Balcones Brimstone Texas Scrub Oak Smoked, 53%

Introduction

Balcones Brimstone stands as a revolutionary expression in American whisky, breaking traditions by applying a unique smoking process directly to the distilled spirit rather than the grain. This bold approach creates a whisky that truly captures the wild spirit of Texas in liquid form.

Production Method

• Raw materials: 100% blue corn grown in Texas, giving a distinctive sweet foundation
• Distillation process: Double distilled in traditional copper pot stills at Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas
• Maturation: Aged in new American oak barrels to develop complexity while retaining the corn’s natural character
• Special techniques: Unlike traditional scotch where barley is smoked before fermentation, Balcones smokes the already-distilled corn whisky with local Texas scrub oak, creating a distinctive “Texas campfire” character

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Intense barbecue smoke, bacon, maple syrup, graham cracker, and cinnamon with hints of dark chocolate
• Palate: Bold waves of smoky barbecue, sweet corn, chili pepper, caramel, and vanilla with a perfect balance of sweet and savory
• Finish: Long-lasting with lingering smoke, spicy peppers, and sweet corn pudding notes that gradually fade to reveal subtle dried fruit and oak

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature or with a small drop of water to open up the complex flavors
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn to concentrate the aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat to fully appreciate its unique character, though it can shine in craft cocktails that call for smoky spirits
• Food pairings: Texas-style barbecue brisket, smoked ribs, dark chocolate desserts, or strong blue cheeses

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 53% ABV (106 proof)
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country/Region of origin: Waco, Texas, USA
• Certifications/Awards: Double Gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition, “Craft Whisky of the Year” by Whisky Advocate

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Balcones Brimstone represents a true innovation in whisky production as the only Texas scrub oak smoked whisky in the world.

Each batch is produced in limited quantities, with the availability fluctuating based on the distillery’s capacity and the specific smoking process that cannot be rushed or mass-produced.

Master Distiller Jared Himstedt has pioneered this revolutionary approach to smoking whisky, establishing Balcones as an authority in American craft distilling and earning recognition from whisky experts worldwide.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Whisky connoisseurs and critics consistently award Balcones Brimstone top honors, acknowledging its groundbreaking contribution to American whisky traditions.

Devotees of this distinctive spirit often become loyal ambassadors, with many collectors committing to acquiring each new release to compare subtle variations between batches.

The whisky community has embraced Brimstone as the benchmark for American smoked whisky, with its distinctive profile setting the standard against which others are measured.

From Balcones Distillery to You

Balcones shares their passion for innovation through this labor-intensive whisky, representing countless hours of experimentation to perfect the unique smoking technique.

The friendly, approachable character of this whisky reflects the Texan hospitality that inspires its creation, inviting both whisky enthusiasts and curious newcomers to experience something truly original.

By choosing Brimstone, you join a community of adventurous spirits enthusiasts who appreciate authentic craft production and bold flavors that tell the story of their origins – discover why this revolutionary Texas whisky continues to captivate palates around the world.