SMWS 2019 140.21 Puffs of Candyfloss Smoke 3 yo

 

 

 

62,7°

#3 Char New Oak Barrique

Distillery : Balcones Distilling - USA 

Independent Bottling 

By Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated 

 

 

 

Balcones Distilling is based in Waco, deep in the heart of Texas. Founded in 2009, it produces bourbon whiskey from blue corn, a little-known local variety. But it also produces single malt whiskey, and that’s exactly what we have here, a three-year-old expression that was apparently aged in a virgin, yet well-charred barrel. A total of 216 bottles were released to the market. This is an American whiskey, and it’s peated—which I believe is very rare. The peat level isn’t specified, but I estimate it at around 30 ppm. The sad story of this distillery is that its founder, Chip Tate, was fired by the investor in 2015. He had to leave the premises under police escort, even though he had built all the equipment himself. Today, Balcones is owned by Diageo and bears no resemblance to the small, artisanal business it was when it was first established in a former welding shop. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Liquid caramel and cinnamon, toasted pine bark, pine cones tossed into the fire, melt-in-your-mouth marshmallow, roast pork in the fireplace with herbs, earthy smoke laden with soot, giant Medjool dates, meat sauce, churned butter, a few candied cherries. On the palate, smoky wood with ham, liquid honey, maple syrup, grilled lemon. Spices are correctly balanced. The finish is powerful of course, though not quite long, candied ginger, barley sugar, a variety of aromatic herbs, the freshness of peppermint, crushed hazelnuts and traces of charcoal. 

 

In Short, 

It certainly has the merit of being very original, and it’s well-made to boot, but I recommend adding a few drops of water to lower the alcohol content. The oak is intense and dominates the tasting, fruit notes are scarce, but with all the caramel and aromas from the charred wood, it offers a lovely, indulgent flavor. The peat isn’t very strong and adds to the complexity. A lovely, powerful finish. The price is, of course, high for a 3-year-old, but it’s a very interesting and enjoyable curiosity that’s worth a few sacrifices. In any case, it’s sold out everywhere. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Twisted Teens - Florida Water Blues