Distillery: Still Austin
Proof: 105.5
Age: At least 3 years
Mashbill: 100% Winter Hawk Wheat
BACKGROUND: Still Austin Whiskey Company is the first craft whiskey distillery based out of Austin, TX. Whiskey legend and master blender Nancy Fraley approves every release from the distillery ensuring quality on every product. They are an eco-friendly, sustainable, 100% Texas whiskey distillery who do slow-water reduction during their aging process to produce a unique, authentic whiskey. When they launched the distillery they were not sure what their mashbill would be but tried multiple. As the whiskeys aged, they tried all of the recipes and eventually found their mashbill which they wanted to be their flagship whiskey. That mashbill is 70% Non-GMO white corn (the same found in Austin’s tortillas), 25% Elbon rye (which imparts a natural spice) and 5% wildfire malted barley. In 2020, Still Austin launched "The Musician" straight bourbon, their flagship product. Named in honor of Austin being the Live Music Capital of the World with a thriving local musician scene, "The Musician" has been received warmly by the market as well as by reviewers including ourselves and is bottled at 98.4 proof. They also continue to launch distillery reserve series whiskeys that are always smash hits. This is their latest addition to their highly sought after distillery reserve series. This limited release is available in limited quantity at the distillery or at liquor stores in the central Texas and Austin area.
NOSE: Soft, sweet, and candied scents waft up forming a delicious dessert nose. Scents of browned butter, fresh oatmeal cookie, sweet butterscotch, cherry, and honey blend together softly yet full giving a rich and soft nose. Don't let the softness deceive you as light as the nose is very full bodied. (22/25)
PALATE: Like the nose, the palate opens up with flavors of vanilla bean, roasted nuts, and honey. As the whiskey progresses notes of caramel popcorn (think Cracker Jacks) and oak sugars come to light. The proof adds a nice tingle to the whiskey without being overbearing. Overall, this whiskey is soft, flavorful, sweet, and smooth! (36/40)
FINISH: The finish is on the longer side with notes of caramel, oak, and milk chocolate. It leaves a long tingle in the throat reminding me of a fire going out on a crisp fall night. (22/25)
VALUE: This has a SRP of $100 which is a fair price for a unique, limited release, cask strength 100% wheat whiskey! (7/10)
Overall: 87/100
FINAL THOUGHTS: Still Austin has done it again! This time with a 100% wheat whiskey. Incomparable to the previous Distillery Reserve Series, this wheat whiskey delivers true to a 100% wheat with soft, sweet, and delicate flavors while also providing a fullness from the proof without taking away from the enjoyability of the whiskey. Great job!
Similar & Slightly Better Whiskey: Hooten & Young Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey
Similar & Equal Whiskey: Lone Elm Single Barrel Wheat Whiskey
Similar & Slightly Worse Whiskey: Old Elk Wheat Whiskey
Tell us what you think and give us some feedback!
Scoring Legend:
96-100: The perfect dram, juice of the gods
90-95: Near perfect, truly incredible whiskey
85-89: Amazing whiskey, will always try to keep a backup bottle of this
80-84: Very good, some minor flaws here or there
75-79: Good, quite enjoyable to drink, Will try and keep a bottle on the shelf
70-74: Solid, wouldn’t go out of my way to get this
60-69: Decent, would offer this up to non whiskey drinkers
50-59: Not my cup of tea
Below 50: Give away