they'll be missed

2 longtime Houston bars have served their final rounds

Wild West has closed.

Two bars that have served generations of Houstonians announced they will close due to COVID-19. Alice's Tall Texan Drive Inn, a dive bar in The Heights, and Wild West, a country music dance hall near the Galleria, both issued their last calls on Thursday.

Known for its frosty chalices of ice cold Shiner Bock and Lone Star, Alice's Tall Texan has operated on N. Main Street for 36 years. With a friendly, come-as-you-are atmosphere and low prices, Alice's ranks at the top of most lists of Houston's best dive bars.

In an announcement on Facebook, the bars stated it will sell off its inventory beginning Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1 from 3-7 pm. Those who purchase at least a 6-pack will have the opportunity to take home a chalice or beer mug as well. A sale of the bar's memorabilia, including its neon signs, will be announced at a later date. The statement concluded with a tribute to the bar's customers.

Lastly, we want to say THANK YOU to all of our customers, employees and business partners for the past 36 years. Y’all are the reason we became known as a great dive bar, best place to drink if you’re broke, friendliest bars…we are eternally grateful to have been a part of your lives including the countless celebrations or allowing us to lift you up when you were down. ALICE’S TALL TEXAN IS NOTHING WITHOUT ALL OF YOU. We love you and thank you from the bottom of our #chALICES!

Wild West's Facebook post about its closing tells a similar story. Originally opened in Spring Branch as Midnight Rodeo in 1981, the bar became known as Wild West in 1983. It moved to its current home on the Richmond Strip in 1998. Throughout its history, people have two-stepped across its massive dance floor to loads of (mostly) great country music.

In her announcement about the closing, Wild West's Ticia Sly shared her thoughts on the bar's significance:

For me personally, Wild West was where I met my husband and raised my children. For 28 years, I called it home. I made some great friends, and met a lot of amazing people. So with a heavy heart I say goodbye to an old friend. Thanks for the memories.

Bars have been closed twice in Houston and throughout first Harris County. The first took place March 16 when County Judge Lina Hidalgo ordered the closure of all bars and restaurants to limit the spread of COVID-19 and remained in effect until May 22 when Gov. Greg Abbott allowed them to reopen as part of "phase 2." Abbott ordered them to close a month later on June 26 following a surge in COVID-19 cases.

closings

cheers to that

Texas bourbon named one of 2024's top 10 whiskies

Still Austin Whiskey Co. Red Corn Bourbon Whiskey

Still Austin Whiskey Co./Facebook

Now if only we could snag a bottle...as a Christmas gift, of course.

Three cheers for Still Austin Whiskey Co.! The distillery's Bottled in Bond Red Corn Bourbon Whiskey was recognized as one of Whisky Advocate'sTop 20 Most Exciting Whiskies of 2024.

Every year, Whisky Advocate's expert panelists rank hundreds of whiskies based on their quality, availability, value for the price, and "X-factor," meaning an excitement-inducing component like a unique flavor or an innovative idea. An international panel also reviews contenders through several blind taste tests without knowing each whisky's producer, origin, age, or price.

The magazine ranked Still Austin's five-year Red Corn Bourbon No. 7 on the list with a prestigious score of 94 points. The Red Corn whiskey, which was released in June 2024, has mash bill consisting of 36 percent Jimmy Red corn, 34 percent white corn, 25 percent rye, and 5 percent barley.

According to panelist Shane English, tasting notes start big and bold with cracked pepper, dusty leather, and cocktail cherries, before moving on to a palate of chile pepper, caramel, and buttery cornbread.

"Each sip is electric — the pepper gives this whiskey a zing balanced by poundcake and glazed doughnuts," English said. "Charred oak fades to chocolate, coffee, and pecan pie on the finish."

Still Austin had the only Texas product on the list, which was fitting given the brand's recent boasting that it could match any Kentucky Bourbon. As a game day stunt when the Texas Longhorns played the Kentucky Wildcats in November, Still Austin refilled empty Kentucky Bourbon bottles with its own Cask Strength Bourbon for just $1.

When the brand isn't playfully antagonizing Kentucky fans, its Red Corn Bourbon sells for a retail price of $85 per 750-milliliter bottle, falling nearly in the middle of the price category out of all 20 bourbons on the list, with eight others priced for less.

For additional context, none of the top five bourbons fall under a $100 price tag. In fact, the most expensive bottle on the 2024 list is the Angel's Envy 2023 Cask Strength Port Wine Barrel Finished Bourbon, which ranked No. 12 and retails for $230 per bottle.

"Our top 20 whiskies represent a curated collection that deserves your attention. Each whisky on the list stands out for its superb taste, representing the pinnacle of a year filled with remarkable tastings," said executive editor David Fleming in a release. "This list features whiskies offering exceptional value, leaders in their respective styles, and superbly made expressions that are well worth seeking out."

Whiskey Advocate's 2024 Whiskey of the Year is Laphroaig Elements 2.0 Cask Strength Scotch Single Malt, which earned 95 points and retails for $165 a bottle.

whiskey bourbon distilleries awards lists