Released to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Waco, Texas distillery Balcones, Cataleja is an American single malt whiskey aged for three years in ex-Kentucky bourbon barrels before being finished in a blend of Moscatel, Amontillado Dulce, Oloroso and Palo Cortado sherry casks.
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House Review
Nose:
Heavy nose that starts with a bang. Tons of baking spice meets some root beer and cola notes, a raisin bread and dank pipe tobacco note and some pleasant oak, toffee and apple butter.
Taste:
Rich and layered, this is the first Balcones I’ve had in a long time to make me stop and think: “whoa.
Finish:
Long finish. A bruiser with the combination of oak, decadent wine and espresso character and stacks of maple and rich cherry.
Overall:
This is easily the most interesting release I’ve had from Balcones, and that’s saying a lot for a distillery without fear of experimentation (something I love). Cataleja possesses the darkest, most savory and rich notes that remind me of Texas Whiskey and a sherried Glendronach all at once. It’s a winner and a fitting celebration for the distillery.
Score:
88
By T8ke
Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources
