Unveiling the Cataleja Texas Single Malt
Balcones Distilling's 15th Anniversary Celebration and the Unveiling of Cataleja Texas Single Malt
For 15 years, Balcones Distilling has been at the forefront of Texas whisky craftsmanship, renowned for its award-winning single malt whiskies. Yet, this journey is far from over. The American Single Malt whisky category is currently the fastest-growing in the US*, with over 97% of whisky enthusiasts expressing openness to indulging in the unique flavors it offers.
This week, The Best Drink Ever was invited to celebrate Balcones’ 15th Anniversary at Playa Provisions with an exclusive opportunity to be among the first to savor the distinctive notes of their latest creation, the Cataleja Texas Single Malt.
Top Chef Brooke Williamson and her culinary team curated an exceptional dinner, showcasing a variety of amazing dishes which featured Lamb Shank, Squash Risotto, Swordfish a la Plancha, and their renowned Crab Mac & Cheese, which each paired seamlessly with three custom cocktails crafted by Head Cocktologist Liam Odien.
Welcome Drink: Bear Trap Balcones Baby Blue, Nocino, Honig-schnaps, Carrot eau de vie
First Course: Damson Balcones Lineage, Lemon, Almond, Apple, Slivovitz
Dessert Drink: Pineapple-Saffron Egg Cream Texas 1 Single Malt, Pineapple, Saffron, Milk, Seltzer
Unveiling Cataleja: Balcones' Ode to Craft
The highlight of the evening was tasting the Cataleja Texas Single Malt by Balcones Distilling. Jared Himstedt, the head distiller, painted a vivid picture of Cataleja's complexity. "One of the most complex and unique whiskies we've made," he declared, echoing the adventurous spirit that has become synonymous with Balcones.
Crafted from 100% Golden Promise Malted Barley, Cataleja embarked on a maturation journey akin to a globetrotting chef in search of inspiration. Kentucky bourbon barrels set the stage, followed by a rendezvous with decommissioned Sherry Solera casks sourced from Spanish bodegas. The result? A whisky that embodied the spirit of exploration and the nuanced dance between tradition and innovation.
Tradition Reimagined
In a tone reminiscent of reverence for culinary history, Balcones Ambassador Joey De Chello described Cataleja as an "ode to whisky makers of the past." It wasn't just about crafting a drink; it was a homage to those who paved the way, an ode to relentless pursuit and unyielding dedication to craft.
For those ready to embark on this sensory journey, Cataleja Texas Single Malt beckons at $125, a limited release available in select U.S. liquor havens across Texas, California, Illinois, Colorado, New York, and Florida.
Balcones' Homecoming
As the night unfolded at Playa Provisions, the celebration transcended a mere product launch. Balcones Distilling's 15th Anniversary celebration in Waco, Texas, felt like a homecoming, a sentiment echoed in Himstedt's words, "Being able to reintroduce Balcones and celebrate 15 years of their whisky journey with Cataleja, surrounded by our community, is an honor and a joy that we don't take lightly."
For those seeking a taste of this extraordinary celebration, details for Balcones Distilling's 15th Anniversary event are found at Balcones15year.com. As for the curious minds eager to learn more about Cataleja Texas Single Malt and its journey, a visit to BalconesDistilling.com is in order.
In true epicurean fashion, the night at Playa Provisions became more than a culinary escapade—it was an homage to flavor, craftsmanship, and the spirited pursuit of the extraordinary, as only Balcones Distilling and Dockside could orchestrate.
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About Balcones Distilling
Balcones Distilling pioneered a new landscape for whisky by combining centuries of single malt distilling tradition with the unique flavors of Texas. Synonymous with quality and innovation, Balcones Distilling is an award-winning distillery that is changing the state of whisky through its high-quality ingredients and unique processes to create layers of flavor in every expression.
Creator of the original Texas whisky, Balcones Distilling distills all of its beloved spirits inside the historic Texas Fireproof Storage Company building in downtown Waco. Guests can visit the distillery for tours, tastings and events to discover the new state of whisky with Balcones. Visit BalconesDistilling.com for more information.
About Playa Provisions
Playa Provisions is the third endeavor for Top Chef Winner Brooke Williamson and husband Nick Roberts. The unique model includes four different restaurant concepts nestled within one 7,000-square foot, beach side location. King Beach cafe offers casual breakfast and lunch fare. For dinner, Dockside exemplifies both Brooke and Nick’s love for California coastal cuisine at an intimate dining room and beach side patio. After dinner stop by Small Batch for a pint of house made ice cream, or sneak into the back and enjoy some darker spirits at Grain Whiskey Bar. Inspired by the city's "country marts," the four separate, yet cohesive dining experiences provide a taste for everyone.
*Diageo Spirits Insiders, December 2022