Originally published as part of “WhiskyFest New York’s Memorable Tastes” on Bevvy (2/26/2020)
Oh man, this whiskey was good. I’m just annoyed that it’s a distillery-only release.
Balcones made this whiskey using French oak, which also makes a small appearance in the Texas Single Malt and FrOak expressions. They then transferred some of the single malt from virgin French oak into tequila barrels, and only bottled three out of four barrels for this release. The fourth went to That Boutique-y Whisky Co. for their release.
Juntos clocks in at 56.1% ABV, but it doesn’t drink that hot at all. It kills me that this is a distillery-only release. It went on sale a few days after WhiskyFest New York and is surely sold out now.
Nose: The agave notes are very prominent, as are the spices from the French oak. Lots of caramel and toffee with shortbread.
Palate: There’s a wonderful and approachable sweetness. It’s malty and spicy and heavily astringent. Super-forward shortbread notes.
Score: ★★★★★