My pour for day eleven of the 30 Days of Bourbon is Still Austin’s signature bourbon, The Musician. Texas bourbon has been gaining a lot of attention over the past few years, thanks to its bold, unique characteristics. The extreme heat of Texas plays a significant role in the aging process, causing whiskey to interact more quickly and intensely with the barrel. This can produce a richer, more complex bourbon in a shorter amount of time. But while the climate helps, creating a well-balanced Texas bourbon still requires skill and innovation. That’s where brands like Still Austin come in.
Founded in 2015, Still Austin is part of the new wave of Texas distilleries making a mark in the craft whiskey world. Based in Austin, Texas, they are a grain-to-glass distillery, meaning they manage every step of production—from sourcing local grains to distillation and bottling. They pride themselves on using 100% Texas-grown grains, which helps create a sense of place in their whiskey. Still Austin has become known for its creativity and commitment to local sourcing, and that shows in their signature bourbon, The Musician.
What sets Still Austin apart is not just the local grain but also their innovative slow-water reduction process, also known as elevage. This process, which originated in the brandy-making regions of Cognac and Armagnac, was introduced to Still Austin by Master Blender Nancy Fraley. As the Texas heat works its magic—causing as much as 15% of the spirit to evaporate in the first year alone—this ancient process is used to balance the whiskey. Over the course of several months, the distillers carefully add small amounts of water to the aging barrels, reducing smoky phenolic compounds and helping to break down more soluble sugars from the oak. This technique results in a smoother, more balanced spirit, allowing the whiskey to develop depth and complexity while maintaining harmony in the bottle.
The Musician is Still Austin’s flagship bourbon, named in homage to Austin’s deep musical roots. This straight bourbon is made with a mash bill of 70% non-GMO white corn, 25% Elbon rye, and 5% malted barley, all sourced from Texas. The result is a young, vibrant bourbon that still manages to deliver a surprising depth of flavor.
On the nose, you get sweet aromas of caramel, vanilla, and hints of fresh corn, almost like kettle corn at a fair. The palate offers a classic blend of caramel and vanilla, along with toasted nuts, applesauce, and a bit of milk chocolate. There’s still a touch of graininess due to its youth, but it’s well-balanced, with enough complexity to keep you sipping. The finish is medium-length, with lingering notes of oak and a gentle spice that invites you back for another sip.
Still Austin also stands out for its commitment to local art, working with acclaimed Austin artist Marc Burckhardt to design their labels. Marc’s artwork, which graces the bottles in their lineup, reflects Austin’s creative spirit, bringing a visual identity that matches the unique character of the whiskey. Burckhardt’s art draws from classical and folk traditions, adding layers of meaning to each label. His work for Still Austin, starting with The Musician, was designed to capture the essence of Austin’s cultural icons—just as the whiskey itself seeks to capture the soul of Texas bourbon. This partnership between Still Austin and Marc Burckhardt is a perfect example of how the brand weaves itself into Austin’s artistic and cultural fabric
Texas bourbon is still in its early days, but if The Musician is any indication, there’s a lot of potential for big things coming out of the Lone Star State. Still Austin is one of the distilleries leading that charge, and if you’re looking for a great example of what Texas bourbon can be, this bottle is well worth seeking out.
Distiller: Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Mash Bill: 70% Non-GMO White Corn | 25% Elbon Rye | 5% Malted Barley
Age: Minimum 2 years
Barrel: Charred American Oak
Proof: 98.4 (49.2% ABV)
Availability: Widely available
