Balcones Texas 100 Proof Rye Whisky (700ml)

First released in early 2018 as part of the distillery's 10th anniversary celebrations, Balcone's rye uses a mash bill that includes 80% raw elbon grain from north and northwest Texas as well as crystal, chocolate, and roasted rye varieties. Aged just under two years in new American oak barrels, it's set to be a permanent addition to the range. Like the other variants, it comes non chill filtered.

Other reviews... The nose has a bright note of lime, as well as dried herbs including coriander, parsley, and dill. Bonfire smoke and charred oak are in the mix, along with rich caramel. The palate blends sweet vanilla and toffee with smoked wood, apples, peanut shells, and a peppery spice embellishing the background. The finish is dark chocolate, espresso, peanut brittle, and more charred oak, along with a lingering, pleasant cigar aftertaste.
89 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: David Fleming (Winter 2018)

...Only once the big cocoa finish hoves into view do we get some idea of the distillery's usual excellence.
85 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2020