Still Austin Distillery Reserve Series #19 Ex-White Port Finished Rye Whiskey

Most rye whiskey leans into heavy spice or dark fruit, but Still Austin just flipped the script with a burst of tropical sunshine. Distillery Reserve Series #19 is a rare experiment that pairs their robust, 100% Brasetto rye mashbill with the delicate, floral sweetness of ex-White Port casks. While Red Port finishes are common, White Port is a ghost in the whiskey world—lighter, brighter, and notoriously difficult to balance against the heat of a Texas spirit.

The result is a high-wire act of flavor. The team took 3-year-old rye, already concentrated by the fluctuating Austin weather, and allowed it to rest in these unique Portuguese casks. Instead of weighing the spirit down, the wood lifted it, infusing notes of glazed pastry and citrus oil that feel vibrant and unexpected.

Bottled at 114.72 proof, this isn't a shy pour. It captures the "Old World meets New World" aesthetic depicted on Knox Kronenberg’s black-and-white label art. You are tasting a holiday drama in a glass—rich enough for winter, but bright enough to remind you that summer in Texas is never far away.

Nose: A vivid, surprising wave of fresh pineapple and tangerine oil leaps out first, grounded by comforting aromas of glazed donuts and charred sugar.

Palate: The texture is warm and syrup-heavy, delivering a holiday-like explosion of spice cake, maple syrup, and raisin bran that brightens into tangy lemon curd.

Finish: Medium-length and complex, the experience fades with sophisticated layers of apple compote, mulled wine, and a fragrant whisper of lemongrass and red tea.

The unique White Port sweetness needs a partner that can bridge the gap between savory and sweet. Serve this alongside prosciutto-wrapped melon; the saltiness of the ham cuts the maple notes while the fruit mirrors the pineapple in the nose. For a main course, roasted pork loin with apricot glaze is a no-brainer, harmonizing with the stone fruit elements of the finish. If you are looking for a dessert pairing, a slice of olive oil cake offers a moist, savory-sweet base that lets the whiskey’s hibiscus notes shine.