Chris Seals 3

Still Austin Is Keeping Whiskey Weird

Chris Seals
CEO, Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Watch now

Watch the Full Episode

When Chris Seals first read his father Cleveland’s post-retirement dream to launch a whiskey distillery in Austin—the city’s first since Prohibition—he was skeptical. But what started as a risky idea turned into a globally recognized whiskey brand that’s deeply rooted in Austin's creative spirit. In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast by Amplify Credit Union, Chief Experience Officer Stacy Armijo sits down with Seals, co-founder and CEO of Still Austin Whiskey Co., for a spirited conversation about entrepreneurship, innovation and, of course, whiskey.

Seals shares how building strong relationships with local farmers, emphasizing sustainable practices and honoring Austin’s boundary-pushing energy have helped Still Austin grow from a startup to a leader in the craft spirits industry. He also talks about what's next for the brand and why he’s focused on making Still Austin a 100-year company.

Whether you're a fan of small-batch bourbon, fascinated by Austin business stories or passionate about local makers, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Texas’ most successful and authentic whiskey brands.
Release date: October 2025
Guest:  Chris Seals, CEO, Still Austin Whiskey Co
Duration: ~30 minutes
Sponsor: Amplify Credit Union
Timecodes:
01:15
Putting Family Before Business: Why even a terrible business plan wasn’t enough to stop Still Austin from being born
17:44
Not Kindred Spirits: Why a big idea and a blank check aren’t always enough to build a successful sprits brand
19:03
Keep Whiskey Weird: How Still Austin brings beauty and creativity to the design of their products
26:41
Always and Never Changing: Why Austin’s penchant for looking backwards only tells half the story

What is Still Austin Whiskey Co.

Before Still Austin, you’d have to turn the clock back to Prohibition to find another Austin-based distillery. But since its launch in 2015, Still Austin has been a trailblazer for the Texas spirits scene, becoming one of the best-selling whiskey companies here in Texas. Still Austin is proud to be one of the only distilleries in Texas to source grains from local farmers, distilled ecologically in-house, and aged here in Austin.
Still Austin 1
Type: Beverage Manufacturing
Founded: 2015
Location: 440 East St. Elmo Road
Mission: To craft the most exquisite Texas bourbon whiskey.
Website: stillaustin.com
E09 - Chris Seals 1

Memorable Quotes from Chris Seals

Chris Seals
Chris Seals
CEO, Still Austin Whiskey Co.

“Austinites love to have more choices in what we eat and drink.”

“Everything in a really good quality whiskey needs to come from the place where it’s made.”

“The city is always changing, but our spirit is still Austin.”

“Not every place has the support of a group of people who will get behind something that is totally. That is why this town is so innovative.”

Changing Austin is Brought To You By Amplify Credit Union, Austin's Home for Fee-Free Commercial Banking.

Learn how Amplify's award-winning services can help your business.

Don’t Miss a Story from Austin

Be the first to hear new voices and untold stories from Austin’s most inspiring people.
Subscribe to receive new episodes, behind-the-scenes extras, and early release content.
*We respect your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime.
Thank you!
Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.