Cigar Spirits: Balcones 1 Texas Single Malt Whisky

Does “single malt” and “Texas” sound strange to you? It certainly does to me. But with my Texas roots (nearly half of my family lives in the state) I figured it would be worth a shot—even with a price tag just under $70.

Plus, it’s not like Balcones Distillery hasn’t won any awards. In addition to being named “American Craft Distillery of the Year” by Whisky Magazine, their various spirits have racked up accolades including a handful of prizes for this single malt from the Lone Star State.

On their website, Balcones describes their “1” Texas Single Malt, which was first released in 2011, like this: “A unique style of malt whisky, Texas made, Texas proud. This product is born of hundreds of years of distilling tradition transformed by a deep sense of place. Mellow notes of sautéed pears and ripe fruit mixed with a lingering toasty malt character.”

With all that in mind, I got down to business to try this 106-proof creation from the Waco, Texas-based operation. “1” Texas Single Malt is a medium copper color. The nose is surprisingly traditional (scotch-like), with burnt sugar, dried fruit, and a little oak barrel and vanilla.

On the palate, it has a rum-like sweetness (not that unlike the Edradour 10 I recently wrote about), along with roasted pecans, grain, and maltiness. The finish is short and leaves the mouth a bit dry, while anticipating the next sip.

Complex, yet surprisingly classic, the “1” Texas Single Malt is best paired with a mild or medium-bodied cigar. I’d particularly recommend a Connecticut-wrapped Davidoff Grand Cru or E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys