NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Stephen F. Austin Athletics and Texas-based Sisterdale Distilling Co. have partnered to offer Stone Fort bourbon to celebrate the iconic Stone Fort’s history that pre-dates the State of Texas itself. The officially licensed bourbon will be available for purchase throughout the region beginning August 1, 2023. Also starting on August, 1, the Centennial Stone Fort campaign will launch with various SFA Athletics donation levels that are accompanied by Stone Fort related gifts. The first 100 bottles will be available for selection as gifts based on giving levels and availability.
Produced by Sisterdale Distilling Co. in Sisterdale, Texas, Stone Fort is a high rye straight bourbon whiskey that is aged, filtered and bottled on-site at the 1,200 acre working cattle ranch located in the hill country North of San Antonio.
We are extremely excited to be able to launch this partnership with Sisterdale Distilling Co., and our very own bourbon that celebrates the history and beauty of East Texas. This has been an extremely collaborative effort with Sisterdale, and I am confident that ‘Jack Nation will enjoy this bourbon product. There are very few institutions with officially branded bourbon/whiskey partnerships. I am very appreciative of the work of our staff, our partners with Learfield/CLC and, of course, Sisterdale and the statewide businesses that will carry this great product.
Director of Athletics – Ryan Ivey
Make plans to join the greater East Texas Community at the official launch of Stone Fort Bourbon on Friday, July 28, 2023 at The Fredonia Hotel from 5:30 – 7pm. The event is free to attend and there will be live music, appetizers and giveaways given away throughout the event. We will also have an enter-to-win for a bottle of Stone Fort. The Fredonia Hotel will have two cash bars so attendees may try Stone Fort bourbon along with other beverages of their choice.
Served on the rocks, neat or in an Old Fashioned, Stone Fort Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the perfect way to celebrate SFA’s centennial year and savor the history associated with Stone Fort.
We are dedicated to making one thing: delicious bourbon. We painstakingly handcraft every drop of our bourbon and you will taste the difference. To capture a bit of Stone Fort’s history in every glass of Stone Fort Straight Bourbon Whiskey was a partnership that made great sense to us.
Sisterdale Distilling Co.
About Stone Fort Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Out of the barrel at 120 proof, Stone Fort is cut, bottled at 96-proof and aged, at least, two-and-a-half years. It includes notes of buttered popcorn with rum-soaked dried fruit and candy corn. On the palate, it has a creamy feel of brown butter caramel and coffee cake that moves to a lingering finish of cinnamon and applesauce. The finish is long and smooth with a balanced taste of sweet fruit and strong undertones of vanilla and spice.
We do everything by hand and pay particular attention to detail. Our bourbon is meticulously aged and cared for in the historic Texas hill country. Our unique bourbon has an aggressive character but is mellowed and ‘cooled’ with Texas Rainwater.
Co-Founder – Chad Gailey
Fans are encouraged to visit their local liquor stores throughout the state of Texas to request Stone Fort. The product, distributed by Republic National Distribution Company, will also be available in restaurants and bars across the region first, and then the state.
About Stone FortThe Stone Fort in Nacogdoches dates back to 1779 and was built originally as a trading post for settlers and Native Americans. With its second story, it remained the tallest building in Nacogdoches for nearly a century. Over the years, it has served many purposes including as a civic building and military headquarters for Spanish, Mexican and American forces. Originally built off-campus and closer to downtown, it was re-built on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University to celebrate the Texas Centennial. It now serves as inspiration for Stone Fort Bourbon to celebrate SFA’s Centennial.(1)
1. Archie P. McDonald, “Old Stone Fort,” Texas State Historical Association, November 29, 2022, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/old-stone-fort.