Texas Spirit: Desert Door Sotol Brings the Desert to the Bottle

Discover the wild spirit of West Texas with Brent Looby, co-founder and CEO of Desert Door Distillery, on this episode of HEAR Here. Jack Inslee sits down with Brent at the Line Hotel in Austin, Texas, to uncover the rich history and unique qualities of Sotol—a plant-based spirit with 10,000 years of heritage. From its origins as a survival tool for indigenous peoples to its modern-day revival, Brent shares the story of how Desert Door became the first commercial Sotol distillery in the U.S. since Prohibition. Learn about Sotol’s sustainable harvesting, its artichoke-like properties, and why it’s a perfect substitute for mezcal, tequila, or even gin in cocktails. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or just curious about this ancient drink, this episode offers a crash course on the “Desert Spoon” and its transformation into a smooth, versatile spirit.