The grain-to-glass distillery introduces its most premium offering to date, using the ancient Petites Eaux blending technique

Still Austin Whiskey Co., the first true grain-to-glass distillery to open in Austin, Texas, since the end of Prohibition, proudly unveils its most prestigious release yet: Tanager Cigar Blend Whiskey. As Still Austinʼs most premium whiskey to date, Tanager (MSRP $149.00) showcases a masterful blend of artistry and innovation, using the old-world Petites Eaux (“Small Watersˮ) blending technique.

Crafted from a combination of red, white, and blue corn bourbon, along with select rye and malted barley, Tanager is a testament to the distilleryʼs dedication to premium quality. Aged for a minimum of five years, this super-premium whiskey was selected by Still Austinʼs Master Blender Nancy Fraley and Head Distiller John Schrepel for its exceptional qualities.

To craft Still Austinʼs most premium offering to date, Nancy and John combined Still Austinʼs finest six-year-old high rye bourbon with pure Texas water, allowing it to age at 50 proof for at least a year before adding it to the base whiskey for final proofing. The ancient Petites Eaux blending technique has been practiced for centuries in the Cognac and Armagnac regions of France. Petites Eaux creates a rich and complex flavor profile, adding more caramelized wood sugars and length to the palate of the final product. Similar to the bourbon practice of ‘barrel rinsing,ʼ the small waters approach takes this concept further by extending the aging process. For Tanager, the result is a cigar blend whiskey with a remarkably sweet and soft finish.

“Tanager represents the culmination of years of careful blending and aging expertise. By using the Petites Eaux technique, weʼve created a whiskey that offers a unique complexity, with layers that reveal something new with each sip,ˮ said Nancy Fraley, Master Blender at Still Austin. “Getting to leverage Texasʼ unique weather to produce such a smooth sipper in just five years is a career highlight.ˮ

While Petites Eaux originated in France, the technique works exceptionally well in Texasʼ unique climate. Aging water in Texasʼ hot summers and dramatic temperature shifts results in unparalleled depth and flavor, producing superior quality that can not be matched in other regions.

“Unlike traditional cigar blends, which often rely on finishing barrels sourced globally from sherry, rum, or cognac, Still Austinʼs Tanager stands apart,ˮ said John Screpel, Head Distiller at Still Austin. “This whiskey draws its robust flavor profile exclusively from Texas ingredients, with no need for finishing barrels. The result is an authentic Texas expression—rich, bold, and reflective of the regionʼs distinctive terroir.ˮ

Each bottle of Tanager is a visual and sensory work of art. The packaging features an original hand-painted piece by renowned Texas artist Marc Burckhardt, whose whimsical yet grounded style beautifully pays tribute to Texasʼ landscape and undeniable unique terroir. At the heart of his artwork stands the Summer Tanager bird – Still Austinʼs iconic symbol of creativity found on each flagship bottle label – seen basking in the sun, a beautiful complement to the work of art found inside the bottle.

“Tanager is the epitome of our dedication to Texas, our heritage, and our commitment to creating excellent Texas whiskeys,ˮ said Chris Seals, Co-Founder and CEO of Still Austin. “Every bottle of Tanager tells a story of patience, artistry, and the spirit of Texas. From its Texas-grown ingredients to its rich flavor, Tanager is a fearlessly unique whiskey that embodies everything we stand for at Still Austin.ˮ

Tanager will be available for purchase in Still Austinʼs tasting room beginning December 6, 2024, and will be available alongside Still Austinʼs flagship expressions in select markets nationwide shortly after.