Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Lydia Martin
If there’s one brand that would surely appeal to Scotch and bourbon drinkers, that’s no other than Balcones whisky.
Flavorful and sweet, buttery and smooth, and woody and spicy– that’s Balcones whisky in general.
If you’re interested in exploring this whisky brand, we’ve prepared a list of the best Balcones whisky bottles you should try.
So, drop what you’re doing and get your whisky glass. Let’s get started.
Top 10 Balcones Whisky Bottles (Ranked)
10. Balcones Brimstone
Average Price: approx. $56/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 53% ABV
Why We Like It: The name Brimstone suggests that this is a very special blend of whisky– made with Texas scrub oak, giving it a powerful and distinct flavor.
But mind you – Balcones Brimstones is for those who like smoky drinks. It’s a bit like drinking from a barbecue smoker.
This is quite a drawback for some drinkers, but we love the experience.
9. Balcones True Blue
Average Price: approx. $55/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: This is a 100-proof version of the Balcones Baby Blue– bold and spicy blue corn whisky. We like it for slow sipping and mixing.
It might be referred to as a “corn whisky” due to its name, but it has lots to offer.
If you want rich and complex single malt whisky [1], we put our bet on this one.
It has a nice kick from the roasted corn, and it also has various other flavors, such as spicy cinnamon and butterscotch.
8. Balcones Tres Hombres Whisky
Average Price: approx. $59/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: The blend of apples, honey, and butter pastry dominates the delightful nose.
On the palate, it’s sweet and full of red grapes and brown sugar notes.
The finish is crisp and refreshing, giving a bit of fresh herb and ginger, wrapping up a delightful sip while leaving a remarkable experience.
At 100-proof, it’s an easy drink.
7. Balcones Lineage
Average Price: approx. $44/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: Made using local barley and the Golden Promise malt from Scotland, Balcones Lineage is aged in new American oak barrels.
This great summer sipper will leave you wanting more due to its flavor profile and smooth character.
It’s full of sweet and nutty flavors and has plenty of oak– from the nose to the finish.
6. Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon
Average Price: approx. $33/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Why We Like It: This is a very interesting blend of whisky. It has complex flavors but still keeps it from becoming too one-dimensional.
Made with Texas wheat, blue corn, and New Mexico’s malted barley, it was aged in charred American oak barrels, where the whisky gets its caramel and sweet corn flavors.
5. Balcones Texas Blue Corn Bourbon
Average Price: approx. $61/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 64.9% ABV
Why We Like It: This Texas Blue Corn Bourbon is a highly sought-after expression from the Balcones distillery, and it’s not hard to tell why.
It’s a bold, rich, and powerful blend ideal for any occasion. A great sipper, this one is full of flavors.
The blue corn adds a bit of a surprise to this bottle, and it’s also very smooth and spicy.
4. Balcones FR Oak Texas Single Malt Whisky
Average Price: approx. $116/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 61.9% ABV
Why We Like It: This special release from Balcones is a blend of old-world traditions and Texas whisky from the classic ingredients.
The aroma of clove, stone fruit, and thyme is a delight to the nose.
“Now, we couldn’t be prouder to have created these award-winning American Single Malt and Texas whiskies, but also to have helped initiate an exciting new era of whisk(e)y in Texas.”
— Greg Allen, Balcones Distilling Chairman
The notes of dark chocolate, baked fruit, and toasted malt bring pleasure to the palate.
Also, the smooth and lingering finish brings satisfaction. We enjoyed the bottle so much, and so should you.
3. Balcones Texas Single Malt
Average Price: approx. $70/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 53% ABV
Why We Like It: This is the closest thing you’ll get to drink from the Balcones range if you’re a fan of Scottish whisky.
It is made from 100% malted barley and then aged in oak barrels for two years.
So this is a rich, sweet, nutty whisky, making it very pleasurable to drink.
2. Balcones Baby Blue
Average Price: approx. $44/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Why We Like It: Balcones Baby Blue may taste young compared to the others, but it was a really good sip.
Made from roasted blue corn, it delivers a nuance of flavors.
We like how it is simple as others, so we recommend Balcones Baby Blue for beginners wanting to explore whiskies.
1. Balcones Texas Rye
Average Price: approx. $43/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: This is a great blend of whisky for those who like a simple, sweet, and slightly spicy sipper.
If you want something that’s not too complex, with a subtle flavor profile, this is it.
