In a Baby Bourbon

Words Janine Stankus | Photos Baptiste Despois

In 1849, Rutherford B. Hayes opined of our city, “Austin is an inconsiderable village…with ‘large expectations’…full of discharged ‘Rangers’…costumes of every variety …Fierce Whiskers, gaming, and drinking very abounding in all quarters.” Over a century and a half later, the founders of Fierce Whiskers distillery clap back with an establishment that celebrates Austin’s singular spirit.

Opened in 2021 by Houston natives Tri Vo and Tim Penney, Fierce Whiskers is one of a strikingly small group of Austin distilleries, and they’re determined to prove Texas’ mettle in the game. They’re known for their Texas tight cut, which refers to the process of separating the products of distillation into four categories: foreshots (undrinkable), heads (drinkable, but not great), hearts (the good stuff)‌, and tails (also not tasty).

Getting to those healthy hearts requires near-surgical precision. “Our team watches and refines these cuts to perfection, which creates more heart,” explains Chief Commercial Officer Christina Costello. “The ‘tight cut’ creates a unique flavor that only Fierce Whiskers can claim.”

In the world of whiskey-making, that flavor is determined by a number of factors. Fierce Whiskers sources their grain from Texas farmers and recycles the by-product to feed cattle. They use a reverse osmosis water process to ensure water quality. But what most differentiates Fierce Whiskers’ product is an elegant copper still that towers over the production facility like a shining steampunk relic. “Our uncommon approach of pot-distilling (versus column) creates a flavor that stands out among many other distilleries across the country,” explains Christina.

Guests get to enjoy the fruits of this unique process in a bright, modern taproom with soaring ceilings, with warm wood and leather accents. The tall expansive windows overlook six acres of manicured land, tucked into an unlikely corner of southeast Austin’s industrial neighborhood. And rumor has it that there’s a downtown sunset view if you arrive at the right hour.

The property boasts another unique feature: a four-story rickhouse where the distilled hearts go to luxuriate in charred American oak barrels. It’s an industrial-looking complex comprised of shelves and open grate floors, designed to filter air in just the right way for the product to age naturally.

The rickhouse currently holds over 4,000 barrels and a few cheeky surprises. If you scan the bottoms of the barrels, you might catch the likeness of former President Rutherford B. Hayes printed on one or two. “It’s our way of sticking it to the man,” says brand ambassador Colin McGifford. “We kind of hope Rutherford is rolling in his grave.”

Contact:
5333 Fleming Ct.
fiercewhiskers.com
@fiercewhiskers