Still Austin Whiskey Co. Achieves Breakout Growth in 2025
Still Austin Whiskey Co., the first true grain-to-glass distillery in Austin, Texas, since the end of Prohibition, reported a breakout year in 2025, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-moving American whiskey brands in the United States. Despite a slowing American whiskey category, the company achieved remarkable growth, making it a rare standout in the market.
Exceptional Shipping and Depletion Alignment
In 2025, Still Austin shipped 100,924 cases into distribution and recorded 100,542 case depletions, reflecting near-perfect alignment between supply and consumer demand. This demonstrates significant market pull and consistent demand across the brand’s existing territories. Case depletions grew 45% year over year, marking the strongest performance in the company’s history and confirming the strength of its product lineup.
High-Velocity Performance Across Limited Distribution
According to Nielsen data, Still Austin now ranks as the ninth highest-velocity premium American whiskey brand in the country, based on average revenue per retail store. This performance surpasses several Kentucky-based heritage brands, despite Still Austin being available in only about 5% of Nielsen-tracked U.S. retail stores. The company’s ability to achieve such velocity highlights a shifting consumer preference toward regionally distinctive, grain-to-glass producers.
CEO Perspective on Category Disruption
Chris Seals, Co-Founder and CEO of Still Austin Whiskey Co., emphasized the significance of the company’s growth relative to legacy producers. “We have enormous respect for the Kentucky distillers who built this category. To see our brand competing and, in many markets, outperforming fully distributed legacy producers, confirms that there’s real appetite for distinctive, authentic American whiskey,” Seals said. He added that the company’s focus is on scaling production carefully without compromising quality, flavor, or creativity, aiming to build a brand that can endure for centuries.
Strong Portfolio Drives Growth
The company’s growth in 2025 was driven primarily by its core portfolio, led by The Musician Straight Bourbon Whiskey (SRP $45). Limited releases also played a key role in fueling consumer enthusiasm. The 2025 release of Tanager Cigar Blend Bourbon Whiskey (SRP $150) drew nearly 1,000 fans who camped overnight outside the distillery. Enthusiasts traveled from 16 U.S. states and international locations including London, Mexico City, and Vancouver to secure bottles.
Expansion of Production and Aging Capacity
To support growing demand, Still Austin is expanding both production and aging capacity. By the end of 2025, the distillery held more than 20,200 barrels in storage, all produced in-house under its grain-to-glass philosophy. This expansion ensures that the company can meet increasing consumer demand while maintaining complete control over production, quality, and aging.
Strategic Partnership with FERO
In February 2026, Still Austin entered into a strategic financial partnership with FERO (Ferovinum Inc.), a global funding and supply chain technology platform designed for the drinks industry. This partnership initially provides $20 million in working capital, with the potential to expand to $30 million or more as growth continues. The collaboration lowers the cost of capital and accelerates barrel growth, all while allowing Still Austin to retain full control over its distillation and maturation processes.
FERO Leadership on Brand Collaboration
Mitch Fowler, CEO and Co-Founder of FERO, highlighted the value of partnering with Still Austin. “The strongest brands don’t just sell products, they create connections. Still Austin has community and human connectivity baked into their DNA. Beyond the brand itself, the Still Austin team has been incredible to work with as they are clear on the mission, and are thoughtful, ambitious and deeply committed to what they’re building,” Fowler said. He emphasized that the partnership is a compelling opportunity to support a brand with strong growth potential and authentic engagement.
Regional Distribution and Market Penetration
Still Austin’s distribution is concentrated primarily in Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, and Illinois, with selective availability in other states. In 2025, the brand grew in every market, reflecting the resonance of its products with consumers. On-premise accounts accounted for 23% of total volume in core territories, underscoring strong adoption by bartenders and whiskey enthusiasts.
Momentum and Future Growth Potential
With demand continuing to outpace supply, Still Austin is strategically positioning itself to become one of the next great American whiskey brands. The company’s growth strategy emphasizes disciplined expansion, distinctive storytelling, and an obsessive focus on liquid excellence and consumer experience. With a clear roadmap and strong market traction, Still Austin is building toward a future of one million-case distribution while preserving the authenticity and quality that define the brand.
Building a Legacy in American Whiskey
Still Austin Whiskey Co.’s 2025 performance highlights the evolving American whiskey market and the growing appetite for regionally distinctive, high-quality, grain-to-glass spirits. By focusing on thoughtful production, unique flavor profiles, and consumer engagement, the company is laying the foundation for long-term success. The combination of strong portfolio performance, strategic partnerships, and expanding distribution positions Still Austin to continue its trajectory as a standout brand in the premium American whiskey category.
Source Link: https://www.businesswire.com/
