Garrison Brothers Bottled in Bond Straight Texas Bourbon Whiskey

Garrison Brothers Bottled in Bond Straight Texas Bourbon Whiskey is a bold, unapologetically rich expression that captures the essence of Texas whiskey. Produced in small batches and bottled at the classic 100 proof Bottled-in-Bond standard, it delivers powerful notes of caramelized sugar, dark chocolate, maple, and spice layered over the distillery’s signature Texas oak intensity. Robust yet refined, it represents one of the most structured and authentic releases from the pioneering Texas bourbon distillery.

Origins & Craftsmanship
Garrison Brothers Distillery, located in Hye, Texas, is widely regarded as the first legal bourbon distillery outside Kentucky and Tennessee in modern times, having received its permit in 2006.

The distillery produces bourbon using a traditional wheated mash bill—primarily corn supported by wheat and malted barley—which creates a softer, rounder flavor profile compared with rye-based bourbons.

The Bottled in Bond designation follows the historic U.S. Bottled-in-Bond Act requirements: the whiskey must come from a single distillation season, be produced at one distillery, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV).

A defining characteristic of Garrison Brothers bourbon is the extreme Texas Hill Country climate, where large daily temperature swings push whiskey deep into the charred American oak barrels and pull it back out again. This accelerated aging extracts intense flavors such as caramel, vanilla, and spice much more quickly than in cooler regions.

The Bottled in Bond expression showcases this Texas maturation with exceptional depth and concentration, offering a distinctive regional take on classic American bourbon.

Critics Reviews
There are no widely published numeric scores from major spirits publications yet for this relatively new release.

However, early tasting commentary describes the bourbon as remarkably rich, with flavors likened to maple syrup and homemade root beer, layered with caramelized chocolate and finishing with notes of plum, nectarine, roasted almonds, and toffee.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Deep aromas of caramel, maple, vanilla bean, and toasted oak, supported by hints of dark fruit and baking spice.

Palate:
Full-bodied and concentrated with maple sweetness, sassafras, caramelized chocolate, and rich brown sugar, balanced by roasted nut and spice notes.

Finish:
Long and warming with toffee, roasted almond, plum, and oak spice, leaving a lingering Texas-style intensity.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

Texas Old Fashioned

• 2 oz Garrison Brothers Bottled in Bond

• ¼ oz demerara syrup

• 2 dashes aromatic bitters

Stir with ice and strain over a large cube; garnish with an orange peel.

Hill Country Highball

• 2 oz Garrison Brothers Bottled in Bond

• 4 oz chilled soda water

• Lemon twist

Build over ice in a tall glass and stir gently.