Kung Fu Controversy

Another Kung Fu Saloon controversy: Employee charged with brutal attack on patron

Kung Fu Saloon, the downtown bar famous for its arcade games — oh, and enforcing dress code policies that patrons in Austin and Dallas have criticized as racist — is under fire once again.

The Austin Police Department launched an investigation following a November 16 attack on Joey O'Hare, a 23-year-old man from San Antonio, which left him unconscious and lying in a pool of blood on the Kung Fu patio.

On November 25, APD issued an arrest warrant for Robert Camillone, 24, an employee of Kung Fu. According to the affidavit, security footage shows Camillone wrapping his arms around the victim's neck rendering him unconscious. At that point, Camillone drops O'Hare on his face.

According to KVUE, O'Hare was in Austin to spend time with childhood friends. The group went to dinner and then migrated over to Kung Fu. In an interview with KVUE, O'Hare's friend Adriana Chavez said she didn't witness the attack, but walked outside immediately after and found O'Hare unconscious.

O'Hare, who is currently in the Intensive Care Unit at University Medical Center Brackenridge, has already undergone one brain surgery and is slated to undergo a second on Tuesday morning. Speaking with KVUE, O'Hare's parents, Joseph and Sylvia, said he is a graduate of St. Mary's University and recently spent time as a finance intern in New York City.

Kung Fu has yet to issue a formal statement, but did release the following to KVUE:

The safety of our customers is always our highest priority. We appreciate APD's assistance with this and wish the best to Mr. O'Hare and everyone affected.

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cheers to that

Still Austin bourbon named one of the top 10 whiskies of 2024

Still Austin Whiskey Co. Red Corn Bourbon Whiskey

Still Austin Whiskey Co. - Facebook

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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.

austin whiskey bourbon distilleries awards