IN 2008, BALCONES WAS DRIVEN TO CREATE SOMETHING
ORIGINAL AND AUTHENTIC
In 2008, Balcones was nothing more than an idea driven by a passion to create something original and authentic, right here in the Heart of Texas. It all started in an old welding shop under a bridge in Waco. For the next year, we replaced the roofing, knocked out walls, laid brick, cut pipes, installed copper pot stills from Portugal, and shoehorned a whisky distillery inside that quaint building. Proud of what we had accomplished on our own, we began distilling in 2009.
THE TEAM
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Alexander Elrod brings creativity, passion for whisky, and 5 years of industry expertise to his role as Texas State Sales Manager at Balcones, managing sales & expectations of our Texas DRAMs (local sales reps) and maintaining relationships with our distributor, Texas Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits. When you find our spirits in a store near you, it’s thanks in part to Alex’s hard work and dedication to our craft spirits and the promotion of “camaraderie built with folks that truly enjoy good whisky, conversation, and shared experiences.” He shares his life and passions with Laura, his wife of five years, his 2-year-old son Amon, and his three-year-old terrier, Rory. While he loves the whole Balcones line, Alex’s current favorite is our Mirador, for “its beautiful malt profile that showcases the capabilities of Balcones.”
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Jared Himstedt, our head distiller, whetted his appetite for distilling first as a home brewer and a manager of Dancing Bear pub, a craft beer bar here in Waco, Texas. He is the creative force, product developer, and head blender at the distillery, overseeing everything from label design to barrel selection since Balcones’s inception in 2008. Being involved in an industry steeped in both rich tradition and explorative innovation is part of what keeps Jared committed to the creation of fine whiskies—that, and “getting to work alongside some wonderful, thoughtful, diligent, and creative people.” When he can get away from the distillery, Jared can be found spending time outside with family, friends, good music, and good drinks, particularly the #1 Texas Single Malt, which is still an enduring favorite.
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As VP of sales, Jeff Liebhardt brings his competitive spirit and twenty-eight years of experience in the alcoholic beverage industry to lead the Balcones sales charge, overseeing all aspects of sales and ensuring that the fruits of our labors are available to whisky aficionados nationwide. Previously the Senior VP of Sales and Marketing at Bold Rock Hard Cider in Virginia, Jeff has spent the last nine months at Balcones delving deep into the world of fine craft whiskies and broadening our sales reach far beyond our Texas borders. His passions lie in developing his sales team, traveling with his wife Kirstin, daughter Dylan, and son Luke, and sipping True Blue 100, which he appreciates for its distinctive and well-balanced oak flavors.
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Our benevolent overseer, President and COO Keith Bellinger, has spent over three decades as an executive in the alcoholic beverage industry, manning the helms of some of the biggest names in the business, most recently at Castle Brands Inc. in New York City. Since 2013, Keith has managed and guided Balcones on its journey from small Waco whisky startup to the internationally recognized, award-winning brand it is today. While Keith describes himself as “respectful, old, and grumpy,” his colleagues at the distillery view him as a kind friend, mentor, and savvy leader of our growing company with over forty employees. For Keith, working with the good people at Balcones and observing the cooperation and coordination among all our departments is what brings joy to his work. On his off days, Keith retreats to his happy place, playing with his two beloved pugs, Rummie and Bella, and enjoying a glass of True Blue Cask, which he likens to liquid caramel popcorn.
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Thomas Mote got his professional start in coffee, then moved on to beer (most recently at Ex Novo Brewing Company in Portland, Oregon), and finally jumped into whisky and has been with Balcones Distilling since 2015. Thomas sees his role at Balcones as primarily a supportive one involving “some production planning, a lot of personnel management, and very little drinking,” essentially making sure our entire production team has what it needs to create fine craft whisky. While his happy hour beverage of choice is typically a Kolsch, Pilsner, or IPA, his Balcones favorite is a tie between the True Blue 100, for its balance of oak intensity and grain complexity, and our Texas Rum, proofed down to 50% ABV “to let the fruity esters pop out of suspension.” When there’s a break in our rigorous production schedule, Thomas hits the road, traveling the world with his wife, Ellen.
