Review: Still Austin Bottled in Bond Bourbons – Straight Bourbon and Blue Corn (2025)

We’re increasingly fascinated with the high-grade whiskey that Still Austin is putting out — and it’s all only getting better, and older. Today we look at the fall releases from the Texas operation, including the oldest whiskey it’s ever produced.

Both are bonded releases, 100 proof.

Still Austin Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon 7 Years Old (2025) Review

This was previously billed as Still Austin “High Rye” bourbon, but now it’s just called Straight Bourbon, probably because all of Still Austin’s bourbons are high in rye and things were getting confusing. At 7 years of age, this release of Still Austin Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon is the oldest whiskey it has ever released. The mash is composed of 70% white corn, 25% rye, and 5% malted barley. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the nose is quite corn-heavy, with overtones of sawdust, bread crumbs, and some earthy mushroom notes. Tobacco notes add a savory complexion, with hints of apple and chocolate cake well hidden in the fold.

The palate is quite a bit brighter, with buttery fruit and pastry cream on full display. Coconut cream, sultry baking spices, and layers of mixed nuts dominate, mixing almond and hazelnut with flavors of fresh whipped cream. Chocolate notes build to a crescendo for a lively, effusive finish that calls back to its time in the barrel, with a gentle lumberyard recall.

It’s completely solid stuff that’s beautiful now but perhaps still evolving. Will we see this whiskey at 8 years old in 2026? Stay tuned.

A- / $80 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

Still Austin Bottled in Bond Blue Corn Bourbon 6 Years Old (2025) Review

I didn’t really love this release as a 4 year old, which was very heavy on the corn and earth notes, but now at 6 years old, maybe things have changed? The mash remains the same: 26% blue corn, 25% white corn, 44% rye, and 5% malted barley. (Spoiler: I tried this as a barrel sample during a visit to Still Austin a few months ago and really loved it.)

Time has been a huge plus for Still with this release, and while it is still clearly the most corn-heavy of the whiskeys it produces, it’s finally got enough age on it where it’s no longer overwhelming. Complementing the nose are surprisingly biting notes of chili powder, creosote, soy, and scorched coffee. There’s an aroma of heavy char layered on top of everything, threatening to undermine any delicacy that lies beneath.

You will find said delicacy on the palate, where the overt corn notes retreat considerably, developing notes of caramel and vanilla, some anise, and a finish of dark chocolate. Brown banana notes are significant, approaching banana bread. Herbal tendrils cling to the experience throughout — 44% rye will do that to you — but the overall spirit feels fairly balanced, if rustic.

B+ / $80 [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]

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