Balcones distillery

Introduction to Balcones

A distillery with a passion for craft

Balcones is a pioneering American craft whisky distillery that has redefined what Texas whisky can be. Located in the heart of Waco, Texas, this bold distillery has built a reputation for creating distinctive spirits that showcase a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Since its founding, Balcones has become synonymous with Texas whisky, bringing a distinctive Southwestern character to the global whisky landscape.

Why we have a soft spot for Balcones

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that push boundaries while maintaining exceptional quality. Balcones stands out for its commitment to using local Texas ingredients, implementing unique production methods, and creating flavor profiles that are unmistakably their own.

Their fearless approach to whisky-making and willingness to experiment with everything from blue corn to unconventional barrel finishes makes them a truly exciting producer in the world of craft spirits.

The Story Behind Balcones

Origins and development

Balcones was founded in 2008 by Chip Tate, who began with a vision of creating a uniquely Texan whisky in a small welding shop under a bridge in Waco. The distillery takes its name from the Balcones Fault, a geological formation that runs through Texas.

From humble beginnings with handbuilt equipment and a rebellious spirit, Balcones has grown into an award-winning distillery that has helped put American craft whisky on the international map. Despite ownership changes over the years, their commitment to quality and innovation has remained unwavering.

The people behind

Today, Balcones is led by a team of passionate distillers and blenders who share a dedication to creating exceptional whisky. Head Distiller Jared Himstedt has been with the company since its earliest days and continues to guide its distinctive style and approach.

Each member of the production team brings their expertise and creativity to the process, ensuring that every release from Balcones carries forward its legacy of bold, characterful spirits.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Balcones starts with carefully selected grains, including Texas-grown blue corn, malted barley, and rye. They implement a grain-to-glass philosophy, controlling every aspect of production from mashing to bottling.

Distillation takes place in copper pot stills, allowing for precision and the retention of rich flavor compounds. Balcones is known for its longer fermentation times, which develop complex flavor profiles before distillation even begins.

Maturation and aging

The Texas climate plays a crucial role in Balcones’ maturation process. The extreme temperature fluctuations accelerate the interaction between spirit and wood, creating remarkable depth and maturity even in relatively young whiskies.

Balcones utilizes a variety of cask types, from new American oak to ex-bourbon barrels and specialty wine casks. This diversity of wood, combined with Texas’ intense climate, creates whiskies with pronounced character and complexity that defy their age statements.

Selected Products from Balcones

Baby Blue – A taste of Texan innovation

As the first Texas whisky on the market since Prohibition, Baby Blue showcases the distillery’s pioneering spirit. Made from roasted blue corn, it offers notes of butter, masa, cinnamon and pepper with a velvety mouthfeel.

This approachable expression serves as an excellent introduction to the Balcones style while demonstrating their commitment to utilizing uniquely Texan ingredients.

Brimstone – A bold Texan statement

Brimstone represents Balcones at its most experimental and distinctive. This corn whisky is smoked not in the grain but in the liquid itself, using Texas scrub oak to impart intense, savory smoke character.

Expect powerful notes of campfire, barbecue, dark chocolate, and spice – a truly unique expression that captures the bold character of Texas in liquid form. This is for those seeking something truly different in the whisky world.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Balcones offers immersive distillery tours at their Waco facility, where visitors can witness the complete production process from milling to bottling. The experience typically includes a guided tasting of their core range and sometimes special releases.

The knowledgeable staff provides insights into Balcones’ unique approach to whisky-making, making a visit an educational and enjoyable experience for both whisky novices and connoisseurs alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Balcones?

Balcones is a craft whisky distillery founded in Waco, Texas, that produces a range of distinctive American whiskies. They focus on using local ingredients and traditional methods combined with innovative techniques to create spirits that are true to their Texan roots.

Where is Balcones located?

Balcones Distillery is located in downtown Waco, Texas. The hot, variable Texas climate significantly influences their maturation process, contributing to the distinctive character of their whiskies.

What characterizes Balcones?

Balcones is known for its bold flavor profiles, use of unique ingredients like blue corn, and innovative approaches to traditional whisky-making. Their spirits often feature rich, full-bodied character with pronounced wood influence due to the Texas climate’s effect on maturation.

Where can I buy whisky from Balcones?

You can find selected bottles from Balcones at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate both their core expressions and limited releases to offer you the best of this pioneering Texas distillery’s range.