AUSTIN 101 FAQ
HOW IS AUSTIN 101 MADE?
There are multiple factors that give Austin 101 its unique flavor profile and long smooth finish. From the quality of the local ingredients we use, to our precise distillation and aging methods, each step in the process of crafting Austin 101 contributes to the many accolades we have won from traditional whiskey lovers and people new to whiskey.
We often get questions around 2 aspects of our craft that are unique and specific to Austin 101: our steam distillation and aging methods.
1- Steam distillation:
Austin 101 is distilled in a continuous column still driven by steam. The fermented mash (“beer”) and steam are continuously injected in a 42-foot-tall column where the purest distillate rises through plates and is quickly collected. The beer is processed once and is eliminated as it drops to the bottom of the column. The temperature is continuously monitored and maintained below 210F to preserve the delicate aromas. As a result, only the highest quality distillate is extracted with the clean flavors of the grains intact. It is delicious right off the still.
In contrast, many bourbons and whiskeys are pot distilled. Beer batches of hundreds or thousands of gallons are boiled in an enclosed pot for hours. As vapors rise, some condense and return (re-flux) into the boil, while others are collected as distillate. Hours of cooking and re-flux affect the chemistry of the beer resulting in heavier flavors. As opposed to Austin 101, the “bourbon new make” (or “white dog”) coming out of traditional pot distillations requires years of aging to mature and eliminate some of the early unwanted flavors.
2- Aging methods:
Our aging needs are completely different than those of bourbon. Bourbon “white dog” congeners, which create much of its aged flavor profile, need to be matured in new charred oak barrels for years to be palatable. Austin 101 distillate comes out of the still with a very different chemistry and flavor profile. Our aging methods are all about extracting the oak flavors we want, not about maturation. Through years of trial and error, we have designed a unique aging approach, which requires the distillate to be aged for at least 3 months, in high quality, recycled American white oak whiskey barrels, largely from local craft bourbon makers.
Our Austin climate, which is characterized by wild variations in temperature and humidity, also extracts flavors from the oak in very specific ways. We taste the distillate from each individual barrel frequently to make sure it reaches the unique butterscotch, vanilla, and caramel flavor for which we are aiming along with our long smooth finish. When the distillate reaches our light whiskey profile, we combine barrels together to maintain the consistency of Austin 101 and its approachable character with light, delicate and complex aromas. In our case, too much aging can miss the mark and result in much heavier flavors.
The quality of the distillate that comes straight off the still and our precise aging methods result in the unique taste and smooth finish that sets Austin 101 apart from traditional bourbons and other whiskeys.
WHAT IS LIGHT WHISKEY?
1. Light whiskey is an official designation.
2. It is distilled differently than bourbon and other whiskeys.
3. As a result it has a unique taste and finish right off the still.
At 101 proof Austin 101 Light Whiskey is contrary to what pop culture is making of light drinks; it’s not about calories, it’s all about taste. What makes our whiskey unique is that it does not carry some of the heavy flavors of bourbon or other overpowering whiskeys. It’s just not what we’re going for. With soft aromas, a sophisticated taste and an endless smooth finish, Austin 101 Light Whiskey delivers the perfect combination of flavors, smoothness and punch in a light sipping experience. Because of its light and balanced aromas, Austin 101 is great neat, on the rocks or married with all kinds of ingredients to make sophisticated cocktails.
HOW DOES AUSTIN 101 TASTE?
There are hints of caramel, butterscotch and vanilla with sweetness from white corn, silky hints from wheat, and nuttiness from malted barley. Austin 101 has a unique balance of smoothness and punch while delivering a very mellow and long finish. Light in taste, lightly oaked, it is uniquely approachable and easily enjoyed.
DO YOU EVER ADD ANY SUGAR, CARAMEL OR VANILLA FLAVORINGS TO YOUR DISTILLATE?
NEVER!
HOW LONG DO YOU AGE AUSTIN 101?
Our Light whiskey is aged a minimum of 101 days with high-quality recycled American white oak barrels. Depending on the season, ambient temperature and humidity, we might extend the aging period. It’s all about the taste.
WHY DOES AUSTIN 101 USE HIGH-QUALITY RECYCLED OAK BARRELS INSTEAD OF NEW ONES?
Sustainability is one of our core value. By law, bourbon is aged in newly harvested white oak barrels that can only be used once. That’s a big waste as far as we’re concerned, especially since high quality used barrels still carry wonderful flavors and aromas. These barrels also yield the perfect balance in taste we’re looking for and the light whiskey flavors never get overwhelmed by the newness of the barrel. We created a perfect relationship between the light, delicate and complex aromas of the raw distillate with recycled barrels that do not impart more flavor than we aim for.
IS AUSTIN 101 GLUTEN FREE?
On 08/13/20 the FDA issued a ruling that will allow ‘gluten-free’ labeling claims to be included on distilled foods made from gluten-containing grains. Text of the new FDA ruling reads, in part: "Distillation is a process capable of separating gluten and other proteins from the remaining compounds...distillation must remove all protein (and thus gluten), regardless if the product has been distilled from gluten-containing grains. [Distillation] removes gluten because gluten does not vaporize. Therefore, there should not be any gluten remaining in the final distilled product. For this reason, a distilled product labeling may bear a “gluten-free” claim and should be safe for people with celiac disease to consume."
WHAT IS THE REASON BEHIND THE NAME?
With a lot of work and a pinch of luck, we have created a new whiskey experience - light in color, elegant in flavor, with a smooth and surprising finish. It’s a decidedly unique take on a centuries-old art form, one that is as ambitious and inviting as the city for which it is named. We’re lucky to live in a place where connections and friendships are at the center of our culture, risks are taken every day, rules are broken, and new ideas take flight. We think Austin 101 was born of this same spirit. We hope you agree.
WHERE CAN I BUY AUSTIN 101?
Please visit our “WHERE TO FIND” page at AUSTIN101WHISKEY.COM. It’s updated weekly.