I came across Still Austin’s “The Musician,” a straight bourbon whiskey that has been making waves in the world of spirits. As a whiskey enthusiast, I couldn’t resist diving into the story behind this intriguing bourbon and sharing my thoughts on its unique taste profile. Located in the heart of Austin, Texas, Still Austin Whiskey Co. has caught the attention of many, including industry experts Nancy Fraley and Mike, who have offered their guidance to this up-and-coming distillery.
Led by head distiller, John Schrepel, a New Yorker who “adjusted to the Texas heat,” Still Austin produces their bourbon using 100% Texas-grown corn, rye, and malted barley. This dedication to local ingredients gives “The Musician” a true taste of Texas terroir, making it an exciting addition to their lineup of spirits. The bourbon is aged for at least two years in new American oak barrels, adding to its complex flavor profile.
On the nose, “The Musician” offers scents of salted peanut butter, cola, ripe mango, and fresh moss. The taste brings forward an amber, ruddy reddish copper tone with light green flints on the edge. At 98.4 proof and a price of approximately $40-$50 per 750ml bottle, this straight bourbon has become a talking point for whiskey lovers seeking a new and distinctive experience.
photo credit: stillaustin.com
Table of Contents
Still Austin The Musician Straight Bourbon Whiskey Overview
Product History
Still Austin The Musician Straight Bourbon Whiskey was quite impressive! Still Austin is a grain-to-glass distillery founded in 2015 in Austin, Texas. The distillery is led by head distiller John Schrepel, who hails from New York but has adjusted to the Texas heat. The company has received guidance from industry experts like Nancy Fraley and Mike Delavante, which makes it an exciting up-and-comer in the whiskey world.
Price Range
It is an affordable option at around $40-$50 for a bottle. Its approachability in terms of price likely contributes to its growing popularity among whiskey enthusiasts.
Mash Bill and Aging
This bourbon is made from a mash bill of 70% non-GMO white corn, 25% Elbon rye, and 5% Wildfire malted barley, which are all sourced from Texas farmers. It is aged for at least two years in new, charred American oak barrels, highlighting the influence of the Texas climate on this whiskey’s flavor profile.
Tasting Notes
When you first taste The Musician, you’ll likely notice the vanilla and caramel sweetness, followed by a mix of earthiness, fruitiness, and spice notes. As the whiskey opens up, you might encounter additional flavors such as cinnamon and a touch of rye spice.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
When I take a whiff of Still Austin The Musician Straight Bourbon, I’m greeted by an interesting mix of scents that spark my curiosity. There’s a hint of pine, which is unusual for a bourbon, but it’s nicely balanced by sweeter notes of brown sugar, cherry, and a light citrus touch. As I take a deeper inhale, I can’t help but notice the inviting aroma of maple sugar candy and caramel chews, mixed with a backdrop of seasoned oak that gives it a solid foundation.
Flavor
Upon taking my first sip, I’m pleasantly surprised by the array of flavors that greet my taste buds. The dominant notes are that of lemon and baking spice, which make up a great combination of flavors. As I continue to savor the taste, I notice a subtle astringency accompanied by hints of cocoa and orange peel, adding a delicate complexity to the experience. To my delight, I also detect fleeting glimpses of pineapple, which further enhances the overall flavor profile.
Finish
The finish of this 49.2% ABV bourbon is impressive. While it may not be the longest-lasting finish I’ve experienced, it has a satisfying balance between warmth and lingering flavors. The sweetness of the brown sugar and maple sugar candy lingers on my palate, while the oak and baking spice notes provide a nice contrast. Combined with the gentle astringency, the finish leaves me wanting another sip to explore more of the nuanced flavors.
Rating
As much as I’d like to gush about every aspect of this bourbon, I want to be fair and accurate. I’d give Still Austin The Musician Straight Bourbon a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a delightful and enjoyable bourbon, with unique and well-balanced tasting notes. It may be a relatively young whiskey, but there’s certainly potential for greatness in future releases.
Mixing and Pairing
Best Mixers
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When it comes to mixing Still Austin’s The Musician Straight Bourbon Whiskey, there are a few mixers that excellently complement its flavor profile. Here are some of my personal favorites:
- Cola: The classic mixer that never fails, the sweetness of cola pairs well with the bourbon’s rich caramel and vanilla notes.
- Ginger Ale: Ginger ale adds a refreshing touch of spiciness, enhancing the bourbon’s rye character.
- Club Soda: A simple addition of club soda lets you enjoy the complex flavors of The Musician while adding a bit of effervescence.
Cocktail Suggestions
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The Musician Straight Bourbon Whiskey can be a delightful base for various cocktails. Here are a couple of my suggestions:
- Whiskey Sour: Mix The Musician with fresh lemon juice, a touch of simple syrup, and an egg white for a frothy and tangy classic.
- Old Fashioned: Gently muddle a sugar cube with Angostura bitters and a splash of water, add The Musician, and garnish with an orange twist for a timeless sipper.
Food Pairings
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Pairing food with The Musician can elevate your dining experience. Here are some of my recommendations:
- Appetizer: A charcuterie board filled with spicy sausages, aged cheddar, and pickles works well with the whiskey’s spicy and sweet notes.
- Main Course: Barbecue dishes like smoked brisket or pulled pork will complement the bourbon’s smoky undertones and sweetness.
- Dessert: A rich dark chocolate fondant or pecan pie will enhance the whiskey’s caramel and vanilla flavors.
Conclusion
After thoroughly tasting and analyzing Still Austin’s The Musician Straight Bourbon Whiskey, I can definitely say that it has some unique qualities. The fact that it’s made from 100% Texas-grown corn, rye, and malted barley speaks to its true Texas terroir.
I particularly enjoyed the rich and robust flavors, with dominant notes of salted peanut butter, cola, ripe mango, and fresh moss. The whiskey is bottled at 98.4 proof, and it delivers a satisfying warmth without overwhelming the palate.
The amber, ruddy red copper-tone appearance is not only visually appealing but also adds to the overall experience of enjoying this bourbon. Aged for at least two years in new American oak, the craftsmanship that went into creating this whiskey is also evident through the balanced oak influence found in each sip.
At a price of around $45.00 USD for a 750ml bottle, I think that The Musician Straight Bourbon Whiskey offers a solid value for those seeking a unique, flavorful, and enjoyable drinking experience. It’s not often that you find a bourbon with such distinct character, especially in this price range, and I appreciate how Still Austin managed to create something intriguing and refreshing in the bourbon market.
Next time you find yourself searching for a new bourbon to try or a gift for a whiskey enthusiast, consider giving Still Austin’s The Musician Straight Bourbon Whiskey a chance. I believe it’s a genuinely enjoyable and satisfying bourbon with enough distinctive character to make it stand out from the crowd.
