What's Eric Eating Episode 139

Acclaimed Houston pitmaster's smokin' hot story, plus the best takeout meals

Misty and Russell Roegels.

Photo by Eric Sandler

On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," Russell Roegels joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss the changes he's made at Roegels Barbecue in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The conversation begins with Roegels explaining the decision he and his wife Misty made five years ago to leave the Baker's Ribs franchise and begin cooking new recipes under the own name.

The move has been a successful one for the business. It ranks in Texas Monthly's list of the state's 50 best barbecue joints and ranks 85th on CultureMap's list of Houston's top 100 restaurants. Serving consistently excellent staples such as brisket and pork ribs helps explain the acclaim, but Roegels also discusses the various specials, such as pastrami and whole hog, that have made the restaurant a hit with smoked-meat aficionados.

Roegels has made a number of changes to his restaurant in response to the restrictions placed on restaurants. Tape Xes demonstrate where to stand six feet apart, and a plexiglass barrier separates customers from the restaurant's employees. On a more personal note, Roegels sends out emails on a near-daily basis to update customers on the restaurant. Sandler asks the pitmaster what inspired him to take to the keyboard.

"I was scared to death. That's why I sent the first one," Roegels says. "I was so scared that I was going to lose everything I had worked 20-something years for, and I was going to do anything I could to let people know we are still here, we are still serving barbecue, we're taking extra precautions to keep them safe, and to thank them for all their support over the years."

Prior to the interview, co-host Felice Sloan joins Sandler to discuss the news of the week. Their topics include: restaurants selling grocery items to supplement their to-go business, H-E-B's initiative to sell prepared items from three Houston restaurants, Indigo chef Jonny Rhodes opening a grocery store, and Turkey Leg Hut expanding its dining room.

In the restaurants of the week segment, the hosts describe some of their recent takeout meals from Truth BBQ, Craft Pita, and Molina's.

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Texas bourbon named one of 2024's top 10 whiskies

Still Austin Whiskey Co. Red Corn Bourbon Whiskey

Still Austin Whiskey Co./Facebook

Now if only we could snag a bottle...as a Christmas gift, of course.

Three cheers for Still Austin Whiskey Co.! The distillery's Bottled in Bond Red Corn Bourbon Whiskey was recognized as one of Whisky Advocate'sTop 20 Most Exciting Whiskies of 2024.

Every year, Whisky Advocate's expert panelists rank hundreds of whiskies based on their quality, availability, value for the price, and "X-factor," meaning an excitement-inducing component like a unique flavor or an innovative idea. An international panel also reviews contenders through several blind taste tests without knowing each whisky's producer, origin, age, or price.

The magazine ranked Still Austin's five-year Red Corn Bourbon No. 7 on the list with a prestigious score of 94 points. The Red Corn whiskey, which was released in June 2024, has mash bill consisting of 36 percent Jimmy Red corn, 34 percent white corn, 25 percent rye, and 5 percent barley.

According to panelist Shane English, tasting notes start big and bold with cracked pepper, dusty leather, and cocktail cherries, before moving on to a palate of chile pepper, caramel, and buttery cornbread.

"Each sip is electric — the pepper gives this whiskey a zing balanced by poundcake and glazed doughnuts," English said. "Charred oak fades to chocolate, coffee, and pecan pie on the finish."

Still Austin had the only Texas product on the list, which was fitting given the brand's recent boasting that it could match any Kentucky Bourbon. As a game day stunt when the Texas Longhorns played the Kentucky Wildcats in November, Still Austin refilled empty Kentucky Bourbon bottles with its own Cask Strength Bourbon for just $1.

When the brand isn't playfully antagonizing Kentucky fans, its Red Corn Bourbon sells for a retail price of $85 per 750-milliliter bottle, falling nearly in the middle of the price category out of all 20 bourbons on the list, with eight others priced for less.

For additional context, none of the top five bourbons fall under a $100 price tag. In fact, the most expensive bottle on the 2024 list is the Angel's Envy 2023 Cask Strength Port Wine Barrel Finished Bourbon, which ranked No. 12 and retails for $230 per bottle.

"Our top 20 whiskies represent a curated collection that deserves your attention. Each whisky on the list stands out for its superb taste, representing the pinnacle of a year filled with remarkable tastings," said executive editor David Fleming in a release. "This list features whiskies offering exceptional value, leaders in their respective styles, and superbly made expressions that are well worth seeking out."

Whiskey Advocate's 2024 Whiskey of the Year is Laphroaig Elements 2.0 Cask Strength Scotch Single Malt, which earned 95 points and retails for $165 a bottle.

whiskey bourbon distilleries awards lists