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About Garrison Brothers Distillery

Garrison Brothers Distillery, located in Hye, Texas, is a pioneering force in the craft distilling industry. Founded in 2005 by Dan and Nancy Garrison, it holds the distinction of being the first legal bourbon distillery outside of Kentucky and Tennessee. This Texas-based distillery has carved out a unique niche by adhering to traditional bourbon-making techniques while incorporating innovative practices that reflect the Texas spirit. Garrison Brothers is renowned for producing Texas Straight Bourbon, a label that signifies the whiskey is fermented, distilled, matured, and bottled entirely within the state of Texas.

Standout Features

Unique Production Methods

Garrison Brothers stands out from other bourbon distilleries, particularly those in Kentucky, through several distinct production methods. One key difference is the use of a sweet mash fermentation process, which contrasts with the sour mash technique commonly used in Kentucky. This sweet mash method involves not using "backset," or the acidic residue from previous distillations, allowing for a cleaner and more consistent fermentation process.

The distillery employs a 2,000-gallon copper pot still, nicknamed "Big Johnson," along with two 500-gallon stills, "Fat Man" and "Little Boy." Unlike many Kentucky distilleries, Garrison Brothers completes distillation in a single run without using a Thumper, which they believe enhances the texture and body of their bourbon.

Aging and Barreling

Garrison Brothers' aging process is another area where they differentiate themselves. The distillery uses barrels made from American Oak sourced from the Ozarks and Minnesota, seasoned for 36 months before use. These barrels undergo a 3-minute toast and a 53-second char, contributing to the rich flavor profile of their bourbons. The aging takes place in five one-story barns and in transatlantic shipping containers that create microclimates, resulting in a higher angel's share (13-15%) compared to Kentucky (5-7%) and Scotland (2-3%).

Commitment to Quality and Community

Garrison Brothers is committed to quality and community. Each expression of their bourbon is aged a minimum of four years and is non-chill filtered. The distillery has also been recognized for its philanthropic efforts through "Good Bourbon for a Good Cause," a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has donated over $1.6 million to various charities, including significant contributions to support the hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

User Reviews and Feedback

General Sentiment

User reviews and feedback from various sources highlight the strong appreciation for Garrison Brothers' products. On their homepage and other platforms like Trustpilot and Amazon, users consistently praise the rich, full-bodied flavor profiles of their bourbons. Many reviewers appreciate the unique characteristics that set Garrison Brothers apart from traditional Kentucky bourbons, such as the sweet mash fermentation and the Texas climate's impact on aging.

Specific Product Feedback

• Small Batch Bourbon: Users describe this flagship expression as having a consistent and rich flavor profile, with notes of dark fruit, oak, and a smooth finish. The black wax top is often mentioned as a distinctive touch.
• Single Barrel Bourbon: Reviewers praise the hand-picked barrels for their distinct personalities and expressive flavor profiles. The variability between barrels is seen as a positive, offering a unique experience with each bottle.
• Balmorhea Bourbon: This twice-barreled bourbon is often described as having sweet and silky tasting notes, with users appreciating the complexity added by the second barrel.

Common Praise

Common themes in user reviews include the exceptional quality of the bourbon, the unique flavor profiles, and the commitment to craftsmanship. Many users also appreciate the distillery's community involvement and philanthropic efforts.

Promotion and Loyalty Program

Community Engagement

Garrison Brothers fosters a strong sense of community among its fans. The distillery offers various tours and tasting experiences, including the popular "Distillery Tour" and "Hye Reserve Tasting." These experiences allow visitors to delve into the "corn to cork" process and understand the meticulous steps involved in creating their exceptional bourbon.

Special Releases and Events

Garrison Brothers is known for its special releases, which often generate significant excitement among fans. For example, the "Lady Bird" expression, launched to support the preservation of native wildflowers, sold out quickly and raised substantial funds for the cause.

Loyalty and Fan Engagement

The distillery's loyal fan base, often referred to as "Garrison FANATICS," is a testament to their successful engagement strategies. Fans are willing to travel long distances and wait in lines for special releases, indicating a strong loyalty to the brand. This loyalty is nurtured through regular updates, events, and direct communication with the distillery team.

FAQs

What makes Garrison Brothers different from other bourbon distilleries?

Garrison Brothers stands out due to its use of sweet mash fermentation, single-run distillation without a Thumper, and the unique aging conditions in Texas. These practices contribute to a distinct flavor profile that differs from traditional Kentucky bourbons.

Where are Garrison Brothers' barrels sourced from?

The barrels used by Garrison Brothers are sourced from Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky, and Barrel Mill in Avon, Minnesota. These barrels are made from American Oak and are seasoned for 36 months before use.

What is the significance of the "Texas Straight Bourbon" label?

The "Texas Straight Bourbon" label signifies that the whiskey is fermented, distilled, matured, and bottled entirely within the state of Texas. This label is a point of pride for Garrison Brothers, reflecting their commitment to regional authenticity.

How does the Texas climate affect the aging process?

The hot Texas climate accelerates the maturation process, resulting in a higher angel's share (13-15%) compared to other regions. This climate also contributes to the rich, full-bodied flavor profiles characteristic of Garrison Brothers' bourbons.

What philanthropic efforts is Garrison Brothers involved in?

Garrison Brothers is involved in various philanthropic efforts through "Good Bourbon for a Good Cause," a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The distillery has donated over $1.6 million to charities, including significant contributions to support the hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.