Still Austin Whiskey Co. Wins Rising Brand Award
The St. Elmo distillery earned the honor after hosting 100,000 visitors in 2025.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Cocktails
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St. Elmo’s Still Austin Whiskey Co. has been named Rising Drinks Brand of the Year by Next Wave, marking a significant milestone for the local distillery. The recognition follows a banner year in 2025 where the facility hosted 100,000 visitors, highlighting the growth of the local spirit scene.
Why it matters
The distillery’s success reflects the broader expansion of Texas spirit production, which has surged nationally since state law changes in 2013 allowed local distillers to sell directly to consumers. This growth has turned parts of the St. Elmo neighborhood into a destination for residents and tourists alike.
The distillery recorded 100,000 visitors in 2025, contributing to a national landscape that saw American whiskey production hit 350 million proof gallons in 2024. Whether this award influences future regional tourism numbers remains to be seen.
The players
Still Austin Whiskey Co.
An Austin-based distillery located in the St. Elmo neighborhood that uses 100 percent Texas grains.
Cleveland Seals
The founder who initiated the whiskey distillery project in 2012.
John Schrepel
The distiller who produced the first liquid for the company in 2017.
The details
Founded in 2012 by Cleveland Seals, the distillery broke ground in St. Elmo in 2014 and produced its first liquid in 2017. The brand distinguishes itself by using 100 percent Texas grains, including white corn for its Musician bourbon and Brasetto rye for its Artist rye whiskey. The company utilizes élevage methods for maturation, a practice made more viable by local legislative shifts that permitted on-premise tastings and direct sales.
Timeline
Cleveland Seals initiated the whiskey distillery project in 2012.
State law changed in 2013 to allow direct spirit sales to consumers.
The facility broke ground in the St. Elmo neighborhood in 2014.
John Schrepel distilled the company's first liquid in 2017.
The distillery recorded 100,000 visitors in 2025.
The Texas Context
The rise of the distillery follows the 2013 Texas law allowing direct spirit sales, which fundamentally changed the economics of local craft beverage production. This regulatory shift paved the way for the company's growth from a 2012 project into a destination that draws over 100,000 visitors annually.
Residents visiting the St. Elmo facility can experience the distillery's production methods firsthand, as it remains open for public tours and tastings. Those interested in local spirits can observe how the brand utilizes Texas-grown grains in its core Musician and Artist product lines.
The takeaway
The success of this local distillery highlights how state-level legislative changes can foster the growth of niche regional agriculture and craft production. Keep an eye on how St. Elmo continues to develop as a hub for local manufacturing and tourism in the coming year.
Further reading
You can learn more about the local scene in our Cocktails section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by VinePair.
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