Balcones Texas Rye 100 Proof

Similar smell to other balcones products, must be the barrels or climate. Like bbq sauce and cherry cola on the nose. Some chocolateyness and herbaciousness to the palate.

This one smells like a rye. Classic barnyard stubble, sandalwood, apple, honey, graham crackers, allspice, ginger and cinnamon. Palate melds the nose in a smooth woody, brown sugar and apple-forward blend. Leathery caramel, if that’s a thing. Cocoa tobacco. Not complex but enjoyable. Has backbone. Would be complimented by a flannel shirt and a cigar. Not a light, summery rye and that’s ok with me. Finishes with molasses-soaked wood and a hint of chocolate cherry. I don’t understand the low reviews on this one.

So this is a single . . . rye? Interesting. A 100/100? Hmmmm. Pretty harsh at the top, but flitting and fleeing complexity lies beneath the dark surface. Water is a friend here. Burnt butter? Elusive chemical notes. Some oak dust. Turpentine/solvent. Pipe bowl. Whisper of vanilla frosting. Ultimately, not my thing. Balcones continues to issue momentarily interesting novelties

Solid