September 13, 2023

A Texas-Sized Version of the American Dream: Kooper Family Whiskey

Today, the Travelogue is proud to share the inspirational story of Kooper Family Whiskey and its co-founders, Troy and Michelle Kooper. Less than 15 minutes from Round Top as the crow flies, the Kooper Family Whiskey distillery resides just off 290 in Ledbetter, TX. Co-founders and purveyors of the distillery and tasting room – the husband-and-wife team of Michelle and Troy Kooper – have established the Kooper Family brand and have built it from the ground up into a successful enterprise since abandoning the hustle and bustle of the corporate world in Austin a number of years ago. The Round Top Travelogue recently sat down with Michelle to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at her and Troy’s journey from the corporate rat race in ATX to moving to small-town east Texas and starting a brand-new enterprise built on the pillars of passion, hard work, and a shared love of rye whiskey.

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RT: Was there a catalyzing event or moment that spurred the two of you to leave the corporate world and pursue this passion as a full-time enterprise?

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MK: My husband and I have always loved trying new whiskeys and drinking whiskey cocktails. Over many years, we developed our nosing capabilities and expanded our palates. One night we were sitting in our kitchen in Austin drinking old fashions and it hit us… there is gigantic whole in the whiskey market in Texas.Not many people were making whiskey in the Lone Star State, and no one was making rye whiskey at the time. It was then when we decided to start our business and focus on making a rye whiskey that we could be proud of. We were very excited to work together and build something we were passionate about.  

 

RT: How was the adjustment going from the hustle and bustle of a major city to a small town in rural east Texas?

 

MK: I can’t speak for my husband, but I myself was very nervous to move to the country.I have never lived anywhere else but the city and knew nothing about living in the country. After many years of living in Fayette and Washington counties, I am very proud to say that you couldn’t drag my back to the city even if you tried. I feel very blessed to raise my children here and have my business here.People in the country are very friendly and there is deep rooted appreciation for families. I enjoy living a slower paced life and having time for developing meaningful relationships.

 

RT: Could you describe the support you’ve received from the nearby Round Top community since launching the brand and accompanying tasting room?

 

MK: We are very proud to have Round Top as our neighbor. We personally know many of the business owners in Round Top and are very grateful for their support. My staff and I often recommend our customers places to stay, eat and shop in Round Top.In the past, we have donated whiskey to specific venues and have sponsored local events. We look forward to growing with the Round Top community.

 

RT: Do either of you have a personal favorite whiskey of the different varieties thatyou blend?

 

MK: That is a really hard question; it is like asking which is my favorite child! I think because Troy and I spend so much time developing our signature taste profile for each whiskey that they all mean so much to us. But if you are going to force my hand on the topic, I would [have to] pick Prodigal Son; it rivals any high-end bourbon available on the market today.

 

RT: While not working on the business, what are some of your hobbies?

 

MK: My husband is an avid musician. He is a very talented guitar player, songwriter and singer. Music is his happy place. I love to cook, run, swim and go to CrossFit. I like to focus on health and wellness, while forcing my family to do the same with my cooking.

 

RT: Related to that, do you have favorite places in Round Top that you like to visit?

 

MK: Oh yes! The Stone Cellar will always have a special place in our heart. It was the first place we ate at in Round Top and were blown away by this quaint little town. I love Royers Café too; JB and Jamie-Len are fabulous people; they really can cook some great food too. I love their funky café and down-home cooking. AndI love Round Top Brewing! The beers are great, and the bar bites are delicious– making for a fun time out. My husband and I love date nights at Lulu’s; the ambiance is so romantic, and the wine is delicious.

 

RT: What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur who is thinking about taking the leap and starting a business?

 

MK: Some of the best advice I received is from my best friend; he said that you have to think about what you will be doing in the next five years. If you don’t go for your dreams now, you will just be in the same spot. Time keeps on passing by whether you focus on your goals or not. So, my advice for those looking to start a business is to commit to being an entrepreneur and working for yourself. The road is difficult, but you will learn so much about yourself and will be amazed by what you are capable of accomplishing.

