{"product_id":"still-austin-the-artist-rye-review","title":"Still Austin The Artist Rye Review","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n\/* ── RyeCentral Review v2 CSS ── *\/\n.rc-v2 { font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, sans-serif; color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 1.6; }\n.rc-v2 * { box-sizing: border-box; }\n.rc-v2 h2 { font-size: 22px; font-weight: 700; margin: 28px 0 16px; color: #1a1a1a; padding-top: 8px; }\n.rc-v2 h3 { font-size: 18px; font-weight: 600; margin: 20px 0 12px; color: #1a1a1a; }\n.rc-v2 p { margin-bottom: 14px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.75; }\n.rc-breadcrumb { font-size: 13px; color: #6b6b65; margin-bottom: 16px; }\n.rc-breadcrumb a { color: #6b6b65; text-decoration: none; }\n.rc-breadcrumb a:hover { color: #E8860C; }\n.rc-jump-links { display: flex; gap: 8px; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-bottom: 20px; }\n.rc-jump-link { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px; padding: 6px 14px; border: 1px solid #e5e5e0; border-radius: 20px; font-size: 13px; color: #1a1a1a; text-decoration: none; background: #fff; transition: all 0.15s; }\n.rc-jump-link:hover { border-color: #E8860C; color: #E8860C; }\n.rc-jump-link--reward{background:#E8860C !important;color:#fff !important;border-color:#E8860C !important;font-weight:600}\n.rc-jump-link--reward:hover{background:#d07a0b !important;border-color:#d07a0b !important}\n.rc-card { background: #fff; border: 1px solid #e5e5e0; border-radius: 10px; padding: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; }\n.rc-facts-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(180px, 1fr)); gap: 12px; }\n.rc-fact-item { background: #f8f8f5; padding: 12px 16px; border-radius: 8px; border-left: 3px solid #E8860C; }\n.rc-fact-label { font-size: 11px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.8px; color: #6b6b65; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 2px; }\n.rc-fact-value { font-size: 15px; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a; }\n.rc-fit-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 16px; }\n.rc-fit-card { padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; }\n.rc-fit-love { background: #f0faf0; border: 1px solid #c3e6c3; }\n.rc-fit-skip { background: #fff5f5; border: 1px solid #f0c6c6; }\n.rc-fit-card h3 { margin-top: 0; font-size: 15px; }\n.rc-fit-card p { font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0; }\n.rc-fit-box { padding: 16px; border-radius: 8px; }\n.rc-fit-box p { font-size: 14px; margin: 0; }\n.rc-fit-like { background: #f0faf4; border: 1px solid #c6e9d4; }\n.rc-fit-like .rc-fit-label { color: #2d8a4e; }\n.rc-fit-label { font-weight: 700; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px; }\n.rc-fit-skip .rc-fit-label { color: #c0392b; }\n.rc-flavor-bars { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 10px; }\n.rc-flavor-row { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 12px; }\n.rc-flavor-label { width: 110px; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; text-align: right; flex-shrink: 0; }\n.rc-flavor-track { flex: 1; height: 10px; background: #f0f0eb; border-radius: 5px; overflow: hidden; }\n.rc-flavor-fill { height: 100%; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #E8860C, #f5a623); border-radius: 5px; display: block !important; }\n.rc-flavor-val { width: 28px; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; color: #E8860C; }\n.rc-tasting-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 16px; }\n.rc-tasting-card { background: #f8f8f5; border-radius: 10px; padding: 16px; text-align: center; }\n.rc-tasting-card .rc-emoji { font-size: 28px; margin-bottom: 6px; }\n.rc-tasting-card h4 { font-size: 14px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.8px; color: #6b6b65; margin: 0 0 6px; font-weight: 600; }\n.rc-tasting-card p { font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0; }\n.rc-cocktail-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); gap: 12px; }\n.rc-cocktail-item { text-align: center; padding: 16px 8px; background: #f8f8f5; border-radius: 8px; }\n.rc-cocktail-name { font-size: 13px; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 4px; }\n.rc-cocktail-stars { color: #E8860C; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; }\n.rc-cocktail-tip { margin-top: 12px; padding: 12px 16px; background: #fff8f0; border-left: 3px solid #E8860C; border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; }\n.rc-price-highlight { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 16px; padding: 16px 20px; background: #f8f8f5; border-radius: 8px; margin-bottom: 12px; }\n.rc-price-range { font-size: 28px; font-weight: 800; color: #E8860C; }\n.rc-price-context { font-size: 14px; color: #6b6b65; }\n.rc-transparency-list { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; }\n.rc-transparency-list li { display: flex; gap: 12px; padding: 10px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #f0f0eb; font-size: 14px; }\n.rc-transparency-list li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n.rc-t-label { font-weight: 600; min-width: 130px; color: #1a1a1a; }\n.rc-t-value { color: #6b6b65; }\n.rc-review-content { border-top: 3px solid #E8860C; padding-top: 28px; margin-top: 24px; }\n.rc-review-content h3 { margin-top: 24px; }\n.rc-author-box { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 12px; padding: 16px; background: #f8f8f5; border-radius: 8px; margin-bottom: 24px; }\n.rc-author-avatar { width: 48px; height: 48px; border-radius: 50%; background: #E8860C; color: #fff; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-weight: 700; font-size: 18px; flex-shrink: 0; }\n.rc-author-name { font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 2px; }\n.rc-author-role { font-size: 13px; color: #6b6b65; }\n.rc-review-body h3 { font-size: 18px; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 24px 0 