Balcones Bourbon Ratafia Champenois Cask T-053
The Balcones Bourbon Ratafia Champenois Cask T-053 is a whiskey that impresses with an exciting cask finish. Produced in the United States, it combines the robust tradition of American bourbon with an exquisite finish in a Ratafia Champenois cask. This bourbon begins its life with three years of maturation in new oak barrels, followed by 52 months of refinement in the special Ratafia Champenois barrel. This results in an abv of 55.2% and a total ageing period of six years.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The depth and complexity of this drink is revealed from the very first nosing. A sweetish cloud envelops the nose, followed by a fine orange note that subtly shines through. The pepper typical of Balcones is unmistakably present and gives the bouquet a spicy base. This is joined by flavours of rum and baking spices, reminiscent of a warm kitchen. Earthy notes of moss and wet cardboard and a hint of dusty oak shelves complete the olfactory experience. The scent of rye bread is particularly interesting, emphasising the spiciness of the bourbon and at the same time highlighting its origins.
Palate
The Balcones Bourbon Ratafia Champenois shows its best side on the palate. The bourbon character immediately comes to the fore, carried by the typical flavours of corn, rye and caramel. This classic sweetness is complemented by an indefinable note reminiscent of cranberries and BBQ sauce - an unusual but intriguing combination. The slightly smoky undertone and omnipresent pepper add an extra layer of complexity to the flavour. The influences of the Ratafia Champenois cask are clearly noticeable and give the bourbon a soft, almost velvety texture that harmoniously balances the intense flavours. The high rye content (36%) provides a dry, spicy note.
Finish
The finish of the Bourbon is of medium length and leaves a lasting impression. A soft, subtle oak note accompanies the finish, followed by a good portion of rye spice that gently caresses the palate. The kick that comes through at the end is just right and rounds off the flavour experience without being overpowering.
Thoughts
Marcel 76/100
With its intriguing cask maturation, the Balcones Bourbon Ratafia Champenois brings a uniquely playful note to the glass that leaves you wanting more. The sweet fruit aromas meet spicy pepper – a bourbon full of character that never bores but makes drinking fun.
Sascha 78/100
The combination of traditional bourbon and finishing in Ratafia Champenois casks results in a well-balanced profile with complex aromas and a fine structure. Despite the unusual choice of cask, the whisky remains clearly focused, offering a harmonious maturity with a distinctive rye spiciness.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersThis product was kindly provided to us by Champagne Dumangin J. Fils. This does not influence our rating. No payments or other benefits were received in exchange for this provision.
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What makes the Ratafia Champenois cask finish on the Balcones Bourbon so special?
The Ratafia Champenois cask finish imparts a unique flavor dimension to the Balcones Bourbon. After three years of aging in new oak barrels, the bourbon spends an additional 52 months in casks that previously held Ratafia Champenois. This secondary maturation introduces fruity, almost wine-like notes and a velvety texture to the bourbon, harmoniously complementing its spiciness and sweetness.
How does the high rye content influence the taste of this bourbon?
With a rye content of 36%, the Balcones Bourbon exhibits pronounced spiciness expressed through peppery and dry notes. This rye spice adds a dry, slightly sharp component that balances the sweetness from corn and caramel, giving the bourbon greater complexity and structure overall.
What aromas can one expect from the Balcones Bourbon Ratafia Champenois in the glass?
In the glass, a complex bouquet unfolds featuring sweet orange notes, characteristic pepper, hints of rum and baking spices, as well as earthy elements like moss and damp cardboard. On the palate, corn, rye, caramel, and unusual nuances of lingonberries and BBQ sauce come together, supported by a subtle smoky undertone and a soft, velvety texture.