CATALEJATexas Single Malt Whisky
The culmination of everything we've learned in our years of distilling, Cataleja Texas Single Malt is our most complex American Single Malt to date. And a signal of how far we hope to stretch ourselves going forward.
The word cataleja is a loose translation of the English word “spyglass.” With this name, we honor our elders by viewing the horizon through their lens, incorporating their lessons to chart our course and inspire the future of Texas whisky and the American Single Malt movement. It's a true labor of love, and a testament to the traditions, curiosity and innovative spirit that drives us.
What makes CATALEJA Different
COALESCENCE
Over the years, we have learned to give whisky and wine-finishing time to comingle in neutral casks to encourage integration of two disparate elements, with further oxidation and evaporation leading to a unity of purpose and elevated flavor. Most of the casks that went into Cataleja underwent this period of post-finishing coalescence in neutral oak before being pulled in consideration for the final Cataleja blend.
MATURATION
The Golden Promise single malt that became Cataleja first began its maturation in 200L used Kentucky bourbon barrels, the cradle where much of our single malt starts its maturation journey. After roughly three years of maturation, the delicate fruit character of the distillate is preserved, while the Texas climate has had a concentrating effect, brightening and marrying the spirit to the soft residual wood sugars drawn from these heavily used oak barrels.
FINISHING
Next, we married and transferred this whisky into decommissioned 500L - 700L Sherry Solera puncheons: Moscatel Dorado, Amontillado Dulce, Oloroso and Palo Cortado. These puncheons were meticulously hand-selected during a visit to various bodegas across Jerez de la Frontera, in Spain. Their very first fill with Balcones single malt showcased the intensity and wonderfully high impact of these 80-plus-year-old casks, so we transferred the whisky back into neutral barrels after a little over a year of finishing. Next, we finished two additional rounds of refill single malts within these puncheons, picking up subtle traces of the sherry, along with sulfur and funk.
Learn more aboutCATALEJA
AWARDS
TASTING NOTES
59% Alc./Vol.
750 mL
ON THE NOSE, Cataleja is bright yet earthy, with notes of brandied figs dusted with smoked paprika that build to sautéed apricots served on an olive-wood spoon. Deeper breaths reveal sophisticated savory notes of sobrasada garnished with orange zest, mossy cherry Cavendish and venison jerky in browned butter.
ON THE PALATE, Cataleja is sticky, with brooding notes of medjool dates stuffed with cashew butter, cacao nib and ground clove, which transitions to vibrant notes of eucalyptus oil and burnt lemon peel. Pineapple kebabs on matchstick and cinnamon skewers fade to a bittersweet finish of licor de hierbas and affogato made with cherry ice cream.
FAQs
- Made from 100% malted barley
- Distilled entirely at one distillery
- Mashed, distilled and matured in the U.S.
- Matured in oak casks of a capacity not exceeding 700 liters
- Distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80% alcohol by volume)
- Bottled at 80 (U.S.) proof or more (40% alcohol by volume)
Explore Other Whiskies
Check out our selection of year-round classics available anytime. And keep an eye out for our annual releases as well as special bottles that may never be rereleased.
