Ranger Creek Rimfire Mesquite Smoked Single Malt Whiskey vs. Rio Brazos Boxcar Texas Whiskey
Hey whiskey enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a Texas-sized taste test between two standout whiskeys: Ranger Creek Rimfire Mesquite Smoked Single Malt Whiskey vs. Rio Brazos Boxcar Texas Whiskey. Whether you’re into smoky, bold flavors or prefer a smooth, balanced blend, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s break down what makes each of these Texas whiskeys unique and help you decide which one deserves a spot on your shelf. Pour yourself a glass and join the ride!
Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling History and Background
Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling, located in San Antonio, Texas, is renowned for its innovative approach to whiskey production. The distillery, also known as a “brewstillery,” combines the art of brewing and distilling, creating unique spirits that capture the essence of Texas. The Rimfire Mesquite Smoked Single Malt Whiskey is part of their Small Caliber Series, named after historical firearms and featuring mesquite-smoked barley, a nod to Texas’ barbecue tradition.
Production Process
The Rimfire Mesquite Smoked Single Malt is crafted from the mash bill of Ranger Creek’s Mesquite Smoked Porter beer, minus the hops. The malted barley is smoked using mesquite wood in a converted shipping container, imbuing the whiskey with a distinctive smoky flavor. The spirit is then aged in small American oak barrels for about six months, which accelerates the maturation process due to the higher surface area relative to volume .
Popular Varieties
Ranger Creek Rimfire comes primarily in its standard expression, bottled at 43% ABV. The whiskey is noted for its deep gold color and flavor profile that includes tropical fruits, light smoke, and a touch of roasted chocolate .
Rio Brazos Boxcar Texas Whiskey History and Background
Rio Brazos Distillery, situated in College Station, Texas, has made a name for itself with its Boxcar Texas Whiskey. The distillery prides itself on using local ingredients and traditional methods to create high-quality spirits that reflect the Texan spirit. The Boxcar Texas Whiskey stands out due to its unique blend of locally sourced grains and meticulous distillation process.
Production Process
Boxcar Texas Whiskey is made using a blend of corn, rye, and malted barley, all sourced from local Texas farms. The grains are mashed, fermented, and distilled using traditional copper pot stills. The whiskey is then aged in new American oak barrels, which impart rich vanilla and caramel flavors while mellowing the spirit over time.
Popular Varieties
The primary expression of Rio Brazos Boxcar Texas Whiskey is known for its smooth, rich flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice. Bottled at 45% ABV, it has garnered a loyal following among whiskey enthusiasts.
Taste and Flavor Profiles
Ranger Creek Rimfire Mesquite Smoked Single Malt Taste Profile
Ranger Creek Rimfire offers a complex yet approachable flavor profile. On the nose, it presents sweet tropical notes of mango and dried banana, balanced by vanilla and a subtle smokiness. The palate is smooth and delicate, with light malty sweetness and hints of roasted chocolate and smoke. The finish is soft and balanced, making it a versatile sipping whiskey .
Rio Brazos Boxcar Texas Whiskey Taste Profile
Rio Brazos Boxcar Texas Whiskey is characterized by its rich and smooth taste. The nose is filled with inviting aromas of caramel and vanilla, complemented by subtle spice notes. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied experience with flavors of sweet corn, toasted oak, and a touch of rye spice. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of caramel and vanilla.
Comparison of Flavor Notes
When comparing Ranger Creek Rimfire and Rio Brazos Boxcar, the most noticeable difference lies in the smoke. Rimfire’s mesquite smoke adds a unique twist to the traditional single malt profile, providing a subtle but distinct smokiness. In contrast, Boxcar Texas Whiskey emphasizes richer, sweeter notes of caramel and vanilla, with a more pronounced spice from the rye. Both offer distinct and enjoyable experiences, catering to different palates.
Price and Value
Price Points for Ranger Creek Rimfire
Ranger Creek Rimfire is generally priced around $50 for a 375ml bottle. This relatively high price for a smaller bottle reflects its artisanal production process and limited availability .
Price Points for Rio Brazos Boxcar Texas Whiskey
Rio Brazos Boxcar Texas Whiskey typically sells for about $40-$45 for a 750ml bottle. This offers a good value for its quality, considering the traditional production methods and locally sourced ingredients.
Value for Money
Both whiskeys offer good value for their respective price points, but they cater to different segments. Ranger Creek Rimfire appeals to those seeking unique, craft experiences and are willing to pay a premium for the novelty of mesquite smoke. Rio Brazos Boxcar, with its larger bottle size and slightly lower price, provides an excellent everyday sipping whiskey with a rich, smooth profile.
Quality and Ingredients
Ranger Creek Rimfire
Ranger Creek Rimfire is praised for its high-quality production, using only the finest barley and mesquite wood for smoking. The small batch production ensures careful attention to detail, resulting in a well-balanced and flavorful whiskey .
Rio Brazos Boxcar
Rio Brazos Boxcar Texas Whiskey is known for its consistency and high-quality ingredients. The use of locally sourced grains and traditional copper pot stills speaks to the distillery’s commitment to quality. The aging process in new American oak barrels adds depth and complexity to the spirit.
Ingredient Comparison
Both whiskeys utilize high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Ranger Creek’s use of mesquite-smoked barley sets it apart, providing a unique flavor not commonly found in other whiskeys. Rio Brazos, on the other hand, focuses on a blend of corn, rye, and barley, offering a more traditional yet rich flavor profile.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
- Ranger Creek Rimfire Customer Feedback Ranger Creek Rimfire has received positive reviews for its innovative use of mesquite smoke and complex flavor profile. Customers appreciate its smoothness and the balance between sweet and smoky notes. The limited production and small bottle size, however, are noted as potential drawbacks .
- Rio Brazos Boxcar Customer Feedback Rio Brazos Boxcar Texas Whiskey is well-regarded for its smooth, rich taste and excellent value for money. Customers praise its balance of sweetness and spice, as well as its long, warming finish. The larger bottle size and lower price point are also seen as advantages.
Overall Customer Satisfaction
Both brands enjoy high customer satisfaction, each appealing to different preferences. Ranger Creek Rimfire attracts those looking for a unique and smoky single malt experience, while Rio Brazos Boxcar offers a rich, smooth, and more traditional whiskey at a competitive price.
Conclusion
The main differences between Ranger Creek Rimfire and Rio Brazos Boxcar lie in their flavor profiles and production processes. Rimfire’s use of mesquite smoke provides a unique twist on the traditional single malt, while Boxcar’s blend of corn, rye, and barley offers a classic, rich flavor. The price points and bottle sizes also vary, with Rimfire being more of a premium craft option and Boxcar providing excellent value for everyday enjoyment.
Which Brand Stands Out?
Choosing between Ranger Creek Rimfire and Rio Brazos Boxcar depends on personal preference. If you enjoy a unique, smoky single malt with a Texan twist, Rimfire is the standout choice. For those seeking a smooth, rich, and more traditional whiskey experience, Boxcar Texas Whiskey offers superb quality and value.
Disclosure: Our blog contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
