Balcones Single Malt Whisky

📋 Key Details

• Distillery: Balcones Distilling, Waco, Texas. 

• Expression: “Texas 1” American Single Malt Whisky (malted barley, new American oak barrels

• ABV: 53% (106 proof) for the Texas 1 version. 1Mash bill: 100% malted barley (Golden Promise) for Texas 1. Maturation: Aged in new (virgin) American oak barrels (240 L & 500 L) under Texas climate.

👅 Tasting Profile

According to the distillery and reviewers:

• Nose: Marmalade on sourdough toast, grilled peaches, dried mission figs, sandalwood, faint eucalyptus.  

• Palate: Candied orange peel, blackberry jam, stewed plums, varnish, black walnut, raspberry ganache. 

• Finish: Rich, lingering with oak, malt sweetness, toast and burnt sugar notes. 

One reviewer noted:

“Heavy punch of char and oak… Really a blast of flavor.”

✅ What Makes It Stand Out

• A flagship example of American single malt whisky made in Texas — focusing on malted barley rather than corn or rye.

• Uses traditional single malt techniques (barley, pot stills, new oak) but in Texan conditions (heat, barrels, climate) which create a distinct profile. 

• For whisky enthusiasts in Texas (and beyond), it offers a local, compelling alternative to Scotch or standard bourbon.

⚠️ Things to Consider

• The flavor is bold, with strong oak, char, and high proof — may be intense if you prefer lighter or smoother whiskies.

• Because it is young for a single malt (relatively short aging), some reviews point out it might lack the mellow integration of older whiskies.

• As a premium Texas whisky, price may be higher than entry-level options; availability can vary.

🎯 Who It’s For & How to Drink It

• Ideal for: lovers of malt-forward whisky, people curious about American single malt, fans of bold Texas-made spirits.

• Best enjoyed neat in a fiddled glass (Glencairn) to appreciate the aroma, or with a drop of water to open up the flavors.

• Cocktail-friendly: Use for a malt-forward Old Fashioned, or in a “malt highball” with soda and citrus twist.