12px; font-weight: 600; }\n.rc-review-body p { font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.75; margin-bottom: 16px; color: #333; }\n.rc-review-body a { color: #E8860C; text-decoration: underline; }\n.rc-community { background: #1a1a1a; color: #fff; border-radius: 10px; padding: 32px; margin-bottom: 20px; }\n.rc-community h2 { color: #fff; }\n.rc-community h3 { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.7); }\n.rc-comm-score-row { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; }\n.rc-comm-big-score { font-size: 56px; font-weight: 800; color: #E8860C; line-height: 1; }\n.rc-comm-score-meta { font-size: 14px; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.5); }\n.rc-flavor-tags { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px; margin-bottom: 20px; }\n.rc-flavor-tag { background: rgba(232,134,12,0.15); color: #E8860C; padding: 6px 14px; border-radius: 20px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 500; }\n.rc-histogram { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 6px; }\n.rc-histogram-row { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; }\n.rc-histogram-label { width: 24px; font-size: 12px; opacity: 0.6; }\n.rc-histogram-track { flex: 1; height: 8px; background: rgba(255,255,255,0.1); border-radius: 4px; overflow: hidden; }\n.rc-histogram-fill { height: 100%; background: #E8860C; border-radius: 4px; display: block !important; }\n.rc-histogram-pct { font-size: 12px; opacity: 0.5; width: 32px; text-align: right; }\n.rc-cta-banner { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #E8860C, #d4710a); color: #fff; padding: 32px; border-radius: 10px; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px; }\n.rc-cta-banner h2 { color: #fff; font-size: 22px; margin-bottom: 8px; }\n.rc-cta-banner p { opacity: 0.9; margin-bottom: 16px; font-size: 15px; }\n.rc-btn-white { background: #fff; color: #E8860C; padding: 12px 32px; border-radius: 8px; font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; border: none; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; }\n.rc-proscons-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 16px; }\n.rc-proscons-col ul { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; }\n.rc-proscons-col li { display: flex; gap: 8px; padding: 10px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #f0f0eb; font-size: 14px; align-items: flex-start; }\n.rc-proscons-col li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n.rc-pro-icon { color: #2d8a4e; font-weight: 700; flex-shrink: 0; }\n.rc-con-icon { color: #c0392b; font-weight: 700; flex-shrink: 0; }\n.rc-faq-item { border-bottom: 1px solid #e5e5e0; padding: 16px 0; }\n.rc-faq-item:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n.rc-faq-q { font-weight: 700; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 8px; cursor: pointer; display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; }\n.rc-faq-a { font-size: 15px; color: #6b6b65; line-height: 1.6; padding-left: 24px; }\n.rc-disclaimer { padding: 20px 24px; background: #f0f0eb; border-radius: 8px; font-size: 13px; color: #6b6b65; margin-bottom: 20px; line-height: 1.5; }\n.rc-last-updated { font-size: 12px; color: #6b6b65; text-align: right; margin-bottom: 20px; }\n.rc-voucher-card{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;padding:20px;background:#f8f8f5;border-radius:10px;border:2px dashed #E8860C;margin:16px 0}\n.rc-voucher-card .rc-emoji{font-size:36px;flex-shrink:0}\n.rc-voucher-card div h4{margin:0 0 4px;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#E8860C}\n.rc-voucher-card div p{margin:0;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5;color:#6b6b65}\n.rc-callout{margin:16px 0;padding:14px 18px;background:#fff8f0;border-left:3px solid #E8860C;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;font-size:15px}\n.rc-callout strong{color:#E8860C}\n.rc-honesty-block{border-left:3px solid #E8860C;padding:12px 16px;margin:20px 0;background:#fffbf5;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0}\n.rc-honesty-block p{font-size:14px;font-style:italic;margin:0;color:#444}\n.rc-honesty-block strong{font-style:normal}\n.rc-dl-card{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:10px;margin:16px 0;padding:14px 24px;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#E8860C 0%,#d07a0b 100%);color:#fff;border:none;border-radius:10px;font-size:15px;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;transition:all 0.2s;font-family:inherit;width:100%}\n.rc-dl-card:hover{transform:translateY(-1px);box-shadow:0 4px 12px rgba(232,134,12,0.35)}\n.rc-dl-card svg{width:18px;height:18px;fill:currentColor;flex-shrink:0}\n.rc-process-strip{display:flex;justify-content:center;align-items:flex-start;gap:32px;margin:20px 0 8px 0;padding:18px 12px;background:#f8f8f5;border-radius:10px;border:1px solid #e5e5e0}\n.rc-process-step{display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;gap:8px;text-decoration:none;transition:transform 0.15s ease}\n.rc-process-step:hover{transform:translateY(-2px)}\n.rc-process-step:hover .rc-process-icon{background:#E8860C;border-color:#E8860C}\n.rc-process-step:hover .rc-process-icon svg{fill:#fff;stroke:#fff}\n.rc-process-icon{width:56px;height:56px;border-radius:50%;background:#fff8f0;border:2px solid #E8860C;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;transition:background 0.15s ease}\n.rc-process-icon svg{width:28px;height:28px;fill:none;stroke:#E8860C;stroke-width:2;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-linejoin:round}\n.rc-process-label{font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1.5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#E8860C}\n.product-form__quantity { display: none !important; }\n.product-form__buttons { display: none !important; }\n.product-form__input--variant { display: none !important; }\n.price--large { display: none !important; }\n.product__title h1{font-size:28px !important;font-weight:800 !important;line-height:1.25 !important;color:#1a1a1a !important}\n.price--large .price-item--regular,.price--large .price-item--sale{font-size:14px !important;font-weight:500 !important;color:#6b6b65 !important}\n.price--large .price__container{font-size:14px !important}\n.rc-guide-price{font-size:13px;color:#8a8a82;margin-bottom:8px;font-weight:400}\n.rc-guide-price-label { font-size: 14px; color: #6b6b65; font-weight: 500; }\n.rc-guide-price-value { font-size: 24px; font-weight: 800; color: #1a1a1a; }\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .rc-fit-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n  .rc-tasting-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n  .rc-cocktail-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }\n  .rc-proscons-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n  .rc-facts-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }\n  .rc-comm-big-score { font-size: 42px; }\n  .rc-voucher-card{flex-direction:column;text-align:center}\n}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-v2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-guide-price\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-guide-price-label\"\u003eGuide Price:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"rc-guide-price-value\"\u003e$43 – $52\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-breadcrumb\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/\"\u003eHome\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cspan\u003e›\u003c\/span\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/rye-whiskey-reviews\"\u003eRye Whiskey Reviews\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cspan\u003e›\u003c\/span\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/rye-whiskey-reviews\"\u003eSTILL AUSTIN\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cspan\u003e›\u003c\/span\u003e Still Austin The Artist Rye Review\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-jump-links\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#rc-tasting\" class=\"rc-jump-link\"\u003e👃 Tasting Notes\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#rc-flavor\" class=\"rc-jump-link\"\u003e📊 Flavor Profile\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#rc-cocktails\" class=\"rc-jump-link\"\u003e🍸 Cocktail Fit\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#rc-review\" class=\"rc-jump-link\"\u003e📝 Full Review\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#rc-community\" class=\"rc-jump-link\"\u003e👥 Community\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#rc-faq\" class=\"rc-jump-link\"\u003e❓ FAQ\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#rc-rewards\" class=\"rc-jump-link rc-jump-link--reward\"\u003e🎁 $10 Reward\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv id=\"rc-facts\" class=\"rc-card\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-facts-grid\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-label\"\u003eType\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-value\"\u003eTexas Straight Rye Whiskey\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-label\"\u003eProof \/ ABV\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-value\"\u003e99.6 proof \/ 49.8%\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-label\"\u003eAge\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-value\"\u003eNo age statement (min. 2 years)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-label\"\u003eMash Bill\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-value\"\u003e100% Brasetto rye, Texas-grown\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-label\"\u003ePrice Range\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-value\"\u003e$43 – $52\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-label\"\u003eBrand\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-fact-value\"\u003eStill Austin Whiskey Co., Austin, Texas\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv id=\"rc-fit\" class=\"rc-card\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eIs This For Me?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-fit-grid\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-fit-box rc-fit-like\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"rc-fit-label\"\u003e✅ You'll love this if…\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eYou want a genuine 100% rye mash bill at a serious 99.6 proof that still drinks easy; you prefer fruit-and-baking-spice rye to dry, austere rye; you mix a lot of stirred drinks; or you care that every grain was grown in Texas and every step from milling to bottling happened in one building in South Austin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-fit-box rc-fit-skip\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"rc-fit-label\"\u003e⛔ Maybe skip if…\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eYou want the classic dill-and-caraway signature of an MGP-style American rye — dill appears in none of our sources and caraway in only one. You also want age: this is a two-year whiskey, and while most reviewers were startled by how mature it drinks, one respected critic was pointedly unimpressed and scored it below average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv id=\"rc-flavor\" class=\"rc-card\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eFlavor Profile at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-bars\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-label\"\u003eSweetness\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-track\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-fill\" style=\"width: 70%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-val\"\u003e7\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-label\"\u003eRye Spice\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-track\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-fill\" style=\"width: 