Tasting notes·Balcones

Balcones Baby Blue

Balcones Baby Blue is made from roasted baby blue corn and is matured for a time that is probably well under two years. Although exact details of the ageing time are not available, it is assumed that the whisky is aged in barrels for at least six months. The use of small casks and the unique Texas climate significantly characterise the character of this corn spirit.

The panel

Marcel
72
Sascha
72

Mean 72.0 · spread 0

Value for money 4/5

Distillery
Balcones
Type
Corn
Country
USA
Strength
46% ABV
Character
mellow

Tasting

Nose

An intense corn flavour immediately reveals itself, accompanied by notes of fresh popcorn and a hint of solvent. The sweet vanilla and ripe banana lend a tantalising sweetness to the bouquet, while a subtle nuance of young oak and curd soap rounds off the olfactory experience. Light roasted flavours and the scent of hot butter in the pan give this whisky a warm and inviting note.

Palate

On the palate, the Balcones Baby Blue Whisky is slightly bitter with a hint of Balcones pepper and a sweet vanilla note. The creamy texture is again reminiscent of curd soap, while fruity nuances add refreshing complexity.

Finish

The finish concludes briefly with a light spiciness and a hint of orange and ginger.

Verdicts

Marcel

The Baby Blue brings unmistakable Texas flair with an exciting blend of sweet vanilla and subtly bitter pepper notes. Those who appreciate unconventional, lively whiskies will find an entertaining companion here – though it lacks the classic refinement that’s sometimes missed.

Sascha

The balance between intense corn aroma and the slightly bitter notes feels somewhat uneven despite the short maturation, giving the Baby Blue a certain rawness. The small barrel size and warm climate create a dense texture, yet the finish remains comparatively short and not very complex.

What it is worth

No auction record for this distillery, so we cannot tell you what this bottle is worth. We would rather say that than guess.

Source

Tasting note and scores by WHISKY:EDITION — tasted by Marcel and Sascha, published 2024-05-01.