You’ve likely seen it on store shelves or in a bar. But do you have any idea what makes whiskey, whiskey? Whiskey is defined as any grain-based distilled liquor. It may appear straightforward, yet there is a lot of variance within that definition.
Most people associate whiskey with the state of Kentucky. However, a relatively new variety of whiskey is being produced in Texas, known as Texas Whiskey.
Understanding Texas Whisky
Texas whiskey, unlike other whiskeys, has a more open style. Any distiller, including Balcones Distilling, can manufacture any style of whiskey, but Texas whiskey is distinguished by its age. Many distilleries produce bourbon, but some also produce whiskey.
There isn’t a single attribute that can be applied to all Texas whiskeys produced today. If there’s one thing that all of the distillers in Texas have in common, it’s hothouse aging. That is where they age these barrels in the heat, which significantly impacts the flavor.
How Texas Whisky Is Different
Texas whisky is a direct result of the hot summers in the state. There’s a lot of overlap between what Texas and Texas whiskey are. The heat of the summers is the first thing people think about when they hear about Texas.
It’s this interaction that permits whiskey to absorb flavors in barrels considerably more quickly. If there’s one thing that all of it has in common, it’s that because of the heat, aging bourbon in Texas is probably easier than it is in most other states in America.