The woman behind the barrel at Still Austin.
By Emily Maldonado
The Texas whiskey scene has been sizzling in recent years, with Austin emerging as a rising force in the spirits world. At the forefront of this movement is Nancy Fraley, the Master Blender at Still Austin Whiskey Co., who has just received the prestigious title of Women of Whiskey’s 2024 Master Blender of the Year. Fraley’s achievements are as impressive as they are inspiring, shining a light on the craftsmanship, science and artistry required to create whiskey that is both nuanced and bold.
Known in industry circles as “Nancy the Nose,” Fraley’s journey into whiskey began not in a traditional setting, but in the revered Cognac and Armagnac regions of France. Under the guidance of Master Blenders, she learned old world techniques that continue to shape her approach to blending today. Among the skills she mastered was the art of Slow Water Reduction, a practice that emphasizes patience and care to reveal layers of complexity in the spirit. Fraley brought this technique to Still Austin, enhancing each sip of her blends with a taste profile that is rich and deeply textured.
Her blending talent took center stage with the release of Still Austin’s flagship bourbon, The Musician, in 2020, which put the distillery on the map as Austin’s first true grain-to-glass distillery since the end of Prohibition. Each bottle is infused with a sense of place, representing the Texas terroir through locally sourced grains and meticulous craft. For Fraley, blending is more than a skill, it’s a calling. Her sensory talents and scientific approach to spirits have garnered both local and national admiration, with the Women of Whiskey (WOW) award representing yet another high point in her career.
Organized in partnership with the Bourbon Women Foundation, the WOW Awards honor women leaders who have not only made significant contributions to whiskey but who are also actively paving the way for future generations.
“In an industry with a predominantly male presence, I hope this recognition encourages more women to pursue their passion for whiskey and bring their unique perspectives to the craft,” Fraley shared.
Her humility and drive to uplift others reflect her deep commitment to the whiskey community and her hope to inspire other women to find their path in the industry.
Beyond blending, Fraley’s impact on the whiskey world extends through her innovative contributions. She developed *The Craft Whiskey Aroma Wheel*, a now-standard tool that helps categorize and analyze whiskey aromas, guiding both connoisseurs and novices in exploring the diverse world of whiskey. Her exceptional sense of smell – a superpower in the industry – earns her high praise and her memorable nickname, “Nancy the Nose.” She is known for her ability to detect even the faintest nuances, offering insights that transform each bottle of Still Austin whiskey into a work of art.
As Fraley steps forward with her recent accolade, her work continues to break boundaries and set a new standard for what a whiskey can be. For her, each blend is not just about technical perfection; it’s about honoring the traditions she learned in France, embracing the innovation she’s fostered at Still Austin and championing the next generation of women in whiskey. Fraley’s story is more than a personal success, it’s a tribute to the evolving role of women in the world of spirits and a reminder that the best whiskey is often found where artistry and science meet.
Fraley’s recognition as Women of Whiskey’s Master Blender of the Year is a reminder of the extraordinary talent making whiskey here in the Lone Star State. Her win is a proud moment for the team at Still Austin, and for anyone who’s passionate about the booming growth of Texas whiskey. Cheers to Nancy Fraley, a trailblazer in the truest sense, whose journey continues to raise the bar for women in whiskey – one perfectly crafted barrel at a time.