Still Austin Whiskey Co., a homegrown distillery situated in the heart of South Austin, Texas, today announced the addition of two accomplished industry veterans—Rudolfo “Rudy” Ruiz and John Scarborough—to its Board of Directors.
Ruiz brings more than 40 years of supplier and distributor experience in the beverage alcohol industry. Currently the managing director at Park Street, Ruiz is the former EVP at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. He also spent 25 years at Bacardi in various leadership roles that included president and CEO of Bacardi Asia/Pacific, president of Bacardi Global Brands, and president and CEO of Bacardi USA. Rudy graduated from The University of Puerto Rico with degrees in accounting and finance.
Scarborough is the CEO of Austin-based Ranch Rider Spirits Co., and the former president of Deep Eddy Vodka, where he oversaw all functions of the brand, including operations, financial management and planning. His career also includes leadership positions in publishing, telecom and ecommerce. John is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and earned his MBA in finance from The University of Texas at Austin.
“Rudy and John are invaluable additions to our Board and will help us to reach our long-term expansion plan,” said Chris Seals, CEO of Still Austin, in a press release. “Their industry experience and track record for building world-class brands will be essential as we increase the footprint of our flagship Straight Bourbon Whiskey and American Gin, both in Texas and beyond.”
“Still Austin Whiskey Co. possesses all the key factors for success: great leadership, a growing category, and a portfolio of quality products produced in a state that’s emerging as a distinct whiskey region,” said Ruiz. “It’s a privilege to be a part of Still Austin’s team.”
“I’ve been a fan of Still Austin since they launched and am excited to join the Board to help them achieve their bold ambitions for the brand,” said Scarborough. “Chris Seals has assembled a solid team that’s making high-quality products with a bright future.”
Still Austin is an independent craft whiskey distillery founded in 2015, focused on a true grain-to-glass concept that produces the highest quality whiskey and gin using local resources and sustainable practices. The team makes everything from scratch—milling the grains, fermenting the mash, and distilling the spirit in two types of stills. Last Fall, the company introduced its flagship straight bourbon whiskey (aka The Musician), depleting an impressive 6,276 4.5L cases within six months. This March, the team launched a full packaging rebrand for its signature American Gin (aka The Naturalist), the first rye gin made in the Lone Star State. The distilling team is led by Head Distiller John Schrepel, Master Blender Nancy Fraley and veteran Master Distiller Mike Delevante, one of the most experienced and respected distillers in North America, who designed the Still Austin distillery to make the highest quality bourbon.