The Likarish family: Robert, Marcia, and Jonathan
T.V. Munson: The man, the myth, the legend
In 2011, the Likarish brothers took a leap of faith. Robert was wrapping up his law degree and Jonathan was working as a biomedical engineer when they decided to throw caution to the wind and pursue distilling. Over the next several years, they traveled the country interning under the best minds in the industry until they decided to put down distilling roots in Denison, TX.
The name Ironroot pays tribute to viticulturist and Denison native T.V. Munson’s hardy “iron” roots that helped save the French wine industry from total destruction. Munson’s efforts resulted in Denison and Cognac ultimately becoming sister cities. The brothers found inspiration in adapting the French distilling techniques, especially the process of elévage, to tame the intense climate of Texas rather than imitate traditional flavor profiles.
The distillery finally opened in 2014 to much local fanfare. When the brothers realized they needed someone to help manage the business (and them), their mother Marcia -- aka the Mother of Texas Whiskey -- joined the staff. The Likarishes mash, ferment, distill, barrel-age and bottle on site in Denison. The spirits are made using high quality heirloom and non-GMO corn from local farms to capture the authentic flavor of north Texas.
Marcia Likarish, the Mother of Texas Whiskey
Originally from Butte, Montana, Marcia met her husband John in college at Montana Tech. John's career took them all over the US, where she held various jobs including speech pathologist, volunteer EMS, and a PPCD teacher. After working for the Amarillo school district for several years, Marcia retired to see the world. However, a few years into her retirement, Jonathan and Robert decided to start a distillery and turned her world upside down. They needed someone who wasn't afraid to crack the whip and guess who fit the bill? While Marcia wears many (many) hats at the distillery, she oversees day-to-day operations, helps with blending, goes on tasting outings (she can sell ice to an Eskimo!) and somehow still has more energy than anyone else.
Jonathan Likarish, Head Distiller
Born in El Paso and raised in West Texas, Jonathan is a passionate Texan. From an early age his parents, John and Marcia, instilled the importance of hard work and doing things the right way. Jonathan puts his engineering degrees to work every day as head of the distilling and maturation operations.
He has a beautiful wife named Jessica, two spirited children named Danica and Grainger, and a small menagerie of pets. Jonathan studied Industrial Engineering at Texas Tech in Lubbock, and Biomedical Engineering at St. Louis University in St. Louis.
Robert Likarish, General Gladhander
Robert is a graduate of Austin College and St. Louis University Law School. Upon completing law school, he realized his passion was not in the law, but rather in whiskey. With his brother, he spent two years training around the world before finally settling and opening the distillery in Denison.
He’s currently a member of the Texas Whiskey Association’s Board of Directors and sings the praises of Texas whiskey wherever he goes. Robert spends his spare time playing Nintendo Switch, cooking, and hanging out with his amazing wife Kylee. He loves driving practical sedans.