Down in Waco, Texas, Balcones is known for making spirits with big, bold, powerful flavour profiles since 2008. Notably, Balcones uses the “whisky” spelling versus the typical American spelling of “whiskey.” One thing that helps them stand out from other distilleries is they use unusual grains. For their Texas Rye, multiple types of rye grains are used in the mashbill, including elbon rye from northwest Texas, along with crystal, chocolate, and roasted rye. The Rye is distilled copper pot stills. The flavors are strong but do not overwhelm: charred oak approaches unobtrusively, while black tea and pepper transition to fruit, some chocolate and hints of cherry. Notes of butterscotch, spice, coffee and nuts harmonize on the palate. Peanut butter and dark chocolate make themselves known on the sweet finish.