The Celestial Whisky: Balcones Distilling’s Mirador Eclipse
As I stood in the heart of Waco, Texas, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe as the solar eclipse of 2024 unfolded before my eyes. The sudden darkness, the eerie silence, and the collective gasp of wonder from the crowd – it was an experience unlike any other. And as I gazed up at the sky, I couldn’t help but think of the perfect whisky to pair with this celestial event: Balcones Distilling’s Mirador Eclipse American Single Malt.
Inspired by the rare and awe-inspiring phenomenon of a solar eclipse, this limited edition release is a testament to the innovative spirit of Balcones Distilling. With its home base in Waco, Texas, right in the path of totality, the distillery embarked on a quest to capture the essence of this celestial event in a bottle.
“Solar eclipses can be anticipated but not changed. They are beyond our attempts to control, calling us back to the specific time and place we are in, making us view ourselves and our place in a different light, with fresh hues and contrasts.” - Jared Himstedt, Head Distiller at Balcones Distilling
Mirador Eclipse represents a bold experiment in flavor exploration, delving deeper into the realm of whisky making. By introducing two strains of yeast – a red wine and a rosé yeast – alongside the house malt whisky yeast, the artisans at Balcones have unlocked a symphony of soft, blush red berry, and fruits-of-the-forest notes rarely seen in single malts.
Matured in a selection of first, second, and third-fill used Kentucky bourbon casks for four to five years, Mirador Eclipse achieves a delicate balance of fruit, grain, and palate density, culminating in a whisky experience unlike any other. With an ABV of 55% and a 750mL bottle, this whisky embodies the spirit of Texas in every sip.
A moment of cosmic scale
As I savor the Mirador Eclipse, I’m reminded of the profound symbolism of a solar eclipse – a momentary loss of the sun, yet an indicator of new beginnings. It’s a whisky that honors this celestial spectacle by pushing flavor exploration into a different light.
The limited edition Mirador Eclipse American Single Malt
For those 21 years or older, Mirador Eclipse has an SRP of $100 and will be available to purchase starting in May 2024 for a limited time only at select U.S. liquor retailers. You can pre-order on ReserveBar.com.
As I finish my dram, I’m left with a sense of wonder and awe, not just for the celestial event that inspired this whisky, but for the innovative spirit of Balcones Distilling. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of whisky craftsmanship is a testament to the beauty and unpredictability of the solar eclipse.
The award-winning distillery in Waco, Texas
For more information on Balcones Distilling and Mirador Eclipse, visit BalconesDistilling.com.