Still Austin Distillery Exclusive Rye Finished in Ex–Blue Corn Bourbon Barrels Review

My wife quietly bought a bottle after we tried this Still Austin distillery exclusive. After spending more time with its creamy vanilla custard, fresh blueberry, and rye spice notes, I understand why. Here’s my review of this 112-proof rye finished in ex–blue corn bourbon barrels—and whether I think it’s worth $92.

Still Austin Distillery Exclusive Rye finished in Blue Corn bourbon barrels

My wife snuck off and bought this bottle while we were at Still Austin. We’d just tried it during a media preview of The Quarter, their expanded visitor space (More on that in the Distillery Guide soon), and apparently she wasn’t willing to risk me leaving without one.

I can’t blame her. That first sip was creamy vanilla custard and fresh blueberries, with enough rye spice to keep my attention. We both loved it, and she quietly made her way over to the tasting room while I was distracted.

Usually, I’m the one finding excuses to bring home another bottle. It’s nice to have help.

The Whiskey

• Proof: 112

• Price: $92

• Age: At least 3 years

• Mashbill: 100% Brasetto rye

• Finish: Ex–blue corn bourbon barrels

• Availability: Exclusively at Still Austin’s distillery in Austin, Texas, while available

The Story

Still Austin’s Distillery Exclusives series gives visitors a chance to take home something they won’t find on their neighborhood liquor store shelf. These limited releases explore barrel finishes and maturation techniques, with each bottle intended to capture a little of the place and the experience of visiting.

I like that idea. Still Austin has plenty of sought-after whiskey releases that require advance planning, an early alarm, or a willingness to stand in line before you’ve had enough coffee to tolerate other people. Having a rotating selection of interesting bottles at the distillery gives visitors another way to discover something special.

You might stop by on a random Tuesday evening and find a bottle worth bringing home. Availability will depend on what’s there that day, of course, but the concept makes the distillery itself part of the discovery.

This release takes a straight rye made from 100% Brasetto rye and finishes it in barrels that previously held blue their corn bourbon. In my glass, the rye remains recognizable, but the sweet, creamy flavors make this a particularly easy bottle to enjoy.

Nose

The rye leads the way here. Dry cinnamon and rye spice are the first things I notice, and the bourbon barrel influence is less obvious on the nose than it is on the palate.

Compared with Still Austin’s standard rye, this smells a little softer around the edges to me. Give it some time and attention, and hints of fresh blueberries and buttercream icing begin to emerge beneath the spice.

Those sweeter notes are subtle. They give you a preview of what’s coming, but the nose still makes it clear that you’re drinking rye whiskey.

Taste and Finish

The first sip is sweet and velvety, with creamy vanilla custard, fresh blueberries, and a little lemon zest. That combination is what grabbed us at the preview, and it’s every bit as enjoyable sitting at home with the bottle.

Through the mid-palate, I get graham cracker, rich oak, and spice. There are also a few sharper notes that, to me, suggest the whiskey’s youth. They’re noticeable against that creamy opening, and they’re the one part of the experience I wish were a little more rounded.

The finish brings the rye back into focus with spice and mint, followed by a gentle warming hug in the chest. At 112 proof, it has some presence, but I find the overall experience sweet and approachable.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of Still Austin’s blue corn bourbon, I think this bottle deserves your attention. The vanilla custard and blueberry notes are delicious, and I’m impressed by how much I enjoy a whiskey carrying an age statement of at least three years.

This is what I’d call a bourbon drinker’s rye. There’s enough rye spice to keep things interesting, but it doesn’t dominate the sweeter flavors or make the whiskey intimidating.

At $92, it’s a considered purchase. For me, though, the flavor makes it worth bringing home. My only real criticism is those sharper notes through the mid-palate, and how much they bother you will come down to personal preference.

I’ll be drinking this one neat. I’m sure someone could make a good cocktail with it, but I’m perfectly happy with what’s already in the glass.

If you visit Still Austin and this release is still available, it gets a strong recommendation from me. Take one home, open it, and share it with friends or family. That seems like a pretty good way to put the idea behind the series into practice.

Disclosure: My wife purchased this bottle with our own money after we tasted it at a media preview of Still Austin’s expanded visitor space. Still Austin did not request this review. Also, this label was difficult to photograph… all that dark embossing.

Keep Exploring Texas Whiskey

Looking for another rye to try? Read my Hush & Whisper Straight Rye review, or browse the Texas Whiskey Reviews for more bottles I’ve spent time with.

Planning your next distillery visit? Explore my Texas distillery visitor guides for practical details and firsthand impressions.

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