A visit to Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas, is a true journey into the heart of Texan whisky-making craftsmanship. Nestled in the heart of a city known for its hidden gems like the stunning riverwalk along the Brazos, Balcones stands out as a pioneer in American whisky, blending time-honored traditions with bold innovation.
The Distillery’s Origins & Unique Approach
Balcones follows the Scottish tradition of naming distilleries after natural landmarks rather than their founders. The name “Balcones” comes from the nearby Balcones Fault Line, which originally provided the artesian waters for their distilling process. The distillery itself is housed in the historic Texas Fireproof Storage Building, a 100-year-old structure that survived 33 tornadoes in the 1950s—an impressive setting for producing bold, award-winning whiskys like Texas 1 Single Malt, a winner of several International Spirit Awards.
The Process & Ingredients
During the tour, led by the knowledgeable Cara, a PhD student in Hebrew Poetry at Baylor University, we learned that Balcones purchased their mash tub from Speyburn Distillery in Scotland, blending the old world with the new. Their fermentation process is unusually long—lasting six or seven days—resulting in a spirit rich with funky stone fruit and leathery tobacco notes. This extended fermentation is a hallmark of Balcones, adding complexity and depth to the whisky.
Balcones also boasts the tallest copper stills in the world, crafted by Forsyths in Scotland. The two-wash and two-spirit stills are used for twice distillation, creating a spirit with a clean, yet characteristically bold flavor. The spirit enters the barrels at 62.5% ABV, ready to undergo a unique aging process.
Texas Aging: Big Weather, Big Flavor
One of the most fascinating aspects of Balcones’ whisky-making process is how the extreme Texas weather accelerates aging. The high heat pushes the whisky in and out of the charred oak barrels faster than in other regions, giving it a rich, well-aged flavor in less time. However, this comes with a drawback—the angels’ share (the amount of whisky lost to evaporation during aging) is a whopping 25-28%, much higher than in cooler climates.
Balcones takes great pride in their grain selection, sourcing Elbon Rye from Texas, Golden Promise barley from Scotland, Texas malted barley from the Panhandle, and Blue Corn from New Mexico. Each grain adds a unique layer of flavor to their diverse range of whiskys.
Historical Connections & Special Releases
Balcones made history with their Baby Blue Corn Whisky, the first whisky legally sold in Texas after Prohibition. They continue to create standout expressions, sometimes aging their whisky in 100-year-old sherry barrels, adding a deep, complex layer to special bottlings.
The Experience
Visiting Balcones was a revelation. The depth of history, combined with their cutting-edge methods, speaks to their commitment to excellence. The tall stills, long fermentations, and unique grains combine to create whiskys that are unlike any other. I left the distillery feeling like I’d discovered a true hidden gem, much like Waco itself.
Fun Fact
The logo for Balcones Distillery is one of the founder’s artistic rendering of the Balcones fault line, depicted in the form of plate tectonics. This unique design reflects the distillery’s connection to its geographical roots in Texas.
Balcones’ bold approach to whisky-making, coupled with their respect for tradition and attention to detail, makes their whisky a standout in the world of spirits. I can’t wait to return.
Slàinte Mhath!
Balcones Cataleja Texas Single Malt Whisky
Type: Texas Single Malt Whisky
ABV: 59% (118 proof)
SRP: $125
Nose: The nose is an inviting mix of dark fruits, with figs and dates leading the charge. A hint of Christmas pine adds a festive touch, while grape jelly and cacao bring a sweet, rich undertone. There’s also a surprising note of nectarine, adding a burst of freshness to the aromatic profile.
Taste: On the palate, this whisky is thick and luscious, like a decadent dessert in a glass. The first sip hits you with the taste of fudge brownie paired with black cherry ice cream—a rich and indulgent combination. Grilled pineapple adds a smoky-sweet contrast, while more figs, dates, dark brown sugar, and maple syrup layer the experience with complex sweetness. A dash of cinnamon spices things up, rounding out the flavor profile perfectly.
Finish: The finish is medium to long, leaving you with lingering notes of heavy German chocolate cake and grilled pineapple, with a delightful touch of cherry jam.
A mind-blowing whisky! Balcones Cataleja Texas Single Malt is nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, not a single corner was cut during the production of this spirit, resulting in an extremely complex and challenging whisky.
Crafted with 100% Golden Promise Malted Barley, this Single Malt undergoes a meticulous aging process. First, it rests in refill bourbon casks before being transferred to a variety of decommissioned 80+ year-old Sherry Solera puncheons, including Moscatel, Amontillado Dulce, Oloroso, and Palo Cortado. The result is a whisky rich in character and depth.
