Balcones Single Barrel Texas Straight Rye Whiskey.

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Balcones Single Barrel Texas Straight Rye Whiskey.


    Balcones has long been one of those distilleries that pulls me back in with every release, and this single barrel hazmat rye was no exception. When this pick from HiProof landed on my doorstep, the excitement was immediate, partly because I trust their picks, and partly because I’m a sucker for Texas whiskey and its bold edge. The moment I saw the deep, blood-red hue in the bottle, I had a feeling this one was going to leave an impression.

    This release is a Texas straight rye whiskey aged exclusively in European oak casks. It clocks in at 73.2% ABV, making it one of the highest-proof bottles currently on my shelf. As a straight rye, we know it’s at least two years old, but based on the profile I’d guess it leans somewhere closer to three to four. What sets this apart is that full-term European oak maturation, which should leave a very different imprint than the American oak typically associated with Balcones’ releases.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/P2VmsKel6bs.

Age Statement: N/A.

ABV: 73.2% (Cask strength & Hazmat).

Mash bill: 100% rye.

Area of Distillation: Waco, Texas.

Appearance: Dark red.


On the nose:
    The nose kicks off with heavy oiliness layered over cocoa, roasted cocoa bean depth, and a jammy mix of fig and plum. Oak char drives the base, bringing a smoky, tannic richness. Herbal tones peek through with a slight medicinal edge, along with toasted cinnamon and brown sugar. For a hazmat whiskey, it’s remarkably composed, warm, but not sharp or youthful.


Taste:
    The first sip hits with thick oiliness, almost motor-oil rich, but in the best way. Deep char immediately takes center stage, followed by subtle dark fruit notes and a calm peppery rye spice. A wave of powdered milk chocolate rolls in and builds as it lingers, landing somewhere between Nesquik and a higher-quality cocoa mix. Tannins are firm but not overwhelming, and a touch of toffee and browned sugar threads through the mid-palate. A hint of quality tobacco comes through as well. For a rye, the spice is surprisingly muted, leaning more toward the character of a high-rye bourbon.


Finish:
    Long, warming, and chocolate-forward. The cinnamon-char element returns, almost like chewing on a toasted cinnamon stick. The finish fades cleanly without clinging excessively, which is welcome at such a high proof. The powdered chocolate note hangs on the longest, leaving a sweet echo even minutes later.


Final Thoughts: 
    This is a standout example of how expressive Texas whiskey can be, especially when paired with the right barrel. The European oak gives this bottle a distinct identity within the Balcones lineup, bringing out unique depths of chocolate, fruit, and char that feel both experimental and mature. At $80, the value is shockingly good for a hazmat single barrel with this level of complexity. It’s a powerhouse dram best enjoyed slowly, but it rewards every moment with bold flavors.


Rating: A- (Amazing).

Cost: $79.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/P2VmsKel6bs.

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt

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