Stands Out

Stellum Black The Lone Cypress
Cask Strength Blend of Straight Rye Whiskies

57.67% ABV
$100
Website

We would like to thank Stellum Spirits and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

This savory and delicate rye blend is defined by notes of dried herbs and pine, with a hint of salt-air salinity. It’s named for one of the world’s most famous trees, found on the picturesque coast of the Monterey Peninsula.

TASTING NOTES
Color: Russet.
Nose: Soft aromas of cedar and a buckwheat honey sweetness. Slight notes of burnt orange peels and an apricot kernel-like nuttiness. Lingering pleasant spices like toasted allspice and peppercorns.
Palate: It immediately coats the mouth and presents a flavor reminiscent of saltwater taffy. There are satisfying notes of ripe apricot and peach skins complimented by freshly baked pastry dough.
Finish: On the exhale, there are faint flavors of chamomile tea and more baked goods like an apple cider donut. The orchard fruit flavors persist and become jammy.

With 3 drops OF WATER: The slight addition of water brings out its savory edge. Now crushed peppercorn becomes more present, bringing subtle notes of fennel and licorice along. The fruit notes soften and become akin to poached pears and cinnamon.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Honey, fresh cedar, pine, mint, orange zest, cinnamon, and a hint of juniper.
Palate:  Thick with nectarines, cinnamon, mint, light caramel, peaches, pepper and savory herbs.
Finish:  Moderate in length, drying with cinnamon, lemon and pepper.
Comments:  I can’t recall getting juniper in a whiskey before (in fact when I first nosed, I wondered “Is this a whiskey finished in gin barrels?”)  It isn’t that heavy – but just caught me by surprise.  Grapefruit comes out with some water, and it softens the palate while keeping that lovely viscosity. This is a rye whiskey for folks who really like that sharp, acidic bite that rye offers (not that ‘barely legal rye’ nonsense, although I enjoy those as well).

Rating: Stands Out

Still Austin “The Artist”
Straight Rye Whiskey

49.8% ABV
$50
Website

We would like to thank Still Austin and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.

What the Distillery Says

Austin, TX (November 29, 2022) – Two years ago, Still Austin Whiskey Co. launched its Straight Bourbon, affectionately known as “The Musician.” The flagship spirit took Texas by storm, becoming one of the fastest-selling spirits in the history of the Lone Star State—and winning Double Gold at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Now, the grain-to-glass distiller is proud to announce that “The Musician” has a new companion. Introducing “The Artist,” a 100% Straight Rye Whiskey made from Texas grains that’s dedicated to the dreamers, visionaries, and artists who have inspired the team.
Aged for at least two years and bottled at 99.6 proof (49.8% ABV), the new flagship rye whiskey represents the culmination of years of effort in which all the ingredients came together perfectly to create a work of art that feels, somehow, effortless. The spirit’s blushing, oaky hue foretells a complex nose, with hints of honey, cherries, fig, clove and coffee. The palate of spicy chocolate, apricot, sandalwood, ginger and caramel gives way to lingering after-impressions of cinnamon, molasses, nutmeg and orange zest.

“Our team put a lot of hard work and love into this release,” said Brandon Joldersma, Chief Operating Officer, Still Austin Whiskey Co. “We could not be prouder to bring another expression to life that represents the spirit of our city.”

The artwork on the label, created by internationally acclaimed artist and native Texan Marc Burckhardt, is the latest in the series of “archetypical” Austinites (e.g. The Musician, The Naturalist). Each provides a sense of the people who have influenced and inspired the team, while paying homage to the Texas terroir.

The Artist Straight Rye Whiskey is now available at the Still Austin distillery tasting room for the suggested retail price of $50.00 is available in Texas, online and at Reserve Bar.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Honey, vanilla sugar cookies, cherries, sweet tobacco with a hint of mint.
Palate:  Caramel, apricots, orange, oak, cinnamon, pepper and ginger.
Finish:  Short to moderate in length, drying with citrus spice and mint.
Comments:  For a two-year old rye, this is pretty solid. No, it isn’t incredibly complex, but more importantly it doesn’t have any off-putting notes that you can easily get with a young whiskey. Does great in an Old Pal cocktail. With the Texas heat, this may not do well with 10+ years, although I’m curious how it matures (hoping that perhaps a Texas Bottled in Bond is in the future).

Rating: Stands Out