Strawberry & rhubarb jam | Orange marmalade | Heavy charred oak | Sweet potato fries

Amaretto syrup | Pomegranate molasses | Dark brown sugar | Dense oak

Pecan pie | Charred oak | Black walnut syrup | Spicy cinnamon | Confectioner's sugar

It seems like for years, Garrison Brothers remained fairly quiet. They had their standard releases and got into the single barrel private sections rather early compared to other smaller brands. But 2024 was a banner year for the company, as they further explored the ins and outs of their bourbon with releases you would never expect from them.

Garrison Brother Distillery is located in Hye, Texas, which is northwest of San Antonio and Austin. They have always been known for their incredibly bold sip, which has a lot to do with the hot climate in the Lone Star State. They’ve gone high age and high proof with their Cowboy Bourbon, they’ve cut down the oak and proof but increased the age with their Laguna Madre Bourbon, and defied expectations with Lady Bird, a Cognac and honey finished bourbon. Balmorhea Bourbon takes Garrison Brother’s bourbon in one place you would least expect: double oaked territory.

Unsurprisingly, the bourbon’s aroma is robust and heavy. Rich scents of strawberry rhubarb jam, orange marmalade, and sweet potato fries against heavy charred oak is to be expected if you’re familiar with the brand, but they are striking nevertheless. The palate layers on vigorous amounts of amaretto syrup, pomegranate molasses, and dark brown sugar against more oak. The finish adds pecan pie and black walnut syrup against more charred oak and even spicy cinnamon.

Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Bourbon isn’t going to convert anyone into a Garrison Brothers fan if they weren't already a fan going into a sip of it. It’s more of what you either love or hate about Garrison Brothers. For fans, it keeps the tannins and bitterness to surprisingly manageable levels, and its proof tastes strangely tempered. While it's silly to describe anything Garrison Brothers makes as mellow, the amount of sweet oak here does its best to mellow the bourbon’s sip to a noticeable degree. Double oaking a Garrison Brother’s bourbon seems like a nutty idea, but I guess you’d never know that for sure unless you try it. The result is a bourbon that will give fans of Garrison Brother a lot to love.