September 13, 2023

A Texas-Sized Version of the American Dream: Kooper Family Whiskey

Today, the Travelogue is proud to share the inspirational story of Kooper Family Whiskey and its co-founders, Troy and Michelle Kooper. Less than 15 minutes from Round Top as the crow flies, the Kooper Family Whiskey distillery resides just off 290 in Ledbetter, TX. Co-founders and purveyors of the distillery and tasting room – the husband-and-wife team of Michelle and Troy Kooper – have established the Kooper Family brand and have built it from the ground up into a successful enterprise since abandoning the hustle and bustle of the corporate world in Austin a number of years ago. The Round Top Travelogue recently sat down with Michelle to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at her and Troy’s journey from the corporate rat race in ATX to moving to small-town east Texas and starting a brand-new enterprise built on the pillars of passion, hard work, and a shared love of rye whiskey.

‍

RT: Was there a catalyzing event or moment that spurred the two of you to leave the corporate world and pursue this passion as a full-time enterprise?

‍

MK: My husband and I have always loved trying new whiskeys and drinking whiskey cocktails. Over many years, we developed our nosing capabilities and expanded our palates. One night we were sitting in our kitchen in Austin drinking old fashions and it hit us… there is gigantic whole in the whiskey market in Texas.Not many people were making whiskey in the Lone Star State, and no one was making rye whiskey at the time. It was then when we decided to start our business and focus on making a rye whiskey that we could be proud of. We were very excited to work together and build something we were passionate about.  

 

RT: How was the adjustment going from the hustle and bustle of a major city to a small town in rural east Texas?

 

MK: I can’t speak for my husband, but I myself was very nervous to move to the country.I have never lived anywhere else but the city and knew nothing about living in the country. After many years of living in Fayette and Washington counties, I am very proud to say that you couldn’t drag my back to the city even if you tried. I feel very blessed to raise my children here and have my business here.People in the country are very friendly and there is deep rooted appreciation for families. I enjoy living a slower paced life and having time for developing meaningful relationships.

 

RT: Could you describe the support you’ve received from the nearby Round Top community since launching the brand and accompanying tasting room?

 

MK: We are very proud to have Round Top as our neighbor. We personally know many of the business owners in Round Top and are very grateful for their support. My staff and I often recommend our customers places to stay, eat and shop in Round Top.In the past, we have donated whiskey to specific venues and have sponsored local events. We look forward to growing with the Round Top community.

 

RT: Do either of you have a personal favorite whiskey of the different varieties thatyou blend?

 

MK: That is a really hard question; it is like asking which is my favorite child! I think because Troy and I spend so much time developing our signature taste profile for each whiskey that they all mean so much to us. But if you are going to force my hand on the topic, I would [have to] pick Prodigal Son; it rivals any high-end bourbon available on the market today.

 

RT: While not working on the business, what are some of your hobbies?

 

MK: My husband is an avid musician. He is a very talented guitar player, songwriter and singer. Music is his happy place. I love to cook, run, swim and go to CrossFit. I like to focus on health and wellness, while forcing my family to do the same with my cooking.

 

RT: Related to that, do you have favorite places in Round Top that you like to visit?

 

MK: Oh yes! The Stone Cellar will always have a special place in our heart. It was the first place we ate at in Round Top and were blown away by this quaint little town. I love Royers Café too; JB and Jamie-Len are fabulous people; they really can cook some great food too. I love their funky café and down-home cooking. AndI love Round Top Brewing! The beers are great, and the bar bites are delicious– making for a fun time out. My husband and I love date nights at Lulu’s; the ambiance is so romantic, and the wine is delicious.

 

RT: What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur who is thinking about taking the leap and starting a business?

 

MK: Some of the best advice I received is from my best friend; he said that you have to think about what you will be doing in the next five years. If you don’t go for your dreams now, you will just be in the same spot. Time keeps on passing by whether you focus on your goals or not. So, my advice for those looking to start a business is to commit to being an entrepreneur and working for yourself. The road is difficult, but you will learn so much about yourself and will be amazed by what you are capable of accomplishing.