Distillery Spotlight: Garrison Brothers Distillery – Texas Bourbon at Its Finest
Written by Emma C | Updated April 2024
When you think of bourbon, your mind might automatically go to Kentucky or Tennessee. But what if we told you that some of the finest bourbon in the United States comes from none other than Hye, Texas? Enter Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas and a pioneer outside the traditional bourbon strongholds.
The Origins of Garrison Brothers Distillery
Garrison Brothers Distillery was founded by Dan Garrison in the early 2000s, inspired by a visit to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. After learning that bourbon could be produced anywhere in the United States, Dan set out on a mission to bring world-class bourbon to Texas. He received mentorship from legendary distiller Elmer T. Lee, who taught him the basics of bourbon production.After returning to Texas, Dan faced numerous challenges, including the destruction of his first batch of bourbon due to the intense Texas heat. Unfazed, he found a cooper willing to make custom barrels with thick staves capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. These custom casks now lend a rich, intense flavor to Garrison Brothers' products.Dan enlisted his brother Charlie, who had a background in sales, to help distribute and sell the bourbon across America. Today, the Garrison Brothers team is a well-oiled machine, dedicated to bringing the values of craftsmanship and integrity to every bottle they produce.
A Unique Bottling Experience
One of the most distinctive aspects of Garrison Brothers is their hands-on bottling process. The team, along with around 15,000 volunteers, hand-dip each bottle of bourbon. This volunteer bottling provides fans and friends an opportunity to immerse themselves in the bourbon-making process, making it a unique and cherished experience.
Featured Expressions at Tasters Club Bottle Shop
The Tasters Club bottle shop proudly features a selection of Garrison Brothers' most coveted expressions, offering enthusiasts a curated collection of premium Texas bourbon. Here are the highlighted expressions available:
Small Batch Bourbon
Every barrel that’s married together to create the Small Batch is at least three years old. Each year, a brand new vintage of this highly-coveted bourbon is released, showcasing rich vanilla, caramel, and oak flavors, balanced with a hint of spice.
Honeydew Bourbon
Aged four years in new, charred American white oak casks and infused with Texas-grown Burleson's wildflower honey, Honeydew offers a delightful bouquet of honey, floral notes, and a hint of citrus, creating a beautifully smooth and sweet finish.
Single Barrel Bourbon
Visitors can buy a bottle of the Single Barrel, skillfully crafted and bottled at the distillery. Each bottle is the embodiment of unique, authentic bourbon with unparalleled taste, offering deep flavors of caramel, dark fruit, and a hint of smokiness.
Guadalupe
Aged four years in toasted and charred white American oak barrels and an additional two years in port casks imported from Portugal, Guadalupe presents flavors of rich dark chocolate, candied fruit, and a touch of nutmeg, making it a truly luxurious bourbon.
Balmorhea
Aged four years in new American white oak barrels, then transferred to a second new American white oak barrel and aged an additional year, Balmorhea is an award-winning bourbon with flavors of vanilla, toffee, and toasted almonds, culminating in a complex and satisfying finish.
Garrison Brothers Distillery stands as a testament to the innovation and dedication that define Texas bourbon. From their custom barrels designed to withstand the Texas heat to their unique, volunteer-driven bottling process, Garrison Brothers embodies the spirit of craftsmanship and community. Explore their exceptional expressions at the Tasters Club bottle shop and elevate your bourbon experience today.
If you are still uncertain about which Bourbon is right for you and looking for more options? We have many more options available in the Taster's Club Bottle Shop.
Curated Bourbon Selections: Join Taster’s Club Today
Embark on a bourbon journey and uncover curated hidden gems that go beyond Kentucky. Explore distilleries in the heartland of America spanning from small-batch to barrel-proof, and even exclusive batches.
Embark on a bourbon journey and uncover curated hidden gems that go beyond Kentucky. Explore distilleries in the heartland of America spanning from small-batch to barrel-proof, and even exclusive batches.
