Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon (2023 Release)

One of the best!!!

DISTILLED AND BARRELED IN 2017 BOTTLE # // 2483 of 9600 NEAT Let me lead with this. This year’s release of cowboy bourbon is the first that I’ve ever had and it is easily one of the most, if not the most complex bourbon that I’ve tried to date. Say what you want about Texas Whiskey, but Garrison Bros. knocked it out of the park with this one. The price is steep, especially for it’s age, but you would never know it was only 6 years if you had a pour. NEAT - Initially, onced poured in the glass there is a very strong ethanol note, so much that it’s near impossible to pick up anything else. After a few minutes, the classic Garrison notes of leather, hay, grass, and tobacco start to emerge. Swirl the glass intermittently and just relax for a little while (5-10 mins.). The nose then starts to open up with some of the deepest and richest notes of brown sugar, caramel, honey, maple, and molasses. As I moved my nose around the glass, different notes would emerge or shine brighter than others. Incredible! PALATE - Viscous, thick, oily mouthfeel. It feels like the bourbon clings to the roof of the mouth. Interestingly, the palate evolves in the same way as the nose. Initially, you’re hit with the leather, oak, grass and hay but towards the mid-palate you are welcomed with all the sweet, dark, and rich notes. FINISH - The finish is the sweetness fading away into a wet oak note. It isn’t particularly sweet or bitter; it’s kind of in the middle. It lasts for a long time, which shouldn’t be a surprise given the proof. Lastly, this does not drink like it’s proof at all, it drinks more around 120 than 140.9. This is both surprising and not surprising. Surprising because of the proof obviously, but not surprising because I’ve had two Garrison Single Barrels that were both above 130 proof and both drank well under their proof. BUY? - Treat yourself to this pour. If you don’t want to front the cost of the bottle, atleast try it at a bar. You may end up wanting to get a bottle for yourself as I did. I can’t wait to see how this opens up with time. BUY AGAIN?? - I’ve thought about backing this up, but I can’t justify doing so at the price. However, I do think this will be one bourbon that I will try to get every year, if able. It’s honestly a work of art. 🥃

2/5 Too texas too hot

Boozy pecan pie. This was courtesy of @ctbeck11 , for our quarterly online tasting with @Richard-ModernDrinking , @pkingmartin and @Bourbon_Obsessed_Lexington . Was really looking forward to this one in particular, just bc I’m a huge fan of Garrison’s. Garrison is generally quite expensive for everything outside their standard small batch and boot flask, and those are shit anyway. But their premium offering, like Cowboy, are amazing. It’s pricey because Texas whiskey isn’t easy. 120 degrees in the warehouse , followed by cold winter nights. That takes a lot out in angels share. You can be left with an oily sludge, or a masterpiece. It’s a fine line that takes a deft hand. At hazmat level, you have to add water. Well, you don’t have to…but you should. I did first smell it and take a sip without water. Immense oak and dough, pecan pie aromas. Palette is all pecan pie and marshmallows. Now, with water, the pecan pie becomes more prominent. The texture is thick and oily as well. Honestly, you can’t tell this is 70+ hazmat level. It feels and drinks lighter. Until of course you have a few sips, and then can’t feel your mouth anymore. Super well made, thanks for the pour @ctbeck11 , and am glad I bought a bottle.