At 100-proof, it gives a beautiful kind of booze, along with its tasty and sugary profile. The rye spice is satisfying, giving an exceptional drinking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of whiskey is Balcones?
Balcones is a single malt whisky that uses pure malted barley on its mash bill.
It features a timeless style of producing expressions using classic techniques and ingredients.
How do you drink Balcones whisky?
You can drink Balcones whisky neat, but adding ice can bring out extra flavors.
What is regarded as the best whiskey?
Determining the “best” whiskey is subjective and varies based on individual taste preferences, as well as the type of whiskey (bourbon, scotch, rye, etc.); iconic brands like Pappy Van Winkle, Glenfiddich, or Macallan are often celebrated, but personal preferences and regional influences play a significant role in one’s perception of the best whiskey.
What is the best whisky on the market?
The title of the best whisky on the market is subjective and can change based on trends, releases, and individual preferences; esteemed brands such as Yamazaki, Lagavulin, and Glenlivet have garnered global recognition, but the rapidly evolving landscape of whiskies means that what’s considered the best can vary among consumers and experts alike.
What percent alcohol is Balcones whiskey?
Balcones whiskey typically has varying alcohol by volume (ABV) percentages depending on the specific expression; however, as a general reference, many of their releases, including their popular True Blue corn whiskey, have an ABV around 50%, reflecting the robust and bold character for which Balcones is known.
What does Balcones whiskey taste like?
Balcones whiskey is known for its bold and complex flavor profiles, offering a diverse range of tasting notes influenced by factors such as the Texas climate, unique production methods, and the use of different grains; common flavor elements include rich caramel, vanilla, spice, and often a hint of fruit, providing a distinctive and memorable experience for those seeking innovative and well-crafted whiskies.
What whiskey is popular in Texas?
In Texas, bourbon and American-style whiskies have gained popularity, with local distilleries like Balcones, Garrison Brothers, and TX Whiskey making a significant impact on the whiskey scene; the warm climate contributes to accelerated aging, influencing the flavor profiles of Texan whiskies, and the state’s whiskey enthusiasts often appreciate the bold and robust characteristics of these locally produced spirits.
What is the most expensive whiskey?
The title of the most expensive whiskey can vary, but historically, certain limited-edition releases like The Macallan “Fine & Rare Collection” and Dalmore’s “62-Year-Old Single Malt” have commanded astronomical prices at auctions and private sales, showcasing the allure of rare and aged whiskies among collectors.
Which whiskey is best for beginners?
For beginners, whiskies with approachable profiles and milder flavors are recommended, such as Jameson Irish Whiskey, Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old, or Buffalo Trace Bourbon; these whiskies provide a gentle introduction to the diverse world of whiskies, featuring a balance of sweetness, smoothness, and character suitable for those new to the spirit.
What is the most popular whiskey in the world?
Johnnie Walker, particularly the ubiquitous Johnnie Walker Red Label and Johnnie Walker Black Label, stands out as one of the most popular whiskies globally, owing to its widespread availability, consistent quality, and diverse range of expressions that cater to a broad spectrum of tastes and preferences.
What is the smoothest Scotch whiskey?
Glenlivet 18-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch is often hailed as one of the smoothest Scotch whiskies available, characterized by its well-balanced and refined flavor profile; its extended maturation period contributes to a velvety texture, showcasing notes of fruit, honey, and oak with a gentle, lingering finish, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a smooth and sophisticated Scotch experience.
Which is better Glenlivet or Glenfiddich?
The preference between Glenlivet and Glenfiddich is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences; Glenlivet is known for its fruit-forward and floral notes, offering a lighter profile, while Glenfiddich tends to be slightly richer with pear and apple flavors, making it a matter of personal taste whether one prefers the delicate elegance of Glenlivet or the slightly more robust character of Glenfiddich.
Both distilleries have contributed significantly to the Scotch whisky landscape, and enthusiasts often appreciate the distinct qualities each brand brings to the table.
Final Verdict: Best Balcones Whisky
All things considered – the flavor, character, and finish – Balcones Texas Rye is the best among the brand, and you can expect an ultimate sipping experience.
Newbies and professionals will surely find this spirit equally savory and satisfying– not too harsh, balanced flavors, smooth finish, and rightfully proofed.
However, for someone into more complex drinks or high-proof spirits, opt for the True Blue, FR Oak, or the Blue Corn Bourbon.
In short, Balcones has a lot to offer– catering to many drinkers’ preferences and styles.
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