Distillery: Garrison Brothers
Proof: 131.3
Age: 7 Years
Mashbill: 74% white corn, 15% wheat, 11% malted barley
BACKGROUND: Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon is a limited, annual release, highly sought after Texas straight bourbon whiskey. Garrison Brothers carefully selects limited barrels with potential that they age for an additional period of time before bottling it at cask strength. The 2021 release comes in at 131.1 proof and is 7 years old. Garrison Brothers was launched in 2006 and was the first distillery to be granted a stiller's permit for bourbon outside of Kentucky and Tennessee which makes it the oldest legal bourbon distillery in Texas. Their whiskey portfolio includes a Small Batch, Single Barrel, Cowboy (barrel proof), Honey Dew (honey infused), Estacado (port finish) and Laguna Madre (limousine oak), Balmorhea (double oaked), and new Hye Rye whiskey.
NOSE: Complex in structure with deep velvety scents that are very rich, balanced, smooth and sweet. Rich caramel, fresh honey, crisp oak sugars, clove, and rich milk chocolate. The proof never makes itself known but adds a richness to the nose. (23/25)
PALATE: Roasted cacao, deep caramel, nutmeg, smooth oak, chewy banana bread, and cola! My goodness, this is one tasty whiskey! The proof adds a boldness and prickliness without burning. The notes are very rich, balanced, and smooth. The wheated mashbill shines here with no spice notes. (37/40)
FINISH: As the whiskey fades away you’re left with notes of cacao, leather, and oak with a tingling tongue from the proof. It is quite a long finish inviting you in for another sip. (22/25)
VALUE: With a steep $210 SRP this is a whiskey to cherish every sip. It is quite delicious but also expensive. If you like Wheated bourbon or the Garrison Brothers flavor profile you’ll love this! (7/10)
Overall: 89/100
FINAL THOUGHTS: Garrison Brothers 2021 Cowboy Bourbon is a scrumptious treat! Don’t be scared away by the proof! We strongly recommend this whiskey if you don’t mind dropping a pretty penny!
Similar & Slightly Better Whiskey: Maker's Mark 2021 Wood Finished FAE-01
Similar & Equal Whiskey: Weller Full Proof
Similar & Slightly Worse Whiskey: Maker's Mark Cask Strength 21-01
Tell us what you think and give us some feedback!
Scoring Legend:
96-100: The perfect dram, juice of the gods
90-95: Near perfect, truly incredible whiskey
85-89: Amazing whiskey, will always try to keep a backup bottle of this
80-84: Very good, some minor flaws here or there
75-79: Good, quite enjoyable to drink, Will try and keep a bottle on the shelf
70-74: Solid, wouldn’t go out of my way to get this
60-69: Decent, would offer this up to non whiskey drinkers
50-59: Not my cup of tea
Below 50: Give away