Balcones marks 10th anniversary with rye release
To mark 10 years since its launch, Texas whiskey producer Balcones Distilling has released a cask strength rye whiskey – the first expression in a series of limited-edition bottlings throughout 2018.
The first in a series of anniversary bottlings for Balcones is Texas Rye, a limited-edition cask strength Texas rye whiskey. Bottled at 62.5%abv, Texas Rye is made with 100% rye, including raw elbon grain from north and northwest Texas as well as crystal, chocolate and roasted rye varieties, giving the whisky "a rich chocolate character along with more traditional rye spice notes.” Balcones head distiller, Jared Himstedt, said: “We are so proud to finally be releasing our first ever Texas Rye expression this year to celebrate our first decade as a Distillery.” As well as the special cask strength edition, Balcones are also adding a 100 proof Texas Rye expression to its core range, joining Baby Blue, Brimstone, Texas No. 1 Single Malt and Rumble. Himstedt said: “These two products – Cask Strength and 100 Proof Rye – are a culmination of several years of exploration in our distilling journey. We hope Balcones fans will enjoy them as much as we do.” Rye whiskey will be a big focus for the Waco-based distillery and in the first quarter of 2018, Balcones hope to set down nearly 1000 barrels of new make rye spirit for maturation. In addition to a range of limited edition bottlings, to mark its 10-year anniversary Balcones will open the doors to its Waco distillery throughout 2018 with a series of events. Whiskey lovers will be able to enjoy everything from music evenings with Texan musicians to first class food and whiskey-themed evenings. The first event to be hosted at the distillery will be RyeFest - The Rye Release Weekend celebration – on Friday 9 March to Saturday 10 March. Balcones Texas Rye will be available in the US from 10 March and in the UK at the end of March. The cask strength release follows a series of limited-edition expressions from the Texas distillery, including whiskeys finished in rum casks, and will be available in very limited quantities only from the distillery and select UK retailers.