Balcones Baby Blue
Balcones Baby Blue is made from roasted baby blue corn and is matured for a time that is probably well under two years. Although exact details of the ageing time are not available, it is assumed that the whisky is aged in barrels for at least six months. The use of small casks and the unique Texas climate significantly characterise the character of this corn spirit.
Tasting Notes
Nose
An intense corn flavour immediately reveals itself, accompanied by notes of fresh popcorn and a hint of solvent. The sweet vanilla and ripe banana lend a tantalising sweetness to the bouquet, while a subtle nuance of young oak and curd soap rounds off the olfactory experience. Light roasted flavours and the scent of hot butter in the pan give this whisky a warm and inviting note.
Palate
On the palate, the Balcones Baby Blue Whisky is slightly bitter with a hint of Balcones pepper and a sweet vanilla note. The creamy texture is again reminiscent of curd soap, while fruity nuances add refreshing complexity.
Finish
The finish concludes briefly with a light spiciness and a hint of orange and ginger.
Thoughts
Marcel 72/100
The Baby Blue brings unmistakable Texas flair with an exciting blend of sweet vanilla and subtly bitter pepper notes. Those who appreciate unconventional, lively whiskies will find an entertaining companion here – though it lacks the classic refinement that’s sometimes missed.
Sascha 72/100
The balance between intense corn aroma and the slightly bitter notes feels somewhat uneven despite the short maturation, giving the Baby Blue a certain rawness. The small barrel size and warm climate create a dense texture, yet the finish remains comparatively short and not very complex.
Value for Money: Good
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What makes Balcones Baby Blue special compared to other corn whiskies?
Balcones Baby Blue is made from roasted Baby Blue Corn, which imparts an intense corn aroma with popcorn notes. The short aging period in small barrels combined with the Texan climate results in a unique combination of sweet vanilla tones, light bitterness, and spicy accents.
How does the short maturation affect the taste of Balcones Baby Blue?
Although the exact maturation time is unknown, it is believed the whisky ages for at least six months. This relatively brief aging leads to a fresh and lively profile with pronounced corn flavors, subtle oak spice, and a creamy mouthfeel, without the heavy wood notes typical of older whiskies.
What flavors can one expect when tasting Balcones Baby Blue?
On the nose, corn, popcorn, vanilla, and ripe banana dominate, complemented by subtle notes of young oak and kernel soap. On the palate, there is a slight bitterness with pepper and vanilla notes alongside a creamy texture. The finish is short and spicy with hints of orange and ginger.