Ancho pepper | Cinnamon spice | Black pepper | Truffle | Cream soda | Wonderfully expressive

Cinnamon spice | White peppercorn | Burnt orange peel | Grilled corn

Charred oak | Marzipan | White peppercorn | Leather | Rye spice | Nutty undertone develops

In the summer of 2023, Still Austin Whiskey Co. introduced a new, ongoing “Seasonal Bottled in Bond Series” with plans to release a different bottled in bond whiskey for each of the four seasons of the year. Each release is intended to capture the ingredients, flavors, and themes of its respective season, with labels showcasing unique artwork from Marc Burckhardt, with animals and colors intended to conjure the mood of the particular season. Last year’s Still Austin Bottled in Bond Red Corn Bourbon was a fan favorite according to the company, and this year’s edition comes with an additional year of aging.

As the bottle’s label accurately conveys with its red snake entwined with a cactus, Still Austin Bottled in Bond Red Corn Bourbon is a prickly sip - in a good way. Its aroma is complex and expressive in the best of ways with strong scents of ancho pepper, cinnamon spice, and black pepper, which are offset by truffle and cream soda. It’s an unusual pairing of scents, yet it works exceedingly well thanks to its intensity. Its palate and finish pair well together with a notable roasted flavor note found throughout. Cinnamon spice, white peppercorn, and rye spice bring ample amounts of spice with marzipan, leather, and a lingering nuttiness, adding contrast.

There’s no doubt that Still Austin Bottled in Bond Red Corn Bourbon is a spicy and roasted flavor lover's dream bourbon. Though there is a lot of peppery spice found throughout, it’s well managed partly due to a slight sweetness and creaminess found in its palate. While its price point is high, this is easily the best Still Austin bourbon I’ve had yet.