Taste the Heart of Texas: Still Austin’s Whiskey Adventure
Texas is renowned across the globe for its intense flavors and exuberant spirit. The Lone Star State is developing its own distinct whiskey style that encapsulates all that Texans adore about their home state. Leading the Texas whiskey revolution, Still Austin crafts small-batch whiskeys with unique regional flavors. Continue reading to learn about the discover the rich flavours of Texas Whiskey at Still Austin has to offer.
A Taste of Texas History
Deeply ingrained in Texas’s pioneering spirit of independence as well as self-sufficiency is the state’s whiskey legacy. During the late 1800s, people from the West travelled to Texas’ frontier areas to build homesteads and farms. They required a method to store their grain harvests for the upcoming long winter. The primary grain crops cultivated at the period, corn, and wheat, as well as rye, could be made into a robust whiskey that would keep far longer than if it were drunk straight. This inspired the first distillers to erect rudimentary stills as well as try their hand at making whiskey from the grains they grew.
Texas distillers had to adjust to the regional climate and ingredient availability because they were on the frontier. Some started experimenting in their mash bills with native crops like pecans, producing early varieties of whiskey with nut flavors that were specific to the area. As the frontier grew during the ensuing decades, whiskey played a significant role in Texan culture as well as social customs. In order to meet the increasing demand, distilleries sprang up all throughout the state.
However, practically all of Texas’ whiskey businesses were shut down over night in 1920 due to Prohibition. The recent rebirth in artisan distilling has been the catalyst for renewed interest in bringing Texas’ native whiskey types back to life. Forward-thinking distilleries like as Still Austin have drawn inspiration from the recipes as well as methods used in the early frontier. While remaining loyal to employing regional grains from Texas and other native ingredients, they are innovating with new machinery and aging techniques. The end product is whiskeys that eloquently convey the fearless, independent attitude that motivated Texas’s early whiskey pioneers.
A Taste of Still Austin
Situated in the Mueller district of Austin, Still Austin became one of the state’s first authorized whiskey distilleries when it opened its doors in 2014. Visitors can taste the whole selection of small-batch whiskeys in the distillery’s tasting room as well as store. The following fundamental expressions from Still Austin finest capture the flavors of Texas whiskey:
*Texas Rye Whiskey: Aged in new American oak barrels for a hint of sweetness, this whiskey features notes of baking spices, and dried fruit, as well as 36% corn and 13% malted barley. The rye adds a rush of heat that perfectly embodies Texas’s assertiveness.
*Texas Bourbon Whiskey: This whiskey boasts flavors and smells of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak after being aged for a minimum of two years in new barrels made of charred wood. Smooth and full-bodied on the palate, it has a lingering citrus and spice finish.
*Texas Pecan Whiskey: Still Austin uses pecans, a crop that is distinctive to Texas, to create this special blend. Bourbon that has aged is finished for many months in barrels made of pecan wood, which adds flavours of brown sugar, and butterscotch, as well as roasted almonds. A sip of Texas from a glass.
In addition to these basic whiskeys, Still Austin produces uncommon small-batch versions that explore distinct barrel finishes, mash bills, or vintage years. The distillers themselves are the best people to ask about these limited editions when visiting the distillery.
An Educational Experience
Nonetheless, Austin thinks it’s critical to inform tourists about the rich history of Texas whiskey and the process of manufacturing the alcohol. Taking one of the daily guided tours is an essential component of any visit to the distillery. To witness the magic in action, guests are taken behind the scenes of the distillery’s activities.
Students gain knowledge of each stage, which includes milling the grains, fermentation, and distillation, as well as barrel aging. During the tour, guests may see the specialized machinery used at each step, including the column stills used to isolate alcoholic vapours from other liquids. Visiting the facilities up close helps put the flavors of the whiskeys in context.
Proficient personnel of the distillery conduct the tours and are available to address any inquiries throughout the tasting area. They provide humorous anecdotes from Still Austin’s past along with informative details on whiskey varieties and production methods. Visitors obtain a better grasp of how the final taste profiles are influenced by wood interactions, and aging methods, as well as additives.
Pairing with Texas Cuisine
Texas whiskey should be paired with the state’s flavorful and inventive food in order to be fully experienced. The on-site tasting bar at Still Austin serves small bites that are well matched to accentuate the unique flavours in each whiskey. However, the distillery also welcomes guests to bring bottles of its whiskeys home to enjoy with regional favorites from Texas.
Traditional combinations include drinking Texas Rye with chili or smoked brisket. Texas Bourbon pairs well with BBQ or steak. Nothing compares to tasting the pecan-finished whiskey with pecan pie or pralines for a genuine taste of Texas. The spirit of Texas is carried by the whiskey wherever it goes.
Discover Your Own Texas Flavors
Still Austin’s on-site store offers a selection of limited editions and special releases for customers looking to venture beyond the brand’s main whiskey selection. Guests can create a custom six-pack of miniature bottles to bring home tasters of several whiskeys. This enables aficionados of whiskey to explore novel flavor profiles and determine which Texas whiskeys best suit their individual preferences.
For any spirit fan interested in learning about real Texas whiskey, a visit to Still Austin is essential, as it offers whiskey tastings, educational opportunities, and the opportunity to stock up on bottles. Each whiskey at the distillery embodies the independent, assertive spirit that characterizes Texas because of its dedication to quality craftsmanship and locally sourced ingredients.
Conclusion
Austin is at the vanguard of Texas’ rapidly expanding whiskey industry and is essential in introducing the world to the state’s burgeoning whiskey varieties. Texas-inspired whiskeys are being made at the distillery by utilizing native ingredients and traditional recipes that have been revived. It is essential for anyone wishing to experience the state’s distinctive flavours and vibrant energy to visit Still Austin’s tasting room and take one of its tours. It provides an interesting educational experience in addition to the opportunity to taste the complex subtleties of Texas whiskey for yourself.