70%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-val\"\u003e7\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-label\"\u003eHerbal \/ Mint\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-track\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-fill\" style=\"width: 60%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-val\"\u003e6\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-label\"\u003eFruit\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-track\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-fill\" style=\"width: 70%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-val\"\u003e7\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-label\"\u003eOak \/ Vanilla\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-track\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-fill\" style=\"width: 50%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-val\"\u003e5\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-label\"\u003eBody\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-track\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-fill\" style=\"width: 60%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-val\"\u003e6\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-label\"\u003eHeat\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-track\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-fill\" style=\"width: 50%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-val\"\u003e5\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-label\"\u003eFinish Length\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-track\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-fill\" style=\"width: 60%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-val\"\u003e6\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv id=\"rc-tasting\" class=\"rc-card\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eWhat It Tastes Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-tasting-grid\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-tasting-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-emoji\"\u003e👃\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eNose\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoney first, then cherry and dried fig, with clove threaded through a distinctly herbal, grassy top note that four reviewers pick out independently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-tasting-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-emoji\"\u003e👅\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePalate\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDark chocolate and caramel carry it, with ginger warmth and a steady run of black pepper underneath — richer and rounder than two years in wood should allow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-tasting-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-emoji\"\u003e🔥\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFinish\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium to long, turning drier as it goes: cinnamon and orange zest over lingering rye spice, with molasses on the back end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cbutton class=\"rc-dl-card\"\u003e\u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 16l-5-5h3V4h4v7h3l-5 5zm-7 2v2h14v-2H5z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e Download Tasting Card (PDF)\u003c\/button\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv id=\"rc-cocktails\" class=\"rc-card\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eBest Ways to Enjoy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-tasting-grid\" style=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-tasting-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-emoji\"\u003e🥃\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eNeat\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetter than 99.6 proof suggests. Reviewers repeatedly call the ethanol \"reserved\" and the texture \"cool and silky\" — the heat is present but never sharp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-tasting-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-emoji\"\u003e💧\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWith Water\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA few drops genuinely help. One reviewer found the spice receded and the grassy notes opened up, calling the experience \"heightened with some water.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-tasting-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-emoji\"\u003e🧊\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOn Ice\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnusually good. Chilling pushes the crisp fruit and brown sugar forward and tucks the darker coffee and chocolate notes in behind them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-tasting-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-emoji\"\u003e🍹\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCocktail\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts natural home. Enough proof to hold its shape against vermouth and bitters, with fruit and baking spice that most ryes at this price cannot offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"margin-top: 16px;\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eCocktail Scores\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-cocktail-grid\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"rc-cocktail-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-cocktail-name\"\u003eManhattan\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-cocktail-stars\"\u003e★★★★☆\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"rc-cocktail-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-cocktail-name\"\u003eOld Fashioned\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-cocktail-stars\"\u003e★★★★☆\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"rc-cocktail-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-cocktail-name\"\u003eSazerac\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-cocktail-stars\"\u003e★★★★☆\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"rc-cocktail-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-cocktail-name\"\u003eWhiskey Mule\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-cocktail-stars\"\u003e★★★☆☆\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-cocktail-tip\"\u003e💡 \u003cstrong\u003ePro Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e One reviewer built this into both an Old Fashioned and a mule. The Old Fashioned worked; the mule did not, because the chocolate and coffee notes ran over the ginger beer and turned faintly bitter. Keep it in stirred, spirit-forward drinks — and if you want the Old Fashioned to sing, reach for chocolate or coffee bitters rather than Angostura.