Balcones Cataleja represents a bold, ambitious expression in the American Single Malt categorya whisky that marries Texas climate, barley pedigree, and old sherry casks to deliver richness, complexity, and a distinctive voice. Its not a lightweight dram; its meant for those who enjoy depth, layered flavors, and something you can revisit and discover nuances in over time.

Origins & Craftsmanship

• Distillery & Place: Produced by Balcones Distilling, located in Waco, Texas.

• Barley & Mash: Made from 100% Golden Promise malted barley.

• Maturation / Cask Strategy:
  The whisky is first aged in refill (used) barrels for some time to preserve the barley character.
  It is then finished in decommissioned Sherry Solera puncheons (80100-year-old) of types such as Moscatel Dorado, Amontillado Dulce, Oloroso and Palo Cortado.
  After the finishing period in sherry casks, there is a post-finishing coalescence stage in neutral oak, promoting integration and oxidation before final blending.

• Proof / ABV: It is bottled at 118 proof (59% ABV).

• Name & Spirit: The name Cataleja (Spanish for spyglass) is a tribute to honoring elders vision while charting new ground in Texas and American whisky.

Tasting Profile

Aspect Notes & Highlights Appearance Deep amber with warm mahogany hues. Nose / Aroma Brandied figs dusted with smoked paprika; sauted apricots; savory notes of sobrasada with orange zest; mossy cherry tobacco; hints of venison jerky in browned butter. Palate / Taste Rich & dense: medjool dates stuffed with cashew butter; cacao nib and clove; transitions into eucalyptus oil and burnt lemon peel; touches of pineapple kebabs on matchsticks and cinnamon skewers. Finish Bittersweet herbal notes, licor de hierbas, cherry affogato linger; smoke and sherry character fade gradually.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

• Serving: Neat in a Glencairn or tulip glass is ideal. Because its high proof and richly flavored, avoid heavy dilution; a few drops of water or a large ice cube can open it gently.

• Pairings:
  Dark fruit desserts (fig tart, date pudding, prune cake)
  Nutty or bitter chocolate (70% cocoa or more)
  Aged cheese boards (Manchego, aged Gouda)
  Charred meats or dishes with fruit glazes (wild game, pork with apricot glaze)
  Herbal or spiced desserts (cinnamon, clove, orange)

Quick Overview

Feature Detail Name Balcones Cataleja Texas Single Malt Whisky Grain / Mash 100% Golden Promise malted barley Style American (Texas) Single Malt Cask Regimen Refill barrels finishing in old Sherry Solera puncheons neutral oak coalescence Proof / ABV 118 proof / 59% ABV Character Rich, sherry-driven, dark fruit, smoke, and spice with savory depth Positioning Flagship / premium single malt for Balcones most ambitious expression