Based on
4 categories
Still Austin Cask Strength Bourbon
Company: Still Austin Whiskey Company
Distillery: Still Austin
Mash Bill: 70% White Corn; 25% Rye; 5% Malted Barley
Age: 2 years
Style: Straight Bourbon
ABV: 59% (118 Proof)
Price: $60
Distribution: Regional with an increasing national presence
Overall: This is a well-balanced whiskey that has all of the flavor of a high proof expression, without the high heat sting — heat is certainly there, but does not break the surface to throw the experience off-kilter. It is shockingly complex for a two year old whiskey, which can be attributed to Still Austin's mastery of the unique Texas aging climate and distilling process. Still Austin is doing some impressive work, and the Cask Strength Straight Bourbon is no exception.
Background: Distilling since 2017, Still Austin has been heralded as a craft producer to watch. New York native John Schrepel serves at the helm as Head Distiller, with Nancy Fraley playing a instrumental creative role behind the behind. All of the grains used in Still Austin’s mash are Texas grown, which includes the corn, wheat, and rye, serving as the backbone of their grain to glass model of distilling. It’s even on the website, “Texas grains, from Texas farmers.” The goal is create a truly unique Texas flavor focusing on terroir and climate.
The Cask Strength Bourbon rounds out Still Austin’s lineup of a Straight Bourbon, Rye, and Cask Strength Rye, distillery-only Single Barrel, and several highly sought after limited releases. The Cask Strength Bourbon is the same base whiskey as “The Musician” Straight Bourbon, bottled at cask strength.
Nose: Medium nose. Sweet toffee, vanilla, and orange, with pleasant hints of mountain pine.
Palate: Soft flavors of caramel, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Gently warms the mouth.
Finish: The cinnamon and the caramel peak and then slowly dissipate in a warm, welcoming finish. Little heat on the finish.
Conclusion: In the expert hands of the Still Austin distilling team — and the extreme Texas climate — the Cask Strength Bourbon comes out with a much older and mature character than the majority of two year old whiskies on the market today. The Cask Strength Bourbon, bottled at 118 proof, surprisingly, does not have a high alcohol bite. The heat is certainly there, but as it builds up it doesn’t explode or manifest in an unpleasant tasting experience. The Cask Strength Bourbon is the same base whiskey as “The Musician” Straight Bourbon, but, at cask strength, the end product is a bit of a different beast with more caramel and brown sugar.
