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Bourbon Review: Balcones Texas Blue Corn Bourbon

We review Balcones Texas Blue Corn Bourbon. Unlike most other bourbons, it's not just mostly corn–it's entirely corn.

OVERALL RATING

7
$61.00
  • Jason Marshall, a bartender advocate, mentor, and Executive Bourbon Steward.
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Balcones Texas Blue Corn Bourbon (image via Jason Marshall)

Tasting Notes

About:

127 proof (63.5% ABV). 100% blue corn mash bill. Pot distillation. Aged at least 38 months (straight bourbon). $61 average retail price. This bottle is from batch BCB21-1, bottled on 9-10-21.
Appearance:
Clear, but with a dark, rich cherry color. Reminiscent of over-steeped black tea.
Nose:
Despite the high ABV, a medium approach is not overpowered with ethanol. The expected corn is prevalent, but there are also distinct green vegetal notes. A close approach reveals caramelized sugar, toffee, and vanilla extract. Now I want some french toast.
Palate:
Rich and chewy with a full mouthfeel. Caramel gives way to molasses and then moves onto spearmint as we end up with a dry, tannic finish, almost as if someone spiked your sweet tea on a hot afternoon. Cotton candy then makes itself known as it evaporates from your palate.
Finish:
Comments:
This is a very big and bold whisky, but it also has some distinct subtleties. I think you could probably pick this out of a line up with other high proof bourbons. It’s hot, but at no time does it lose its sweet characteristics. This would definitely pair well with BBQ. Texas BBQ, that is. And, if you’re bold enough, try it with your pancakes. But, that’s a whole other cultural debate.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Jason Marshall

Jason Marshall has dedicated his career to championing and mentoring bartenders, fostering an environment where fresh talent and innovative ideas thrive. Through this process, he has cultivated his own creativity, nurtured aspiring individuals who have pursued their passions, and organized cocktail competitions with a focus on community engagement. A certified Executive Bourbon Steward, Jason currently holds the position of Officer and Board Member of The Oregon Bartenders Guild USBG/Oregon.

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