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv id=\"rc-price\" class=\"rc-card\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003ePrice \u0026amp; Value\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-price-highlight\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-price-range\"\u003e$43 – $52\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-price-context\"\u003e750ml · $44.99 direct from the distillery; $50 launch MSRP\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe spread here is wider than the guide range suggests, so it pays to shop. Still Austin sells it for $44.99 on its own store, ReserveBar lists it at $46.51, Total Wine has discounted it to the high $30s, and at least one specialist retailer asks $59.99. Anything near $60 is a clear overpay. For a two-year-old whiskey that is genuinely steep on paper — but you are buying estate grain, on-site distillation and a proofing method borrowed from Cognac rather than years in a rickhouse, and enough reviewers were startled by the maturity that the premium is defensible. If you want the same money to buy age instead of provenance, the wider \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/straight-rye-whiskey-collection\"\u003estraight rye whiskey collection\u003c\/a\u003e has older bottlings in the same band.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv id=\"rc-transparency\" class=\"rc-card\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eBottle Transparency\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cul class=\"rc-transparency-list\"\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-t-label\"\u003eDistillery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"rc-t-value\"\u003eStill Austin Whiskey Co., 440 East St. Elmo Road, Austin, Texas. Opened 2017 — the first distillery inside Austin's city limits since Prohibition. Distilled, matured and bottled on site; nothing sourced.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-t-label\"\u003eGrain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"rc-t-value\"\u003e100% Brasetto rye, grown in Texas. The distillery has committed to using no grain from outside the state. Carries Certified Texas Whiskey status.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-t-label\"\u003eDistillation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"rc-t-value\"\u003eA custom 42-foot column still built in Scotland and nicknamed \"Nancy.\" Grain is milled, cooked, fermented and distilled in the same building.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-t-label\"\u003eMaturation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"rc-t-value\"\u003eNew charred American oak at #3 char, from Independent Stave in Kentucky. Minimum two years in the Texas heat, which cycles harder than Kentucky and pushes extraction — at the cost of a larger angel's share.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-t-label\"\u003eProofing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"rc-t-value\"\u003eCold water reduction, sometimes called \"slow water\": small amounts of water are added to the barrel month by month rather than dumped in at bottling. Master blender Nancy Fraley brought the technique over from Cognac.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-t-label\"\u003eFiltration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"rc-t-value\"\u003eNot disclosed. Still Austin publishes no filtration statement for this bottling.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv id=\"rc-review\" class=\"rc-review-content\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eFull Review: Still Austin The Artist\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-author-box\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-author-avatar\"\u003eKL\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"rc-author-name\"\u003eKevin Lawton\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"rc-author-role\"\u003eFounder \u0026amp; Lead Reviewer, RyeCentral\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-review-body\"\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eStill Austin opened in 2017 as the first distillery inside Austin's city limits since Prohibition, and it built its reputation on a promise most craft distilleries quietly break: no sourced whiskey, and no grain from outside Texas. \"The Musician,\" its straight bourbon, came first and sold faster than almost anything in the state's history. \"The Artist\" is the rye that followed in December 2022 — 100% Brasetto rye, grown in Texas, distilled on a 42-foot column still shipped in from Scotland, and bottled at 99.6 proof. The mash bill is not the 51% legal floor, and it is not the 95\/5 MGP recipe that defines most of the American rye shelf. It is all rye, and you can see the rest of that small club in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/100-rye-whiskey-collection\"\u003e100% rye whiskey collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eTwo Years That Don't Taste Like Two Years\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe single most repeated observation across our sources is disbelief at the age. Paste said it \"could pass for twice its age statement.