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

Balcones ‘1’ Texas Single Malt Special Release is made from 100% malted Golden Promise barley and is handcrafted in small batches. Each batch goes through several barrels of different sizes and woods before the final aging is done in big barrels. Every barrel is bottled by hand.

Facts

Balcones ‘1’ Texas Single Malt Speacial Release

Nose

A fresh and clean start, almost a bit minty. Developing notes of baked apples and pears and warm bread with honey. A vanilla undertone which gets stronger with time. Now also burnt sugar almonds. Suggestions of roasting flavors and oak.

Taste

Apples and other light fruits to start with. But this mild feeling does not last long and and a noticeable spiciness comes to light. Hazelnuts and pepper. Then the taste makes another turn. Milky coffee with brown sugar which moves into espresso and bitter chocolate.

Finish

Long. Warming in the finish and slightly dry. Latte with hazelnut syrup and cinnamon. A touch of mint bubblegum.

Conclusion

It is just mind blowing how perfect the high proof works here. A fun wild ride from start to finish with more twists and turn than a roller coaster. A very unique and exciting Single Malt. In some aspects even a bit challenging but very rewarding indeed.

Score: 89 / 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