A little background

Balcones Distillery began distilling in 2009 in Waco, TX and today produces quite a few different spirits. Today’s review is of Balcones Texas Rye Whisky, which is bottled at 100 Proof after being aged at least 15 months in oak. Retail price on this rye whisky is around $40.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Light Gold

Nose

Ethanol, grapefruit, burnt motor oil, and fermented grain.

Palate

A very youthful cereal grain that dominates any other potential notes except for a strange sorbitol sweetness.

Finish

Slight hints of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate and oak shows up on the finish.

In conclusion

I’d like to think that over the X number of reviews I’ve written for Whiskey Consensus, that I have instilled some confidence in the readers that I call things like I see them. Being completely transparent, Balcones Rye Whisky wasn’t for me. However, everyone has different preferences and there are folks that do find this rye whisky enjoyable. My suggestion is simple, sample it before you invest in a whole bottle.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Balcones. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.