Still Austin First Barrels Release

You really take a chance with craft distillers. There are a few craft producers that have truly excelled (Balcones, Stranahans, Del Bac, Colkegan, etc.), but for every success, there's a startup distillery eager to rush a product to market. This pour falls into the latter category. We are very fortunate to have several local distilleries in Central Texas. Some are outstanding, but others are still finding their way. Still Austin has been selling their new make for some time and recently launched their first four-year-old bourbon. I also sampled a bourbon finished in PX casks, which is a distillery exclusive. They are progressing in the right direction, but this spirit needs more time in the barrel. In a few more years, it will likely be exceptional, but currently, it tastes young, hot, and undeveloped, even with aging in the Texas heat. Keep an eye on this one in a few years. I did receive a souvenir Glencairn for my effort. Cheers!

A solid initial release. It's still a bit young, being only a year old, but it lacks any of the unpleasant characteristics one might expect from such a young spirit. The nose has butterscotch and some enjoyable baking spices. It's somewhat thin and light, but likely serves as a good transitional spirit for those moving from Crown or TX Blended to genuine whiskeys. I eagerly anticipate their future offerings. I've awarded a slight bonus considering this is their debut release and they are a craft distillery that actually produces its own whiskey. I hope they continue to improve.

I've been following Still Austin for the past couple of years, as I enjoy whiskey and a close acquaintance knows the owner. This whiskey is smooth, has a pleasant finish, and a subtle hint of cinnamon. Last week, I also had the opportunity to taste the 3-year-old, which isn't yet available in stores but will be released in late summer. All I can say is purchase it! The 3-year-old is a great indicator of what's to come from SA! The flavor is bold, aromatic, with a hint of pepper that remains on the tongue. The finish is refined.

I've been watching Still Austin for the past two years because I enjoy whiskey and someone I know is acquainted with the owner. This spirit goes down easily, leaving a pleasant aftertaste with a touch of cinnamon. I also recently sampled the 3-year expression, which isn't available yet but will be released in late summer. All I can say is get some! The 3-year is a fantastic indicator of future releases from SA! It has a robust, fragrant flavor with a peppery note that lingers on the palate. The finish is elegant.

A prominent butterscotch aroma, with hot cinnamon and oak on the palate. The texture is thin. It needs more aging. I'm curious to try older expressions in a few years.

It has the aroma of freshly cut grass/pine, reminiscent of small distilleries, but the taste is pleasant; featuring young wood with cinnamon and brown sugar, and a touch of vanilla.