Fans have been swooning for Sam Heughan as James Fraser on “Outlander” since 2014. Now, he’s giving those fans another thing to appreciate him for with his line of spirits appropriately called Sassenach Spirits. Though the premium blended scotch whisky been around since 2020, this summer he’s launching Sassenach Wild Scottish gin. To support the release, he’s hosting bottle signings and special meet and greets around the US. Only six cities are lucky enough to be a part of the “Summer of Sassenach” and Austin is one of them!
Hundreds Waited In Line To Meet Sam Heughan In Austin
In the wee hours of the morning on August 10, fans started lining up outside of the Total Wine & More at Barbara Jordan Boulevard in the the Mueller Retail Center. Many drove in from other cities around Texas while others came from Oklahoma and even Florida! Some of the very first in line had actually already met Heughan in Houston a few days prior. But they were willing to do it all again here in Austin.
Braving hunger, sleep depravation, and the brutal Austin temperatures, fans at the front of the line waited outside the store for over 12 hours to see their favorite Starz star. Lucky number one in line was Tammie Lesley. The Midland resident told Austin.com that she left work the day before, hightailed it to Austin and got to the store right after midnight. We asked how big of a fan she really is. “The funny thing is, I didn’t even start watching it (“Outlander”) until about five weeks ago and then I could not put it down,” Lesley said. “I’m obsessed.”
As a reward for their hours long wait, fans got to meet Heughan, snap a picture with him, and purchase a signed bottle of The Sassenach.
So, was the wait worth it?
“He’s just like everybody says – very very sincere, very kind… there’s no pretentious thing about him,” Lesley gushed. “I just wish it lasted longer!”
Only one city on the tour remains. It’s Los Angeles on August 15 which gives you just a handful of days to book a last minute trip!
See more pictures and video of the event at SpilltheATX.com
