Brimstone is made from 100% Blue Corn like other whiskys from Balcones, too. In a distinctive process not the grain but the whisky itself is smoked using sun-baked Texas scrub oak. Innovative techniques such at this are a great example of how micro distilleries like Balcones redefine the art of whisk(e)y making.

Facts

Balcones Brimstone

Nose

A bit burned rubber to start with. Only short-lived this note adds an interesting touch to the aroma and is not unpleasant at all. But now its BBQ time! Very gentle hickory smoke, sweet and spicy BBQ sauce and roasted meat. More in the background a heavy sweetness of honey and sugar syrup.

Taste

Right off the bat a very big oak influx to the palate. A peppery spiciness balanced by some honey and brown sugar. Hickory smoked BBQ sauce

Finish

very, very, very long – no joke, the finish is literally endless. Hints of peppery oak. More smoke to finish things off

Conclusion 

No prisoners taken! This whisky rolls over you like an uncompromising bulldozer but in a extremely satisfying way.

Score: 95 / 100

Facts

Balcones Baby Blue

Nose

Some difficult to pin down sweetness in the foreground. Some soft notes of honey and toffee but also with a certain sourly touch to it. Reminds me almost of sweet balsamic vinaigrette. In the background corn chips, corn syrup and corn bread. Also some hints of toasted oak. Overall a rather light and not utterly complex aroma.

Taste

A rather mild palate entry. Sweets and sweetish apple. A pretty strong spiciness develops. Chili peppers. Also some light nutty taste of hazelnuts. The spiciness  now steps back to make space for salted caramel and burned popcorn.

Finish

middle to long, again a bit spiciness paired with some sweetish nuances.

Conclusion

For sure very different and interesting but not really convincing to me. Just a bit too inconsistent and immature for my taste. Not bad my any means but still a bit away from being good.

Score:  69 / 100