Balcones Baby Blue | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Texas, USA, specifically between Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, closer to Dallas/Fort Worth.
Type: Corn spirit, not a Kentucky Straight Bourbon but a Certified Texas Whiskey.
Distillation: Utilizes Scottish pot stills produced by Richard Forsyth from Rothes.
Maturation Process: Not explicitly mentioned, but the complexity and flavor notes suggest a thoughtful aging process.
Age Statement: Not provided.
Color and Clarity: Not described, but the use of blue corn might influence its unique appearance.
Bottle Design: Not described, but the opening process is noted as being very well sealed, requiring a waiter's knife.

Balance of Flavors: A complex balance of nuttiness, toasted overtones, and refined complexity.
Unique Characteristics: Made from blue corn from New Mexico, contributing to its distinct flavor profile.
Flavor Notes: Sweetness, spiciness (chili notes, likely from the pot stills), coffee, citrus, cinnamon, mint, vanilla, and leather.
Comparison: Not directly compared to other whiskies, but its unique use of blue corn and Scottish pot stills sets it apart.

Distillery Background: Founded in 2008, production started in 2009, and moved to a larger facility in 2011. The use of Scottish pot stills and blue corn from New Mexico are highlighted as special aspects of its production.
Anecdotes: The host, Horst Luening, mentions the challenge of opening the bottle due to its tight seal, humorously noting he had to use a waiter's knife.

Texas Whiskey: Emphasized as a Certified Texas Whiskey, highlighting its geographical origin and contributing to the American whiskey culture.
Use of Blue Corn: The use of blue corn from New Mexico adds a cultural and geographical layer to the whiskey, connecting it to the agricultural practices of the region.

"Captures the essence of this prized corn with a round nuttiness, toasted overtones, and refined complexity."
"This is a whiskey you have to have your eye on it."
Ratings in the whisky database are notably high at 4.6, indicating strong consumer approval.

Balcones Baby Blue is a Certified Texas Whiskey with a unique profile due to its use of blue corn from New Mexico and Scottish pot stills.
It offers a complex flavor profile with notes of sweetness, spiciness, coffee, citrus, cinnamon, mint, vanilla, and leather.
The distillery's history, the use of specific materials, and the geographical significance of the ingredients contribute to the whiskey's storytelling and cultural relevance.
Expert opinions and consumer ratings suggest it is a highly regarded whiskey worth paying attention to.

Whiskey Enthusiasts: Those interested in unique American whiskies and the use of unconventional grains.
Adventurous Drinkers: Individuals looking to explore whiskies with complex and spicy flavor profiles.
Collectors: Given its unique characteristics and high consumer ratings, collectors might find it a valuable addition.