Texas No. 1 Single Malt received a Master Medal in the “Ultra Premium” single malt whisky category and Baby Blue received a Master Medal in the “Other Grain” whisky category at the Spirits Business Competition
Waco, TX – Balcones Distilling continues to bring home prestigious international awards with its spirits. On Monday, August 8th The Spirits Business announced their highly anticipated 2016 awards and Balcones did not fall short of accolades.
The Texas No. 1 Single Malt rose to the occasion receiving two separate awards. This highly-sought after whisky received a Master Medal in the “Ultra Premium” single malt whisky category, and a Silver Medal in the “No Age Statement” single malt whisky category. The Texas No. 1 Single malt was the only whisky to win medals in both categories amongst 17 other products in the running.
The Global Spirits Masters is one of the spirit industry's most acclaimed competitions, whereby the esteemed panel of judges undertake a blind tasting selection process rewarding excellence from across the world. Launched in 2008, the competition is divided into 15 separate categories to accentuate spirits individuality.
“We are pleased to be recognized on an international scale at The Global Spirits Masters Awards and are happy to share our products with the world,” said Head Distiller Jared Himstedt. “It is a honor to be in the running among other prestigious world-class whiskies.”
Other remarkable awards from Balcones Distilling include Baby Blue, which received a Master Medal in the Other Grain whisky category among nine other products in this category. One judge described it as a “boozy Crunchie bar, with toffee and juicy stewed fruits going on.” Brimstone also placed in the Other Grain category, receiving a Gold Medal.
“I'm delighted that Balcones performed so strongly in the American Whiskey Masters 2016,” said Kristiane Sherry, Editor of the Spirits Business. “The overall standard of entries was extremely high this year, with the category showing a great deal of diversity. It's an incredibly exciting time for the industry and I can't wait to see what producers like Balcones release next.”
Balcones Distilling has recently moved operations to a stunning new distillery site in downtown Waco, Texas. Formerly the old Texas Fireproof Storage Building, the new location provides Balcones with the capacity to meet growing demand, while maintaining the quality and authenticity that their loyal followers demand. The new site also provides Himstedt and his team the flexibility to create new styles of Texas whiskies and spirits. Brand-new copper pot stills from Forsyths of Scotland are a standout feature at the nearly 100-year-old structure of steel, concrete and brick. Additionally, Balcones has four times the spirit still capacity in the new location, with room to grow. The Waco distiller celebrated the end of commissioning of the building on April 20th in a special ribbon cutting ceremony and production has begun in the expanded facility.
