As I mentioned, I ran to the large liquor store yesterday. It's actually almost more of a liquor warehouse ! The variety and offering they have is absolutely huge. So, while perusing the Whiskey and Bourbon aisle, I decided I wanted to try something new, different and preferably local to the state of Texas. After talking to the whiskey guy, I decided to treat myself to a bottle of Balcones True Blue. While technically it could be called a Bourbon, since it's made with blue corn, it's labeled Whiskey. Yes, you read that right. It's made with blue corn which has a very distinct flavor and that shows in the resulting beverage.
The initial note is almost an overwhelming vanilla, caramel, so I decided to have a glass (or two.. or three) with a bowl of Autumn Evening. The True Blue has a deep amber color and oh my goodnesss. This may become one of my new favorites. A sweet, caramel, almost corn cake flavor which then progresses into more citrusy notes. The burn does linger a bit since it is cask strength, but it wasn't so harsh that you couldn't drink it straight. It was nicely complemented by the maple sweetness of the Autumn Evening and I had a very enjoyable hour or so, puffing on my Sav, sipping on the Balcones.
I think it's rather hard to find outside of Texas, but if you come across it, it's definitely the $50 or so that you would have to lay down to call it your own. For those that are lucky inhabitants of the Lone Star state, a very, very highly recommended whiskey.
:
