Texas Single Malt Beats Scotch Whisky Giants (liquor, whiskey, best)

[OpenD]

Very, very interesting news. I've been a Scotch Whisky fan for years, with many distillery visits during UK travels, AND I love bourbons, and I have made several laps of the bourbon trail in Kentucky at various times over the years.

The most interesting development, to me, has been the rise in recent years of Texas whiskys, including bourbons, ryes, aged corns, and all kinds of other craft distilling. (Side note: Tito's Handmade Vodka, from Austin, can easily hold its own against imported vodkas costing twice as much)

But this news story, of Waco's Balcones Distillery winning the "Best of Glass" Single Malt competition against entries from legendary Scotch distilleries like Balvenie and The Macallan, is a fascinating development. Why stick with the same-old same-old when there are so many intriguing new choices to try?

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/16/di...anted=all&_r=0

[Mr.Bungle]

I always meant to visit Balcones when I lived there. I can get bottles here but it is pricey! I'd also like to try some Ranger Creek as I've only had their beers.

[Philosophizer]

It's like a mecca of liquor, wine, and beer here. This truly is the land of milk and honey

[OpenD]

I just had a taste of TX Whisky, from Ft. Worth. Very tasty.

[Bulldogdad]

Yup, Chip Tate is taking American Whisky into the wilderness

It's what can happen when you aren't constrained or hamstrung by convention.

[sskink]

We have a place here in Pittsburgh called Wigle Whiskey, producing rye. It's still white lightning for now as they only started barrel aging last year, but they've been very impressive so far and can't wait for the final product.

I'd be interested in trying the "Scotch" from this place. I'm more a Lagavulin guy than a MacAllan or any of the milder scotches, but happy to try something domestic as what I like is getting out of my budget.

As far as Tito's goes, I've bought a couple of bottles. It's good, but not my fave. It may be inexpensive compared to the ridiculously overpriced frosted bottle brands (Grey Goose, Belvedere, Chopin), but here in PA Tito's is more expensive than imports like Sobieski, Wyborowa or even Russian Standard. I like vodka chilled and straight up. I get 750ml of Sobieski for $11.99. Can't beat the taste/value, although with their new Bruce Willis ad campaign, I guess the price will be going up soon.

[Stevcatter]

Lucky you! Have you visited the Dewar’s distillery at Aberfeldy? I’ve heard it’s quite well-known.