Balcones Distilling has been creating small batch, award-winning spirits from Waco, Texas sice 2008. Founded by Chip Tate and inspired by both traditional Scotch whisky and Mexican tequila, Balcones has become one of the most recognized craft distilleries in the United States.
What sets Balcones apart is their commitment to using local ingredients and their innovative approach to distillation. By embracing traditional techniques with modern technology, they are able to produce unique whiskies that reflect the flavors and nuances of Texas. Their signature product is Balcones “1” Texas Single Malt Whisky which is made with 100% Hopi blue corn and double-distilled in copper pot stills. This whiskey has a sweet aroma of toffee and ripe fruit notes on the palate.
In addition to their flagship whisky, Balcones produces a range of other spirits including rye whiskey, bourbon, rum, brandy and even aquavit. Each expression reflects their dedication to uing locally sourced ingredients like blue corn, wheat, rye and pecans as well as traditional distilling methods such as barrel aging in used 5-gallon barrels.
Balcones' commitment to craftsmanship is also evident in their Distillery Tours which provide an up close look at all aspects of the distilling process from grain selection to bottling. The tour lasts about an hour and costs $20 + tax/fees (bookable online). Even if you don't have time for a tour, you can still visit the Bottle Shop for tastings, cocktails or bottle sales.
Whether it's through teir award-winning spirits or community involvement, Balcones continues to bring pride to Waco Texas with each sip of their craft whisky!
Origin of Balcones Whiskey
Balcones whiskey is proudly brewed in Waco, Texas. We are a craft distillery that has earned acclaim for our whiskeys and other spirits over the past decade. Our commitment to quality and craftsmanship is what sets us apart from other distilleries. We source our grains from local farms in Central Texas, ferment them with our own yeast strains and age in new American oak barrels. The result is a unique flavor profile that is distinctly Balcones. From start to finish, eery bottle of Balcones whiskey is made with pride and passion in Waco, Texas.
Duration of Balcones Distillery Tour
The Balcones Distillery Tour is approximately one hour long. During the tour, you will get to explore the different processes of Balcones' distilling and learn abut their range of products. The cost of the tour is $20 + tax/fees, and can be booked in advance online. If you are short on time, you can visit Balcones' Bottle Shop, which offers tastings, cocktails, beer, and bottle sales.
Is Balcones Baby Blue Made from 100% Corn?
Yes, Balcones Baby Blue is 100% corn. It is made with 100% Hopi blue corn which is a rare heirloom variety of corn grown in the southwestern United States. The whiskey is double-distilled in copper pot stills and aged in used 5-gallon barrels giving it a unique flavor unlike any other whiskey on the market. This special whiskey has been produced by this distillery out of Waco, Texas for many years and has bcome a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.
The Type of Whiskey Produced by Balcones
Balcones “1” Texas Single Malt is a type of malt whisky, made using traditional distilling techniques and ingredients adapted for New World tastes. Opening aromas typically bear hints of toffee and overripe fruits. This whiskey is aged in white oak barrels that have been toasted, giving it a unique flavor profile and smooth finish. The whiskey is bottled at a cask strength of betwen 51-55% alcohol by volume (ABV).
Conclusion
Balcones Texas is a distillery known for its innovation and commitment to quality. From their single malt whisky to their Hopi blue corn whiskey, Balcones has crafted unique expressions of spirits that are sure to bring delight to any connoisseur. With tours and tastings available at their Waco-based facility, it is easy to see why this craft distillery is gaining in popularity both inside and outside of Texas. Whether you are looking for a bottle of whiskey or an experience like no other, Balcones Texas is the place to go for a truly unique experience.
