The popularity of Texas whiskey has increased recently as additional distilleries have opened up throughout the Lone Star State. While Kentucky and Tennessee are more often linked with bourbon and rye whiskeys, Texas whiskey has a distinctive flavour profile and style all its own. At the vanguard of Texas’s artisan distilling scene, Still Austin Whiskey Co. crafts premium whiskeys that highlight the state’s natural ingredients as well as whiskey-making customs. For whiskey connoisseurs seeking to sample new American whiskey varieties, these whiskeys elevate your tasting experience with Still Austin’s Texas Whiskey.
The History and Process of Texas Whiskey
It is essential to examine the history and production processes of Texas whiskey in order to comprehend it. Since the late 19th century, German and Irish immigrants have distilled whiskey in Texas. Early Texas whiskeys were matured in old barrels rather than brand-new charred oak barrels, giving them a bourbon-like flavour. As a result, there were fewer wood notes added; enhancing the tastes of the grains, and yeast, as well as distillation process.
According to state legislation, contemporary Texas whiskey must contain at least 51% corn in its mash bill. This sets it apart from bourbon, which employs more rye. Still Austin employs malted barley and local Texas white maize in their mash bills. Their whiskeys keep their fresh, clear corn essence while being matured in new American oak barrels that offer rich tastes of caramel as well as vanilla.
At Still Austin, the distillation process entails obtaining premium grains from nearby farms and grinding them on the premises. Before being double-distilled in copper pot stills, the natural flavours of the grains are allowed to fully emerge during a slow, low-temperature fermentation. Whiskey and oak interact more quickly in the hot, dry Texas climate, where aging takes place for at least two years. The end product is a complex whiskey with the smooth, palatable flavour.
Exploring the Whiskey Portfolio
The wide range of whiskeys available from Still Austin Whiskey Co. let’s connoisseurs experiment with various aging and finishing methods. Straight Bourbon Whiskey, their flagship product, offers a traditional introduction to their style. Retaining the crispness of the corn-based mash, it develops rich flavours of caramel, vanilla, and toasted wood after being aged for at least two years only in new charred oak barrels. The remainder of the portfolio is firmly supported by this bourbon.
Two additional flagship products refine the bourbon foundation using different kinds of casks. A further age period is spent by the Texas Whiskey Finished in Rum Barrels in barrels that were previously filled with Caribbean rum. This adds notes of tropical fruits like coconut and banana, which go very well with the bourbon profile. Portuguese Madeira wine barrels are used to age the Texas Whiskey Finished in Madeira barrels for four to six months. It picks up subtle aromas like spice, honey, and dried fruit, giving oak lovers more nuanced sensations to savour.
Furthermore, Still Austin creates limited edition seasonal drinks that let consumers explore creative cask finishes. A perfect example is the Texas Whiskey Finished in Tawny Port Casks, a blend of bourbon with flavours of sweet fig and raisins. This shows the distillery’s dedication to experimenting while producing a sophisticated sipper. All in all, the portfolio demonstrates Still Austin’s proficiency with various cask interactions across a range of limited and permanent expressions.
Pairing Whiskey and Food
Carefully selecting the right meal to match with whiskey is one way to enhance the whiskey tasting experience. The subtle flavours of Still Austin’s whiskeys make them suitable for a wide range of combinations.
The caramel-vanilla basis of the Straight Bourbon makes it a diverse match for aged cheeses, smoked meats, and barbecue. Look to tropical-inspired foods for the Rum Barrel Finish, such as jerk chicken, grilled pineapple, and coconut curry.
Madeira Cask Finish pairs well with almonds, raisins, and sweets with dates, figs, or honey. It also makes a statement in traditional post-dinner beverages like an Old Fashioned.
Consider partners for the Port Cask Finish that accentuate the tastes of dried fruit, such as chocolate, Stilton cheese, or a tart with mascarpone and figs. Combinations of sweet and savoury flavours highlight various aspects of this nuanced whiskey.
Experiencing Still Austin in Person
Any whiskey fan visiting Austin should definitely make time to visit the Still Austin distillery. Located in the heart of downtown, the distillery offers Saturday tours that give visitors an intimate peek into the production of whiskey. Staff members with extensive knowledge will educate guests on the significance of grain selection, mashing, fermentation, and distillation. They will also learn how the flavour profile is affected by age and finishing.
The tasting room, where samples of Still Austin’s core range and seasonal releases are served straight out of the barrel, is the most interesting aspect of the visit. Visitors can notice the minor distinctions between the more sophisticated finished whiskeys and the Straight Bourbon that has merely been matured in oak. Having the opportunity to taste young whiskey directly from the source is an exceptional experience that enhances one’s understanding of how the whiskey changes with age.
Make sure to spend some time at the on-site cocktail bar following the tour. Professional mixologists will create unique drinks here that incorporate one or more Still Austin expressions. The dried fruit flavours of the Port Cask whiskey are accentuated in a Manhattan, while the tropical notes of the rum barrels are brought to life in a Rum Old Fashioned. Additionally, there are small nibbles available for guests to try out unique cuisine combinations with the various whiskeys. Its laid-back yet elegant ambiance is ideal for lounging over inventive cocktails and chitchat with other whiskey enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Texas whiskey market is being elevated by Still Austin Whiskey Co. thanks to their creative finishing methods and dedication to excellence. Their collection demonstrates the variety of tasty ways in which wood and whiskey can combine. With each sip of Still Austin’s limited-edition seasonal release or classic bourbon, connoisseurs find something new. Any fan of whiskey would enjoy an immersive experience at their Austin distillery. Their craft methodology exemplifies how Texas whiskey has emerged as a distinctive American variety worthy of investigation. Pouring yourself a glass of Still Austin will enhance any tasting.