Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon

First sniff is hot and a little funky. Some caramel and corn try to show up, but the alcohol jumps out first and doesn’t calm down. Smells young and aggressive. First sip comes in hot too. There’s some sweetness and oak in there, but it never really comes together. A little bitter, a little weird, and the finish is short and drying. Not awful just not great. Don’t overthink a pairing. If you’re smoking, keep it mild and cheap. This isn’t a bourbon you build a pairing around. Bottom line, Balcones Texas Pot Still is interesting but unrefined. I’d drink it if offered, but I’m not reaching for it.

To preface, I enjoy Balcones but the pot still left some development behind. The scent is quintessential bourbon. Some scattered notes of baking spices, sweet caramel, raisins, spicy pepper, toffee, and rich browned butter. The taste punches you in the face with alcohol forward. Mind you, water was sparingly added, but the taste falters. A wave of clove, anise, cinnamon floods in followed by a short finish and lack of oily lasting pot still. The flavor profile has the bourbon notes and nuances but 2 years of aging won't cut it and the taste shows. Use this as a mixer and nothing more.

This stuff is just not very good at all. That's why I bought a small sample bottle and not a full-size 750 ml. bottle... I just didn't trust it enough. Hint of cinnamon on the nose, but too much emphasis on the burn with not much flavor — aside from a strange medicinal flavor that reminded me of something I was given in my childhood. I love bourbon, and I try and appreciate what all distilleries have to offer. But this is just not good. Too young at a 2-year age statement, perhaps.

Interesting whiskey. Clear russet color. Glycerin-like from the bottle. Nose reveals Crackerjack, something like neatsfoot oiled baseball glove--which is not offputting-- mesquite, and a touch of vanilla. Entry is viscous like the pour, with a flavorful, mouthcoating palate that starts sweet and honeyed with some caramel on the back end, finishing with chilies and a long pull of vanilla and a touch of white pepper. Very nice, and $29 at my local shop.

Tasting on large rock. This bourbon has a faint but fresh smell, like syrup and pine--the sensory equivalent of a walk in the woods. It's not too spicy on the palate; crisp but smooth, and also a little sweet, with a taste like underripe pear dipped in honey. Its flavors are bright and light without too much twinge. Its finish is disappointingly absent. Nothing notable, but perfectly respectable for everyday.

Quick store sample, well technically 2 samples but still premature to draw conclusions. Nice, medium-dark amber color. Thin but flavorful. Nice mesquite flavor with charred sugar, creme brûlée, grilled corn, rye spice and a bit of cinnamon and maybe even turmeric? Interesting and TX for sure. I can see myself buying a bottle of this in the future.