Austin Craft Spirits is a new-to-us player in the Texas craft distillery scene, known for creating unique, high-quality spirits with a distinct local flair. They pride themselves for using Texas grown grains - barley, corn, wheat, and rye straight from the heart of the Lone Star State. With an increased eye on Texas spirits, it's nice to see another one carving their own unique path.
What makes Austin Craft Spirits stand out from other Texas distilleries is their emphasis on crafting more experimental and creative expressions while still maintaining high standards of quality. That is to say, they aren’t just producing classic whiskey, but they’re exploring things like light whiskey, aged spirits, and even some experimental small-batch releases. They focus on small-scale production, which allows them to experiment with different distillation techniques, aging processes, and flavor profiles.
When it comes to their light whiskey, this is where they shine. You may remember us recently talking about light whiskey, a less common style compared to traditional bourbons and ryes. It’s distilled at a higher proof (usually over 160 proof), which results in a lighter, smoother taste with a more neutral flavor base. The Texas climate can sometimes make whiskey push toward oaky or intense, but Austin’s lighter approach to whiskey keeps things smooth, soft, and easy-drinking, without losing the character of the Texas-grown grains. Rich butterscotch, deep dark fruits, and vanilla custard lead but nipping with the barrel spice you’d expect, staying creamy and lingering, and still having a backbone of grains similar to so many craft producers we love.
If you're looking for a Texas whiskey that doesn’t pack the usual punch but still offers a taste of local craftsmanship, these Austin light whiskies may be worth you checking out.
