• Hill Country Smoke & Bourbon Caramels - Hill Country Chocolate
  • A gold tray of Hill Country Chocolate's 15 piece Mixed Caramels, inspired by Texas flavors and topped with coarse salt, is partially covered by a black ribbon and set against a white background.
1 2

Hill Country Smoke & Bourbon Caramels

Hill Country Smoke & Bourbon Caramels

$22.00 USD
$22.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
uvp-image
uvp-image
uvp-image

These aren't your grandmother's caramels - unless she happened to run a Texas bourbon distillery with a side passion for artisanal confections.


Each small-batch caramel starts with our signature recipe, slow-cooked to achieve the perfect chewy texture that melts on your tongue. We then fold in genuine Garrison Brothers Bourbon - the real deal from Texas's first legal whiskey distillery, located just 20 miles from our Fredericksburg kitchen.


The finishing touch? A careful sprinkle of hickory-smoked sea salt from Pendery's Spices, a Fort Worth institution since 1870. That subtle smoke and salt combination doesn't just balance the sweetness – it creates a flavor profile that's unmistakably Texan.

 

15pcs.

View full details

How we make these products

We make our Smoke & Bourbon Caramels by infusing cream with Texas bourbon before cooking it into buttery caramel. The process starts with heavy cream that steeps with bourbon for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld completely. This infused cream gets combined with butter and sugar, then cooked to 245°F for the perfect chewy texture. Each batch is stirred constantly by hand to prevent scorching and ensure even caramelization.

Once the caramel reaches temperature, we pour it into silicone molds and let it set overnight. Each piece is then enrobed in tempered dark chocolate—the 70% cacao provides enough bitterness to balance the sweet caramel while letting the bourbon and smoke flavors shine through. The chocolate gets a light sprinkle of smoked sea salt before, which creates that gentle smoke aroma and flavor.

What Makes It Special
Hill Country Chocolate's location in Fredericksburg, Texas gives us access to exceptional local bourbon from nearby distilleries, which we select specifically for its vanilla and oak notes that complement our caramel base. This combination of sweet caramel, warming bourbon, and subtle smoke creates a sophisticated candy that tastes like a Texas Hill Country campfire in chocolate form.

How to Enjoy
These caramels taste best at room temperature when the centers are perfectly soft and the bourbon. Pair with a neat pour of bourbon or a bold coffee to enhance the smoky notes, and store in a cool, dry place for up to three weeks.

Product FAQs

Q: Do Hill Country Smoke & Bourbon Caramels contain alcohol or gluten? 
A: These caramels contain real bourbon, which adds flavor but the alcohol content cooks off during the caramel-making process. They are gluten-free, made with butter, cream, sugar, and natural smoke flavoring. However, they are produced in a facility that handles nuts and wheat, so cross-contamination is possible for those with severe allergies.

Q: How should I store Smoke & Bourbon Caramels and how long do they last? 
A: Store these caramels at room temperature (65-72°F) in their original packaging or an airtight container. They stay fresh for 6-8 weeks when properly stored. Avoid refrigeration, which can cause the chocolate coating to develop condensation and the caramel centers to become too firm.

Q: Can I ship Hill Country Smoke & Bourbon Caramels as a gift during summer? 
A: Yes, Hill Country Chocolate ships these caramels year-round with temperature-appropriate packaging. During Texas summers, we use insulated boxes and cold packs to ensure your bourbon caramels arrive in perfect condition. For best results, ship to addresses where someone can receive the package promptly.

Q: What pairs well with Smoke & Bourbon Caramels? 
A: The smoky, bourbon-forward flavor pairs excellently with black coffee, especially dark roasts with chocolate notes. For beverages, try neat bourbon or rye whiskey, which echo the caramel's flavor profile. A robust porter or stout beer also complements the smoke and caramel combination beautifully.

Q: What type of smoke flavoring is used in these caramels? 
A: Hill Country Chocolate uses natural smoke extract derived from hickory and mesquite woods, giving these Fredericksburg-made caramels an authentic Texas barbecue essence. The smoke flavor is subtle but distinct, balancing the sweetness of the caramel and the warmth of the bourbon without overwhelming the palate.

Q: Are these caramels very chewy or hard to bite? 
A: These caramels have a perfectly balanced texture—soft enough to bite through easily but with enough chew to let the bourbon and smoke flavors develop on your palate. Each piece is enrobed in chocolate before you reach the tender caramel center.