Balcones Brimstone

Enjoying neat from a freshly opened bottle. The nose is reminiscent of sweet BBQ. The palette is a mix of sweet and savory. The corn sweetness comes through in spades as does the smoke. The alcohol is not as noticeable as the 106 proof may lead one to believe. Continued sipping gains some rough edges, not sure if acclimating to the sweetness or if the proof is building on the palette. This is not a subtle dram but I am enjoying it very much. Note that 30-45 minutes after my drink I was still exhaling the smoke (like after sitting around a smoky fire but delicious and enjoyable). It also made the sub sandwich I had taste like it was smoked. Went back to this dram the next day and the smokiness was still there but was either subdued or hiding behind the rough and sharp notes that made me think young whiskey (the age statement on my bottle is aged at least one day in oak). Came back to this about a week after opening and I do not like. The delicious savory BBQ are gone and young whiskey notes are dominate. Tried opening the whiskey with water and it emphasizes the sweetness on the nose and dulled the sharp edges on the palette but did not bring the savory deliciousness back. I am sad as it was so good when first opened.

Needs substantial water to open up

One of my absolute favorites. Burnt sugar, cooked vanilla, and a little smoky wood. Very smooth

Abolutely unique and definitely my cup of tea. Chewy smoke that adds depth without smothering the corn.

Good for something interesting but not a whole bottle.