Latest Insights & Stories: Still Austin Blog

Seven Questions - CHET GARNER OF “THE DAYTRIPPER”

Chet Garner loves Texas, and he loves barbecue, which means he considers his job to be the greatest job on earth. Chet is the creator, executive producer, writer, editor and host of the five-time Emmy-award winning PBS series “The Daytripper.” Chet is also a proud husband, father of four and eagle scout, and he’s a monthly contributor to Texas Highways magazine.

Understanding Different Types of Whiskey

Whiskey, an iconic spirit with a rich history, has evolved into a beloved beverage enjoyed by connoisseurs worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various different types of whiskey and provide tips on how to enjoy it to the fullest.

What Is Whiskey: A Comprehensive Guide

What is whiskey? Let's break down this historied spirit further—including its origins, production methods, varieties, and cultural significance.

What Is Blended Whiskey? Deciphering the Meaning of Blended 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 History of Bourbon: Exploring Types of Bourbon From Past to Present

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?

Seven Questions - DALLAS ARTIST DESIREÉ VANIECIA

Desireé Vaniecia is a contemporary artist, based in Dallas, who creates personal and thought-provoking pieces inspired by the complexities of the human experience. Her works combine vivid colors, dynamic compositions, and a mix of media to evoke emotions and encourage deeper reflection. With hints of Art Nouveau and Renaissance art, she explores the representation of Black women, seeking to celebrate their beauty, strength, and diversity while challenging traditional notions of femininity.

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.

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.

Seven Questions - SINGER-SONGWRITER REILLY DOWNES

Reilly Downes is the Sad Cowgirl of Chicago. An Americana artist hailing from the Texas Hill Country, she cut her teeth as a session musician in Nashville, singing behind some of Americana’s favorite singer/songwriters. Reilly’s music has been described as “easy on the ears but hard on the heart” by Nashville’s Music Mecca. Her songs diverge from typical contemporary country, draw on her Texas roots with a sound that “cuts across each track like a rattlesnake, adding some extra honesty and grit.” Reilly’s first solo album, Spent, earned her the spot of #1 Americana releases for 2022 as well as features on The Boot, among other Americana and Country covering media. Since then, her haunting rendition of “Wicked Game” has landed her radio play, a feature on Spotify’s “Vibes” playlist, and more.

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.

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.

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?

Seven Questions -MUSICIAN LEW APOLLO

Lew Apollo performs every other Wednesday at the Still Austin Distillery for our Blues & Bourbon events. A rising force in the world of neosoul-blues rock, Lew has a gift for captivating audiences with his soul-stirring melodies and poignant songwriting. Born and raised in Barnum, MN, Lew’s journey in music began with a deep connection to the rich musical heritage of his home state. Following the release of his debut EP “Jungle,” masterfully produced by BLK ODYSSY, Lew amassed an impressive 150,000 streams in less than two months. In the wake of his father’s tragic suicide in Fall 2022, Lew’s artistry took a profound turn. He found solace in pouring his emotions into his songwriting, using his music as a platform to normalize conversations about difficult topics such as isolation, entrapment, anxiety, temptation, and depression. Through his heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice, Lew Apollo aims to remind his audience that they’re not alone in their struggles

Seven Questions - MULTIMEDIA ARTIST HILLY HOLSONBACK

Hilly Holsonback, a dynamic and buzzworthy multimedia and performance artist, has become a fixture in the North Texas art scene in recent years for her unique uses of projection, light and photography, and for her subtly transgressive takes on American femininity. She’s had solo exhibitions at Eugene Binder Gallery in Marfa, Texas, and Sean Horton Presents in Dallas, Texas, and her work was featured in I’m Looking Through You, a two-person exhibition at Horton Gallery, New York, in 2012. Holsonback has also been featured in various Dallas group exhibitions at the Dallas Contemporary, Site 131, and Barry Whistler Gallery, among others. The Dallas Observer recently named Holsonback (@hillyholsonback) one of the “Dallas Artists You Should Be Following on Instagram.”

West Texas Exiles: A 'Seven Questions' Series Deep Dive

With influences ranging from The Flatlanders and Buddy Holly to Augustana and Jason Isbell, West Texas Exiles are reinvigorating the music world with a modern interpretation of the “Lone Star vernacular.” Grounded in rhythmic vibrancy and lyrical honesty, the Exile sound echoes the vastness of the West Texas sky. “New Moon Foe,” the band’s first single from their self-titled debut album, combines a driving, grinding pulse with haunting lyrics. Meanwhile their second single, “Hotel Tomorrow,” evokes the ghosts of southwestern Americana at its snakebit best. But it’s on a track simply entitled “Exile” that the group’s intentions are declared most strikingly: this band of outsiders aren’t just waltzing across Texas; they’re riding into the sunset in search of new musical horizons.