Balcones True Blue is the cask strength version of the Balcones Baby Blue I reviewed not too long ago and it’s a powerful, aromatic and flavorful whiskey that’s truly a unique whiskey drinking experience. The roasted blue corn mash gives the whiskey a flavor that’s reminiscent of other the corn whiskeys like Mellow Corn or Platte Valley, but amped up and delivered with a punch and a twist.
Because the Balcones True Blue is a corn whiskey it has to be aged in used cooperage which means that for the duration of its maturation the whiskey was aged in barrels that previously held other Balcones whiskey. So in a small way you’re also getting a little bit of the other whiskeys, like the Balcones Texas Single Malt, in this bottle as well. The quality and uniqueness of this product is why Balcones is among my favorite American craft whiskey producers.
Balcones True Blue Info
Region: Texas, USA
Distiller: Balcones
Mashbill: 100% Hopi Blue Corn (Atole)
Cask: Used barrels
Age: NAS
ABV: 61.2%
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Batch: TB 15-1
Price: $65
Balcones True Blue Review
EYE
Reddish-bluish-purplish caramel
NOSE
Corn, complex dark sweets, vanilla, cherries, dried dark fruit and a mild – cinnamon heavy – spice. The nose is… nice. Nothing much else to say about it.
PALATE
Corn, caramel, toasted grains, nuts, cinnamon and clove heavy spice, candied citrus, vanilla, smarties and a light bit of tannic wood and dark fruit. A good range of flavors, this is where the Balcones True Blue really shines.
FINISH
Medium, Dark sweets, wood, grain and dark fruit
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Decently balanced, round heavy body and slick oily feel with relatively low heat despite the 122.4 proof mark.
OVERALL
Balcones True Blue has a nice aroma and a palate that manages to surpass the nose, coming across richer and deeper than the aroma. It has a warmth to it that’s lovely and elevating and is, for my money, the best corn whiskey on the market. It’s something that I imagine would work well in cocktails and I definitely enjoy sipping it on its own, making it a versatile whiskey.
I fully understand that Balcones True Blue won’t be everyone’s cup of whiskey, but if you’re open to trying new things and going beyond traditional expectations of whiskey this is a really nice spirit and is something I think any whiskey or spirit aficionados should try.
SCORE: 83-86/100 (B, consumed at a tasting)
