Balcones Texas Single Malt "1" Whiskey (Oct 21)
$69
Balcones Texas Single Malt “1” Whiskey (Oct 21)
Batch: SM21-1
Proof: 106
Age: “At Least 24 Months”
Distillery: Balcones Distillery
Type: Texas Single Malt Whiskey
Mash: 100% Barley
Website: Balcones Distillery
*Disclaimer: A score of 5 is the midpoint for my reviews. Above 5 I like it. Below 5 I didn’t for some reason. Most of my reviews are between 4-7. It takes something really really special to go above 7 or below 4. See the methodologies for rating at the end of the article
Nose: Very typical for a single malt whiskey. It lays a foundation with soft Cereal Grain background. Rolling in comes Pecan Pie, Honey, Soft Oak, and Baking Spices. What isn’t typical is I was expecting more heat on the nose, but this one presents itself as a 80 proof. There’s a little fruitiness that’s hanging around similar to Runts Candy.
Taste/Palate: There’s the proof! The alcohol isn’t bashful on the palate. Coming out swinging you have to wait for the alcohol to dissipate before experiencing any discernable flavors. Don’t fret through, the heat only lasts for a second or two. Once the heat fades away this pour really opens up. Pro tip: It takes 3 sips to get past the “Kentucky Hug” on this one. Brown Sugar, Crème Brule, & Toasted Malt hit first following the alcohol punch. The midpalate shows a shift to Leather and Banana Pudding.
Finish: Admittedly the finish is my favorite part. This dram has calmed down and showing a array of character. The Aforementioned sweetness pulls through and coupled with some Cinnamon and a little more toasted malt seals the deal. The finish will stick around for a medium to long finish.
Verdict: There are things I liked about this pour and things that I didn’t. The flavor profile is very good, but the young age of this dram doesn’t do the flavor profile any favors. It lacks overall balance and due to it’s age is rough around the edges. A very broad rule of thumb is a pour should cost $10-$15 a year. Balcones clocks in at $69 for a 24 month year old. I understand that putting pours together is less expensive depending on size and scale of the distillery, but $35 a year is a bit much. I don’t judge value based solely on age mind you, if this delivered and tasted like a $70 bottle all would be forgiven. This bottle outran it’s headlights and probably should have sat for another couple of years. Since the distillery has been producing since 2009 I would think their flag ship whiskey would increase in age a little as the distillery gets older, but this seems to be the age they are shooting for. I will pass by it in the future unless I see a higher age number on the bottle and give it a revisit then.
The Story: Along the lines of Garrison Brothers this one came recommended. I didn’t care for Garrison Brothers due to their high price tag, but more importantly a taste that showed it’s young age. This one is no different. There are many things about the pour that I did like, but I just couldn’t get around the jagged edges you experience from start to finish. If you want a “it puts hair on your chest” experience this is for you. Don’t get me wrong, I like many high proof spirits with kick, but I like that kick with more balance.
The Distillery’s Story: “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.”
“In 2008, Balcones was nothing more than an idea driven by a passion to create something original and authentic, right here in the Heart of Texas. It all started in an old welding shop under a bridge in Waco. For the next year, we replaced the roofing, knocked out walls, laid brick, cut pipes, installed copper pot stills from Portugal, and shoehorned a whiskey distillery inside a quaint building. Proud of what we had accomplished on our own, we began distilling in 2009.”
Methodologies for Rating:
1. Dump it down the drain or regift it to someone you don’t care for.
2. This doesn’t even belong in a mixed drink. Use in case of an emergency.
3. It’s really not for me, but I heard some people like it.
4. Its only good when I’ve had too many and it’s decent in a mixer.
5. Average. Not bad, but not special.
6. Above average. Good to bring to an event and you wouldn’t expect any guff from it.
7. Buy two if you see it to make sure you have one on reserve.
8. Very Very good. Constantly a GREAT POUR.
9. Superb. If I were to drink this and only this from now on I’d be a happy person.
10. Perfection is impossible. But this really comes as close as you can possibly get.
Reviewer: David S
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