Bottle-In-Bond: The First Whiskey Guaranteed to Be Safe to Drink

19th century illustration of men drinking whiskey indoors during early American distilling era

By: Renita Reavis Wandering the numerous bottles in the American whiskey aisles of any whiskey store can be overwhelming, with label graphics and words that catch the eye and grab your attention. One of the boldest typefaces and words out there is “Bottle-In-Bond”. Whiskey menus will shorten it to “BiB”. What does this mean? Why … Read more

Serving Where It Feels Like Home

Officer Cody Shelton standing in uniform in front of a Boerne Police Department patrol vehicle in Texas.

For Officer Cody Shelton, service has never been about the spotlight. It has always been about showing up when it matters most, often when no one is watching and no one is keeping score. Shelton grew up in Quincy, Illinois, a small, close knit community where relationships and accountability mattered. When he later arrived in … Read more

The Mighty Pecos and The Singing Shaman

Hunters standing beside a mature Aoudad ram on rocky terrain near the Pecos River in West Texas

The 30,000 acre Continental Ranch sits just outside of Comstock Texas. Flanked by the mighty Pecos River on her west and no man’s land on her east. In 1836 Texas won its independence and the battle to settle a claim of your own was an appealing offer to young, tough ambitious men. It’s thought that … Read more

Those Who Served

Composite image of Kendall County veterans forming the Veterans Park monument in Boerne, Texas, featured on The Kendall Gentleman November 2025 cover.

Across decades and battlefields, veterans have shaped the character of our nation and our communities. From the young men storming Normandy’s beaches to those navigating modern conflicts across the globe, their courage, sacrifice, and leadership inspire us all. In Kendall County and beyond, these men and women have answered the call, whether on foreign soil … Read more

From the Director of Photography

U.S. Army combat medic Jonathan Mallard during deployment in Baghdad, Iraq, 2005, photographed in uniform holding a rifle.

Telling the stories of Kendall County men has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Each assignment reminds me of the strength, humility, and faith that define this community. Whether I am photographing a veteran, a public servant, or a neighbor who simply loves well, I see the character that holds this place … Read more