Today, we are reviewing Balcones Distilling’s Cataleja Texas Single Malt. Cataleja was produced in celebration of Balcones’ 15-Year Anniversary. Cataleja was bottled at a generous 118 proof and has a mashbill of 100% Golden Promise Malted Barley. The single malt was released in November 2023 and you can find the full press release in our archive. Let’s get into the full review.
About Balcones Cataleja Texas Single Malt:
- Style: American Single Malt
- Mashbill: 100% Golden Promise Malted Barley
- Proof: 118 (59% ABV)
- Primary Maturation: Aged for 3 Years in Texas in used Kentucky Bourbon barrels
- Finishing Casks: Sherry Solera casks from various Spanish bodegas: Moscatel, Amontillado Dulce, Oloroso and Palo Cortado. Followed by a mingling in neutral casks and then finished in refilled Single Malt casks.
- Price: $125
Scott’s Tasting Notes: Balcones Cataleja
- Nose: maple syrup, warm baked cake, pecans, sherry, caramel corn, and a hint of earthy funkiness
- Palate: vegetal, then a surprising pop of fruit followed by rich/thick caramel, and gooey raisins
- Finish: rich and thick, lingering caramel and maple.
Closing Thoughts
This was a whiskey which I tasted blind in a lineup of four American Single Malt Whiskies. Notably, the aromas of this whiskey jumped out of the glass and nearly overtook every other whiskey in the panel. When turning to the tasting, the unique personality of this one shined amongst the rest. Simply put, it is unlike any other American Single Malt I’ve tasted. This is a complex single malt that is deep and dark in color and flavor. It is evident that Balcones was aiming to flex a bit of its muscle when it comes to cask finishing. The sherry influence is prominent and invites you to sip and savor each note slowly.
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