Ctrexman
Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon (2020 Release)
Bourbon — Texas, USA
Reviewed
December 4, 2020 (edited October 19, 2024)
Ive got the 2020 edition of Cowboy Bourbon. This is Garrisons top of the line product. Limited edition run each year this one totals 6768 bottles. Its 133.9 proof uncut unfiltered and comes in packaging fit for an egyptian pharaoh. I missed out on last years and vowed if I saw it again I would grab it. I mean the reviews hail it as a world beater. I found it at Total Wine for $220 but got lucky and bought it at my local Specs for $177. Yeah I know this is quite a lot for a 5 year old bourbon. You read that right its aged for 5 years.... but its in Texas so that translates to about 15 anywhere else. I'll paraphrase the master blender-(Its blended from about 100 honey barrels some of which are almost empty from evaporation in the Texas heat leaving pure gold). I poured it neat, added couple drops ,let it breathe really doesnt matter. Regardless how you drink it this is hands down by far the absolute best bourbon I have ever had. It is so amazing I will actually have to rescore every other bourbon. I just reviewed ECBF B520 and gave it 5 stars. I ran them side by side and Elijah is skinny and weak next to this well muscled specimen. Rested in glass its glorious with the darkest shade of mahogany ive seen. Nose is thick dense aroma of pecan and walnut, blackberry jam, fig newtons and toasted oak. There's brown sugar, oatmeal and scorched caramel as well. As you move your nose location the notes change. Proof is so unintrusive its unbelievable. The mouthfeel is 10w40 and reaches every nook and cranny. Palate is simultaneously explosive and refined. Its a sledgehammer in a velvet glove. Only thing I can compare it to is the flavor delivery of an 18-21 year old scotch. The proof is dangerously masked. Rich pecan pie with singed crust, butter toffee, toasted figs, dark caramels and sweet non drying wood tannins. Some pipe tobacco and mild char present in the background. Flavors are ultra deep and completely saturate the taste buds. Finish is continuation and does not relent. The dark sweetness and nutty maple progresses to satisfying oak and dusty bookshelf providing complete balance. This is an experience whiskey. Its expensive and hard to find but if you consider yourself a bourbon lover you must find a way to at least sample this. Is it worth the $ 177 I paid, absolutely and id pay double.........100/100 perfect score.....You get the condensed barrel notes and refinement from a much older bourbon without being over oaked combined with the vibrancy and power a younger whiskey can offer...This may be a case of it hits my preference perfectly but I would be quite shocked if experienced drinkers dont love this
177.0
USD
per
Bottle
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I am actively hunting for the 2022 Cowboy release even have my whiskey girl in San Antonio on it as well. Here are the website tasting notes 2022 Cowboy Bourbon Tasting Notes The nose rolls in sweetly and gently. Reminiscent of a new pair of hand-made leather boots. Or maybe monkey bread. Finishes subtly with spring jasmine. Dark as cacao chocolate with the fattest legs ever seen slowly rolling home. Syrupy Dublin Dr. Pepper and brown sugar on the center of the tongue. Blackstrap molasses. Carob and dates. Finish is chocolate bark from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory............sounds terrible doesnt it
@Ctrexman long live the Cowboy!
Bottle Kill: Well this is the top of the mountain for me. Best bourbon Ive ever had. Yeah I know its not from Kentucky but damn this stuff is fantastic. I realize its expensive but honestly hope anyone reading my review gets a chance to experience
@soonershrink It is...as you have found out. Cowboy puts Texas on the map for a premium bourbon option
@PBMichiganWolverine My curiosity may get the better of me, but I'd like to wait for a special occasion to open it.
@soonershrink under $200, that’s not bad. Over $300 here in northeast. Curious to get your take on it
Just found a bottle of the 2021 release. I hope this is as good as everyone says, as it cost about twice what I’ve ever spent on a single bottle. Just under 200 after tax.
Had a pour tonight and its still the mac daddy
@trentoniousmaximus I havent run Balmo against Cowboy yet but Ill say this. Any whisky over $100 is practically not worth it but Cowboy is so fantastic I would say go for it. YOLO
Dang. This review is amazing. There are three across the city where I live. All priced at $206... is it really worth it?? Haha! Having tasted the Balmorhea I am a GB convert (am already a Texan to boot).
Great review. I owned a 19 and it was one of the best I’ve had. I will be in the lookout for this as well.
Just read this review since I haven't been on in a bit. I loved the EC B520 and been tracking down Stagg Jr hard based off the hype. But after this review, I have now added this onto the wish list. I will try everything in my power to corral this Pegasus when sighted. Here's to hoping it visits my neck of the woods in NJ. 😁
@Ctrexman Ha! That’s my strategy as well. It has mixed results.
You inspire me good sir. Might have to track one of these down. Solid review!
Ive put this in the back row so I dont kill the bottle so fast. Close to half gone. This stuff will lite you up real fast but tastes so amazing
I'm glad it's only $200 @ctbeck11 - I was expecting more like $250-300. I'd offer you a pour from mine (in fact, I'll make that a standing offer), but it could be a couple of years before I open this bottle, so it'd be a long time to wait.
Ugh! Am I really going to buy a $200 bottle of bourbon after reading this review? Probably. Forevermore, my credit card (and wife) will curse the name CTREXMAN.
Cowboy is legit! Great review!
Way better than B520? Now I'm REALLY looking forward to my bottle! Congrats on your find. I thought I got a good deal at $195.