Texas whiskey is something a little bit special. Their climate is vastly different than traditional whiskey making regions in the US: Kentucky, Tennessee. Balcones has been on the scene since 2008 - pretty early in the whiskey boom. And they have made waves in the whiskey scene by making big bold whiskeys with dense flavors, the biggest and boldest being Brimstone. We’re going to sip on 6 of their whiskeys at this tasting event.
This is a big one with so many whiskeys to get through I’ll definitely have some munchables for everyone. Also, the price of your ticket will go toward your bottle purchase - that could mean a $5 bottle of bourbon to take home the night of the event.
We’ll be tasting through Texas Pot Still Bourbon, Baby Blue, True Blue, Lineage Single Malt Whiskey, 1 Single Malt Whiskey, and Brimstone Shrub Oak Smoked Whiskey. See descriptions below:
Baby Blue
The first Texas whisky on the market since Prohibition, Baby Blue is crafted from roasted heirloom blue corn. This rich and oily maize adds new sophistication to the corn whisky tradition while keeping the freshness and verve of classic American distilling. Intentionally youthful, Baby Blue captures the essence of this prized corn with a round nuttiness, roasted overtones and refined complexity. The mouthfeel is viscous with a soft finish. A true Texas original that we are delighted to share with the world.
True Blue
True Blue 100 is made from the same select barrels of our blue corn whisky that have always gone into our True Blue Cask Strength, diluted down to 100 proof. As such, many Bourbon drinkers, in particular, may gravitate to this powerfully subtle dram. Since the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, ‘100 proof’ has long stood for quality and authenticity. True Blue 100 carries on that tradition. 100% of the whisky in this bottle was born, raised, and bottled at Balcones–from mash to glass. More approachable than full cask-strength whisky, True Blue 100 retains the depth and complexity of over-proof spirits with the softer edges, supple textures and fuller fruitiness that slight dilution can bring. Rich notes of honeyed citrus, stone fruit and cinnamon and a rich, roasted corn palate. Perfect “as is” or with as much water as you prefer.
Pot Still Bourbon
Big flavors have always been the cornerstone of our prized Texas Whiskies, and Texas Pot Still Bourbon is no exception. Made grain-to-glass using a traditional pot still distillation ensures a rich and viscous spirit that stands up to aging in new charred oak without losing its essence. Each dram is full of character and body, with an aromatic entry and soft finish, for an approachable yet memorable experience.
Lineage Single Malt Whiskey
Lineage is a marrying of the traditional Scotch Single Malts that have long been an inspiration to us with innovative approaches to grain and maturation to celebrate Texas provenance. Made from both Scottish and Texas-grown barley and aged in both refill and new oak barrels, Lineage celebrates both old and new traditions.
Texas Single Malt Whiskey
A timeless style of malt whisky, Balcones “1” Texas Single Malt breathes new life into centuries of distilling tradition with classic techniques and ingredients adapted for New World tastes. Opening aromas bear hints of toffee and overripe fruits. On the palate, layers of toasted malt and honey give way to mellow notes of baked pears and apples. A long finish is accompanied by cinnamon and cloves. Texas made, Texas proud, we hope you enjoy the whisky we owe our success to as much as we enjoy making it.
Brimstone Shrub Oak Smoked Whiskey
This one-of-a-kind whisky is smoked with sun-baked Texas scrub oak using our own secret process. The result is a whisky full of fresh, youthful corn and light fruit notes married with a bold smokiness. Whether you like smoky whiskies, or just have a penchant for big, new flavors, Brimstone is sure to be a memorable pour. Aromas of masa, Texas campfire and powdered sugar backed by stone fruit, peppery spice, and mint. Bold yet balanced, Brimstone is yet another Texas original from Balcones.