Garrison Brothers Distillery, tucked away in the rolling hills of Hye, Texas, has just dropped its 2025 Guadalupe bourbon, and it’s a release that’s turning heads. This isn’t just another bottle of whiskey—it’s a limited-edition gem that packs a punch with its bold flavors and a mission to protect Texas’s vital coastal waters. With only 8,600 bottles hitting the market, including a special cask strength version, this bourbon is as exclusive as it is flavorful, and it’s got a story worth savoring.
A Whiskey Rooted in Texas Tradition
The 2025 Guadalupe Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a tribute to one of Texas’s most iconic rivers, the Guadalupe, which winds its way from the heart of the state to the Gulf of Mexico. Garrison Brothers, the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas since opening its doors in 2006, has crafted this release with the same grit and pride that defines the Lone Star State. Every drop is made from scratch at their 68-acre ranch, using Texas-grown corn, soft red winter wheat, and barley. The result is a sweet mash bourbon that’s as authentic as the land it comes from.
What makes this bourbon stand out is its unique aging process. It spends four years maturing in charred white American oak barrels, soaking up the intense Texas sun and wild temperature swings that give it a rich, robust character. Then, for an additional two years, it rests in tawny port casks, which infuse the whiskey with a deep, fruity complexity. Bottled at 107 proof, the Guadalupe is a smooth yet powerful sip, with each bottle hand-dipped in copper-colored wax and individually numbered for that extra touch of craftsmanship.
Tasting the Texas Terroir
One sip of the 2025 Guadalupe, and you’re hit with a wave of flavors that tell the story of Texas. The distillery describes it as a “sensuous, creamy liquid” bursting with notes of ripe plums, berry fruit, and strawberry butter slathered on warm, flaky biscuits. There’s a hint of toasted coffee beans, a touch of chocolate, and a kick of cinnamon that lingers on the finish. It’s the kind of bourbon you pour after a long day, maybe paired with a good steak or a square of dark chocolate to bring out its dessert-like sweetness. Master Distiller Donnis Todd sums it up best: “Water makes the whiskey. Guadalupe 2025 is bold and beautiful—shaped by Hye’s wild Texas temperature swings, then proofed with rainwater we harvest on our 68-acre ranch.”
A Cask Strength Powerhouse with a Purpose
For the first time ever, Garrison Brothers is rolling out a cask strength version of Guadalupe, and it’s a beast. Limited to just 1,000 bottles, the Guadalupe Cask Strength Single Barrel clocks in at proofs ranging from 123.9 to 129.8. Priced at $219.99, it’s a bold, unfiltered expression for those who like their bourbon with some extra fire. But what makes this release even more special is its tie to a cause that hits close to home for Texans. Garrison Brothers is donating $50 from every cask strength bottle sold to Gulf Trust, a conservation group working to protect Texas’s Gulf Coast and its waterways.
The partnership with Gulf Trust, backed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, underscores the deep connection between Texas’s rivers and its coastal health. “Texans live in a coastal state, not just a state with a coast,” says Jay Kleberg, Executive Director of Gulf Trust. “Every one of our rivers, including the Guadalupe, flows to the Gulf. We are all connected by water, and with this partnership, Garrison Brothers and its customers are supporting healthier waters—for Texas and beyond.” It’s a reminder that every bottle purchased isn’t just a treat for the taste buds but a small step toward preserving the natural beauty that makes Texas, well, Texas.
A Legacy of Craft and Community
The Guadalupe bourbon has been a fan favorite since it first hit the scene in 2015. Back then, Master Distiller Donnis Todd started experimenting with port casks from a local winery, aging four-year-old bourbon for an extra two years to create something truly unique. That project, originally called Estacado, laid the groundwork for what’s now an annual tradition. Over the years, Todd expanded the program, sourcing tawny port casks from Portugal to refine the process. The result is a bourbon that’s earned its stripes, with the 2024 release snagging top honors like Platinum and Spirit of the Year at the San Diego International Wine and Spirits Challenge, Double Platinum at the Ascot Awards, and Double Gold at the Los Angeles Invitational Spirits Challenge.
Garrison Brothers isn’t just about making great whiskey—they’re about building a legacy. Founded by Dan and Nancy Garrison, the distillery has grown from a small operation into a powerhouse with a cult-like following. With over 600 awards under their belt and a waitlist of more than 18,000 people just to volunteer on bottling days, it’s clear they’re doing something right. Their commitment to quality shines through in every step, from sourcing local grains to proofing the bourbon with rainwater collected right on their ranch. And their ties to the community—whether it’s supporting local farmers or pitching in for flood relief in the Hill Country—make every bottle feel like a piece of Texas pride.
How to Get Your Hands on Guadalupe 2025
Mark your calendars for July 12, when the first 1,000 bottles of the standard Guadalupe bourbon go on sale at the distillery’s release event in Hye. Priced at $149.99, these bottles are sure to disappear fast. The cask strength version will also debut that day, offering a rare chance to grab one of the 1,000 high-proof bottles. If you can’t make it to Hye, don’t worry—the remaining bottles will roll out to retailers nationwide by the end of July. Check out www.garrisonbros.com to find a store near you or to book a tour of the distillery, where you can see the “corn-to-cork” process up close.
For those who love a bourbon with a story, the 2025 Guadalupe is more than just a drink. It’s a taste of Texas’s rugged beauty, a nod to its rivers and coasts, and a testament to the craftsmanship that’s made Garrison Brothers a legend in the whiskey world. Whether you’re sipping the standard release neat or savoring the cask strength version on the rocks, this bourbon is a reminder to slow down, appreciate the moment, and raise a glass to the land we call home.
