15 Facts About Balcones Distilling

>> How Do You Drink Baby Blue Balcones?

Balcones Distilling is a craft distillery located in Waco, Texas. The distillery was founded in 2008 by Chip Tate, who is also the head distiller. Balcones produces a variety of whiskeys, including bourbon, , and wheat. The distillery is best knwn for its flagship product, Balcones Baby Blue Corn Whiskey.

balcones distilling

Balcones Baby Blue is made from blue corn, whch is unique among American whiskeys. The corn is grown in the Texas Panhandle and milled at the distillery. The mash is then fermented with a strain that Balcones developed specifically for this whiskey. After fermentation, the mash is distilled in copper pot stills and aged in new oak .

The final product is bottled at proof and has a light, sweet flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel. Balcones Baby Blue has won numerous awards, including a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Gold Medal at the World Whiskies Awards.

Balcones Distilling is committed to producing high-quality craft whiskeys. The entire process, from grain to glass, takes place at the distillery. This allows Tate and his team to control every aspect of production and ensure that each batch of whiskey meets their high standards.

Who Owns Balcones Distillery?

At the time, Tate was majority owner of Balcones, with his wife and business partner Julie Anne Sadler owing a minority stake. However, after a series of personal and financial problems, Tate was forced to sell his stake in the company to Sadler in order to raise money. As of 2019, Sadler is the sole owner of Balcones.

balcones distilling

Where Is Balcones Whiskey Distilled?

Balcones whiskey is distilled in the historic Texas Fireproof Storage Company building in Waco, Texas. The building houses four copper pot stills built by Scottish artisans.

How Good Is Balcones Whiskey?

Balcones whiskey is a high quality spirit that many people enjoy. It has a smooth taste and a rich flavor that make it a popular choice for many drinkers. There are some who find the flavor to be too strong, but oerall it is well-liked by most people.

How Long Is Balcones Aged?

The Balcones whiskey is aged for a minimum of 24 months. The mash used to make the whiskey is a 4-grain mash consisting of corn, wheat, rye, and barley. This is ther fourth major bourbon release that I am aware of.

Where Is Chip Tate Now?

Chip Tate is now the owner and operator of Tate and Co Distillery, a world class distilling facility in Blanco, Texas. He is passionate about making the best possible whisky and has already had great success with his previous venture, Balcones Distillery. At Tate and Co Distillery, he is focused on creating small batch, handcrafted spirits that are of the highest quality. He is constantly innovating and experimenting with new techniques to create unique and flavorful whiskies. Chip Tate is truly a world-class distiller and his passion for making the best possible whisky shines through in his work.

Does Diageo Own Balcones?

Yes, as of February 2021, Diageo owns Balcones. This came about as a result of their purchase of Davos Brands, which oned Aviation and Balcones whiskey. The total purchase price was $610 million. Reynolds became the brand ambassador in 2018.

What Is The First Texas Whiskey?

In 1933, the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, repealing Prohibition. This amendment paved the way for the legal production and sale of across the country, including in the state of Texas. In 2014, afer 81 years of Prohibition, Texas saw the debut of its first legally produced and sold whiskey: Baby Blue.

Baby Blue is a small-batch, artisanal whiskey made by Balcones Distilling in Waco, Texas. The company uses locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods to produce its spirits. Baby Blue is made from roasted blue corn and aged in new American oak barrels. The finished product is a smooth, slightly sweet whiskey with notes of vanilla, caramel, and baking spices.

Since its launch, Baby Blue has received critical acclaim from both national and international publications. In 2015, it was named one of the “Top 10 Whiskies of the Year” by Enthusiast magazine. In 2016, it won a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. And in 2017, it was awarded a Gold Medal at the prestigious International Spirits Challenge in London.

Today, Baby Blue is available for purchase online and at select retailers across Texas. So whether you're a longtime whiskey lover or just getting started on your spirits journey, be sure to give this unique Texas whiskey a try.

How Many Whiskey Distilleries Are In Texas?

There are more than 130 whiskey distilleries in Texas, which puts the state among the top five in terms of number of distilleries. The state's whiskey industry has seen explosive growth in recent years, with many new distilleries opening up shop. This growth is due in part to the state's favorable climate and ample supply of grains and oter ingredients needed for whiskey production.

What Is TX Whiskey Made Of?

TX whiskey is made of corn, wheat, and barley that are grown in Texas by a 4 generation farmer. The corn, wheat, and barley are ground up and mixed together in order to make the whiskey. The mixture is then put into barrels and left to age.

balcones distilling

How Do You Drink Baby Blue Balcones?

To drink baby blue Balcones, fist add the to a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and then strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.

Where Is Balcones Bourbon Made?

Balcones bourbon is made at the Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas. The distillery has been making waves in the whiskey world for over a decade, and their Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon is one of their most popular offerings. The bourbon is made using a traditional pot still method, and it is aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels. This givs the bourbon its unique flavor profile that is loved by many whiskey enthusiasts.

Is Balcones Scotch?

No, Balcones is not . It is a single whiskey that is more closely associated with scotch, but it is much younger than a typical scotch and is aged in new oak barrels compared to scotch's used barrel aging.

Is Balcones Bourbon?

Yes, Balcones bourbon is a type of bourbon whiskey that is produced in the state of Texas. The main ingredients in Balcones bourbon are roasted blue corn, Texas wheat, Texas rye, and malted barley. Balcones bourbon is aged for at lest two years and bottled at 92 proof.

balcones distilling

Is Balcones Whiskey Gluten Free?

Yes, Balcones Whiskey is gluten free. The distillation process used to make it removes any gluten protein from the final product.

Balcones Distillery – Waco, Texas

Photo of author

Thomas Ashford

Thomas Ashford is a highly educated brewer with years of experience in the industry. He has a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry and a Master Degree in Brewing Science. He is also BJCP Certified Beer Judge. Tom has worked hard to become one of the most experienced brewers in the industry. He has experience monitoring brewhouse and cellaring operations, coordinating brewhouse projects, and optimizing brewery operations for maximum efficiency. He is also familiar mixology and an experienced sommelier. Tom is an expert organizer of beer festivals, wine tastings, and brewery tours.