Hmmm...

It looks like we got out of sync.
Reload your page to freshen up and ensure that you get the best experience.

  • Skip to navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Join Distiller

Take your spirits journey to the next level when you create an account. Once you sign in you can...

  • Rate Bottles

  • Add Your Notes

  • Save To My Top Shelf

Create Account

Already have an account? Sign in

Enjoy our full-featured list experience in the
free distiller app

  • Create your own lists
  • Find spirits on the go
  • Easily search thousands of products
  • Follow friends and see what they're drinking
  • Track your collection with unlimited notes and bottle quantities PRO
Download Now No Thanks

Enjoy our full-featured list experience in the
free distiller app

  • Create your own lists
  • Find spirits on the go
  • Easily search thousands of products
  • Follow friends and see what they're drinking
  • Track your collection with unlimited notes and bottle quantities
    PRO

GET IT NOW:

If you want to add an image to your reviews, install the app.

GET IT NOW:

Distiller.com uses cookies that are essential for us to operate the website and that are helpful for us to improve the services. By continuing to browse our website, you agree to first-party and third-party cookies being stored on your device. Learn More About Cookies
Search
Distiller Home
  • Search
  • Find People
  • Join Pro
  • Recommend
  • Articles
  • Sign In
  • Register
  • Search
  • Find People
  • About Distiller
  • The Tasting Table
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Jobs
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Home

Dapper_Donny

Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Texas Straight Bourbon

Bourbon — Texas, USA

Reviewed June 13, 2019 (edited December 30, 2019)
4.25
4.25 out of 5 stars
God bless Texas! I have become quite the fan of the Garrison Brothers line of bourbons, particularly their Cowboy Bourbon. That's why I immediately grabbed this off the shelf when I saw it—I truly felt like I hit the lotto in that moment. Most will have a tough time justifying spending $140 for a bourbon that is only 4-5 years old, but that is only because they haven't tried them some Cowboy Bourbon or Balmorhea. Like their Cowboy Bourbon, Balmorhea is incredibly dark in color. It's not quite the deep dark purple that you see in the Cowboy Bourbon, but it still looks great in your glass with its super dark crimson red appearance. N: Not much burn here. Lots of oak, caramel and brown sugar. P: VERY oily/chewy palate, which I love! This thing is very creamy and full bodied. Like their Cowboy Bourbon, the pallet is oily, almost like a maple syrup. Flavors include caramel, pecan, and hints of oak. F: Medium finish with no burn, which I was expecting/hoping for given its proof. The finish is sweet like a cotton candy with hints of oak and pepper. I don't know if I fully buy into Garrison Brothers claim that 4 years in the Texas heat equates to 23 years in Kentucky, but I will say that this juice tastes a lot more mature than what one would expect from a 4-year-old bourbon. While I love their Cowboy Bourbon (clocking in at 134-139 proof), Balmorhea's lower proof is a nice change of pace and a fun one to sip on a warm summer day. This does not drink like a 115 proof bourbon (I can't decide if that's good or bad yet) as there is absolutely no alcohol burn present. What you've got is a very smooth, flavorful experience from start to finish. I highly recommend. Don't let the price tag cause you to miss out on a great bourbon from an awesome craft distillery. #TexasForever
140.0 USD per Bottle
  • Anthology
  • 1901
  • LouisianaLonghorn
  • LeeEvolved
  • Scott_E
  • dubz480
  • nmessler
  • Bodie-Robertson
  • Soba45
  • mcoop8
Create Account or Sign in to comment on this review
  • dubz480
    September 9, 2019

    @Anthology will for sure add reviews of each. In general I do really enjoy Garrison Brothers but for sure do feel they come with a heavy premium. I have had Cowboy Bourbon from prior years and have really enjoyed them , just not enough to spring for the bottle. Will let you know if this batch is worth it. Cheers!

  • Anthology
    September 9, 2019

    @dubz480 Looking forward to you notes from the D&T event. I just picked up a bottle of the Balmorhea. Targeting the Cowboy next...all things being equal. Interested to hear whether all the hype holds up.

  • PBMichiganWolverine
    September 9, 2019

    @dubz480 let me know what you think—-at those prices for such young bourbon, it’s gotta be damn good

  • dubz480
    September 9, 2019

    @PBMichiganWolverine everything Garrison Brothers is going to be really high price wise. I am attending a dinner and tasting. of their entire line in a couple of weeks. I'll keep you posted. This and the new Cowboy Bourbon are included.

  • PBMichiganWolverine
    September 9, 2019

    @dubz480 did you ever end up trying this? I noticed this is now on shelves here, so looks like they increased their distribution. But it’s a high asking price... especially when I think the standard pole bearer ( ELijah Craig barrel proof) is much cheaper

  • Dapper_Donny
    June 13, 2019

    @dubz480 "It's like a blood moon, honey! It's not every day that an incredible bourbon is available, on Father's day, and it's on sale." 🤷🏻‍♂️

  • dubz480
    June 13, 2019

    @Dapper_Donny And we get 10% off this week on Spirits Direct so that drops it to $135. I may drop a strong hint to the wife for Father's Day! 🤣

  • Dapper_Donny
    June 13, 2019

    @dubz480 I wouldn't hesitate my friend. Hopefully their prices will go down as they grow their operations but I still wouldn't hesitate to pick up at its current price. I'm probably going to go back and pick up another bottle before everyone else becomes the wiser.

  • dubz480
    June 13, 2019

    Great Review. I have been chewing on this one. It's about $150 in my market.

Sign up for the Distiller Newsletter

Follow Us
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Download The App
To learn more about responsible consumption, please visit Foundation For Advancing Alcohol Responsibility.
  • Terms Of Service. ™/© 2026 Distiller
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Submit For Review
  • Jobs
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • About Distiller
  • The Tasting Table
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Submit For Review
  • Jobs
  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Service. ™/© 2026 Distiller
Follow Us
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Newsletter
Sign up for the Distiller Newsletter for new bottle & feature updates
To learn more about responsible consumption, please visit Foundation For Advancing Alcohol Responsibility.