\" Drinkhacker opened with \"shocker from the start: this comes across as much more mature and interesting than a 2 year old rye.\" The Whiskey Shelf went further — \"this could easily be 6-8 years old already.\" That is three independent reviewers arriving at the same reaction unprompted, and it is the strongest signal in the whole pool. The likely mechanism is not marketing: Texas heat cycles barrels harder than Kentucky does, and the cold water reduction proofing means the spirit meets its water slowly, in the barrel, rather than all at once at bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eFruit and Chocolate, Not Dill and Pepper\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eIf you come to this expecting a dry, herbal, dill-forward American rye, you will be surprised — possibly pleasantly, possibly not. Honey is the anchor on the nose, named by five sources, with cherry and dried fig behind it and clove running through. What is notable is the herbal, grassy quality four reviewers find on the nose and almost nobody finds on the palate — it reads as lemongrass, cut grass or rose depending on who is describing it. The palate then swings warm and dark: dark chocolate and caramel dominate, with ginger and black pepper providing structure, and the finish dries out into cinnamon and orange zest. Worth naming as a real absence: \u003cstrong\u003edill does not appear in a single source we read\u003c\/strong\u003e, and caraway appears in exactly one out of ten. On a 100% rye that is genuinely unusual, and it is the clearest evidence that Texas terroir and Kentucky tradition produce different whiskey from the same grain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eWhere the Critics Disagree\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThis is not a unanimous bottle, and it would be dishonest to present it as one. Drinkhacker gave it an A− and said he would reach for it beside Rittenhouse any day. Paste scored it 8.1 and called himself \"pretty impressed.\" Breaking Bourbon, reviewing the same liquid, gave it 2.5 out of 5 — below average on their scale — despite writing warmly about it in prose. That is a two-point spread between respected critics on an identical product, and it is the reason the consensus figure here sits at 3.8 rather than higher. If you want the same distillate with the volume turned up, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/still-austin-cask-strength-rye-review\"\u003eStill Austin Cask Strength Rye\u003c\/a\u003e is drawn from the more notable barrels of this very stock, and the critics who found this one thin tended to prefer it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eA real achievement for a two-year-old whiskey, and one of the more distinctive ryes under $50 — honeyed and fruit-forward where most of its price peers are dry and peppery, with enough proof to work in a Manhattan without being sanded down. It is not a traditionalist's rye and it will not satisfy anyone hunting age or dill. It is, however, exactly what grain-to-glass Texas whiskey was supposed to deliver, and it mostly delivers it. For a Texas peer at a similar strength, compare the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/balcones-100-proof-rye-whisky-review\"\u003eBalcones 100 Proof Rye\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv id=\"rc-community\" class=\"rc-community\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eCommunity Tasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-comm-score-row\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-comm-big-score\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv\u003e\n        \u003cdiv style=\"font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eCommunity Score\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"rc-comm-score-meta\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.6);margin-top:-8px;\"\u003eThis figure rests on ten independently scored sources — nine critics plus one crowd pool of 78 ratings. Remove that crowd pool and the critic-only average is 3.85, so the number is stable rather than propped up by one site. Two large retailer pools were blocked to us by bot protection and have been left out rather than guessed at; including the larger one would push the figure to roughly 4.0. Critic opinion is genuinely split, with a two-point spread between the highest and lowest scores.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ch3\u003eTop Reported Flavors\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-flavor-tags\"\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003ch3\u003eRating Distribution\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-label\"\u003e5★\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-track\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-fill\" style=\"width: 24%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-pct\"\u003e24%\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-label\"\u003e4★\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-track\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-fill\" style=\"width: 40%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-pct\"\u003e40%\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-label\"\u003e3★\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-track\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-fill\" style=\"width: 25%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-pct\"\u003e25%\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-label\"\u003e2★\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-track\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-fill\" style=\"width: 