Austin 101 Light Whiskey is a true reflection of the city it’s named after—full of character. Drawing inspiration from Austin’s eclectic music scene, booming tech culture, and its motto of “Keep Austin Weird,” the creators sought to craft a whiskey that is just as ambitious and inviting.
Focused on using grains straight from the panhandle, Austin 101 gives a nod to traditional methods but with a Texas twist. They even finish the distillation process in recycled oak whiskey barrels, promoting the importance of sustainability. The result? An approachable, smooth whiskey that quickly gained praise at its first farm-to-market foodie fair.
“We like to think Austin 101 Light Whiskey was born from the marriage of Austin’s vibrant, rule-breaking culture and a desire to elevate the humble grain to whiskey stardom, all while keeping an eye on the environment,” says Jeff Harlan, founder of All Angles / ATX Rally Car Club.
Austin 101 is available at several liquor store retailers to make it easy for fans to enjoy wherever they go, as well as behind the bar at Spare Birdie Public House, where it’s become a staple. The local car community has embraced Austin 101 as their go-to brand, particularly at luxury car meets held at Spare Birdie, put on by Cars and Custard.
Drawing folks from across the area, Cars and Custard is an event that began in late 2019 when then-high school senior, Logan Rodriguez, approached Harlan. He mentioned an interest in hosting a car meet for youth, suggesting Andy’s Frozen Custard as a centralized location.
“When he went off to college, we agreed that I would keep it going. We’ve hosted almost 100 meets now and have a loyal family of all ages,” says Harlan. “Our family-friendly atmosphere is what attracts a consistent crowd of car enthusiasts that come to see and learn more about our growing car culture in Cedar Park.”
Check out austin101whiskey.com for delicious recipes and get to know the brand! And to keep up with upcoming Cars and Custard meets, follow @cars.custard on Instagram.