Balcones Texas 1 Single Malt has achieved the pinnacle of recognition by securing the esteemed title of Whiskey of the Year at the New Orleans Spirits Competition, hosted by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. This prestigious accolade was revealed as part of the 2023 award winners announcement on July 25th. In addition to this crowning achievement, Balcones Distilling has earned the distinguished Double Gold designation for Balcones Texas 1 Single Malt, solidifying its status as the Best American Single Malt and the Best Single Malt overall. Adding to its impressive accolades, Balcones Lineage Texas Single Malt has garnered Gold in the Whiskey category.
Jared Himstedt, the head distiller at Balcones Distilling, expressed his delight, stating, "Tales of the Cocktail is a fantastic event and it's a huge honor to take home any medal in The New Orleans Spirits Competition. To be recognized for both of our American Single Malts is a testament to our team who pioneers the category every day, showing great whiskies can come from the state of Texas."
The New Orleans Spirits Competition serves as a globally recognized platform for evaluating fine spirits and beverages from top-tier producers worldwide. Organized by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, the competition employs a blind tasting approach, where a panel of industry experts, including distinguished bartenders, acclaimed distillers, accomplished beverage writers, and industry luminaries, assess each spirit without prior knowledge of its origin, ensuring the integrity and impartiality of the evaluation process.
These recent accolades for Balcones Distilling follow their earlier triumphs, including the title of American Single Malt Distillery of the Year at the 2023 New York International Spirits Competition. Furthermore, their Texas 1 Single Malt received the prestigious Double Gold distinction, while Lineage Texas Single Malt and Pilgrimage Single Malt both earned Gold awards.
About Jared Himstedt
Jared Himstedt is a prominent figure in the world of American whiskey, known for his expertise in distillation and his significant contributions to the craft spirits industry. He has played a pivotal role in the success of Balcones Distilling, a renowned distillery based in Waco, Texas.
Jared Himstedt holds the position of Head Distiller at Balcones Distilling, where he has demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity in crafting unique and high-quality American single malt whiskies. His work at Balcones has helped shape the distillery's reputation as a trailblazer in the American single malt whiskey category.
Under Jared Himstedt's leadership, Balcones has received numerous awards and accolades for its innovative and distinctive whiskies. Notably, Balcones' Texas 1 Single Malt, crafted under Himstedt's guidance, was awarded Whiskey of the Year at the New Orleans Spirits Competition, solidifying its status as a standout in the world of whiskey.
Himstedt's passion for whiskey-making, commitment to quality, and willingness to push the boundaries of tradition have made him a respected figure in the industry. He continues to inspire and lead the team at Balcones Distilling in their pursuit of crafting exceptional American whiskies that capture the spirit and flavors of Texas terroir.
Jared Himstedt's contributions to the craft spirits world, particularly in the realm of American single malt whiskey, highlight his dedication to innovation and his role in shaping the future of whiskey-making in the United States. His expertise and leadership continue to be instrumental in Balcones' success and its position as a respected and innovative distillery in the world of American whiskey.
About Balcones Distilling
Balcones Distilling is a distinguished and innovative distillery located in Waco, Texas, known for its pioneering spirit and commitment to producing exceptional American whiskey. Established in 2008 by a group of whisky enthusiasts, Balcones quickly made a name for itself by pushing the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making and creating unique, handcrafted spirits that capture the essence of Texas terroir.
One of Balcones' key distinctions is its focus on crafting American single malt whiskey, a category that has gained recognition and acclaim in recent years. Balcones has played a pivotal role in shaping and defining this category, showcasing the diversity and quality of American-made single malts.
Balcones' dedication to quality and innovation has been consistently recognized through numerous awards and accolades. The distillery's Texas 1 Single Malt, in particular, has garnered significant attention, including the coveted title of Whiskey of the Year at the New Orleans Spirits Competition. This prestigious honor underscores the exceptional craftsmanship and unique flavor profiles that Balcones brings to the world of whiskey.
The distillery's commitment to pushing boundaries extends to its production methods. Balcones uses a variety of cask types, including Tawny and Ruby Port casks, STR (shaved, charred, and re-toasted) barriques, and first-fill Bourbon barrels, to age and impart distinct flavors to their whiskies. This approach results in whiskies with complexity, depth, and character that set them apart in the world of American whiskey.
Balcones' success is a testament to its talented team, including Jared Himstedt, the head distiller, who has played a pivotal role in the distillery's achievements. Their dedication to pioneering the American single malt category and consistently producing outstanding whiskies has garnered Balcones a devoted following among whiskey enthusiasts.
As a trailblazing distillery, Balcones Distilling continues to explore new horizons in whiskey-making, pushing the boundaries of tradition while respecting the legacy of American whiskey. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and capturing the spirit of Texas in every bottle makes them a noteworthy and respected player in the world of American whiskey.