8%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-pct\"\u003e8%\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-label\"\u003e1★\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-track\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-fill\" style=\"width: 3%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-histogram-pct\"\u003e3%\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"rc-cta-banner\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eTried Still Austin The Artist? Share Your Tasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eJoin the RyeCentral community and help other whiskey lovers discover new favorites. Your review connects taste profiles with the perfect pour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ca class=\"rc-btn-white\" href=\"#judgeme_product_reviews\"\u003eWrite a Review\u003c\/a\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv id=\"rc-rewards\" class=\"rc-card\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003e🎁 Whiskey Review Rewards\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-voucher-card\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"rc-emoji\"\u003e🎁\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cdiv\u003e\n        \u003ch4\u003e$10 Gift Voucher — Every Review\u003c\/h4\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eWrite a real tasting review and we'll send you a $10 digital gift voucher for barware and whiskey accessories on the store. Your honest notes help fellow rye lovers discover new favorites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-process-strip\"\u003e\n      \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/how-our-reviews-work\" class=\"rc-process-step\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"rc-process-icon\"\u003e\u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M8 2h8v5a4 4 0 0 1-1.5 3.12L12 12l-2.5-1.88A4 4 0 0 1 8 7V2z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 12v7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M8 22h8\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M7 2h10\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cline stroke-width=\"1.5\" y2=\"7\" x2=\"18\" y1=\"4\" x1=\"15\"\u003e\u003c\/line\u003e\u003cpath stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M17 4l1 3-2 1\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"rc-process-label\"\u003ePour\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/a\u003e\n      \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/how-our-reviews-work\" class=\"rc-process-step\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"rc-process-icon\"\u003e\u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"\u003e\u003crect stroke-width=\"2\" rx=\"1\" height=\"16\" width=\"8\" y=\"4\" x=\"2\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003crect stroke-width=\"2\" rx=\"1\" height=\"16\" width=\"8\" y=\"4\" x=\"14\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003cline y2=\"8\" x2=\"8\" y1=\"8\" x1=\"4\"\u003e\u003c\/line\u003e\u003cline y2=\"8\" x2=\"20\" y1=\"8\" x1=\"16\"\u003e\u003c\/line\u003e\u003cline y2=\"11\" x2=\"8\" y1=\"11\" x1=\"4\"\u003e\u003c\/line\u003e\u003cline y2=\"11\" x2=\"20\" y1=\"11\" x1=\"16\"\u003e\u003c\/line\u003e\u003cline y2=\"14\" x2=\"7\" y1=\"14\" x1=\"4\"\u003e\u003c\/line\u003e\u003cline y2=\"14\" x2=\"19\" y1=\"14\" x1=\"16\"\u003e\u003c\/line\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"rc-process-label\"\u003eCompare\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/a\u003e\n      \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/how-our-reviews-work\" class=\"rc-process-step\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"rc-process-icon\"\u003e\u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M14 2H6a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v16a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h12a2 2 0 0 0 2-2V8z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpolyline points=\"14 2 14 8 20 8\"\u003e\u003c\/polyline\u003e\u003cline y2=\"13\" x2=\"16\" y1=\"13\" x1=\"8\"\u003e\u003c\/line\u003e\u003cline y2=\"17\" x2=\"14\" y1=\"17\" x1=\"8\"\u003e\u003c\/line\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M10 9H8\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"rc-process-label\"\u003eReview\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/a\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"rc-honesty-block\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\"At RyeCentral, we never pay for positive reviews — \u003cstrong\u003ehonest, unbiased opinions matter.\u003c\/strong\u003e\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv id=\"rc-proscons\" class=\"rc-card\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-proscons-grid\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-proscons-col\"\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003ePros\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cul\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-pro-icon\"\u003e✓\u003c\/span\u003eA true 100% rye mash bill, not the 51% legal minimum or the MGP 95\/5\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-pro-icon\"\u003e✓\u003c\/span\u003eDrinks far older than two years — three separate reviewers say so unprompted\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-pro-icon\"\u003e✓\u003c\/span\u003e99.6 proof with unusually restrained heat; \"cool and silky\" is the common verdict\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-pro-icon\"\u003e✓\u003c\/span\u003eVerifiable grain-to-glass: Texas grain, on-site milling through bottling\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-pro-icon\"\u003e✓\u003c\/span\u003eDistinctive honey-and-fruit profile that stands apart from the MGP rye shelf\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-pro-icon\"\u003e✓\u003c\/span\u003eStrong in stirred cocktails without needing extra