My Favorite Cheap Bourbon Is Just As Good As Allocated Bottles but Much Easier to Find

The first time I tried Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon, it wasn’t in the quiet setting of a cozy bar or at the end of a long day at home. It was around a fire pit on a crisp autumn night, the stars above as big as the myths about Texas itself. A friend handed me a glass and said, “You’ve got to try this. It’s Texas in a bottle.”

That first sip was a revelation. It was bold, with flavors that felt untamed yet thoughtful, like the distillers knew they were doing something different and leaned into it. It was rich with notes of dark honey and roasted nuts, tempered by a subtle fruity sweetness that reminded me of baked apples. And then there was the finish, spicy and warm, but not overwhelming. It was whiskey, sure, but it was also something distinct, unmistakably tied to where it was made.

Balcones Distilling, based in Waco, TX, has earned a reputation for making whiskey that doesn’t conform to the traditional Kentucky bourbon script. Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon exemplifies this approach. While it technically fits the legal definition of bourbon—made from at least 51 percent corn and aged in new charred oak barrels—the other 49 percent of the mash bill and the way it’s handled sets the whiskey apart.

The recipe combines Texas-grown roasted blue corn, a Balcones signature, with wheat and malted barley. The roasted corn adds a nutty richness, while the wheat and malt provide a soft, round mouthfeel. Then, there’s the Texas aging process. Blazing heat accelerates the interaction between whiskey and wood casks, pulling out bold flavors much faster than you’d get in a cooler climate like Kentucky.

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The roasted corn imparts a toasty, almost savory quality, like the scent of cornbread straight from the oven. The wheat and barley add layers of complexity, with hints of cocoa and dried fruit mingling with the usual vanilla and caramel. It’s whiskey that demands attention, not in a loud or overpowering way, but in the way it keeps revealing new flavors as you sip.

The words “Pot Still” in its name, however, is a loud statement. Most bourbons are made using column stills, which are efficient and consistent but can strip whiskey of richness and texture. Balcones relies on old-school copper pot stills, which allow for more concentrated, complex flavors to shine through. It’s a nod to tradition, but not the Kentucky kind; it’s closer to the Scotch whisky approach, reimagined for Texas.

The other thing I appreciate about Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon is that it’s a whiskey you can enjoy without the fuss. There’s no allocated bottle madness here; you don't need to wait in line at 5 a.m. or pay double retail price to some guy on the internet. At around $30 to $40 a bottle, it’s affordable, accessible, and genuinely high quality. That sweet spot makes it perfect for sharing, whether you’re introducing someone to bourbon for the first time or cracking it open for a night with friends.

It’s versatile, too. On a cool evening, it’s my go-to neat pour, offering enough warmth to stave off a chill without overpowering the senses. In summer, it shines in a simple old fashioned, where its bold flavors hold their own against bitters and sugar. And when I want to experiment, it’s a great base for whiskey sours or other cocktails that need a bourbon with a backbone.

There’s a certain ruggedness to Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon that fits its Lone Star roots. It’s not trying to be delicate or overly refined, it’s whiskey with a swagger, but one that’s earned. And yet, it never feels over-the-top. There’s a balance here that speaks to the care Balcones puts into their craft.

Balcones Texas Pot Still isn't a bourbon trying to imitate Kentucky cousins, either; it’s a bourbon redefining itself. At 92 proof, it’s approachable but still full of character, perfect for someone who wants something more robust than your typical starter bourbon without diving straight into cask-strength territory.

Bourbon has been on an unprecedented rise in popularity for years now, but much of the conversation centers around the same names: Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig, and Four Roses. These are fantastic brands, of course, but they all share a certain stylistic sameness. Balcones, on the other hand, makes something that feels genuinely fresh. Drinking it reminds me of that first night by the fire, the way it captured the spirit of Texas with every sip. It’s bold and independent but inviting, a whiskey that feels just as at home on your shelf as it does in the wild.

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