Balcones Distilling Launches Pilgrimage Single Malt

balcones-Pilgrimage

Balcones Distilling recently launched Pilgrimage, a new addition to its portfolio of American single malt whiskeys

A statement from Balcones describes Pilgrimage as paying “tribute to both the journeys we are all on and the travelling companions we explore and wander with.”

This first bottling of Pilgrimage is made with Golden Promise malted barley, before being aged in used casks and finished in Sauternes dessert wine barrels.

Each Pilgrimage release is intended to showcase different results in the exploration of flavours and techniques. Balcones say that no two Pilgrimages will be the same.

Balcones official tasting notes detail that this initial batch features complex honeyed fruit notes of canned peaches, golden raisin and Asian pear with sweet, nutty grain notes of Baklava. These are supported by dry herbal cardamom warmth, floral eddies of honeysuckle and with unexpected pops of Chinese five-spice and ginger chews with an acidic finish.

Speaking on the new drink in a prepared statement Balcones head distiller said Jared Himstedt said:  

“We take great pride in our American single malts and the meticulous effort it takes to make each and every one of them unique,” “Pilgrimage is an ode to the whisky journey we’ve been on, and we look forward to seeing where the journey takes us from here.”

Balcones Pilgrimage has a suggested retail price of $79.99 and is available for purchase across Texas and at the Balcones distillery in Waco. For more information, check out BalconesDistilling.com.

In June, Balcones Distilling announced the return of its special release, the Balcones Texas Bock whisky. Created in collaboration with Spoetzl Brewery, makers of Shiner Beer, the Texas Bock whisky honors Shiner traditions and is based on the exact recipe for Shiner Bock, all aged for three years of flavor and nuance.

Earlier that month, the distillery unveiled two new American single malt whiskeys, Dawn and Dusk, both of which have been finished in ex-Madeira casks. Both of the offerings are limited editions from the Waco, Texas-based brand.

United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) Presents World Class Sponsored By DIAGEO - 2025 U.S. Bartender Of The Year