Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Cask Strength

Nose - Salted caramel, burnt brown sugar, candied pecan, cinnamon bun dough, vanilla, peanut butter, leather, tobacco, frosted wheat, dark chocolate, toasted marshmallow, rich oak, black pepper, allspice, nutmeg, with a moderate to high ethanol burn. Taste - Rich caramel, vanilla, baked apple, cherry, coffee, brown sugar, chili pepper, dark chocolate, pecan, leather, tobacco, peanut, marshmallow, spicy oak, clove, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon toast, with a moderate to high alcohol bite. The finish is long with salted caramel, strong baking spice, chocolate, and candied nut flavors. After a rather underwhelming experience with Honeydew yesterday, we're back to Garrison Brothers' signature style with this exceptional bourbon. The nose is beautiful, offering all the aromas I desire in a bourbon: dark chocolates and caramels, candied nuts, intense baking spices, and rich, deep oak. The palate is very similar, with all the aromatic notes transferring over, accompanied by a bit more fruitiness and a buttery cinnamon toast flavor that transports me back to childhood memories. So, is this essentially a younger version of Cowboy bourbon? Is it comparable to Cowboy for about $100 less? I suppose I'll have to compare them side-by-side (for science!). Interestingly, this bottling is slightly darker than Cowboy, despite being three years old at 59.15% ABV compared to Cowboy's five years at 68.65% ABV. Cowboy possesses a deeper, darker, and more intense aroma. This single barrel is much brighter with a powdered sugar effervescence. The same difference is apparent on the palate. This one is fresh and almost light in contrast to Cowboy's incredibly thick, oily, rich profile. The single barrel also carries more heat. It consistently amazes me how Garrison Brothers managed to create a five-year-old whiskey at nearly 140 proof that is so incredibly smooth. I could continue, but the main point is that Cowboy is a masterpiece and remains superior to all other bourbons (and really, most spirits) I've sampled. Nevertheless, this particular single barrel is fantastic and likely offers better value at $150 than Cowboy does at $250. If you need me, I'll be here enjoying two of the absolute finest American whiskeys available. I should also mention that this is another remarkable bottle generously gifted to me by a friend, who seems to be single-handedly fueling my growing addiction to Texas whiskey.

Store pick from Whisky Mentors, QS22, bottled at 128.3 proof. Served in a Glencairn glass, allowed to rest for 15 minutes. Color: Deep amber. Aroma: Cherries, honey, and caramel. Perhaps some butterscotch. Taste: Spicy clove and baking spice precede notes of oak and leather. Finish: Long with moderate warmth. With a splash: Some minty notes appear, mingling with the clove and leather. Overall: 8/10 - The high proof is noticeable in the taste and finish. It's more intricate than the 94 proof single barrel, but not enough to warrant nearly double the price. Maybe another cask strength single barrel will carry more from the aroma to the finish. It's still solid and would be good with ice, but for the cost, it's best enjoyed neat.

Nose Vanilla with sweet corn and wheat. Interesting. Taste Coats the tongue with sweet vanilla caramel butterscotch. A touch of nuttiness and brown sugar Amazing!! Love this! Remember the Alamo. 👍

Got the seven grand pick. Amazing. Intense honey and molasses. It has that nice popcorn taste present in all Garrison Brothers expressions. It might be the best bourbon I've ever tasted.

This 120 proof bourbon reminds me of Cream of Kentucky, but it's significantly better. It's the best Texas bourbon I've experienced.

Selected by Island Wines, 145.6 proof: potent! Tastes of maple and licorice, with a somewhat odd, earthy finish.