Balcones Texas Rye 100 Proof is a bold, distinctive 100 percent rye whisky from Balcones Distilling in Waco, Texas, one of the pioneers of the modern American craft whiskey movement. Founded in 2008 and known as The Original Texas Whisky, Balcones built its reputation on innovative use of specialty grains and malts drawn from a brewing background, and its Texas Rye is a perfect showcase. Rather than a single rye, the 100 percent rye mash bill is built from raw Elbon rye grown in northwest Texas alongside a considered combination of specialty crystal, chocolate, and roasted rye malts, the kind of malts more often found in craft beer, which give the whisky its signature rich, chocolatey character. It is pot distilled in some of the tallest Forsyth copper pot stills in the world, aged in new American and Hungarian oak, and bottled without chill filtration or added coloring at a robust 100 proof. The intense Texas climate, with its dramatic temperature swings, accelerates maturation and concentrates flavor, allowing the whisky to develop remarkable depth in a relatively short time. Note that Balcones uses the whisky spelling, without the e, as a stylistic statement. Expect a deep amber pour with a nose of soft charred oak, black tea, cracked pepper, stewed apple, and chocolate covered cherry, a creamy, full bodied palate of buttery toffee, cocoa, tobacco, peppery rye spice, coffee, and nuts, and a long, robust finish of dark chocolate, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Unlike any other rye on the market, it is an outstanding, characterful sipper and a unique addition to any whiskey shelf. Enjoy it neat or over a large cube.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Balcones Distilling, Waco, Texas |
| Category |
Texas Rye Whisky (100% rye) |
| Expression |
Texas Rye 100 Proof |
| Mashbill |
100% Rye (Texas Elbon rye with crystal, chocolate, and roasted rye malts) |
| Distillation |
Pot Distilled (copper pot stills) |
| Age |
No Age Statement |
| Maturation |
New American and Hungarian Oak; non chill filtered, no added coloring |
| ABV |
50% |
| Proof |
100 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber.
Nose: Soft charred oak, black tea, cracked pepper, stewed apple, and chocolate covered cherry.
Palate: Creamy and full bodied, with buttery toffee, cocoa, tobacco, peppery rye spice, coffee, and nuts.
Finish: Long and robust, with dark chocolate, peanut butter, and brown sugar.
FAQ
What makes Balcones Texas Rye unique? Its 100 percent rye mash bill combines raw Texas Elbon rye with specialty crystal, chocolate, and roasted rye malts borrowed from brewing, giving it a rich, chocolatey profile unlike any other rye on the market.
What proof is it? It is bottled at 100 proof, or 50 percent ABV, non chill filtered and with no added coloring.
How is it made? It is pot distilled in tall copper pot stills in Waco, Texas, and aged in new American and Hungarian oak. The intense Texas climate accelerates maturation.
Why is whisky spelled without an e? Balcones deliberately uses the whisky spelling as a stylistic statement, even though most American rye uses whiskey.
Is it a bourbon? No. It is a 100 percent rye whisky, not a bourbon.
Where can I buy Balcones Texas Rye online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
