Still Austin Cask Strength Rye Whiskey Review: A Unique Blend of Technicolor Flavors

Anyone who is anyone in the whiskey world, which is you, me, and a few others, likely loves it when a distillery moves a core product into a cask strength offering. However, using the phrase 'Cask Strength', 'Barrel Strength', or 'Barrel Proof' (which all inherently mean the same thing) is more than a marketing tactic. 'Barrel Proof' was defined in 1977 by the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) to "preclude any misunderstanding and to effect standardization in the use of these terms." Currently, the phrase 'Cask Strength' is not included in these guidelines. However, the TTB has since aimed to expand definitions to include it. Below are the current guidelines for 'Barrel Proof' whiskey, which can be found in greater detail on TTB's website:

A distilled spirits label bearing the phrase "Original Proof," "Original Barrel Proof" or "Entry Proof" indicates that the proof of the spirits entered into the barrel and the proof of the bottled spirits are the same. Further, "Barrel Proof" on a distilled spirits label indicates that the bottling proof is not more than two degress lower than the proof established at the time the spirits were gauged for tax determination.

Defintions aside, distilleries that use cask strength on their labels seem to adhere to the same guidelines as those listed for barrel proof. However, until cask strength is officially defined, the consumers' trust lies in the hands of the master distiller and, in some cases, the master blender. Yes, bottling cask strength whiskey may seem simple, if the offering is a single barrel, but it can be more involved than simply transferring a barrel to bottles. This is where a Master Blender comes into play. And Still Austin brought in a powerhouse to elevate their straight rye whiskey into cask strength form:

For this exceptional rye spirit, we've tapped Master Blender Nancy "The Nose" Fraley to slect the most exceptional barrels of our Straight Rye Whiskey, known as "The Artist," which we then blended and bottled at the same proof at which the spirit was aged. This is a more aromatically intense, tenchicolor version of The Artist...

"The Artist" Still Austin's Straight Rye Whiskey at 99.6 Proof

Nancy has had her nose in several distilleries in recent years, producing finished products that are often a testament to what a master distiller and master blender can accomplish when synergies align. In the case of Still Austin, it seems Mike Delvante and Nancy Fraley are out to accomplish high synergistic ranks. Apart from the distillery team (if you haven't checked out Still Austin's story, I cover it briefly here), Still Austin is also quite notable for its low-age statements compared to other distilleries in cooler climates (like Kentucky). And, for anyone who has tried Texas whiskey, they know that their climate is an entirely different beast when it comes to aging whiskey. That's all to say, I'm ready to sip this two year cask strength whiskey and see what it's all about!

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Company on Label: Still Austin

Whiskey Type: Rye whiskey

Mash Bill Percentages: 100% Texas Rye

Proof: 116°

Age: 2 years

MSRP: $65.99 (2025)

Further Identification: A double gold recipient at the 2024 San Franscisco World Spirits Competition

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Nose: The first inhale is incredibly oily, with orange spice cake at the center of a rippling effect of aromas. Red hots, lemon pudding, pine tree bark, and a hint of bubble gum complete the circle. Deeper inhales produce orange creamsicle, muddled cherries, a whisper of milk chocolate, old-growth pine, and a barrel funk suggesting this is much older than two years. The smells wafting out of my glass are familiar and unique all at the same time. Returning to the nose after a few sips reveals deeper wood spices, caramalized orange slices, and a return of that lovely bubblegum note. Clove, cinnamon, and ginger mostly take over as the liquid grows lower, reminding me of a Christmas potpourri dish. The empty glencairn smells of toasted hay and granulated sugar.

Palate: Sweet forward, with orange and cinnamon leading the way, the palate is oily and inviting, a perfect replicate to the nose and a tell of a well-blended whiskey, in my humble opinion. Additional sips intensify the heat; Allspice prodimently takes over with soft, warm rye bread cooling in the background. The finish is another rippling effect of tastes: Allspice, ginger, and a shaving from a Life Saver's evergreen mint. Muddled cherries mixed with cinnamon apples appear as the liquid level lowers in my glass. A whisp of mint completes the final sip as I sit back with a satisfied smile on my face.

TL;DR: this Texas rye boldly embraces its age through a consistent & robust flavor profile

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Rating: 4/5

Really good. I want one of these on my shelf.

Still Austin's cask strength rye is a masterclass in consistency from nose to palate, and I must say, Still Austin is quickly becoming the hallmark distillery for such a feat. The orange, all-spice, barrel funk note is in nearly every expression I've tried of theirs, and, not to toot my own horn (toot), but when blinded, I could identify Still Austin simply by this note. That aside, this cask strength rye is so lovely and is a craft whiskey I would absolutely recommend to anyone looking to diversify their rye and/or craft selection.

 

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WRITTEN BY: JES SMYTH

With what started as a genuine curiosity for the “water of life,” fiction writer and published author Jes Smyth has nurtured her enthusiasm for whiskey ever since. From learning the vast history of whiskey making to celebrating the passion of the industry, she tastes each sip with intention and purpose while expressing the intricacies of whiskey in a relatable and heartfelt way. She is thrilled to be a contributing writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com and hopes her words will resonate with those ready to explore the beautiful world of whiskey.

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