An individualist’s spirit, Balcones Single Malt Texas Whisky has critics tripping over their free-flowing praise. It is small-batch, hand-crafted, made from malted grain in hand-built distillery gear, aged in former bourbon barrels, all under the guidance of founder/head distiller Chip Tate. Category-defying, award-winning—Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2012 Best American Whiskey—it has those who should know saying things like: “Amazing, fantastic, revolutionary … this whiskey is a thrill ride for your mouth with twists and turns that rival some of the rides at Six Flags.” Well, now! 105 proof. $67.50.