Garrison Brothers, the pioneering distillery that became Texas’s first licensed whiskey producer since Prohibition, has just unveiled one of its oldest and most distinguished bourbons yet. This year's release, the Laguna Madre, stands out not only for its age but also for its unique maturation process and the causes it supports.
Image credit: ReserveBar
Laguna Madre, initially launched in 2020, quickly became a standout in the Garrison Brothers lineup. This special bourbon is named after the scenic lagoon along the Texas coast and has gained a loyal following. The latest release, which has been aged for eight years, is now available nationwide, with 3,000 bottles in total—2,000 of which are distributed across the country.
The bourbon's journey begins in new charred oak barrels, with a mix of 15, 25, and 30-gallon sizes, where it spends four to six years developing its initial character. Following this, the bourbon is transferred to new French Limousin casks for an additional four years. This dual-barrel aging process imparts complex flavors, making Laguna Madre truly unique. Bottled at 101 proof, the tasting notes promise a rich and intriguing profile featuring root beer, vanilla bean, hazelnut, saltwater taffy, and chocolate, complemented by a creamy almond butter-like texture.
Garrison Brothers has always been about more than just whiskey; it's about community. The first release of Laguna Madre in 2020 was during the challenging early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The distillery used this opportunity to support the hospitality industry in Austin through their Operation Crush Covid-19 initiative, raising over $400,000. This year, they are directing their efforts towards environmental conservation, supporting Flatsworthy, an organization dedicated to preserving Texas’s coastal resources, with master distiller Donnis Todd actively involved.
In addition to the Laguna Madre release, Garrison Brothers is gearing up for the return of the Hye Fashioned Takeover this September, coinciding with Bourbon Heritage Month. This event, which debuted last year, sees bars and restaurants nationwide creating cocktails with Garrison Brothers bourbon, raising funds for the Boot Campaign, a nonprofit focused on supporting veterans. For those who prefer to celebrate at home, Garrison Brothers offers a home kit for $85, which includes a bottle of their Small Batch Bourbon and Old Fashioned sugar cubes, available for purchase on their website.
For bourbon enthusiasts eager to get their hands on the new Laguna Madre, it is available for preorder from ReserveBar at an SRP of $350. This limited release is expected to sell quickly, given its rarity and the craftsmanship behind it.
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Garrison Brothers continues to impress with their dedication to quality and community, making their mark not only in the world of whiskey but also in the hearts of those they support.
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About Garrison Brothers Distillery
Garrison Brothers Distillery is a renowned craft distillery located in Hye, Texas, celebrated for producing high-quality, small-batch bourbon. Founded in 2006 by Dan Garrison, it holds the distinction of being the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas. Garrison Brothers prides itself on embodying the spirit of Texas through its artisanal approach to bourbon production, using locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods.
The distillery is situated in the picturesque Texas Hill Country, where the unique climate significantly influences the aging process of the bourbon. The intense heat and temperature fluctuations in this region accelerate the interaction between the whiskey and the oak barrels, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile. This terroir-specific aging process contributes to the distinctive taste of Garrison Brothers' bourbons.
Garrison Brothers is committed to quality from grain to glass. The distillery uses organic, non-GMO corn, wheat, and barley, primarily grown in Texas, to craft its bourbon. The mash is fermented with a proprietary yeast strain and distilled in copper pot stills, ensuring a robust and flavorful spirit. Each batch is carefully monitored and aged in custom-made, charred American oak barrels, which add layers of vanilla, caramel, and spice to the whiskey.
One of the flagship products of Garrison Brothers is its Texas Straight Bourbon, known for its bold, full-bodied character and rich, oaky flavors. This bourbon has garnered numerous awards and accolades, solidifying the distillery's reputation in the competitive craft spirits market. Other notable offerings include the Balmorhea Double-Barrel Bourbon, which undergoes a second maturation in new barrels for an even deeper and more complex flavor, and the Cowboy Bourbon, an uncut and unfiltered expression prized for its intensity and depth.
Garrison Brothers is also known for its community-oriented philosophy. The distillery frequently engages in philanthropic activities, supporting various local and national charities through its Good Bourbon for a Good Cause initiative. This commitment to giving back reflects the values of the Garrison Brothers team and their dedication to making a positive impact beyond their high-quality spirits.
Visitors to Garrison Brothers Distillery can enjoy guided tours that offer an in-depth look at the bourbon-making process, from the fields to the finished product. The distillery's scenic location, combined with its hands-on approach to education and hospitality, makes it a popular destination for whiskey enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Overall, Garrison Brothers Distillery stands out for its dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and community. By producing exceptional bourbon that captures the essence of Texas, Garrison Brothers has established itself as a leader in the American craft whiskey movement.
