Fire and Brimstone

An dark dram with a secret smoking process - who can't fail to be intrigued?

American bourbon always mention a Mash Bill - this is the percentages of different cereals which go into the Mash for fermentation - in this case it's 100% Hopi blue corn from New Mexico.

When you open the bottle the nose is assaulted by BBQ smoke, but Balcones doesn’t disclose how the smoke flavour and aroma is infused into the whisky, all they say is that "After distillation the spirit is smoked with Texas scrub oak, a short, shrubby oak native to the more arid parts of North America." Searching the internet there is speculation that "they use a technique called smoke injecting, where pumps force smoke through the liquid after it is distilled. This technique is less labor-intensive than smoking grain before distillation, and can result in intense, campfire-like smokiness that’s perceived a bit differently by your taste buds than a spirit made from smoked grain." However they do it - it is very strong!

Distillery : Balcones, Texas, USA
Whisky : Brimstone
Distillery's Info : "This one-of-a-kind whisky is smoked with sun-baked Texas scrub oak using our own secret process. The result is a whisky full of fresh, youthful corn and light fruit notes married with a bold smokiness. Whether you like smokey whiskies, or just have a penchant for big, new flavors, Brimstone is sure to be memorable pour. Aromas of masa, Texas campfire and powdered sugar backed by stone fruit, peppery spice, and mint. Bold yet balanced, Brimstone is yet another Texas original from Balcones."
Source : Sample swap from Maltman Mike (who didn't like it!)
Price : £84
Characteristics : 750ml, 53% ABV, NAS, Uncoloured, Non Chill-filtered
Colour : Treacle
Nose : Barbecued Banoffee Pie - very lots of sweet smoke!
Palate: Sweet and oily with smoked nuts and a quite some spice - chilli? Hides it's strength well.
Finish : Very long and smokey - I could almost taste it the next day - the fumes from the empty glass were still quite strong!.
Overall : A very decisive dram, Maltman Mike distributed a few samples and opinions were very mixed - I think it was nice as a sipping dram, but it is very in your face - would have been great at a BBQ! I didn't add any water - you don't need to the strength was very well hidden.