Balcones Private Cask Stout finished

The next spirit on my Balcones journey is this triple-matured single malt, a sample from a friend. My understanding is that this was aged in new American oak, then finished in an ex-rum cask that had previously been used to finish a stout before this single malt received its rum and stout influences. Balcones certainly isn't hesitant to explore novel and distinctive concepts, but let's see if it was successful. The nose presents charred pineapple, cooked bananas, and apricots, followed by Jamaican jerk eggplant and then floral, soapy notes, preceding aromas of dill, chicory, dark roast coffee, leather, and mild oak with a moderate alcohol presence. The palate offers a light to medium body, beginning with pineapple, grilled plantains, and dried apricot, then soapy floral notes, followed by chicory, espresso beans, and light oak with a strong alcohol burn. The finish is medium in length, with notes of chocolate-covered espresso beans, chicory, charred pineapple, toasted marshmallow, leather, and light oak. This is an intriguing and very distinctive creation from Balcones, blending tropical, coffee, floral, and wood elements. However, the flavor balance seems off, with the soapy floral notes overwhelming the taste before a truly pleasing finish featuring chocolate-covered espresso beans. It's an enjoyable spirit, but it doesn't rank among my top three Balcones selections, which would be their Peated Single Malt, Blue Corn Bourbon, and True Blue Tequila Finished.

Big, bold, rough, and pushing boundaries. That generally describes this Balcones. Balcones itself is quite substantial and assertive. When combined with a strong beer like a stout finish, it can result in either a complete failure or a remarkably good experiment. Fortunately, this falls into the latter category. The most impressive aspect is the aroma. As soon as I opened the sample vial, the air filled with the scent of roasted coffee. The smell alone earns a 5-star rating. The taste consists of roasted coffee, malt, chicory, and oak. It's a powerful and assertive dram, pulling no punches and arriving like a freight train loaded with Colombian coffee beans. Allow it to sit for a while, add some water to temper the 62% ABV, and enjoy... this isn't meant for rapid consumption, but rather for taking your time with. Thanks to a friend for the generous sample. This is not available for purchase anywhere, so I'm even more grateful to have had the chance to try it.

This could be mistaken for a Sherry cask rum in a blind tasting. Nose: Dark Chocolate, Guava, Pineapples, Mangoes. Espresso, Mocha, Raisins, Dates, Toffee, Luxardo Cherries, Figs, Raspberries, Smores, Lavender Palate: Raisins, Dark Chocolate, Guava, Honey, Salted Caramel, Grapefruits, Toffee, Plums, Violets, Prunes Finish: Raisins, Coffee, Dark Chocolate, Raspberries, Strawberries, Cookie Au Lait