Michael SatterfieldTexas bourbon has a personality all its own, and no distillery embodies that spirit more than Garrison Brothers. Founded in Hye, Texas, Garrison Brothers was the first legal bourbon distillery in the state and has built a reputation for doing things differently. Everything from the relentless Texas heat to the distillery’s obsessive attention to detail shapes their whiskey. The result is bold, expressive bourbons that carry both the ruggedness of the Hill Country and the refinement expected by serious collectors. In this review, we pour three standout bottles from their lineup: Guadalupe, Small Batch, and Balmorhea. Each brings something unique to the table, but all share a common thread of craftsmanship and Texas grit.
Garrison Brothers Guadalupe
Proof / Finish / Age: ~107 proof, aged four years in American oak and finished for two more years in tawny port casks
The Experience
Guadalupe greets you with a rich amber-ruby hue that hints at its port influence. The nose is inviting, with aromas of toffee, vanilla, roasted almonds, and a subtle layer of red fruit. It sets the stage for a sip that leans into dessert territory.
On the palate, you’ll find dark plum, black raspberry, and raisin swirling with caramel and brown sugar. The port finish amplifies the fruit character, while oak spice and cinnamon keep the sweetness in check. It is expressive, even flamboyant, with a finish that lingers long and warm, ending in leather and oak.
Verdict
Guadalupe is not subtle, but it was never meant to be. It is a whiskey that demands attention, delivering a layered, fruit-forward profile that will thrill those who like their bourbon bold.
Garrison Brothers Small Batch
Proof / Age: Varies by batch, often younger than four years
The Experience
Small Batch is the gateway into the Garrison Brothers world. On the nose, tobacco leaf, charred oak, raw sugar, and hints of ginger set a tone that feels familiar yet distinctive.
The palate strikes a balance between sweet and savory. Notes of honey, leather, graham cracker, and peppery char carry through, with a chewy texture that makes you slow down and savor. As the sip fades, flavors of brown sugar, maple syrup, and a dusting of cinnamon linger pleasantly.
Verdict
This is Garrison Brothers’ most approachable offering, a reliable introduction to Texas bourbon. While some may find it pricey compared to its age, it delivers a solid expression of what the distillery stands for.
Garrison Brothers Balmorhea
Proof / Age / Process: ~115 proof, aged four years in the first barrel, then finished for one year in a second new charred oak barrel
The Experience
Balmorhea comes alive in the glass with a deep mahogany glow. The nose is big and bold, brimming with strawberry jam, orange marmalade, charred oak, and baked sweet potato.
The palate follows through with decadence. Flavors of amaretto, pomegranate molasses, dark brown sugar, and maple are carried on a sturdy oak backbone. At 115 proof, it has power, but the heat is well integrated, never feeling unruly. The finish is long, rich, and indulgent, evoking pecan pie, walnuts, char, and cinnamon spice.
Verdict
This is a statement bourbon. Double-oaked and unapologetically rich, Balmorhea is for drinkers who want something big, complex, and memorable. It is the showpiece of the lineup.
Final Thoughts
Garrison Brothers Bourbon has never been shy about its identity. These three bourbons showcase the distillery’s range: Small Batch as the reliable standard, Guadalupe as the wild card with port-finished flair, and Balmorhea as the powerhouse that commands attention. Together, they tell a story of Texas bourbon at its boldest.
