Still Austin Limited Edition Rare Stock 06 Apple Brandy 375ml

Still Austin Limited Edition Rare Stock 06 Apple Brandy is a 103 proof (51.5% ABV) non-chill filtered craft spirit released on February 14, 2026, as an exclusive distillery-only allocation. Packaged in a collectible 375ml half-bottle format, this highly unique expression marks the sixth monumental installment in the brand's avant-garde Rare Stock series. Breaking completely away from their signature grain-to-glass mash bills, this ultra-rare release was distilled entirely from local apples, representing a bold, highly experimental crossover milestone for the urban Austin, Texas distillery.

The core identity and purpose of this bottle rely on exploring how a delicate fruit distillate behaves when subjected to the hyper-aggressive maturation climate of Central Texas. While traditional European or northeastern apple brandies age for decades in cool, damp cellars to preserve soft fruit esters, Still Austin exposes its spirit to violent seasonal temperature swings. This atmospheric pressure forces the liquid to cycle deeply into the wood staves at an accelerated rate, meaning three years of Texas aging extracts wood character equivalent to a decade in milder regions. The process naturally triggers a high evaporation rate, concentrating the apple sugars into a heavy, structured liquid baseline.

The liquid architecture was masterfully curated by Head Distiller John Schrepel to showcase a technical double-maturation process using contrasting oak profiles. After spending three initial years interacting with the rich wood phenols of fire-charred new American white oak barrels, the mature brandy was completely drawn off. The production team then transferred the spirit into hand-selected French oak casks for an intentional secondary finishing period. This precise multi-wood environment was executed to weave together the bold, sweet caramel character of American timber with the refined, structural tannins and spicy accents native to European cooperage.

The brandy’s highly expressive tasting experience opens on a deep golden amber pour that releases an intricate, dessert-leaning nose filled with sweet cream, baked custard, wild fennel, poached pears, lychee, and malted milk. The palate delivers an exceptionally complex, full-bodied viscosity displaying a unique blend of creamy yogurt, kiwi fruit, sugared strawberries, and sweet fruit butter, balanced by a sharp pop of peppercorn, lemon drops, and almond bark. It concludes on a highly complex, medium-length finish, where a temporary wave of fruitwood smoke smoothly yields to lemongrass, nightshade, heather, orange blossom, and a final hint of mace.

For high-end spirits investors and serious Texas whiskey collectors, this Rare Stock 06 release represents a highly sought-after, museum-grade trophy bottle that evaporated from the distillery instantly. Because it marks the very first fruit-based spirit in the brand's celebrated history and was distributed strictly via an in-person, Valentine's Day weekend release, secondary market demand skyrocketed immediately.

• Size: 375ml
• Proof: 103 Proof (51.5% ABV)
• Age: 3 Years Old (Finished in French oak)
• Origin: Austin, Texas, USA
• Distillery: Still Austin Whiskey Co.
• Whiskey Type: Fruit Brandy / Apple Brandy (Non-Chill Filtered)
• Cask/Cooperage: New Charred White American Oak Barrels, finished in Hand-Selected French Oak Casks
• Bottling: Released February 14, 2026; Limited Distillery-Exclusive Outrun
• Series: Still Austin Rare Stock Series (Release #06)
• Selection: Masterminded and selected by Head Distiller John Schrepel; distilled entirely from local apples
• Tasting Notes: Nose: Sweet cream, baked custard, wild fennel, poached pears, lychee, and malted milk. Palate: Thick and complex with yogurt, kiwi fruit, sugared strawberries, peppercorn, lemon drops, fruit butter, and almond bark. Finish: Medium length with trailing notes of lemongrass, nightshade, heather, orange blossom, mace, and fruitwood smoke.