Balcones Texas Rye 100 Proof

Rating: 14/23 I'd heard positive feedback about this and generally enjoy Balcones' maple flavor, so it was time to investigate. Nose: This is more unconventional than I anticipated. It has characteristics reminiscent of rhum agricole, or perhaps an American whiskey crafted in an Irish style, similar to Ransom The Emerald. The most prominent note is a somewhat lightly decaying vegetation. It's possible the vegetation has an herbal quality or something similar. I do detect a hint of spearmint. This is unusual. There's also some licorice and a spiced, rich, and sweet element, akin to a ginger chew or mild gingerbread. I can smell the alcohol, but it doesn't come across as overly young. Primarily, it possesses an organic, bitter undertone. Palate: It's slightly sweeter than the aroma suggested. The vegetal and somewhat herbal bitterness persists, then shifts to a chocolatey profile, followed by abundant earthy and spicy (but not hot) notes of jalapeno. Wow, so much jalapeno. There's also some sweet creek water present. Curiously, this is more balanced than the nose indicated, and the flavors have a pleasing distinctiveness. I detect a pleasant papery sweetness, similar to a Don Julio tequila but with a fuller body. There's a lot happening, and I appreciate the profile, but is it truly a rye? There's a definite substantial malty character intertwined with that funky vegetal flavor and caramel sweetness. Finish: The jalapeno fades, particularly its spicy component. More of the papery caramel sweetness emerges as the vegetal milk chocolate resurfaces. A layer of spice remains, and the jalapeno earthiness doesn't vanish completely. - Conclusion - This is not bad, but it is exceptionally peculiar. Rating spirits that defy their established categories is always a challenge. I initially thought this was quite full-bodied, but comparing it to Rossville Union Barrel Proof (13/23) revealed it wasn't as robust. It does have less alcohol presence, but Catoctin Creek Rabble Rouser (16/23) is certainly fuller and more traditional in profile. This is undoubtedly more complex, but also more demanding, making it difficult to rate. It's fuller than Ransom The Emerald (14/23), yet less complex. I'm unsure how to assign a rating. I suspect it's not superior to the Catoctin Creek, placing 16 as its ceiling. Conversely, I believe it surpasses the Rossville Union, so 13 seems too low. I'm likely settling on a 14 or 15. The decision hinges on its comparison to Ransom The Emerald. It's close, but I'm leaning towards a 15. However, it remains truly odd; if I were stocking my bar with a single rye, this would not be the choice. Okay, final sips. I'm wavering between a 14 and a 15. Since I previously considered it a 15, I'll stick with that. Actually, no. This will be a 14. Thank you for the sample!

I appreciate a well-made rye whisky occasionally, and I've enjoyed previous offerings from Balcones Distilling. I hadn't intended to purchase this today, but it was available and within my budget (albeit at the upper limit), and I had wanted to sample it, so I acquired it. I regret to admit it, but I wish I had opted for a bottle of Bulleit rye or chosen a bottle of Maker's Mark bourbon instead. It's not that this is a poor whisky, it's just that it's not particularly outstanding. The visual appearance in the glass is a beautiful copper. This is bottled at 100 proof, as indicated on the label, with a mash bill composed entirely of rye (various types). As is customary for Balcones, the label states it is AGED FOR AT LEAST 24 MONTHS IN OAK. NOSE: Warm smoke, dried grass, a touch of hay, and alcohol. TASTE: Naturally, there's the characteristic rye spice, followed by grass, salt, a very subtle oak presence, and semi-sweet chocolate. This whisky induced significant salivation, an unprecedented experience for me, and the mouthfeel is much thinner than I would expect for a 100 proof spirit. FINISH: Lingering, with only two distinct notes - chocolate and a slightly bitter oak. This will join the Brimstone on my shelf. Neither is the pinnacle of Balcones' production, and this is certainly not the finest rye whisky I have ever tasted. I don't foresee myself purchasing another bottle, especially with Bulleit rye available.

Nose: Smells of soap, shaving cream, and ethanol. Also present are chocolate, fresh herbs, baking spices, and possibly something vegetal. After a few minutes, some orchard fruit appears, particularly peach, followed by the characteristic rye mint. Palate: Unusually bittersweet, starting with rich, sweet chocolate that rapidly shifts to a bitter, green grain note. Then, more peach, baking spice, and fresh herbs emerge. Mid-palate has some honey and biscuit flavors. The finish continues with that bitter green grain, peach, a touch of oak, mint, and more fresh herbs. This is undeniably an unusual rye. I suspect the Texas grains contribute significantly to its flavor profile, as I can't recall another rye whiskey quite like it. Some aspects are quite pleasant, while others are less so. I'd categorize it similarly to Brimstone: an experimental spirit that will appeal to certain palates more than others, meaning it's highly subjective. I don't dislike it, but I certainly don't love it, and I doubt I'll revisit it.

This is a preliminary review based on a small sample. I've had several expressions from this distillery without being particularly impressed; they've been adequate, but I haven't experienced their best. This marks my first tasting of their rye. The aroma contained many typical rye characteristics but lacked boldness or appeal, seeming rather muted with a touch of ethanol. The palate brings hot cocoa. Correction: It drinks hot, with a prominent cocoa flavor, which was unexpected. It's enjoyable, youthful, and a bit fiery. I suspect it would excel in a Manhattan and plan to experiment. I will consider purchasing a full bottle.

A robust, 100% Elbon Rye from Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas. It was made with copper pot stills from Portugal, matured for 1 year in new & charred oak barrels, then diluted with Hill Country spring water before being bottled at 100 Proof. It opens with aromas of cocoa, pepper, espresso & a hint of chocolate; its rich & silky middle adds notes of tobacco, chocolate, touches of mint, pepper & oak; concluding with a delicate & minty finish featuring hints of buttered corn, dry oak & cedar. January / August 2020 / October 2021 / August 2022

This rye has a characteristic aroma. Classic notes of barnyard stubble, sandalwood, apple, honey, graham crackers, allspice, ginger, and cinnamon are present. The palate smoothly integrates these aromas into a woody, brown sugar, and apple-forward blend. It has a leathery caramel character, if such a thing exists, and notes of cocoa tobacco. While not overly complex, it is enjoyable and possesses substance. It would pair well with flannel and a cigar. It's not a light, summery rye, and that suits me fine. The finish features molasses-soaked wood and a hint of chocolate cherry. I don't comprehend the negative reviews for this product.