SWITCHING LANES

San Antonio racing fuels brand revs up new whiskey line

VP Racing Fuels has launched a new whiskey, but don't drink and drive.

VP Racing Fuels/ Facebook

A familiar name in motorsports is bringing more vroom-vroom to San Antonio. VP Racing Fuels has launched the Grand Tour Collection, a new portfolio of spirits inspired by some of the most iconic roadways in the U.S.

For its first release, the San Antonio-based company looked to its own backyard. Twisted Sisters Texas Whiskey nods to the winding Ranch Roads 335, 336, and 337 in the Hill Country. VP says the whiskey "reflects the bold character, scenic beauty, and enduring spirit of a route that has become synonymous with Texas adventure."

Future releases include Tail of the Dragon Tennessee Whiskey, an homage to U.S. Route 129 through the Appalachian Mountains and Bucktail Trail Rye Whiskey, celebrating Pennsylvania's historic Route 120.

"The Grand Tour Collection is about reimagining how people connect with a spirit," said VP President and CEO Alan Cerwick in a release. "Every bottle begins with a destination, a place with a story, a history, and a reason to be explored. Twisted Sisters is our first stop, but it's only the beginning."

For now, VP Racing Spirits are only available for pre-order online, and only 5,000 hand-numbered bottles of Twisted Sisters will be released. Whiskey (and racing fans) can sign up for the Founders Club to receive priority access, news on spirit releases, merch, and a 15-percent discount on VP Racing Fuels — provided they have a high-performance or vintage vehicle.

The spirits launch comes after VP filed plans with the city to convert the former home of Freetail Brewing Co. at 2000 S. Presa St. for a planned distillery. Freetail closed the Southtown taproom in October 2025, whittling down its local presence to a single location.

In the request, officially approved by City Council in early September, VP said the industrial site is ideal because zoning already allows machine shop and warehouse uses. The main change would be an extension of the building’s previous microbrewery operations to allow for distilling.

The filing assured city planners that all activities would be conducted indoors and that it would not “generate traffic volumes exceeding those previously associated with the site’s operation as a restaurant and brewery.” It’s not yet clear if the complex will include an on-site tasting room.

Like many fuel companies, VP has extended its brand far beyond its bread-and-butter products. The company lends its name to gas stations, marinas, and car washes, and sells a variety of merchandise such as windbreakers and Hot Wheels cars.

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COMING ATTRACTIONS

Buzzy Fort Worth brewery eyes first San Antonio location

Photo by Kayla Enright

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A popular Fort Worth Stockyards hangout is eyeing San Antonio for its first location outside North Texas. Hospitality group Brainstorm Shelter has filed a request for proposal (RFP) for work on a new Second Rodeo Brewing in a 15,500-square-foot rental space at an Alamo City shopping center.

Although the RFP did not name the specific complex or address, Second Rodeo might be taking over the former home of The Rustic at 17619 La Cantera Pkwy. In a property brochure, commercial real estate management firm Big V Property Group lists Second Rodeo in The Rustic’s former suite number in The Rim. Although the document is undated, it appears to be recent and includes newly opened restaurants like Sunny’s All Day and the expanded location of Kaffeinated Crepes and Coffee.

The Rustic has largely been empty since it shuttered in May 2024. More recently, Texas-based entertainment company Power Gate Presents has used the space for That Venue at The Rim, a pop-up concert, nightlife, and event space.

Second Rodeo is an indoor/outdoor destination created by North Texas chef and restaurateur Jason Boso, a beer garden-like space known for live music, on-site brewing, and an approachable menu. The concept made its debut at the Mule Alley development in the Fort Worth Stockyards in September 2021 and is working on a second outpost in Frisco.

The entrepreneur previously tested the concept with Dallas’ Truck Yard, adding house-brewed beers with the opening of Second Rodeo. The space is similar to San Antonio hot spots like Camp 1604 and Idle Beer Hall and Brewery, adding a music stage, dance floor, and a variety of yard games. During the warmer months, a retractable roof can shelter an enclosed patio.

The Fort Worth location also dishes out pub grub such as smash burgers, pretzel bun hot dogs, Philly cheesesteaks, and wings. Although beer is the focus, it also pours cocktails, frozens, and house-infused spirits for shots.

Brainstorm Shelter has not publicly announced the beer garden, but Second Rodeo’s tenant representative, Weitzman, lists San Antonio as one of the concept’s markets.

When asked for comment, a Weitzman rep neither confirmed nor denied the San Antonio location. Further pressed on the RFP, the rep said they are “working on several opportunities with numerous hurdles to overcome.”

CultureMap also reached out to Brainstorm Shelter directly, but did not receive an answer by publication time.

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