Still Austin Whiskey Co., a trailblazer in the Austin, Texas craft whiskey scene and the first true grain-to-glass distillery to open in the city since the end of Prohibition, has unveiled its most prestigious release to date: the Tanager Cigar Blend Whiskey. This super-premium offering, priced at $149.00, is the distillery’s most refined whiskey, crafted with exceptional artistry and innovation.
Tanager represents the pinnacle of Still Austin’s commitment to quality, drawing from the finest ingredients and techniques to create a spirit that embodies sophistication. The whiskey is a blend of red, white, and blue corn bourbon, alongside select rye and malted barley, which is aged for a minimum of five years. The careful selection and blending process was led by Still Austin’s Master Blender, Nancy Fraley, and Head Distiller, John Schrepel, both of whom sought to create a whiskey with unparalleled character.
One of the key elements in the creation of Tanager is the use of the centuries-old Petites Eaux blending technique, an ancient method passed down through generations in the Cognac and Armagnac regions of France. This technique, which Still Austin has embraced for the first time, involves adding aged water to the whiskey for further aging, a process that creates an incredibly rich and complex flavor profile. In Tanager’s case, the whiskey is blended with six-year-old high-rye bourbon and Texas’ pure water, then allowed to age at 50 proof for over a year before final proofing. This extended aging process, akin to the “barrel rinsing” practice used in bourbon production, imparts additional caramelized wood sugars and a remarkable length to the finish. The result is a cigar blend whiskey that is smooth, sweet, and incredibly satisfying on the palate.
“We’ve carefully blended and aged this whiskey to showcase the unique flavor complexities that emerge over time,” said Nancy Fraley, Still Austin’s Master Blender. “The use of Petites Eaux has allowed us to craft a whiskey that is both complex and approachable, with layers of flavor that unfold with each sip. The Texas climate played a significant role in this process—producing a whiskey that feels so smooth and polished after just five years of aging is a testament to the power of our terroir.”
Texas’ unique climate, with its hot summers and dramatic temperature fluctuations, provides a perfect environment for aging spirits, resulting in a depth and intensity of flavor that cannot be replicated in other regions. Unlike many traditional cigar blends that rely on finishing barrels from sherry, rum, or cognac, Still Austin’s Tanager draws its bold and complex flavor profile exclusively from Texas-grown ingredients, making it a true reflection of the state’s distinctive terroir.
“Tanager is not your typical cigar blend,” said John Schrepel, Head Distiller at Still Austin. “It stands apart from other blends in the market by utilizing Texas ingredients exclusively. We’ve created a rich, authentic whiskey that showcases the best of what Texas has to offer, without the need for foreign finishing barrels. This whiskey is a true Texas expression.”
Beyond its remarkable flavor, Tanager is also a visual work of art. The whiskey’s packaging features a hand-painted design by Marc Burckhardt, a renowned Texas artist whose whimsical yet grounded style honors the state’s unique landscape and culture. At the heart of the artwork is the Summer Tanager, a bird that symbolizes creativity and freedom—an emblem that has long been a part of Still Austin’s branding. The bird, basking in the warmth of the sun, serves as the perfect metaphor for the rich, sun-soaked terroir that informs the whiskey’s creation.
Chris Seals, Co-Founder and CEO of Still Austin, expressed his pride in Tanager’s release: “Tanager is the culmination of our deep commitment to Texas, its heritage, and our passion for creating exceptional whiskey. Every bottle tells a story of patience, artistry, and craftsmanship. From the ingredients grown in Texas to the final drop in the bottle, Tanager is an embodiment of everything we stand for at Still Austin.”
Tanager Cigar Blend Whiskey will be available for purchase starting December 6, 2024, at Still Austin’s tasting room. Shortly after, it will be available in select markets nationwide, alongside Still Austin’s flagship whiskey offerings. With its bold, complex flavor and striking presentation, Tanager promises to set a new standard in the world of craft whiskey, offering enthusiasts a true taste of Texas.
