Balcones Brimstone is an audacious and regionally expressive whisky that leans hard into smoke while still preserving a core of fresh corn character. Its not subtle youll know youre drinking it but its compelling, especially for fans of smoky spirits who are curious to see how smoke plays out in an American, corn-based context. Its ideal for sipping or stirring into bold cocktails.

Origins & Craftsmanship

• Produced by Balcones Distilling in Waco, Texas.

• Brimstone is made from 100% blue corn (similar grain base to some of Balcones other corn whiskies).

• The defining characteristic: the distillate itself is smoked with Texas scrub oak (i.e. after distillation, smoke is introduced into the spirit) using a proprietary process rather than simply smoking the grain beforehand.

• After smoking, it is aged in charred American oak barrels.

• It is bottled at 53% ABV (106 proof).

• There is no age statement (NAS).

Tasting Profile

Element Notes & Highlights Nose / Aroma Campfire smoke, char, burnt corn husks, barbecue pit, cold-smoked butter corn, stone fruit, graham crackers, confectioners sugar. Palate / Taste The smoky-sweet interplay is upfront: candied oak smoke, roasted corn, sponge toffee, orange marmalade, sweet tea, chili peppers, pipe tobacco, wood shavings, vanilla. Finish Long, dry, with charred corn, returning smoke, herbal / mint notes, a bit of mineral edge.

Serving & Pairings

• Serve: Neat in a tulip or Glencairn glass. Optionally a drop or two of water to open it up, but avoid heavy dilution because smoke is a delicate balance here.

• Cocktails: Can be used in bold, smoky cocktails (smoked Old Fashioned, smoky whisky sour) or in drinks where smoke is welcome.

• Food Pairings:
  Barbecue (especially beef, brisket, pork)
  Smoked meats
  Rich, charred dishes (e.g. grilled vegetables, bone-in pork chops)
  Dark chocolate or desserts with char / smoke notes
  Aged, nutty cheeses

Quick Overview

Feature Detail Name Balcones Brimstone Texas Scrub Oak Smoked Corn Whisky Type / Style Smoked corn whisky (NAS) Grain 100% blue corn Smoke Method Distillate smoked with Texas scrub oak (post-distillation) Aging Charred American oak barrels ABV / Proof 53% ABV / 106 proof