The 2025 Texas Whiskey Festival is now behind us, and after a week of decompressing. I’ve finally found time to sift through my photos and notes and bring you some thoughts about my favorite pours from the event. As always, it’s the stuff I missed that I regret the most: Check out TWF’s list of winning whiskeys from the on-site judging (as well as the people’s choice award).
I’m consider it a starting list for next year’s show. Thanks to TWF for the invitation and tickets. Hope to see you again in 2026!.
Ironroot Republic Harbinger Cigar Blend
A special edition of Ironroot‘s Harbinger 115 release, layered with notes of honey and cherries, then chocolate on the finish. Shockingly, no finishing cask was involved in producing this delight… which sold out in 20 minutes upon release. This was possibly may favorite sip of the day. $NA
Still Austin Rye & Blue Corn Whiskey “Order of Nancy” Release
Nancy is of course the much sought-after blender Nancy Fraley, and Still Austin‘s exclusive membership club is named after her. This one-off release is a knockout, a single barrel selection of rye and corn whiskey that stands as some of the most elegant stuff Still Austin has produced to date — despite a blazing 123.29 proof level. $NA
Balcones Single Malt Single Barrel Finished in Oloroso Sherry
Balcones finishes its iconic single malt in all manner of casks and bottles them as one-off single barrel releases — few of which I’ve ever encountered in the wild. The distillery had two of them on hand at the event. A sharper Madeira cask barrel and this winning oloroso barrel — bottled at a wild 135 proof. ~$90
Ranger Creek Distiller’s Vault Islay Peat Cask Single Malt
Not the first time I’ve had peat-influenced Texas whiskey, but it’s a rarity all the same. This 3 year old single malt has a light hand with the peat but it’s enough to make an impact on a surprisingly soft single malt base spirit. At 88 proof it’s an easy sipper that would pair perfectly with a slab of BBQ brisket. $NA
Garrison Brothers HoneyDew Bourbon
This was my first taste of the day and it appropriately whetted the palate for what was in store for me in the hours to come. Sweet and sultry honey-finished Texas bourbon that still clings to the burly Texasness at its core. Hard not to love. $75
DynaBarr Smiling Oak Whiskey Special Reserve
This is a 106 proof version of DynaBarr’s Smiling Oak, aged for three weeks on reclaimed oak segments instead of living in a traditional barrel. Interestingly, the results are intriguing and unlike what you’d expect from accelerated aging. I hope to delve into DynaBarr in more detail soon. &NA
Milam & Greene Unabridged Volume 3
Giant The Prideful Goat Rye 12 Years Old
This one’s an oddity: 7 year old Canadian rye whiskey, rebarreled and aged 5 more years in used casks in Giant’s Houston, Texas distillery. While sweet, it’s not oppressive and shows more fruit than typical rye. $54
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