How to address the elephant in the (bar)room that is Texas whiskey? I hadn't planned on it, but then I ran across this 5 cl miniature at my favorite liquor store. I just saw a big number '1' emblazoned on the label with the words, "Texas Single Malt". Naturally, this peaked my curiosity. Because as everyone knows, California is number one (.. and done). I decided to include this stylish, glass usurper with my purchase. On with the particulars. Nice aroma with cinnamon, dark spice, and cherry. (I don't take much stock in the nose. As far as I'm concerned it's perfume and distilled stuff I don't want to read about.) The initial palate is a burst of cinnamon and red licorice. Follow on sips emphasize a cinnamon red hots note. The finish is a tad drying, with soft leather and rafter oak. A half teaspoon of water opens up the aroma with an undertone of toffee or caramel, lying beneath the dominant cinnamon note. With water on the palate, I detect a borderline sherry influence, but it is held in check by the cinnamon wagon as its base. Still, no sulphuric nastiness. (That's more than I can say for many single malt scotches.) Despite the ABV of 53%, there's surprisingly little prickle. This will make for a delightful winter whiskey, no doubt. But the over-the-top cinnamon note drowns out the other whiskey nerdy things I could've liked about it. In any event, I'm impressed with what Balcones has accomplished under the conditions that is Texas heat. I'd imagine that must take serious skills and/or b---s. This single malt definitely has a time and place for an occasional dram. However, there's just not enough here for me to warrant a full bottle purchase. To wrap things up, while there's a 'Woah' aspect in drinking this, there isn't enough 'Giddy Up' to keep at it. My Rating Glossary: Two Stars: "I'd rather be drinking lite beer." Two 1/2 Stars: "Posh rubbish." Three Stars: "I love whisk(e)y. This is average love." Three 1/2 Stars: "May buy again." Four Stars: "I've got to get you into my life." Four 1/2 Stars: "Better than drugs." Five Stars: "Life is good. Whisky makes it better."