheet. Each person visiting the distillery is required to sign the sheet. At the end of each year the sheets are taken down and hung on the ceiling of the bottling room to remind the DeLos employees of the individuals that have taken the time to visit our operation and who are now considered friends and ambassadors. Finally, on the way out a picture is taken with visitors wearing cowboy hats and vests while sampling DeLos Vodka. The distillery not only offers a tour but an experience in personal pride and dedication to creating and packaging a small truly handcrafted vodka. Please feel free to email us or call us to schedule a tour.