The 11,500 feet (3500m) South Texas well was targeting a gross potential of 40-75 billion cubic feet of gas and 1.2-2.4 million barrels of condensate.

Operator CICO Oil and Gas Company flowed the well over two days on a restricted choke, at a rate averaging around 1.7 million cubic feet of gas per day and 120 barrels of condensate per day.

No water was produced and the flowing pressure was steady at over 7000 psi, according to Antares.

“The rate was intentionally restricted during the clean-up phase to ensure minimum reservoir damage was caused,” the company said.

“However it is our belief from the pressure data that the well is capable of a higher sustainable production rate. The well is currently shut-in for a pressure build-up, and pipeline connection options are being assessed.”

The gas had a fairly low level of carbon dioxide and was likely to be within normal pipeline specifications, according to Antares.

Outlar-1 targeted the Cook Mountain Formation, which has produced strongly for several nearby gas fields.

The well location was supported by 3D seismic, amplitude and AVO anomalies and the prospect area is up-dip of a 2004 discovery that initially flowed at 7 MMcf/d and 400bbl condensate per day.

“This well is still producing strongly and the operator is preparing to drill an offset well in the near future,” Antares said in August.

The West Wharton project area has three additional prospects as well as several appraisal locations, according to Antares managing director Howard McLaughlin.

“We feel at this stage this well will be a strong producer and these results increase the likelihood of successful wells on the adjacent follow-up prospects,” he said.

Antares has a 30% working interest in the West Wharton Project, which will reduce to 26.25% upon first sales.