Tasting Notes

Producing WhiskyCast has given me the opportunity to taste some really amazing whiskies, and I’m pleased to share my tasting notes with you here. You can search my entire database of tasting notes from this page, and I hope you’ll find it useful.

Balcones Texas Bock

Country: USA

Region: Texas

Type: Straight Malt Whisky

Bottler: Distiller

ABV: 50%

Score: 93 Points

Balcones Texas Bock Straight Malt Whisky. Photo ©2020, Mark Gillespie/CaskStrength Media.This straight malt whisky was created in collaboration with Spoetzl Brewery, which makes Shiner Bock, one of Texas’s legendary beers. Spoetzl supplied Balcones with the proprietary layering yeast it uses for Shiner Bock, along with the grain mashbill and even the contacts for its grain suppliers. In short, it’s a whisky version of Shiner Bock without the hops, and was matured for just over two years.

The nose is aromatic and woody with toasted oak, walnuts, orange peel, subtle spices, and a hint of maple syrup. The taste has a good balance of spices with fruity notes of strawberry and orange peel along with a touch of maple syrup. The finish has lingering spices that complement nicely fresh berries and a soft oakiness. (May, 2020)