Bourbon

Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Texas Straight Bourbon Review

Garrison Brothers Balmorhea is a twice-barreled Texas bourbon, aged in intense heat. We review how this four-plus-one-year process plays out in the glass.

OVERALL RATING

9
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Tasting Notes

About:

Garrison Brothers is a well-known independent distiller and bottler of bourbons, based in Hye, Texas. Their niche is producing many different expressions of Texas using local corn and various forms of aging in virgin American Oak barrels.

The Balmorhea release is top of their line, and enjoys four years in one barrel, followed by a second oak aging for one additional year. Garrison is also known for its Texas-style bottle designs. This one features a blue metal Lone Star emblem and a blue and silver metal band.
Appearance:
Motor oil, halfway through its cycle.
Nose:
Toasted hazelnuts, apple, roasted corn.
Palate:
A burnt corny sweetness at very first taste, followed by a very short fiery explosion of heat, which quickly dissipates. Corn Cob pipe, smokey sugar syrup, all balanced by a light oaky flavor. Banana bread and a hint of molasses.
Finish:
Long dry finish, but a pleasant dryness, like the moment you enter a hot sauna. The flavors stay around as the heat becomes airy and light.
Comments:

Simply an excellent bourbon, all the more remarkable for its dry but very light oakiness. Garrison has figured out how to double oak without any negatives. Impressive flavor profile combining sweetness with its lightweight on the tongue, and a pleasant mouth feel.


Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Jeff Bogursky

Jeff Bogursky is a restless innovator and entrepreneur. He started one of New York’s first digital agencies and developed software applications for decades, before simpliying his life by becoming a wine and spirits seller. His website vintagekosher.com specializes in hard to find and good to drink bottles.

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