Balcones Baby Blue Corn Whisky (75cl, 46%)

This is a Texas corn whisky from Balcones in Waco, bottled at 46% ABV in a 75cl bottle. It is made entirely from roasted Hopi blue corn, pot-distilled twice in copper stills and aged in small used oak barrels. Roasting the corn before mashing is said to deepen its sweetness and add a toasted, nutty character. Used oak keeps the grain at the front of the whisky. The nose is melted butter and kettle corn, with masa, vanilla and toasted almonds. The palate is buttery, with brown butter, toffee, vanilla sponge and a gentle earthiness. The finish is medium, warm and slightly dry, with kettle corn, almond skin and a little smoked pepper.