Balcones True Blue Cask Strength Single Barrel Straight Corn Whisky (Barrel 18313)

This is the darkest whiskey I've ever encountered, and it's completely natural. The aroma presents grilled peaches, brown sugar, toasted marshmallow, dark chocolate, espresso, and Luxardo cherries. These flavors are amplified on the tongue, with immense sweetness and hints of tropical fruit like guava or papaya. The complexity and richness of the taste manage the high 68% alcohol content effectively. The finish lingers for several minutes. The back label explains: "The art of blending barrels is a crucial part of the distiller's skill. Occasionally, a single barrel exhibits such distinction, through its excellence or remarkable character, that it warrants being kept on its own. Balcones Single Barrel celebrates the diversity and exceptional qualities that each cask can contribute to the spirit." I've only experienced three other whiskies with a comparable flavor profile and the ability to mask such a potent alcohol level: William Larue Weller (2019 bottling), George T. Stagg (2019 bottling), and Thirteenth Colony Double Oaked (current offering). It's a shame I can't find more information. Curiously, True Blue in any variation isn't listed on the Balcones website currently. I have two other Balcones bottles: Baby Blue and Texas Pot Still Bourbon. I spotted this one recently and purchased it impulsively. Would I buy it again? Absolutely. In fact, I'm returning to the store to get more. While barrel variations exist, #18313 is the one for me. I don't award 5-star ratings lightly. I've reviewed over 200 whiskies on this platform. The scoring system includes quarter-point increments from zero to five, totaling 20 levels. Assuming an even distribution, five stars would represent the top 5%, or the 95th percentile. This spirit unquestionably belongs in that elite category. A 5-star rating is warranted.

It has been almost three months since my last assessment (9/18/25). What a whiskey! Molasses, Luxardo cherries, dark dried fruits, BBQ sauce, espresso, caramelized sugar, pipe tobacco, and cinnamon. Guava and papaya are definitely present on the finish, which continues indefinitely. Cinnamon churros appear near the conclusion, followed by more espresso. The 136 proof is somewhat more apparent than previously, but it is 136 proof, and I am drinking it neat. Would I purchase it again? I am reducing the score slightly to try and ensure some availability for myself at retail.

A personal favorite. Consistent with prior assessments. Notes of sorghum syrup, charred marshmallow, zesty BBQ sauce, cinnamon, sweet corn custard, pipe tobacco, and bacon (!). Each sampling reveals something new and distinct in the aroma. The texture on the palate is notably viscous. And at 136 proof! The potency is evident, but the flavors and aromas are equally intense. Will I purchase it again? I acquired two additional bottles from the same cask yesterday. Score: 4.75. Cask designation: 18313.