Editor’s Note: This bourbon was supplied to us as an evaluation sample byGarrison Brothers This in no other way, per our editorial policies, affected the last result of this evaluation. It must likewise be kept in mind that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this evaluation our website gets a little recommendation payment which assists to support, however not affect, our editorial and other expenses.
For such a brand-new operation, Garrison Brothers Distillery has actually made rather the splash in the bourbon scene. Since launching their very first batch a simple 12 years earlier in 2010, the Hye, Texas, distillery has actually currently acquired various awards, consisting of Gold Medals from the 2011 Denver International Spirits Competition, 2014 Micro Whiskey of the Year, 2015 LA International Spirits Competition, 2015 American Spirits Competition, 2015 International Spirits Prestige Awards, and 2020 North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition, to call a little couple of.
There just isn’t the time or area to note the rest of their Gold Medals, not to mention the lots of Silver and Bronze Medals in between, however it deserves discussing that this offering, Guadalupe Texas Straight Bourbon, has actually currently declared its own reasonable share of awards in the brief time given that its July 23, 2022 release date. Those awards surpass even the extremely well known distillery’s previous requirements and made this latest release not just a Gold at the TAG Global Spirit Awards, however a Platinum and the sought after Spirit of the Year from the 2022 Monterey International Wine and Spirits Competition.
So is it actually that great, or is the bourbon neighborhood just delighted to see Texas lastly make its existence understood in the worldwide bourbon scene? Handily, the response is the previous; it’s really yummy things. Texans, relax. Your very first legal distillery has actually done the state proud.
Guadalupe Texas Straight Bourbon is a special bourbon, no doubt about it. Sitting at 107 evidence and aged 4 years in charred American oak prior to completing with 2 more years in imported Portuguese Port casks, the bourbon establishes hallmark sweet notes which are normal of bourbon yet raised by the intro and impact of the Port casks. It’s a bourbon that can accompany a dessert or be a dessert, with either option showing similarly satisfying.
Also of note are Garrison Brothers Distillery’s custom-coopered oak barrels, which host intentionally thicker staves in order to stand up to severe Texan heat waves. This was an option made after a heartbreaking first year throughout which conventional oak barrels were divided and the distillery’s whole stock was lost. Luckily for us, Garrison Brothers Distillery utilized the terrible scenario as a knowing experience instead of quiting.
For lots of bourbons, high viscosity leads to a nearly syrupy texture which is rather undesirable on the tongue. By taking their item to a greater evidence than typical, Garrison Brothers offsets that deep richness with an aggressive edge. The resulting mouthful is genuinely unlike anything I have actually ever tasted, which in this case is a high compliment.

Garrison Brothers Guadalupe Texas Straight Bourbon (image by means of Garrison Brothers)
Tasting Notes: Garrison Brothers Guadalupe Texas Straight Bourbon
Vital Stats: 53.5% ABV (107 evidence) aged 4 years in charred American oak and 2 years in imported port casks. MSRP $149.99
Appearance: Dark, maple-brown in color and medium-high in viscosity.
Nose: The arrangement is strong however sweet, with heavy brown sugar and cinnamon keeps in mind backed by milk chocolate and a tip of jalapeño pepper.
Palate: The viscosity and sweet taste are balanced out by the high-proof strength, offering a distinctively enjoyable mouthfeel. Notes of maple, tobacco leaf, nutmeg, and vanilla are right away present, with raspberry making itself understood soon after and a sticking around caramel-corn surface. Shockingly simple to drink for 107-proof.