Balcones Texas Single Malt

The Balcones Texas whiskey introduces an American Single Malt whiskey meant to imitate the single malt scotch, being a big single malt scotch drinker I look forward to this dram and how the Texas influences the taste of a scotch-esque pour. The nose—definitely has a mild nose, there’s a nuttiness with a sweet overtone along with an influence of cherry. Just enough to make for a unique aroma but it was not easily detectable at the time of review. The taste—the robust flavor is unique and balanced, the experience is complex and inviting never too much of one thing and very impressive for such a young drink. Toasted nuts, caramel, oak, and a slightly bitter spice coat your tongue before a velvet finish is soft but impressive with notes of cherry and tobacco flavoring. The flavor of malted barley is noticeable and welcome, the spice/heat is very slight but forward enough to exchange a great blast of flavor that lights up your taste buds. This is very well done, the taste is complex and layered as well as it is consistent—for an age so young the craftsmanship is very impressive! This unique experience would make for a great pair with a cigar as well as a enriching experience of dark fruits, wood, tobacco and a very welcoming spice! This is a must try for any scotch drinker looking for a unique experience! Well done Balcones, well done. —the scotch guy”

This has become my gateway whiskey for friends looking to get started on their whiskey journey. Maybe it’s because I spent a few years of my life living in and loving Texas which has made me biased to Balcones and Garrison Brothers but neither one ever disappoints me. The nose is rich butterscotch, mesquite, raisins, vanilla, caramel covered bread pudding. Tasting has all the same notes as the smell but with a mouth coating oily texture that finishes with a mocha coffee and butterscotch that lingers for a long time. So glad VA ABC always has these in stock so I can keep a favorite stocked and an easy gift for friends. Hopefully one day Lineage and some of their tequila finished whiskey makes it on shelves or I convince my wife to move back to Texas so I can just be a permanent fixture in their distillery.

Nose after long rest: chocolate, vanilla, raisin, toasted walnuts, nougat, strawberry? Taste: Begins with a sweet and salty - sweet vanilla caramel and some salted butter and toast on the backend with some fruit coming in mid taste, chocolate covered strawberries, with that persisting through the finish. Moderately long finish with nuances developing between char, chocolate, and fruit cake, and some spicy anise.

This is delicious! Rich in flavor. Fruity and woody. Scotchy. Yummy!

Great flavor for a whiskey. Pretty darn smooth

Nose is very much of burnt sugars, almost reminiscent of a Jamaican rum. Also notes of apricot, plum, honey, and thoroughly stewed and spiced apples. It tastes sweet, with stewed raisins, warm spices, and a crackeriness somewhere between a cinnamon cookie and a s'more. Finishes with juicy raisins. Has this undercurrent of that dry, toffee, burnt sugar and tobacco taste I associate with Balcones. The ex-bourbon barrels come through very prominently. Not your typical single malt. Instantly recognizably Balcones.