2024 Inaugural Release
A delicate blend of red, white, and blue corn bourbon distilled from 100% Texas-grown grains. Tanager is an expression of true creativity in craft whiskey.
Aged for 6 years amidst the turbulent Central Texas climate, this Cigar Blend Bourbon Whiskey has been meticulously balanced through the ancient processes of slow water reduction and Petites Eaux.
The result is a remarkably unique bourbon which combines heritage with the spirit of creativity.
Tanager is an extremely limited, ultra-premium whiskey release available at the Still Austin Distillery in Austin, Texas and select retailers while supplies last.
Made from a combination of red, white, and blue corn bourbon, along with rye and malted barley used as small grains.
The whiskey has been aged for at least 6 years and was hand-selected for its most exceptional qualities by our Master Blender Nancy Fraley and our Master Distiller John Schrepel.
To create our most premium offering to date, Nancy and John combined our finest 6-year old high rye bourbon with pure Texas water and aged it to at least 50 proof for at least one year before adding it to the base whiskey for final proofing. This ancient blending technique, known as Petites Eaux (small waters), has been used 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. This is similar to the standing practice of ‘barrel rinsing’ used amongst many bourbon producers, but utilizes a much longer aging process. For Tanager, the result is a cigar blend whiskey with a remarkably sweet and soft finish.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Punchy and fragrant with notes of Manuka Honey, coconut, marzipan, black tea, Herbs de Provence, cherries, and cream.
Palate: Robust and complex with expressions of cherries jubilee, butterscotch, roasted applewood, white pepper, red tea, candied grapefruit, fresh pecan, and peach candy.
Finish: Dried mint leaves, marjoram, pink peppercorn, black cardamom, fresh bay leaf, sweet lemongrass, and soft leather.
