Balcones Announces Cataleja Texas Single Malt
Balcones Distilling has unveiled a new, limited edition whisky in celebration of its 15 year anniversary: Cataleja Texas Single Malt.
Made with 100% Golden Promise Malted Barley, Cataleja was initially matured in Kentucky bourbon barrels. After three years, the whisky was then transferred into decommissioned Sherry Solera puncheons that previously held Moscatel, Amontillado Dulce, Oloroso, and Palo Cortado. After a little over a year of finishing, the whisky was transferred out into neutral barrels. Balcones then finished two additional rounds of refill single malts through the decommissioned Sherry casks, before all the casks were blended and bottled at 59% ABV.
Official tasting notes for Balcones Cataleja Texas Single Malt follow:
On the nose, Cataleja is bright yet earthy with notes of brandied figs dusted with smoked paprika that build to sautéed apricots served on an olive wood spoon. Deeper breaths reveal sophisticated savory notes of sobrasada garnished with orange zest, mossy cherry cavendish, and venison jerky in browned butter.
On the palate, it is sticky with brooding 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.
Balcones Cataleja Texas Single Malt carries a suggested retail price of $125 and will be available for purchase starting this month at select retailers in Texas, California, Illinois, Colorado, New York, and Florida, and online at ReserveBar.com. Balcones will also be sampling Cataleja for all guests at its 15th anniversary celebration this Saturday, October 28th, at the Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas.
Image credit: Balcones Distilling.