Balcones Distilling Unveils New Single Malt to Celebrate 15th Anniversary

Posted on by Scott Dilley

Cataleja, the latest American Single Malt release from the award-winning distillery is a testament to tradition and a toast to the future

Balcones, a leader in the American Single Malt space, has big reasons to celebrate this year as 2023 marks their 15 Year Anniversary. In addition to the milestone, Balcones was recently named “American Single Malt Distillery of the Year” at 2023 New York International Spirits Competition and the New Orleans Spirits Competition awarded Balcones “Best American Single Malt”. In further celebration, Balcones just announced its most complex and unique whiskies in their history, Cataleja Texas Single Malt. If you’d like to learn more about Balcones, check out Episode 189 which featured Balcones. Read on for all the details on the new release.

Fast Facts on Balcones Cataleja:

  • 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.
  • Nose: Bright yet earthy with notes of brandied figs dusted with smoked paprika that build to sautéed apricots served on an olive wood spoon. Going deeper, savory notes of sobrasada garnished with orange zest, mossy cherry cavendish, and venison jerky in browned butter.
  • Palate: Sticky with notes of medjool dates stuffed with cashew butter, cacao nib, and ground clove which transitions to vibrant notes of eucalyptus oil and burnt lemon peel. Pineapple kebabs on matchstick and cinnamon skewers fade to a bittersweet finish of licor de hierbas and affogato made with cherry ice cream.
  • Price: $125
  • Availability: November in TX, CA, IL, CO, NY, FL and via Reserve Bar online.

Full Details on the Release Balcones Cataleja:

As a leader at the forefront of the whisky revolution in Texas, Balcones Distilling is proudly unveiling a new single malt whisky in celebration of their 15-Year Anniversary: Cataleja Texas Single Malt.

As the American Single Malt category continues to explode, with year-over-year sales growing at a remarkable rate, Cataleja Texas Single Malt emerges as a symbol of the innovative spirit that has been the bedrock of this booming new category.

Cataleja Texas Single Malt is one of the most complex and unique whiskies we’ve made. It’s a testament to the Balcones commitment to exploration, experimentation, and an unyielding dedication to our craft. We each had our own vision of Cataleja, what it might become, and its individual character. Even now that it’s here, it’s more distinctive than we imagined. This process showcases our continued commitment to engaging with our whisky in a meaningful way to create unique, expressive flavors.

Jared Himstedt, Head Distiller at Balcones Distilling.

Made with 100% Golden Promise Malted Barley, this single malt began its maturation journey in barrels previously used to age Kentucky bourbon, and after three years of the Texas climate’s concentrating effects, was transferred into decommissioned Sherry Solera casks that were meticulously hand-selected from various Spanish bodegas (wine cellars): Moscatel, Amontillado Dulce, Oloroso and Palo Cortado. Because the first fill showcased the wonderfully high impact of the 80+ year old casks, the whisky was transferred back into neutral barrels and then followed with two additional rounds of refill single malts through the decommissioned casks, as they continued to provide sherry impact alongside the delicate malt character.

Cataleja Texas Single Malt is an ode to whisky makers of the past – it is our way of honoring the makers who’ve come before us and using the best of the techniques and the ingredients that they had at their disposal. This complex whisky not only pays homage to the pioneers who have inspired us, but it also embraces the relentless pursuit of crafting something uniquely its own.

Jared Himstedt, Head Distiller

Cataleja Texas Single Malt has an SRP of $125 and will be available to purchase for a limited time only at select U.S. liquor retailers in Texas, California, Illinois, Colorado, New York and Florida, and can be pre-ordered on ReserveBar.com. The limited release will be available starting this month, but Balcones will also be offering a first taste for all guests at its 15th Anniversary celebration this Saturday, October 28, at the Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas.

Waco has been instrumental in the birth of Balcones, and a dear partner in our growth and development over the years. Being able to reintroduce Balcones and celebrate 15 years of our whisky journey with Cataleja, surrounded by our community, is an honor and a joy that we don’t take lightly.

Jared Himstedt

Additional details on the 15th Anniversary event, including how to purchase a ticket, can be found at Balcones15year.com. For more information on the new Cataleja Texas Single Malt and its availability, please visit BalconesDistilling.com.

About Balcones Distilling

Balcones Distilling pioneered a new landscape for whisky by combining centuries of single malt distilling tradition with the unique flavors of Texas. Synonymous with quality and innovation, Balcones Distilling is an award-winning distillery that is changing the state of whisky through its high-quality ingredients and unique processes to create layers of flavor in every expression.  

Creator of the original Texas whisky, Balcones Distilling distills all of its beloved spirits inside the historic Texas Fireproof Storage Company building in downtown Waco. Guests can visit the distillery for tours, tastings and events to discover the new state of whisky with Balcones. Visit BalconesDistilling.com for more information. 

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