The mash bill at Still Austin is a carefully crafted blend of ingredients that creates a unique and flavorful spirit. Composed of 70% non-GMO white corn, 25% Elbon rye, and 5% Wildfire malted barley, this combination provides a solid foundation for the whiskey's character.
Starting with the non-GMO white corn, Still Austin emphasizes the use of high-quality, sustainable ingredients. This corn variety adds a sweet and slightly buttery flavor to the mash bill. As a sommelier and brewer, I appreciate the attention to detail in sourcing non-GMO corn, as it ensures a clean and pure taste in the final product.
The Elbon rye, comprising 25% of the mash bill, adds a distinctive spiciness and complexity to the whiskey. Rye is known for its bold and robust flavors, and the Elbon variety used by Still Austin is no exception. This rye lends a peppery and slightly herbal note, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
To further enhance the depth of flavor, Still Austin incorporates 5% Wildfire malted barley into the mash bill. Malted barley plays a crucial role in the fermentation process, providing enzymes that convert starches into fermentable sugars. This addition adds a touch of sweetness and contributes to the whiskey's overall smoothness.
After the ingredients are carefully selected, the mash bill undergoes the aging process in new, charred American oak barrels for a minimum of two years. This aging period allows the whiskey to develop its complex flavors and aromas, as it interacts with the charred oak. The American oak imparts rich vanilla, caramel, and toasty notes, adding depth and character to the final product.
As a sommelier, I have had the pleasure of tasting the products from Still Austin, and I can attest to the exceptional quality that their mash bill and aging process produce. The balance of the corn, rye, and malted barley creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both approachable and nuanced.
The mash bill at Still Austin consists of 70% non-GMO white corn, 25% Elbon rye, and 5% Wildfire malted barley. This carefully crafted combination results in a whiskey that showcases the sweetness of corn, the spiciness of rye, and the smoothness of malted barley. Aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred American oak barrels, the resulting spirit is a testament to the artistry and dedication of the distillers at Still Austin.