Balcones Bourbon Ratafia Champenois Cask T-053
The Balcones Bourbon Ratafia Champenois Cask T-053 is a whiskey that impresses with an exciting cask finish. Produced in the United States, it combines the robust tradition of American bourbon with an exquisite finish in a Ratafia Champenois cask. This bourbon begins its life with three years of maturation in new oak barrels, followed by 52 months of refinement in the special Ratafia Champenois barrel. This results in an abv of 55.2% and a total ageing period of six years.
The panel
Mean 77.0 · spread 2
Value for money 3/5
- Distillery
- Balcones
- Bottler
- Champagne Dumangin
- Type
- Bourbon
- Country
- USA
- Age
- 6 years
- Strength
- 55.2% ABV
- Character
- delicate
Tasting
Nose
The depth and complexity of this drink is revealed from the very first nosing. A sweetish cloud envelops the nose, followed by a fine orange note that subtly shines through. The pepper typical of Balcones is unmistakably present and gives the bouquet a spicy base. This is joined by flavours of rum and baking spices, reminiscent of a warm kitchen. Earthy notes of moss and wet cardboard and a hint of dusty oak shelves complete the olfactory experience. The scent of rye bread is particularly interesting, emphasising the spiciness of the bourbon and at the same time highlighting its origins.
Palate
The Balcones Bourbon Ratafia Champenois shows its best side on the palate. The bourbon character immediately comes to the fore, carried by the typical flavours of corn, rye and caramel. This classic sweetness is complemented by an indefinable note reminiscent of cranberries and BBQ sauce - an unusual but intriguing combination. The slightly smoky undertone and omnipresent pepper add an extra layer of complexity to the flavour. The influences of the Ratafia Champenois cask are clearly noticeable and give the bourbon a soft, almost velvety texture that harmoniously balances the intense flavours. The high rye content (36%) provides a dry, spicy note.
Finish
The finish of the Bourbon is of medium length and leaves a lasting impression. A soft, subtle oak note accompanies the finish, followed by a good portion of rye spice that gently caresses the palate. The kick that comes through at the end is just right and rounds off the flavour experience without being overpowering.
Verdicts
Marcel
With its intriguing cask maturation, the Balcones Bourbon Ratafia Champenois brings a uniquely playful note to the glass that leaves you wanting more. The sweet fruit aromas meet spicy pepper – a bourbon full of character that never bores but makes drinking fun.
Sascha
The combination of traditional bourbon and finishing in Ratafia Champenois casks results in a well-balanced profile with complex aromas and a fine structure. Despite the unusual choice of cask, the whisky remains clearly focused, offering a harmonious maturity with a distinctive rye spiciness.
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.