Balcones Distilling: Texas Whisky From a Waco Welding Shop
Updated: 2 hours ago
Balcones Distilling began in 2008 in a welding shop in Waco, Texas, and is credited by its own brand page with making the first Texas whisky since Prohibition.
In this guide
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Balcones at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Producer / distillery | Balcones |
Country and region | Texas, United States |
Ownership / operator | Diageo |
History or founding | The company says it began in a humble welding shop in Waco and made the first Texas whisky since Prohibition. It also says it helped establish the American single malt whisky category.… |
Whisky identity | Waco distillery known for American single malt and Texas corn and rye whisky |
Visiting | Check the producer's current website for tours, visitor access and bookings. |
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At a glance
Location: Waco, Texas
Started: 2008
Owner: part of the Diageo portfolio, as presented on Diageo's The Bar website
Ingredients: blue corn from New Mexico and Texas grown malted barley
Pronunciation: bal-cone-ez
The story
The company says it began in a humble welding shop in Waco and made the first Texas whisky since Prohibition. It also says it helped establish the American single malt whisky category. You can tour the distillery, a red brick building with a red water tower.
Range
Rumble
Texas Rye 100
Texas 1 Single Malt
Lineage Texas Single Malt
Baby Blue
True Blue 100
Texas Pot Still Bourbon
Cataleja Texas Single Malt
Where is Balcones made?
In Waco, Texas.
Who owns Balcones?
Balcones is presented on Diageo's The Bar website, which lists it under Diageo. Confirm the current owner before publishing.
How do you say Balcones?
Bal-cone-ez.
Official website
Facts in this profile come from the official site and public reference summaries. Whisky Clan does not publish tasting notes in its distillery profiles.
Ownership and history
Balcones Distilling is in downtown Waco, Texas, at 225 S. 11th St. Whiskybase and the Waco Tribune-Herald report that Diageo acquired the distillery in November 2022. A German trade report says it was founded in 2008. A 2014 Miss Whisky article records that founder Chip Tate was bought out after a dispute with the company's board.
Acquisition: Diageo, November 2022
Founder: Chip Tate, later named Master Distiller for Innovation at Foley Family Wines, per a Whisky Advocate post
Recognition: a 2023 Wine Business report says Balcones won a Whiskey of the Year award
Further source read on 21 October 2026: Search results from Whiskybase, Waco Tribune-Herald and Miss Whisky.
What makes Balcones distinctive?
Waco distillery known for American single malt and Texas corn and rye whisky
Balcones whisky bottle and expression comparison
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Balcones Texas 1 Single Malt | NAS / varies | Check label | Waco distillery known for American single malt and Texas corn and rye whisky |
Balcones Baby Blue | NAS / varies | Check label | Waco distillery known for American single malt and Texas corn and rye whisky |
Balcones Texas Rye 100 | NAS / varies | Check label | Waco distillery known for American single malt and Texas corn and rye whisky |
These expressions are documented or historical references, not a live shop catalogue. Check the official producer for current age, ABV, release date and stock.
Explore other whisky distilleries
Frequently asked questions about Balcones
Where is Balcones?
Texas, United States.
Who is behind Balcones?
Diageo.
What is special about Balcones?
Waco distillery known for American single malt and Texas corn and rye whisky.
Which whisky expressions are documented?
Balcones Texas 1 Single Malt, Balcones Baby Blue, Balcones Texas Rye 100. Stock and exact distillation origin may vary.
Can you visit Balcones?
Check the current distillery website for tours and opening arrangements before travelling.
Sources and editorial checks
Whisky Clan retains the original history and sources above. Ownership, whisky range and visitor conditions may change.
Image note: the cover is an illustrative whisky photograph from the Whisky Clan library, not a photograph of these distillery premises or official product packaging.
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About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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