Balcones True Blue 100 Proof

Nose has “ice cream sundae” with equal parts caramel, hot fudge, and butterscotch topping, along with raisin, smoke, and a wood that smells nothing like oak. Aroma is definitely good and strong. Palate opens with the sundae notes promised in the nose, and then transitioning to a big sweet creamed corn note in the mid-palate. Not as much fruit as the nose would indicate. Flavors are bold and punchy, but not a ton of complexity; lots of varying notes of sweet. Finish is medium length with leather, tobacco, bitter dark chocolate and wood, but it tastes like this was aged in mesquite instead of oak, an effect which gives the whole thing a smokey undercurrent. Mouthfeel is sharp and grainy; it’s got a ethanol bite alright, but it’s more from how the alcohol sits on the tongue than from the flavor of the whiskey if that makes sense. A solid and interesting whiskey. After sampling a few offerings, I generally like what Balcones has going on. At $50, this is “decent” value but not much more. It suffers from a bit of a simplistic flavor profile and an overly sharp finish, so hard to give it more than a 3.75, but I wanted to. Maybe would buy again in the future, but would have to be in the mood.

I got to be honest, it wasn't the amount of prizes won by this whisky that seduced me into buying it, what really got my attention was that this american spirit is made using 100% blue corn. I was eager to experience special flavors and aromas from blue corn spirit, but it actually was very much like a good bourbon. Bottled at 50%abv, deep copper color. On the nose, very refined and very "bourbonish". Lots of bananas, stewed bananas, rum and raisins ice cream. Vanilla, banana bread, brown sugar, creamy vanilla ice cream. On the palate more of the same, but pretty smooth and soft for a 50%abv dram. Banana bread, pepper and a metallic note that i have only found on a Pappy Van Winkle, it is like tasting a copper coin. Vanilla, prunes. Some sour note also. Strong but smooth, fancy. Aftertaste is pretty nice, mild smoke, peppery and spicy. Feels fancy and rewarding. Overall, even if i wasn't surprised with this whisky tasting notes, and even if it is a little one dimensional, it is still a good dram. It is better than most bourbons out there, and i'll definitively would buy it again. My score for it is an 85 over 100.

N: Vanilla frosting, peppermint tea, ethanol. A sort of astringent corn note - not sure how to describe it. It's corn, but with a bitter character to it where you might expect sweet. Notable charred wood. I have to say, this is not pleasant. P: Bitter peppermint tea with honey - really odd combo. Dash of vanilla. Feels like there's that same funky note that the Balcones rye is known for, hard to guess where that could be coming from though. Green herbs with barrel spice. Finish is baking spice, more of the fresh herbs, little more vanilla, mint, and some heat. This is a bit rough, to be honest. It's my least favorite Balcones so far. Probably actually the first of their line that I outright dislike. The flavor combos here are just too weird for my palate. _______ Please come join a bunch of regular Distiller reviewers are chatting spirits in real time on Discord: https://discord.gg/4nfePCdyKM. (If the link is expired, post a comment and I will post a new one.)

Texas resident so I hate to do this but I’m not a fan and have to rate accordingly. To me, there is too much maple syrup and chocolate liquor taste to be enjoyable. Smooth whiskey but too much of those flavors for me to enjoy. I use the rating scale below. Distiller uses a scale of 5 and I use a scale of 10, but I’m sure you’re not too drunk to do the math! 1. Disgusting - So bad I poured it out. 2. Poor - I wouldn't consume by choice. 3. Bad - Multiple flaws. 4. Below average - Not bad, but many things I'd rather have. 5. Good - Just average. 6. Very Good - Better than average. 7. Great - Well above average. 8. Excellent - In a league of its own. 9. Incredible - An all-time favorite. 10. Perfect

Nose: Grilled pineapple, sweet caramel, cinnamon, roasted cayenne peppers, semi-sweet chocolate, touch of menthol. Palate: Burnt marshmallow, leather, milk chocolate, roasted coffee beans, chili powder. Rich and oily. Finish: Warm and long with chocolate covered coffee beans. Summary: A corn whiskey like no other. Not too surprising coming from Balcones. Far off the beaten path. Will challenge your palate. I've had this bottle for over a year and it continues to change as time goes on. Well worth the price of admission.

Unique. Warmed up with Evan Williams BiB, and this takes a 90 degree turn from there. Nice nose of roasted sweet corn, and profound vanilla cake frosting. Mouthfeel is rich and evenly balanced. Hits with sweet corn and chocolate that gives way to a bit of grainy heat, fading quickly to a long warm finish of light ginger spice and smoke. Drinks a bit young, but overall an enjoyable and unique pour.