Garrison Brothers Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2015 Release)

My bottle, a 2015 vintage, clearly shows meticulous attention to detail. The cork is sealed with a thick wax coating, similar to Makers Mark but black, and the pull tab is a piece of rawhide. The corn used in the mash is Panhandle White, grown in Dallam County and harvested in 2011, with distillation in 2012 and bottling in 2015. This is bottle number 32879, and it is signed by the Garrison brothers. Oh, and a Texas lone star is stamped into the wax on top of the cork. This 94 proof spirit pours a lovely dark amber in the glass. The aroma combines corn sweetness, bread dough, oak spice, and a general floral scent. (The aroma is reminiscent of Sazerac rye, though no rye is present in this.) In the mouth, the corn sweetness, fresh bread dough, and oak spice are all evident in a well-balanced interplay of flavors. It drinks as smoothly and easily as an 80-86 proof whiskey. The Texas heat experienced west of Austin has significantly impacted the barrels; this presents more like a six-year-old bourbon than a three-year-old. Adding a few drops of water does not seem to reveal any new flavor notes and appears to lessen the intensity of the existing ones, so I do not advise adding water.

Nose: Corn and a hint of brown sugar are expressed. Second aroma: thanks to comments...bananas. Corn is most prominent, followed by banana. Palate: Sweet with a slight bite, cornmeal and vanilla assert themselves. Finish: smooth as molasses and well-rounded, lingering cornmeal evokes images of Texas cornfields and sunshine. Chainsaw Massacre not included.

I sampled a flight chosen by the bartender: Angels Envy, Woodford, Woodford Double Oaked, and this one. This was clearly the worst. Not even close to being worth $30. People pay $80 for this? It's just harsh with no character. I'd likely choose this over Devil's Cut if they were both $20. Let me know when that happens.

I've had several glasses after visiting the distillery, which is beautiful. However, the whisky produced in Hye is not of the highest caliber. For over $80 a bottle, I would expect a more complex and flavorful whisky. This bottle offers spice and smoke, with little else. At this price, one could purchase two bottles of 10-year-old single malt.

Purchased on 9/23/16 from Grape & Grain Liquors in Kerrville, TX for $76.99. It's great to see a promising offering from Texas, but this one is young and doesn't justify the price for its current taste. You're paying for the experience and collectibility now; the flavors will develop later.

I have the 2019 version. It had an unusual (almost unpleasant) taste initially, followed by sweet caramel which improved it. This will likely mature well over time. There are many other whiskeys, including Texas ones, that I would purchase at this $80+ price point before opting for this one again.