Balcones Peated Single Malt Sauternes Cask

Nose: A strong lemon citrus, other citrus fruits, white grapefruit, white wine, deeply floral honey, mango, kiwi, ripe berries, with undertones of barley cereal. The only peat I detect is a faint bbq aroma that seems to permeate everything. It's subtle, extremely so when contrasted with the regular finish of the Peated expression. However, it is also potent and rich with diverse notes. In essence, it's a cask strength Balcones. Palate: Citrus-peach enveloped in caramel (if citrus-peach doesn't exist, it ought to), barbecued grapefruit, chocolate confections with a salted caramel core, lemon tea with milk, scorched wood, a touch of the toasted marshmallow characteristic of the standard Peated, cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, freshly baked bread dough infused with dried basil and thyme, and considerable warmth. Finish: Stewed cinnamon (similar to a stick simmered in mulled wine), abundant oak and mouth-puckering tannins, chili pepper heat, vanilla, dark chocolate-covered pretzels, grapefruit bitterness (reminiscent of hoppy beer), medicinal undertones, baked bread, white grapes, stone fruit, dried blossoms/heather, a hint of pine, and persistent chili pepper warmth. It continues indefinitely – I anticipate still sensing it by morning. First point: an incredible whisky. Truly outstanding. Second point: specialized flavors. One must appreciate this profile to truly enjoy it. It's not merely a variation of Balcones Peated (though technically it is). It presents as something quite distinct. It's almost unfair to compare it to the Peated due to its significant differences. The reality is this is a somewhat niche whisky that must appeal to someone who cherishes, well, grapefruit above all. It bears a resemblance to classic, heavily hopped West Coast IPAs – an acquired preference. However, those who have acquired that taste are likely still reading. Try it, if it remains available. I'd add two minor points: unless this particular bottle strongly appeals to you, the increased price over the regular Peated – which is an amazing spirit, but different – is not justified. Secondly, I sampled this in various ways, but found enjoying it neat in a Glencairn glass to be optimal. Typically, above 55% ABV, I prefer ice and/or a wider glass, but this was best consumed neat in a narrow glass despite the high proof. Experimentation is still recommended, though.

The aroma begins with a blend of light peat and mesquite smoke, sweet floral notes, and charred meats accented by a squeeze of lemon, followed by dates wrapped in bacon, black tea leaves, and chocolate pecan pie. It then presents dehydrated figs, caramelized peaches, and sautéed apples, transitioning into barbecue spice rub, worn cowboy boots, and polished mahogany, with a potent ethanol presence. The taste offers a medium mouthfeel, starting with a slight bitterness that quickly subsides into a mix of moderate peat and mesquite smoke, sweet florals, grapefruit juice, and charred meats with a squeeze of lemon. This is followed by bacon-wrapped dates, black tea leaves, and chocolate pecan pie, then dehydrated figs, caramelized peaches, and sautéed apples, leading to a barbecue spice rub, ashy oak, and a moderate ethanol burn. The finish is lengthy, featuring chocolate-covered bacon, fresh figs, Bit-O-Honey candy, toasted marshmallow, apple pie, ruby red grapefruit, and espresso, which persists for several minutes. This is another remarkable creation from the inventive minds at Balcones. From the initial sniff, it promises a delightful experience with a fusion of smoke, savory notes, sweetness, citrus, and oak that leans towards tartness, yet remains thoroughly enjoyable to smell. The initial taste has a minor stumble with a bitter note that swiftly vanishes, revealing the same flavors as the nose, but with increased smoke and tart citrus, culminating in a long finish that entices another sip. When compared directly to the standard Balcones Peated, the Sauternes cask version appears to have a lighter flavor profile and incorporates some tart fruits and a subtly bitter spice. While the standard peated expression is richer and more balanced for my palate, this one is also impressive and ranks just slightly below it. At $100, I consider this a must-purchase that will surely satisfy any Balcones enthusiast. My sincere thanks to a friend for the generous sample of this spirit. I'm compelled to acquire a bottle for further exploration.

A friend managed to acquire a bottle the day after its release while passing through Waco and bring it into Oklahoma. It seems both sweeter and smokier than the standard Peated Single Malt, yet less aggressive and in-your-face. The standard Peated spends three years in virgin oak, then two in ex-bourbon barrels. This expression has two years in ex-bourbon barrels followed by three years in Sauternes casks. I anticipated that three years in Sauternes casks under the Texas sun would make this excessively sweet, but there's a remarkable equilibrium between the dessert wine sweetness and the smoky peat. I'm not claiming this is superior to the standard Peated – it's distinct enough to offer its own experience, but it is an incredible whiskey, easily on par with the already exceptional annually released Peated Single Malt. Update: After spending more time with this and comparing it to the standard peated, I now believe it lacks the complexity and depth of the regular version. I enjoy this greatly, but I'm rating it just below the standard peated.

Another generous sample from a friend. This is a fantastic American single malt. The distillery has truly mastered their craft and is producing high-quality single malts that can hold their own against any in their price point. This is somewhat of a blended malt. The peated version is out of this world, and the Sauternes-finished Pilgrimage is also amazing. This is a combination of the two... or is it? The peated character dominates and sits above the sweetness of the Sauternes without overpowering it. The result is a delicious fusion of flavors. If you're looking for an intensely fruity experience, Pilgrimage is the one to choose, and the standard Peated expression offers superior complexity and overall impact... but this one still delivers significantly. 90/100. If you encounter any of the three, purchase them; they are all that good.

Reminiscent of Springbank 12 CS. Absolutely fantastic and quite unexpected. I might even consider this a substitute for Springbank.

Spicy, sweet, with dried raisins; a mix of Abunadh and Glendronach. A pleasant indulgence, but I wouldn't keep a bottle at home.