Balcones Brimstone
Balcones Brimstone is an exceptional whisky that is smoked using a special method known as the "secret process". Unlike conventional methods, the already distilled product is smoked with sun-dried Texas Schurwald oak rather than the grain. This 100% blue corn whisky is aged for less than 2 years.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose immediately develops the characteristic Balcones pepper, which is combined with the aroma of grilled corn. Notes of burnt wood and sawdust follow, adding a smoky, woody depth. A hint of vanilla and brown sugar brings a subtle sweetness into play, while the smell of BBQ ribs and steak dry rub mingle to create a savoury, spicy profile.
Palate
Am Gaumen präsentiert sich der Balcones Brimstone als intensiv und sehr ölig, mit einer kräftigen Pfeffernote. Der kalte, frische Rauch bietet eine komplexe Rauchnuance, die sich mit getrockneter Petersilie und Chili zu einer faszinierenden Geschmackskombination vereint. Intensiv!
Finish
The finish of the Balcones Brimstone is long and leaves a lasting grilled sausage note, accompanied by pepper and heather. A hint of black tea rounds off the finish.
Thoughts
Marcel 78/100
If you're looking for a whisky with character and a good dose of Texas smoke, the Balcones Brimstone is an excellent choice. It's like a wild harbor cruise: powerful, surprising, and above all, highly entertaining in the glass – a genuine flavor experience that’s a lot of fun.
Sascha 78/100
The Balcones Brimstone impresses with its clear structure and the intense interplay of pepper and smoky notes, which stand out distinctly thanks to the unusual smoking method. Despite its young age, it offers a balanced harmony between spice, sweetness, and a long-lasting, complex finish.
Value for Money: Fair
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How does Balcones Brimstone differ from other smoky whiskies?
Unlike the usual practice of smoking the grain, Balcones Brimstone is smoked after distillation using sun-dried Texas scrub oak wood. This special method imparts a unique smoky depth with aromas of BBQ, pepper, and charred wood.
Why is Balcones Brimstone so intense in flavor despite its young age?
Although Balcones Brimstone is under 2 years old, its high alcohol content of 53% and the special smoking process create a very oily texture and a complex flavor profile with strong pepper and smoky notes.
What role does 100% Blue Corn play in the production of Balcones Brimstone?
Balcones Brimstone is made exclusively from 100% Blue Corn, giving it a distinctive corn flavor. Combined with the smoke treatment, this results in an intense, spicy whisky that clearly stands apart from traditional barley whiskies.