American Bourbon By Nino Kilgore-Marchetti / October 5, 2016 The story of Texas craft whiskey, up to this point, has mostly been written by Garrison Brothers and Balcones Distilling. The latter, widely known for its American single malt, also produces a line of corn-based whiskies which see less frequent release. Balcones has just now announced the 2016 batches of three of these are available starting this month, provided you are in their home state to get hold of one. True Blue Cask Strength, True Blue 100, and Texas Blue Corn Bourbon, says Balcones, will be available in select retail and on-premise markets in Texas. Here are some footnotes on these releases, including tasting notes for each from the distillery: True Blue Cask Strength Straight Corn Whisky (65.7% ABV) 100% blue corn mash bottled as Straight Corn Whisky, marking the first time it’s been released with any indication of age biggest release of this bottling ever not chill filtered Nose: cookie dough, juniper, thyme, walnut shells, cinnamon, burnt sugar, cigar box Palate: marmalade, burnt toast, dried apricot, caramelized sugar, carrot cake Finish: long and lingering, brown sugar, tannin and oak True Blue 100 Straight Corn Whisky (50% ABV) 100% blue corn mash bottled as Straight Corn Whisky, marking the first time it’s been released with any indication of age not chill filtered Nose: melted butter, pralines, toffee, pear skin, orange zest, ginger, vanilla Palate: treacle, black pepper, fresh cut lumber, grilled poblano, agave syrup Finish: medium long with char, citrus, ginger, eucalyptus Texas Blue Corn Bourbon Straight Bourbon Whisky (64.9% ABV) 100% blue corn mash this year is only its second release ever aged in new charred oak natural cask strength of 64.9% not chill filtered saw an increase in age, allowing it to be labeled as Straight Bourbon Nose: blue cotton candy, smoke, Mexican cola, burnt toffee, leather, sandalwood, milk oolong Palate: spice cake, coffee, apple crisp, hot cinnamon candies, tobacco, tea leaves Finish: long with mouth watering acidity, light tannin, dark cocao, burnt sugar Read More Whiskey NewsWhiskey Reviews: Bespoken Spirits“These special releases are all made in very small quantities and will be tightly allocated,” said Winston Edwards of Balcones in a prepared statement. “To get your hands on them, speak to your preferred retailer, or request your favorite bar to carry them. While we wish we could promise everyone a bottle, it’s just not possible at these volumes. Thankfully, we’re laying down a lot more whisky these days in our new distillery, so in time we will have plenty to share with you!” Get Jefferson's Ocean at ReserveBar. Shop now!
