Balcones High Plains Texas Single Malt

This 131 proof spirit delivers significant heat, characteristic of its maker. Initially, like another offering, it seemed excessively hot. However, aeration has mellowed it into another delightful malt. It balances elements of other expressions, featuring rich chocolate malted milk ball sweetness and thick raw honey, complemented by malty wood notes, baking spices, pipe tobacco, and a hint of peachy fruit. It possesses great depth and power, very well integrated, marking another success for the distillery. If unavailable, the standard expressions are perfectly adequate. It's notable as a state-sustained single malt with barley grown in Texas. I'm not affiliated with the distillery but I assure you, they are producing impressive spirits... take note. Regarding this expression, it is indeed very good if allowed to breathe sufficiently. Rated 90/100.

This is really good. I typically only drink bourbon and haven't enjoyed any Balcones I've tried. I received the Spec's store pick as a gift, and it has significantly improved over time. I'm not sure how to identify some of these single malt notes, but the aroma is chocolate and sweet caramel. The taste confirms this, and it drinks lighter than its stated proof. Pretty decent spirit. I use the rating scale below. The distiller uses a scale of 5, and I use a scale of 10, but I'm sure you're not too inebriated to do the calculation! 1. Awful - So bad I poured it out. 2. Poor - I would avoid consuming it. 3. Bad - Has several flaws. 4. Below average - Not terrible, but I'd prefer many other options. 5. Good - Just average. 6. Very Good - Better than average. 7. Great - Significantly above average. 8. Excellent - In its own class. 9. Incredible - An all-time favorite. 10. Perfect

Nose: Earthy in a pleasant way. Smells of tobacco, caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, and a hard candy shell similar to caramel candies. Palate: Hints of coffee, slightly grassy notes which I usually dislike but they are subtle here. Many Texas whiskeys have an overwhelming barnyard grassiness that I find unpleasant. Tobacco is also present. This is quite enjoyable. Finish: Lingers on the palate with sweet notes at the end. Overall: A score of 4.3/5 stars. This is exceptional. As a Texan native, I'm frequently let down by Texas-made spirits. They often taste of hay and leave a strange aftertaste. While I've disliked all the other offerings I've tried, I was informed this particular malt is outstanding. It's certainly a premium pour.

Acquired a bottle from a friend who attended the distillery event. As expected from most of this producer's releases, it's big and bold, showcasing some traditional house characteristics along with lighter fruit notes. I found it enjoyable, but I favor certain other single barrel selections I've encountered elsewhere.

I sampled a bottle of High Plains single barrel, which was just over 60% ABV, so I added a few drops of water. This was unmistakably a Balcones, but the sherry influence was dominant. Among the Balcones range, I find their Peated Single Malt, Brimstone, and Lineage more appealing due to their greater complexities.

It's like smelling summer in the Texas Hill Country... spicy, woody, warming. It's beautifully rich and full. Like drinking beeswax that's been warming with baking spices. Some lighter notes in the background... zest. The finish is long and rich... the beeswax lingers.