I approached this with some trepidation as my early experiences with Balcones had been far from satisfying and the recent "hub bub" around Chip Tate and Balcones had me wary that this was going to be what I have called the  "Emporer's New Clothes" whisky.... everyone says it great so it must be good and then no one dares to say anything else.  Actually it turns out it it is rather good.  The nose has dark fresh fruits and a floral note.  Young but still good, a nose more reminiscent of bourbon than single malt scotch.  Very rich mouthfeel (thanks in part to 53% abv) and smooth.  Fruit again, some malt and not a lot of oak, but still complex and interesting.  The finish is a little dry and even winey, has feel and color of a tannic and dry sherried scotch but in fact it  comes from the charred oakiness of specially designed barrels Balcones use, very interesting.  Not a long finish but you are left with some oak spice right at end as it dries out.  Definately the best Balcones I have tried so far.