sugar\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003c\/ul\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"rc-proscons-col\"\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eCons\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cul\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-con-icon\"\u003e✗\u003c\/span\u003eCritics genuinely disagree — scores run from 2.5\/5 to 4.5\/5 on the same liquid\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-con-icon\"\u003e✗\u003c\/span\u003eNo dill in any source and caraway in only one; not a traditionalist's rye\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-con-icon\"\u003e✗\u003c\/span\u003eNo age statement, and the two-year minimum is young for the price\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-con-icon\"\u003e✗\u003c\/span\u003eReviewers who wanted more weight kept asking for it; body is good, not full\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-con-icon\"\u003e✗\u003c\/span\u003eFalls apart in long drinks — the dark notes overrun ginger beer\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"rc-con-icon\"\u003e✗\u003c\/span\u003eRetail pricing is inconsistent, from the high $30s to $60\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003c\/ul\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv id=\"rc-faq\" class=\"rc-card\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"rc-faq-q\"\u003e❓ What proof is Still Austin The Artist?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-faq-a\"\u003e99.6 proof, or 49.8% ABV. That is the figure Still Austin publishes on its own product page and repeats in its launch press release, and every retailer and reviewer we checked agrees. It sits just under the 100-proof line, which is deliberate rather than accidental.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"rc-faq-q\"\u003e❓ Is The Artist really 100% rye?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-faq-a\"\u003eYes — 100% Brasetto rye, a specific hybrid variety, all of it grown in Texas. There is no corn and no malted barley, which makes fermentation harder and is why most distillers add a little barley for enzymatic help. Still Austin does not.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"rc-faq-q\"\u003e❓ How old is Still Austin The Artist?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-faq-a\"\u003eThere is no age statement on the label, but the \"straight\" designation guarantees a minimum of two years, and both the distillery and every reviewer we read describe it as \"aged at least two years.\" Texas heat accelerates barrel extraction, which is the usual explanation for why it drinks older than that.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"rc-faq-q\"\u003e❓ Is this the same as Still Austin Cask Strength Rye?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-faq-a\"\u003eNo. Cask Strength Rye is a separate bottling at around 116 proof, blended from some of the more notable barrels that would otherwise have gone into this one. Same distillate, same age, very different intensity — and about 16 proof points apart. Do not confuse them on the shelf.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"rc-faq-q\"\u003e❓ Does it taste like a classic American rye?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-faq-a\"\u003eNot really. The dill-and-caraway signature most people associate with American rye is essentially absent here — no source mentioned dill at all. What you get instead is honey, cherry and fig on the nose and dark chocolate, caramel and baking spice on the palate. Several reviewers compared the fruitiness to a sweeter Highland malt rather than to Kentucky rye.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"rc-faq-q\"\u003e❓ Is The Artist good in cocktails?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-faq-a\"\u003eVery. At 99.6 proof it holds its shape against vermouth and bitters, and one reviewer called it \"everything you want in a cocktail rye.\" It shines in Manhattans, Sazeracs and Old Fashioneds but gets muddled in long ginger-beer drinks. See how it compares in our guide to the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/best-rye-whiskey-for-cocktails\"\u003ebest rye whiskeys for cocktails\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"rc-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"rc-faq-q\"\u003e❓ Is Still Austin The Artist worth around $46?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-faq-a\"\u003eFor most drinkers, yes — but shop around, because it ranges from the high $30s to $60 depending on retailer. You are paying for Texas estate grain, on-site production and a Cognac-derived proofing method rather than years in wood. If age is what you value at this price, you will do better elsewhere; if distinctiveness and provenance are, this is good value.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-disclaimer\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDisclaimer:\u003c\/strong\u003e RyeCentral does not sell alcohol. We publish independent rye whiskey reviews, ratings, and community tasting notes to help you choose a bottle to buy elsewhere. Every review follows our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/review-methodology\"\u003eCommunity Score Pipeline\u003c\/a\u003e — an eight-step process for producing accurate, unbiased content.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc-last-updated\"\u003eLast updated: September 10, 2026 — Kevin Lawton\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cscript src=\"https:\/\/unpkg.com\/jspdf@2.5.2\/dist\/jspdf.umd.min.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Still Austin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50484255686904,"sku":null,"price":46.51,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0730\/7935\/7688\/files\/Website-Shop-Bottle-Rye.png?v=1789098241","url":"https:\/\/www.ryecentral.com\/products\/still-austin-the-artist-rye-review","provider":"RyeCentral","version":"1.0","type":"link"}