Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Bourbon, Barrel Proof

Score: 15/23 This bottle is nearly gone, and I'm realizing I only reviewed it once, right after I first acquired it. I believe I appreciate it more now than I did then, but by how much? I'll find out. Nose: Woody and dusty, with a mineral note I hadn't noticed before tasting Garrison Brothers Balmorhea. A hint of orange zest leads into some tartness, which is more typical of a sour mash bourbon. There's also some chocolate, adding a touch of sweetness and preventing the aroma from being too tannic. Palate: Rich and fairly full, with some mineral presence. Sawdust notes mingle with cinnamon and a creamier chocolate than anticipated. I'm actually getting a good amount of creamy milk chocolate, along with some vanilla. The interaction between the vanilla and chocolate creates an interesting nuance, somewhat reminiscent of Godiva Chocolate Liqueur. That aspect is quite enjoyable. The wood tannins are noticeable but quite mellow, not interfering at all. The sawdust flavor isn't ideal, but it certainly doesn't taste over-oaked. The alcohol burn is a bit intense, though it is 59.55% ABV. Still, it's a rather sharp, young spirit bite that's just a little harsh. Finish: Abundant vanilla and chocolate, with a slight tartness and faint sawdust. It's not the fullest finish, but it's actually quite tasty. It's surprisingly uncommon for the two best palate notes to dominate the finish. A touch of minerality is present but not bothersome. The finish is rather short. I'm now detecting more tannins and a hint of orange peel. - Conclusion - I'm enjoying this sufficiently to give it at least a 15. However, it hasn't wowed me, so I'm unlikely to score it exceptionally high. In comparisons, Early Times Bottled In Bond (15/23) holds its own against this in richness and fullness, also offering a pleasurable flavor. I'm detecting a hint of chocolate in the Early Times that I don't recall from prior tastings, making me suspect I might have overestimated the decadent chocolate notes in this dram. The chocolate was the only element that could have made this outstanding, so I don't see it surpassing a 16 at this point. The greater maturity of the Early Times is definitely apparent. Russell's Reserve 10 (15-16/23) exhibits more minerality than this and tastes flatter. I'm leaning towards preferring this one in a side-by-side comparison. George Dickel Bottled In Bond (the initial release) (16/23) seems just as rich and full as this, but without that youthful bite. Between the two, I'm inclined to favor the Dickel. I appreciate the relaxed aging of my George Dickel Single Barrel 15 (15/23) when compared to this. The Dickel actually reveals some complexity I hadn't noticed before, and the excessive oak bothers me slightly less. This is a difficult decision, but it's either a 15 or a 16. Neither offers good value. Given that the only 16 I have readily surpasses this and the 15s are not definitively inferior, I'll assign it a high 15. Even considering Garrison Brothers aged in a barn in Texas heat, three years isn't sufficient. Now I find Russell's Reserve 10 to be on par with (or possibly slightly better than) this. I think a 15 is certainly justified. Ultimately, its youthful harshness and somewhat weak flavor hold it back. Yes, a 15.

I have heard high praise on Garrison bottles so when a friend was heading to Florida on vacation I asked him to check out the local Total Wine. He returned with a store pick barrel proof for me which wasn't ideal since it was pricey without much info, but I'm glad to have one to taste and share. Nose is... well first let's talk about this color... this dram just looks sexy with its dark amber tone. Not sure if it is the mash, the barrel, or some black magic, but it's damn pretty. Now back to the nose... vanilla and caramel tend to pop out here for me. Honestly it's almost like a vanilla Coke. Surprisingly there is not a heavy ethanol presence despite the 120 proof point. First sip is pretty hot from the start and that corn comes through off the bat. There is a sudden rush of flavor after that initial habanero heat that floods you with caramel, brown sugar, and cinnamon warmth. As the sun sets the barrel char starts to take the stage and you get some real toasting (maybe this should be a breakfast pour with it's maple syrup French toast notes). The closing just lingers a bit with that soft cinnamon heat before finally fading away. So I have heard the debates out of Kentucky and Tennessee that no one else can make great whiskey. It's too hot in Texas, there's not enough fluctuations in climate and temp, etc. Fortunately I don't buy it after trying whiskeys from a number of places that have been excellent. This is a really good bottle. At $150 it needs to be better for me though. The burn on the front end might send many drinkers to find some ice (which is great if that's how you like to sip). The middle and finish save this dram for me. I definitely want to grab the double barrel version and maybe a bottle of Cowboy, but at this price the value isn't there for me to be seeking out another of the single barrels.

Garrison Brothers "Giddy Up" Single Barrel Cask Strength - Canals Mt Ephraim Store Pick, 4.5 year, 125.1 Proof Overall impression: I was immediately captivated by this from the first pour; it firmly belongs in the high-proof, intensely flavorful category of whiskeys. Don't let the cost deter you from experiencing this excellent bottle. This review is based on the second tasting, a day after opening. Nose: Honey and Port! Even though it's not finished, it presents these notes more strongly than many finished whiskeys I've encountered. I'd love this as a candle scent. Also subtly present are dark chocolate, raisin, burnt orange, and pine. Taste: Evaluated after resting in the glass for 2-3 minutes. It's a medium-bodied bourbon with flavors of fruity port wine and rich butterscotch, accompanied by mild spices and char. The wheat contributes a characteristic smooth creaminess. I recall more caramel and yellow cake from the initial pour. The vanilla has significantly diminished today. I also detect chocolate and licorice in the finish, which lingers for a medium-long duration. It drinks much lower than its stated proof, dangerously so. I find myself wanting more. While preferences vary, this is exactly my kind of spirit.

Aroma: intense caramel. Quite sweet as well. Rich and syrupy. Palate: abundant cinnamon. Not overly sweet. Rich flavor, but reminiscent of a rye, with corn also present. The youth of the spirit is evident. Finish: spicy and hot. Overall: a young, high-proof spirit. I suspect it would be better if aged longer. I do admire the color, exceptionally dark (due to Texas). It has a proof of 123.2 and is 3 years old, priced at $150. It was a gift, but frankly, I wouldn't pay more than $30 for it. It's simply too young and lacks depth. This rating is based on price.

My inaugural tasting score of 5. I've discovered my ideal whiskey. Predominantly corn-forward with brown sugar notes, a robust oak barrel presence, and noticeable warmth that doesn't overstay its welcome despite the 120 proof. It possesses a substantial body. This spirit is THICK. I immediately purchased three bottles without hesitation. It's unlike anything you've experienced before.

Prominent menthol scent, exceedingly smooth, hints of brown sugar and vanilla, a touch of coriander/nutmeg spice but concluded with an "off" nutty yet medicinal aftertaste