When we set out to curate a list of casks, we knew we wanted to pull from bigger and richer Single Malts. We thought showcasing a familiar profile that elevated the experience beyond the standard Balcones Core Single Malt releases would be fun. That's why we dug deep in the warehouse to find French oak casks, which provide an intensely dark-fruit backbone to an already bright and fruity Golden Promise Malted Barley distillate. The oiliness provided by our Copper Pot Stills shines through the entire pour for a mouthcoating experience that continues to evolve long after the first sip. The marriage of overripe apricot smothered in a syrupy berry compote showcases the intense richness that maturation can achieve in the Texas climate with time and patience.

From Lee Diaz, Topflight Series Panel Member:

American single malt releases have taken shape with various directions, flavors, and distinguishing characteristics. Exemplifying the full capabilities of this work, and truly standing alone within Texas especially, is Balcones. While many would see the region and climate as a challenge to overcome, it seems like the team at Balcones has truly tapped into everything that is around them to develop flavors that are uniquely theirs — whether it's the impact of the water table or the range of weather (and extreme heat over the summers) — these have becomes tools for defining their approach. Enter French oak. The Balcones Single Malt aged in French oak, cleverly named FR.OAK quickly became a cult classic: A release no one saw coming that everyone now pines for and speaks of as if of some incredible mythos.

This brings us to our latest release: Balcones Cask Strength Fr.Oak Aged Single Malt. It was indeed a gift to gain access to this cult classic FR.OAK but kicked up to 11 in a Single Barrel format at a Cask Strength 135.6 proof — to bring this release to you. On the nose, you'll discover deep jammy dark fruit, cloves, cinnamon, charred sugar, and dark chocolate brownie. This pour is big and bold on the palate with fig, chocolate, charred oak, molasses, cloves, and leather. The finish lingers with baking spices, stewed fruit, and tobacco. While this is a pour you can enjoy neat or on the rocks any time, this would be best around a campfire or with a cigar in hand — it's possible the age of the American Cigar Malt has arrived with the Balcones Fr.Oak.

TOPFLIGHT: Series 1, Barrel No. 61

PROOF: 135.60

AGE: 5 Years / 9 Months

MASHBILL: 100% Scottish Golden Promise Malted Barley

FINISHING BARREL: New French Oak

WAREHOUSE LOCATION: Waco, TX

BARRELED ON: January 12th, 2017

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