Balcones Distilling

We just made history! American Single Malt Whisky is now recognized as an official whisky category. Almost a decade of dedication and collaboration has led us to a true moment of celebration. So grab a bottle of one of the most-awarded American Single Malts in the country and toast with us on the first Ratification Day. What does this official recognition mean? Most importantly, it means there will now be a consistent set of standards that must be upheld to call a spirit American Single Malt Whisky. Of course, each distillery will bring its own creativity and house-style to the spirit, opening the door for more inventive whiskies to come. But we’re just excited to push the category further as a whole. We’re incredibly proud of this official designation and are excited at the opportunity to get more people drinking American Single Malts. Learn more about Ratification: https://lnkd.in/gg3djnmq. American Single Malt Whiskey Commission #americansinglemalt #texaswhiskey #americanwhiskey

In 2016 our Head Distiller Jared Himstedt worked alongside colleagues to create the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission with the ultimate goal of growing the category both within the United States and abroad. In order to be considered an American Single Malt, the ASMWC requires whisky to be distilled entirely at one distillery. We proudly host every step of our distillation process at our Waco-based distillery inside the historic Texas Fireproof Storage Company. From the beginning, we've been dedicated to establishing a production environment that allows the unique flavor of our climate to flourish in our whiskies. Curious to learn more? Visit us at the distillery for a behind-the-scenes look at all that goes into crafting our Texas-inspired spirits. #americansinglemalt #whiskey #texaswhiskey #waco

Our head distiller, Jared Himstedt, recently joined the "VinePair Podcast" for a conversation with host, sommelier and wine educator, Zachary Geballe. Listen to the pair discuss Jared's unique path to distilling, the challenges of making whisky in Texas and why shaping the American Single Malt category is an energizing pursuit: https://lnkd.in/e3bCp25K. #vinepair #americansinglemalt #podcast

Our unique Texas environment has played a vital role in shaping our whisky and in sparking our curiosity for the impact of climate throughout the distilling journey. Together with Independent Stave Company (ISC) we designed an experiment to answer the question: can different climates, given enough time, produce similar flavor profiles, or is each climate's impact on whisky as unique as a fingerprint? Check out the latest print edition of American Whiskey to learn what we've uncovered in our study so far. #americanwhiskeymagazine #climate #distilling #americanwhiskey #americansinglemalt Gabriel RiCharde

All American whisky, including American Single Malt Whisky, is required to be bottled at 80 proof or more. This standard ensures that the spirit maintains its distinct flavor while striking a balance that keeps the liquid palatable. Because of the dynamic nature of the Texas climate, the intuitive art of pot distillation and the variety of our casks, we do not have a fixed entry proof for our whisky, instead selecting one based on the character of the spirit that day. As a guide, we aim to get our grain entry proof between 105-120, and our malt entry proof between 110-118, which ensures that we are always meeting the mandatory 80 proof entry point for American Single Malts. Still curious? Tap here to learn more about all of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission guidelines that define the American Single Malt Whisky category: https://lnkd.in/gg3djnmq #americansinglemalt #singlemalt #whiskey #texaswhiskey

The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission calls for all whisky in the category to be mashed, distilled and matured in the United States. Our Head Distiller, Jared Himstedt, is one of the ASMWC founders. It’s with his help that we’ve been able to embrace these parameters whole-heartedly. Every one of the operations that go into making our whisky takes place inside our Waco distillery. Because when we say we can only make our whisky in Texas, we mean it. From collaborating with an uncompromising climate to discovering how to let local flavors flourish, we’ve dedicated ourselves to embracing our surroundings instead of fighting against them. The outcome of which is an award-winning line of American Single Malt Whisky crafted with the rhythms of Texas. You can tour the facility to learn more about how we see Whisky from a New Perspective on our website: https://lnkd.in/dn9fszUD. #whisky #texaswhiskey #americansinglemalt #distilling

To create Mirador Eclipse—our award-winning, limited-edition American Single Malt—we substituted our standard ale yeast for two strains of yeast: a red wine and a rosé yeast alongside our house malt whisky yeast. When brought together, these yeasts result in notes of blush red berry and fruits-of-the-forest. Matured in a variety of used Kentucky bourbon casks from 4 to 5 years before reaching the blending table, this American Single Malt balances fruit, grain and density of palate. Learn more about Mirador Eclipse in The Alcohol Professor here: https://lnkd.in/eUjuwMH9. #whisky #texaswhiskey #americansinglemalt

As proud founding members of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, we are honored to see our Texas 1 American Single Malt featured on the UPROXX STUDIOS list of the best American Single Malt Whiskeys to drink right now. They write, "As one of the oldest producers of American Single Malt, [Balcones] left an indelible mark on not just that category but also on the legacy of Texas whiskey." Read more: https://lnkd.in/eJS7JGdK. Written by Frank Dobbins III. #americansinglemalt #uproxx #texaswhiskey #whiskey

Proposed guidelines for American Single Malt Whisky require that the whisky be matured in oak casks of a capacity not exceeding 700 liters. When creating our releases, members of our team travel far and wide to hand-select and acquire the right barrels to partner with our uncompromising climate. Every barrel helps us impart a world of flavor into our whisky that gives every expression its own distinctive character, which is why we take such great care in their curation. Our barrels range in various use levels, from brand new to used, first fill, second fill, third fill, fourth fill and beyond. Because of the dynamic nature of the Texas climate, pot distillation and the variety of our casks, we do not have a fixed entry proof. Instead, casks are closely monitored before and throughout our process and tasted at various stages to determine the entry proof for specific barrels. By focusing in on these details, we are doing our part to bring the American Single Malt category to its fullest potential. Read more about the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission: https://lnkd.in/gg3djnmq #whisky #texaswhiskey #americansinglemalt

Did you know the proposed guidelines for American Single Malt include a requirement for the whisky to be made from 100% malted barley? In addition to Scottish Golden Promise malted barley, some of our American Single Malts use Texas malted barley – a feat that was only made possible within the past decade. Back in 2014, a Texas university partnered with local farmers and malters to create the state’s first brewing grade barley. Just two years later, the first harvest was ready for blending and is now used in a selection of our American Single Malt Whiskies. Read more about the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission: https://lnkd.in/gg3djnmq. #whisky #texaswhiskey #americansinglemalt