Cherry cobbler | Ancho pepper | Cinnamon spice | Barrel char | Black pepper | Expressive

Sweet oak | Sugared mixed nuts | Red velvet cake | Brown butter

Cinnamon bark | Belgian waffle | Barrel char | Marzipan | Nutty

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 pleasant surprise, and we awarded it one of the best whiskeys of 2024. This year’s edition comes with an additional year of age, coming in at 6 years old.

The 2025 Still Austin Bottled in Bond Red Corn Bourbon features an aroma that is heavy and grounded. In addition to initial aromas of Ancho pepper and cinnamon spice, thick scents of cherry cobbler and barrel char join in and transform the bourbon’s nose. It’s wonderfully rich and even more expressive for this year’s release. The palate begins with sweet oak before layering in sugared nuts, rich red velvet cake, and earthy brown butter. The finish is built upon cinnamon bark, followed by Belgian waffle, barrel char, and marizpan, over a nutty-tasting base

It’s amazing what another year of age can do, as this year’s edition of Still Austin Bottled in Bond Red Corn Bourbon is surprisingly different than last year’s. As the aroma suggested, the 2025 release is robust, and its flavors are more pronounced. They are amplified, but don’t go so far as to be punchy either. The bourbon’s 100 proof most likely helps with that, but this is a surprisingly full-flavored pour at its proof point. While companies like High Wire Distilling opt for a 100% red corn mashbill, incorporating white corn, rye, and barley into this release creates a lot of depth while also keeping the flavors tight. Where last year’s release was brighter in comparison, its youth also showed more. The 2025 Still Austin Bottled in Bond Red Corn Bourbon uses every year of its aging to great effect, resulting in another memorable release.