Whiskey Crusaders Presents

An Exclusive Masterclass & Dinner with Balcones Distilling

Join the Whiskey Crusaders for an unforgettable evening on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM as we welcome Balcones Distilling for a one-of-a-kind masterclass, “Rhythms of Texas: An Experiment on Climate and Maturation.”

Leading the evening will be Blending Manager Gabe RiCharde, Brand Experience Manager Alex Elrod, and National Brand Ambassador Charlie McRae, who will take us deep inside one of the most innovative and influential distilleries in American whiskey.

Balcones’ story is unlike any other. Founded in 2008 in a small welding shop beneath a bridge in Waco, Texas, Balcones reignited Texas whiskey by producing the first legally made Texas whisky since Prohibition. Their inaugural release, Baby Blue, crafted from roasted blue corn sourced from the Hopi Reservation, challenged conventional thinking and helped launch an entirely new era of American whiskey.

They continued to push boundaries by creating Texas Single Malt, made from Golden Promise barley and recognized around the world with numerous awards. Along the way came bold innovations, unexpected experiments, and even a few happy accidents—none more famous than Brimstone, a whisky born from an experiment that went wonderfully wrong and ultimately became one of the distillery’s signature expressions.

Today, Balcones calls a beautifully restored 65,000-square-foot historic building in downtown Waco home, housing their iconic Forsyths copper pot stills with their distinctive corkscrew lyne arms. From award-winning single malts and bourbons to rye whiskies, rum, Rumble, and countless experimental releases, Balcones has built a reputation for fearless innovation while maintaining the unmistakable house character that whiskey lovers have come to recognize instantly.

Balcones has held a special place in my own whiskey journey. I first discovered the distillery more than a decade ago while sitting at a winery in Bedford, Texas. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of tasting well over 100 different Balcones expressions, and the Whiskey Crusaders Whiskey Castle proudly houses more bottles from Balcones than any other distillery in our collection.

This masterclass will be unlike a traditional brand tasting. Together we’ll explore how Texas climate, barrel maturation, and experimentation influence flavor, comparing unique climate and maturation trials alongside limited releases and rare pours. Even after all these years of collecting and tasting Balcones, I expect to discover expressions that are completely new to me—and I hope you’ll discover a few new favorites as well.

Join us for an evening of exceptional whiskies, outstanding food, fascinating stories, and great company at the Whiskey Crusaders Whiskey Castle.

🥃 Featured Evening Expressions

Welcome Cocktail

• Crafted with Balcones Lineage Texas Single Malt

Rhythms of Texas Tasting

• Balcones Climate Experiment #1
• Balcones Climate Experiment #2
• Balcones Climate Experiment #3
• Balcones Climate Experiment #4
• Balcones Maturation Experiment #1
• Balcones Maturation Experiment #2
• Balcones Maturation Experiment #3
• Balcones Maturation Experiment #4
• Limited-Time Offerings (LTOs)
• Exclusive Vault Pours

These experimental whiskies have been selected to showcase how dramatically Texas climate and maturation influence flavor. Our goal is to uncover some of Balcones’ hidden gems—including several expressions that even I have never experienced before.

Ranch-to-Table Dinner

This evening’s dinner will be prepared by our good friend Chef Dwight of Outpost 36, whose commitment to true ranch-to-table cooking is second to none. Chef Dwight personally raises the livestock featured in this meal, creating an authentic Texas dining experience that perfectly complements the bold character of Balcones whiskies.

Main Course

• Smoked Texas Brisket
• Slow-Smoked Pork Ribs
• House-Made Texas Sausages

Sides

• Creamy Macaroni & Cheese
• Classic Potato Salad
• Fresh Homemade Bread

Dessert

• Homemade Banana Pudding

We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable evening celebrating one of Texas’ most iconic and innovative distilleries.