Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 08:13 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Balcones Baby Blue vs Balcones True Blue in this in-depth comparison and decide which whiskey is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Balcones Baby Blue vs Balcones True Blue: Comparison
Baby Blue: A daring experiment with blue corn that offers a unique aroma of popcorn and caramel but challenges with its bitter and astringent finish. It’s a bold choice for those intrigued by unconventional flavors.
True Blue: Provides a smoother and more balanced journey into blue corn whiskey, with a pleasant mix of burnt corn, cinnamon, and ripe fruit notes. Ideal for those seeking depth without bitterness.
Verdict: While Baby Blue ventures into bold territory with a unique profile, True Blue strikes a nice balance, making it a more accessible and enjoyable experience for a broader audience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best-Tasting Bourbons under $50
Baby Blue: A Bold Blue Corn Experiment with Bite
- Nose: Popcorn, caramel, cotton candy
- Palate: Sweet corn, caramel, charred oak
- Finish: Oak spice, burnt corn
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Baby Blue takes you on a unique but potentially polarizing exploration of blue corn whiskey.
Prepare for a distinct aroma: prominent popcorn notes mingle with hints of caramel and cotton candy.
The sip begins with promise: a creamy texture delivers pleasant sweetness from corn and caramel. But then, bitterness strikes. A strong burnt oak note dominates, overshadowing other flavors.
The finish? Astringent and lingering, with a faint echo of caramel sweetness.
Is it good? For most, likely not.** The bitterness overpowers the experience, requiring a specific palate appreciation.
This whiskey’s uniqueness lies in:
- 100% Hopi Blue Corn: an intriguing twist on traditional grains.
- Short 6-month aging: utilizing small 5-gallon barrels for intense wood interaction.
- Non-chill filtered: preserving its full, unfiltered character.
Bonus facts:
- Crafted in Texas by Balcones distillery.
- Interesting story behind the brand, worthy of further exploration.
Baby Blue might not be for everyone, but it offers a daring blue corn adventure for those seeking bold and unconventional flavors. Be prepared for a challenging yet distinct experience.
True Blue: A Smoother, Fruitier Journey Across Blue Corn Whiskey
- Nose: Fruity notes, popcorn, oak char
- Palate: Burnt corn, cinnamon, brown sugar, oak
- Finish: Ripe fruit, oak
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Texas Single Malt
Uncap a unique experience with True Blue, a whiskey that showcases the distinctive character of blue corn in a smooth and balanced way.
Sniff and you’ll be greeted by: a wave of fruity notes, mingled with a subtle hint of popcorn and underlying oak char.
Take a sip, and prepare to be surprised. A creamy texture delivers upfront flavors of caramel and brown sugar, offering a touch of sweetness balanced by a gentle cinnamon note. While a hint of oak astringency lingers, it’s subdued compared to Baby Blue, letting the blue corn shine through.
The finish? Warming and pleasant. Oak char mingles with lingering tones of caramel and pepper, leaving a lasting impression.
More than just good? Absolutely. True Blue is remarkably smooth for a 100-proof whiskey, making it an easy and enjoyable sip. The balance is key, with the wood bitterness playing a supporting role instead of dominating the show.
Compared to its sibling, Baby Blue:
- True Blue offers a more approachable and smoother experience due to its longer aging (around 2 years vs. Baby Blue’s 1 year).
- The use of 5-gallon barrels imparts a distinct and concentrated character.
- It’s non-chill filtered, preserving its full flavor profile.
Bonus facts:
- Won “World’s Best Corn Whisky” in 2018.
- Crafted from 100% blue corn sourced from New Mexico.
- Balcones, the producer, was founded in 2008 and has a fascinating story.
Ready to embark on a unique blue corn adventure? Seek out True Blue and experience its smooth, fruity, and balanced character for yourself.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Balcones Baby Blue | $44 |
| Balcones True Blue | $55 |