Latest Insights & Stories: Still Austin Blog

Deep in the Blend: Deciphering the World of Blended American Whiskey

Behind every bottle of whiskey lies a meticulous process of blending, where master blenders like Nancy Fraley meticulously curate barrels to create harmonious compositions.

The Rich Tapestry of Bourbon: From Rebellion to Renaissance

As one of America's most beloved spirits, bourbon holds a special place in the hearts of connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. But many still ask the question: What makes bourbon… bourbon?

Still Austin's Whiskey Awards: A Tale of Triumph & Taste

The most influential whiskey awards contest in the world is the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Established in 1980 and run by a group called the Tasting Alliance— a “network of the world’s most trusted and respected spirits professionals”—the SF contest is the oldest and largest competition of its kind in the world, a yearly event where spirits are awarded after being tasted blind.

WHAT IS SINGLE BARREL BOURBON WHISKEY

When you look across the line of labels in the bourbon section of your favorite bottle shop, you’ll notice that most bottles of bourbon are simply labeled “bourbon.” You see, when making whiskey, most of the time distilleries choose to blend several barrels together to create a profile of flavors and aromas that the Master Blender–and hopefully the distillery’s customers–will find pleasing. Every barrel in a rickhouse (a term for the warehouses where whiskey barrels are kept) will have a different profile. In some cases, even barrels that were filled on the same day, with the same distillate, can have wildly different characteristics.

Whiskey Distilling: Unveiling Still Austin's Craftsmanship

A distillery, put simply, is where alcoholic spirits are made. But you probably knew that. What you may not know (most people don’t!) is what distilling means. To “distill” means to purify a liquid by vaporizing it—then, afterward, to cool that vapor to collect the resulting liquid. In more simple terms, to distill means to convert a liquid into vapor, and then to turn that vapor back into a liquid. Not so complicated, right?

Since 2015: The Journey of Still Austin's Texas Bourbon

In the bustling world of Texas bourbon distilleries, Still Austin crafted a narrative unlike any other. Since its early days, we’ve harnessed the potent magic of Texas’s unique climate and geography, gifting our bourbons with flavors as vast and grand as the Texan skies. The relentless sun, the parched air, and the bounteous soil combine to infuse Still Austin’s whiskey with a taste that’s pure, unadulterated Texas.

Bottled in Bond: Still Austin's Legacy of Seasonal Spirits

Established by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, this label has long symbolized trustworthiness in whiskey quality. Earning this title requires aging for a minimum of four years and bottling at 100 proof. At Still Austin, the Bottled in Bond label is more than just compliance—it’s a celebration of our unwavering commitment to whiskey excellence.

Still Austin in the Spotlight: KXAN on Repealing Blue Laws

We’ve been getting a lot of attention recently for our work to fight blue laws, including this story from KXAN. Still Austin has been helping to lead the charge against outdated so-called “Blue Laws” in the state of Texas. These laws prevent many Texas businesses (including liquor stores and distilleries) from operating on Sunday.

The Musician's Victory: Double Gold at Spirits Competition

The Musician's Double Gold victory at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is a testament to Still Austin's commitment to excellence and craft.

THE PEOPLE MUST HAVE THEIR WHISKEY!

We’ve been working with the Texas Whiskey Association to enact a temporary change in Texas’s direct shipping law for distilled spirits, due to the coronavirus situation. This change would allow you to shop online for distilled spirits and have them shipped directly to your doorstep. With that said, we are still 100% committed to supporting our partners, including local liquor stores, our distributor partners, and small businesses. For those who are able to safely shop for products, we encourage you to continue to support your local store.