Balcones Texas Rye 100 Proof is a Texas rye whiskey that ignores the usual playbook, built not from one rye but four. The Waco distillery blends Elbon rye grown in northwest Texas with crystal, chocolate, and roasted rye, malt-house grains borrowed from brewing, for a 100% rye mash with far more range than a standard rye. Bottled at 100 proof, it opens on creamy buttery toffee, then builds into peppery spice with hints of coffee and nuts. Those dark specialty grains are what set it apart from Kentucky and MGP rye. Serve it neat in a rocks glass and give it a few minutes to open, or stir it into a bold Manhattan.