Garrison Brothers Distillery, nestled in the rolling hills of Hye, Texas, is gearing up to release its most exclusive whiskey yet—the 2025 Laguna Madre Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This highly anticipated release, set for September 6, 2025, marks the sixth year of the distillery’s rarest and oldest expression, a bourbon that’s earned a cult following among whiskey enthusiasts for its bold flavors and unique aging process. With only 3,000 bottles produced, this limited-edition release is sure to be a hot commodity for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
The 2025 Laguna Madre release kicks off with a special event at the distillery, where gates open at 8 a.m. for eager fans hoping to snag one of the first 1,000 bottles. The remaining 2,000 bottles will hit select bars, restaurants, and retailers starting in mid-September, with online sales opening on September 12 through Garrison Brothers’ e-commerce platform. Priced at $349.99, this 101-proof bourbon is a premium offering, reflecting its meticulous craftsmanship and rarity.
What sets Laguna Madre apart is its distinctive eight-year aging process. The bourbon spends its first four years in hand-selected white American oak barrels, soaking up the intense Texas Hill Country heat that accelerates flavor development. It’s then transferred to rare Limousin oak casks from central France, where it matures for another four years. These French casks, sourced from trees at least 120 years old, are prized for their high vanilla and lignin content, imparting a rich, creamy character to the whiskey. The result is a cherry mahogany-colored spirit with a velvety mouthfeel, evoking the indulgent texture of an Almond Joy candy bar.
Master Distiller Donnis Todd, who personally oversees the selection of these rare casks, describes the 2025 Laguna Madre as a standout in the distillery’s portfolio. “It’s an absolute delight to share Laguna Madre again this year,” Todd said. “Its toasted caramel and spiced notes on the palate remind me how thankful we are for the incredibly rare casks used and our relentless and magical Texas heat.” Official tasting notes highlight flavors of vanilla bean, hazelnut, saltwater taffy, and milk chocolate, making this bourbon a complex and memorable sip for those lucky enough to get their hands on a bottle.
Each bottle of Laguna Madre comes housed in a custom-built wooden display case, complete with a photograph of the Texas Gulf Coast and information about FlatsWorthy, a nonprofit dedicated to coastal conservation. Founded in 2015 in Aransas County, Texas, FlatsWorthy focuses on habitat restoration and resource protection along the Texas coast, a cause close to Todd’s heart, as his son is an active volunteer with the organization. The distillery’s partnership with FlatsWorthy is woven into the packaging, raising awareness for the group’s mission through special events and messaging.
The Laguna Madre series has a storied history, not just for its exceptional quality but also for its impact beyond the bottle. When it debuted in 2020, Garrison Brothers dedicated the release to Operation Crush COVID-19, raising over $400,000 for Team Rubicon and Hill Country hospitality workers affected by the pandemic. Since then, the bourbon has racked up an impressive array of accolades, including Gold medals at the 2025 Ascot Awards and the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, as well as a Double Gold from the 2024 TAG Global Spirits Awards. These awards underscore the bourbon’s standing as a world-class spirit, capable of holding its own against the best from Kentucky and beyond.
Garrison Brothers, founded in 2006 by Dan and Nancy Garrison, holds the distinction of being Texas’ first legal bourbon distillery and the first outside Kentucky to produce authentic, handcrafted bourbon. Since its first release in 2010, the distillery has built a rabid fan base, with a waitlist of over 18,000 people just to volunteer on bottling days. Today, Garrison Brothers offers eight bourbon expressions, available across the United States and in five countries, and has earned more than 600 awards for its craftsmanship. The distillery’s commitment to quality is evident in its “corn-to-cork” philosophy, using a sweet mash bill and the intense Texas climate to create a darker, richer bourbon that stands out in a crowded market.
For those looking to experience Laguna Madre, the release event on September 6 promises to be a pilgrimage for bourbon lovers. The distillery’s Hye, Texas, location in the heart of the Hill Country offers tours for those wanting to dive deeper into the craft behind this legendary whiskey. With its limited production and high demand, the 2025 Laguna Madre is expected to sell out quickly, so acting fast is key. Whether savored neat, shared with friends, or proudly displayed in its custom case, this bourbon is a testament to Texas ingenuity and the art of whiskey-making.
For more details on the 2025 Laguna Madre release or to plan a visit to the distillery, check out www.garrisonbros.com. The site offers a wealth of information on the bourbon, the distillery’s history, and how to secure a bottle of this rare gem.
