Balcones Single Barrel European Oak Cask Texas Single Malt Whisky (700ml)

At first inspection, not vastly dissimilar to the French oak expression, however extended breathing proves otherwise. Apart from being conspicuously darker, cask 17037 shows better balance and more malt sweetness. A spice pantry on the nose including clove, nutmeg, peppercorns and cinnamon over dried fruits and creamy vanillas, this is typically robust Balcones, with a slightly lean, bittersweet entry, building with bready / fruity flavours (fig paste, spiced apples, green banana?) A sprinkling of brown sugar, dates and dark chocolate creams up the malty finish, matched by a tongue tingling rush of oak and spice. Minimal water pulls everything together, accenting raisin cake and fruit 'n' nut dark chocolate. Expect this was a sherry cask. Biting stuff, but really grows on you and continues to improve after air contact. Distilled April 2017 and bottled in February 2020. 53% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.