Balcones Lineage Texas Single Malt Whiskey
Balcones Distilling announced today the newest member of
its iconic Texas Single Malt line. As one of the pioneers of the emerging
American Single Malt category, Balcones is expanding its prestigious roster of
whiskies with the launch of a new year-round Texas Single Malt expression.
Balcones Lineage Texas Single Malt is a marrying of the traditional Scotch
Single Malts that have long been an inspiration to the brand while innovating
with new approaches to grain and maturation that celebrate Texas provenance.
Lineage is made using a combination of Simpsons Golden Promise malted barley
from Scotland as well as malted barley grown in the high plains of Texas. The
spirit is then matured both in new oak barrels, as is the tradition with most
American Whisky, and refill (or used) oak barrels, the more common approach
with Single Malt tradition. By taking cues from two distinct approaches to
maturation and malted barley, Lineage expresses Balcones appreciation of where
whisky has been and where it can go in the future.
"Whether it is unique flavor or process innovation, we are always striving
to contribute something new to the whisky conversation, said Jared Himstedt,
head distiller at Balcones Distilling. By combining new & old world
ingredients, process, and maturation approaches, we have created something
entirely new, and in doing so, we are hoping to push the American Single Malt
category forward.
The new expression joins the rest of Balcones highly-acclaimed Texas Single
Malt line, including the flagship year-round Texas and the brands many
limited release expressions including Mirador, Peated, Fr.Oak, Texas Single
Malt Rum Cask Finished, High Plains, Brujeria, and Single Barrel Private
Selections.
On the nose, Lineage is sweet and indulgent with notes of mulled cider, cream
soda, bruised bananas, and peaches. On the palate, the whisky features
carmalized sweetness, soft oak, manuka honey, chestnuts, and a hint of red wine
reduction. The late palate transitions into a finish of tea tree, black tea,
and a hint of cinnamon.