Still Austin Cask Strength
Overall Score: 6.75/10
Overall Value: 3.25/5
Distillery: Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 116
Age: At least 2 years
Mashbill: 70% Non-GMO White Corn, 25% Elbon Rye and 5% Wildfire Malted Barley
Color: Honey
MSRP: $60 (2025)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose on this Still Austin Cask Strength bourbon is immediately deep and dark, packed with rich dessert tones and heavy wood influence. Caramel, chocolate, and fudge lead the way, with flashes of German chocolate cake and toasted marshmallow. Alongside that sweetness is a bold, workshop-like character—leather, shoe polish, and fresh-cut wood that honestly feels like walking into a woodworking shop.
The palate comes in sweeter than expected, though still firmly rooted in dark flavors. Chocolate-forward notes dominate, resembling an overcooked chocolate chip cookie— sadly slightly bitter, slightly burnt. There’s a distinct “wood stain” character throughout, like gnawing on stained oak, thankfully softened by sugar and caramel. Despite the high proof, the mouthfeel is lighter than expected, though the bitterness and wood notes could use a touch more sweetness for balance.
The finish stays dark and wood-driven. Oak, char, and that same wood stain profile linger as the proof slowly dries out the mouth. Some sips finish smoother than others, but alcohol heat does show up if you rush it. Nothing new really emerges here—this pour commits fully to its dark, masculine profile all the way through.
Our takeaway: Take your time and the sweeter dessert notes come through; rush it and the sharp edges dominate. It’s a unique bourbon that won’t be for everyone, but for those who enjoy deep, wood-forward profiles, there’s a lot to appreciate here. At its MSRP, it feels solid rather than exceptional, but if you catch it on sale, it’s well worth picking up. With a bit more age, this could turn into something truly special.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
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Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 6.5/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
Sweet leather and shoe polish. There is a scent of a woodworking shop as well.
Its got dark complex tones to it with a subtle sweetness. I really like the nose.
Might be weird, but I think the nose would make for a fantastic cologne scent.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is surprisingly light for the proof point, but very dark.
It tastes like what I imagine gnawing on a piece of stained wood would be like. That is to say it kinda tastes like a sweeter version of opening a can of wood stain.
Which, is not entirely unpleasant. The profiles are very dark.
THE FINISH:
Really just more wood stain profile here, and its a bit more fully realized as some of the proof dries out the mouth.
Again, it's not really unpleasant though.
BUY OR PASS?
I feel like this really gives off a “Man’s Man” profile especially with the nose. The flavors here are dark and full.
To me “wood stain, but pleasant” is the best way I could describe the whole experience.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
Deep and rich with caramel, chocolate, and fudge leading the way.
It instantly made me think of German chocolate cake, with a little marshmallow sneaking in as well.
THE TASTE:
Very sweet on the palate, carrying that dark dessert-like profile.
The flavor leans toward an overcooked chocolate chip cookie—almost burnt, but not in a terrible way.
I just wish it had more sweetness to balance out the bitterness.
THE FINISH:
The finish stays on the darker side without anything too distinct popping out.
Some sips carry a noticeable alcohol bite, while others feel much smoother.
BUY OR PASS?
This is a pour that rewards patience. Sip too fast and the sharpness comes forward, but slow it down and the sweeter, richer notes shine through.
Overall, it’s good, but it feels like it could become something really special with more age.
