Olivia Taylor
Saddle Up for the Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon 2023 Review
Howdy, bourbon enthusiasts! Did y’all know that deep in the heart of Texas, there’s a bourbon so bold, it might just have you reaching for a ten-gallon hat after the first sip? Well, buckle up, because we’re diving into the liquid gold that is the Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon 2023. As a Texan might say, this ain’t my first rodeo, but it sure feels like a thrilling ride every time.
First Impressions: An Aroma as Big as Texas
Now, let’s take a whiff of this high-proof bourbon beauty, shall we? The nose greets you like a lasso of aromas, full of character and strength. Sure, with its strong ethanol presence, this brew might initially come off like a bucking bronco. But stick with it, partner, because hidden in that robust start are delightful layers of cinnamon powder and cocoa, mellowing into subtle scents of fresh paper pulp and hearty cereal grain. And let’s not forget a charming hint of sawdust—to remind you of a warm day spent in the woodshop.
The Palate: A Tasty Texas Two-Step
Now, I reckon a sip of this Texas bourbon is like dancing to a country ballad; it’s a smooth mover with a few feisty steps. Imagine a symphony with notes of aged tannic oak, plump sun-kissed raisins, and a twirl of sweet and spicy cinnamon syrup. Tucked neatly alongside is rye spice that kicks up its heels just right, as warm and comforting as a worn-in leather armchair by a roaring fire—this flavor just cuts through the proof like a hot knife through butter.
Finish with a Flourish: Dry as the Texas Plains
What’s a good bourbon without a finish as memorable as a sunset over the prairie? The Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon doesn’t mess around here. It’s as if it’s tuned into the Lone Star State’s rhythm, offering up a finish that’s incredibly dry—like tales whispered in the winds of West Texas. The notes of dry oak and leather are prominent, joined by a whisper of light syrup and a last “Yeehaw!” from the rye spice. It’s like the encore at a honky-tonk—leaves you craving just a tad more.
The Heart of the Matter: A Texas-sized Tale of Quality
So, what’s the story behind this bottle of bravado? The Garrison Brothers Distillery isn’t just any old joint; it’s a piece of Texas history! Founded in 2005 in Hye, an hour’s trot west of Austin, it’s become renowned as the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas. And folks, let me tell you, they’re not just pushing boundaries—they’re riding straight over them with their innovative approach to whiskey-making.
The 2023 release of their Cowboy Bourbon is culled from the “piggy bank” of Master Distiller Donnis Todd. Imagine strolling through the vast distillery, sidling up to barrels filled with such rich character they seem to whisper, “I’m your huckleberry.” That’s the magic of these handpicked vessels, destined to become Cowboy Bourbon after basking in the unforgiving Texas climate—and, wild as it sounds, treated to even more of that scorching Texas heat.
But what about the color, you ask? This bourbon doesn’t shy away from making a statement. It’s dark, as bewitching as a starlit night in the desert, pulling you in with a promise of wonder.
A Pour with the Power of a Texas Tornado
Sipping on Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon is akin to witnessing a Texas tornado touching down in the middle of a field—it commands attention. Bold cinnamon and cocoa notes swirl around with unexpected flashes of pulpy paper and sawdust, making for a whirlwind of flavors. Even at its rightly impressive 140.8 proof, the flavors don’t get bullied around by the ethanol. Nope, they stand their ground with the might of the Alamo.
The Verdict: Bigger and Bolder Than the Texas Sky
So, where does this leave us, my fine sipping friends? Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon 2023 is, without a doubt, darn-tootin’ good. The distinction doesn’t just come from its Texan pedigree or that it’s a cinnamon and cocoa notes-laden powerhouse of a high-proof bourbon. It’s a testament to the spirit of Texas itself—unyielding, full of character, and a touch wild.
While some might argue its dry finish keeps it from claiming the top spot in the bourbon hierarchy, I reckon it’s close enough to have the big guns looking over their shoulders. And with only 9,600 bottles out in the wild, it’s as rare as a blue moon—definitely worth the chase for any aficionado of potent potables.
Now, before y’all go rushing to get your hands on this treasure, remember—the Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon 2023 is as nuanced as it is fierce. Take your time with it, appreciate its complexities, and raise a glass to the fine folks at Garrison Brothers for another year of unforgettable bourbon.
And if you get a hankering to saddle up and ride out for your very own bottle of this liquid legend, mosey on over to your nearest retailer or look up Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon (2023) at Frootbat to stake your claim. Just make sure you’re ready for the ride, because this Texas treasure doesn’t gentle for just anybody. Cheers, and here’s to good bourbon and great stories!
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Garrison Brothers Distillery
Distillery: Garrison Brothers Distillery
Release Date: September 2023
Proof: 140.8
Age: 6 Years
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Stout
MSRP: $250 / 750mL (2023)
I absolutely loved reading about the Garrison Brothers 2023 Cowboy Bourbon, it truly encapsulates the legend of Texas with its rich history and exceptional quality. The blend of tradition and innovation in this bourbon truly makes it a standout for 2023.