Garrison Brothers Guadalupe (2023 Release)

Nose: Intense, sticky floral honey, candy-like peach, a contained barnyard funk that also has a hard candy quality, paper pulp, lightly smoked meat adorned with grilled peach or pineapple rings, numerous other indistinct fruity notes, and a faint whiff of ethanol. Pale: Prominent red wine character, dried cherry, a subtle hint of red wine oak, caramel, the aroma of an old book, cooked vanilla, a touch of honey, earthy tones, and that distinctive dry funk from the producer, which strikes me as resembling wet cardboard. Finish: Ethanol-forward heat, wood, earth, dust, a sticky cherry compote, mint/menthol, green tea, honey, possibly some dark chocolate. This might be my favorite release from this producer, but I'm quite sure it will be the last one I acquire. This producer has a dedicated following, and reviews often mention a unique 'funk' note. Every bottle from this producer I have sampled, starting with the Cowboy release, has presented that same wet cardboard characteristic found here. I suspect this is due to a unique yeast strain. This particular note is less pronounced than in other bottles from this producer I've tried, appearing late in the experience after the enjoyable port finish has made its presence known. However, it's still prominent enough that I have no desire for another bottle, let alone any of their more pronouncedly 'wet cardboard' offerings. Others seem to perceive this funky note differently, but I have had my fill of bourbon with a wet cardboard profile. I'll leave future bottlings to the devoted enthusiasts. Furthermore, I believe every release from this producer is significantly overpriced, roughly double what it should be. This bottle cost $150. A similar offering from Balcones would likely be priced around $75-80. Perhaps if that funk appeals to you, your opinion differs, but I can no longer appreciate it. I'll add, I think every GB release is overpriced by about a 2:1 ratio. This was a $150 bottle. If Balcones had released this, I'd expect it to be more like $75-80. I guess if that funk hits you right, maybe you disagree, but I've lost the ability to imagine that now.

Tastes like a relative of Little Book Chapter 6. Similar to Midwest Spirits' ported pumpernickel rye. Not identical, but comparable with a better finish. Smells a bit like a campfire. It starts off uninteresting, so let it sit or add an ice cube and let it rest. It is sweet and tastes nothing like the entry-level small batch, which I found tasted like corn. I'm not usually a fan of Garrison, but I like this one. Regarding the price? What's considered a good value nowadays anyway? Not much. Buy it if you enjoy trying new things; otherwise, stick with Woodford for consistency.

Still quite good, yet it's the least favored Garrison Brothers I've sampled. I would choose small batch, single barrel, or Balmorhea over this any time. I believe the port wine flavor conceals what makes Garrison Brothers distinctive: its intense sour oakiness, the savory quality of the white corn, all overshadowed by the sweet smoothness of the port.

Quite enjoyable, with hints of strawberries, blueberries, dark chocolate, honey, blackberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, and luxardo cherries. I preferred this to the 2023 version due to how the port influenced the oak.

A rich bourbon character with the fruity notes of port on both the nose and palate. Distinctive and excellent.

This one has a nice, full flavor. It goes down smoothly; those six years were clearly well-invested in its creation.