Balcones Texas Rye 100 Proof

A blatant rye on the nose with all kinds of cacoa nibs. First sip was a bit of a shock, but as it mellowed the nose began to match the taste. Would make a good Manhattan

Nose - mint chocolate chip ice cream, burnt brown sugar, clove, black pepper, grass, dusty corn, sweet dough, mild to moderate ethanol burn. Taste - chocolate mint, clove, allspice, caramel, cherry, vanilla, molasses, cinnamon, grass, bitter herbal notes, black pepper, moderate alcohol bite, finishing medium length with mint, chocolate, and baking spice flavors. What a strange rye! This is closer to liquefied Andes mints than a traditional example of the category. It’s robust and definitely has that bold Balcones backbone. However, there isn’t a tremendous amount of complexity, and the finish falls a bit flat, but it’s decent whiskey. I can see this one being divisive. Rye purists will likely balk, but it’s priced right at $40 a bottle. I think it’s worth picking up if you want to try something slightly wacky. This marks the beginning of a series of ten Texas whiskey reviews, which I’ve been really excited to kick off while patiently collecting various samples and bottles since my last run of Texas whiskey reviews a few months back. Over the next week or so, I’ll be tasting multiple expressions from Balcones, Garrison Brothers, and Ironroot Republic. I’m thinking that this rye will be the worst of the group, as I have some really solid whiskies on deck. Stay tuned!

Most disappointing pour I have ever had. Overwhelming coffee and leather.

So different from most ryes, chocolatey with a spicy almost cinnamon finish.

Nose: Mexican chocolate, coffee grounds, vegetable oil, apples and a hint of herbs. Palate: Semi-sweet, rounded, somewhat viscous, chocolate and coffee notes, none of the usual rye herbal notes. Finish: Medium length, chocolate and coffee notes and a strange vegetal note, maybe like the water from steamed broccoli?, idk, it’s a bit strange and not sure if I like it or not. This is unlike any other rye I have tasted. It’s unique, complex, weird, compelling.