Chocolate-covered cherry | Robust seasoned oak | Dark brown sugar | Vanilla extract | Mexican chocolate | Bootstrap molasses

Mexican chocolate | Light smoke | Rasin | Cocoa powder | Cinnamon stick

Dry, tannic charred oak | Soft black pepper | Aged leather | Brandied cherry | Cinnamon bun | Touch of clove | Long

The 2026 release marks the 12th edition of Cowboy Bourbon and maintains the brand’s age range in the hot Texas climate. Barrels were selected and blended by Master Distiller Donnis Todd and bottled at cask strength, which is once again over the 140 proof HAZMAT threshold - a staple for the brand - though 5 proof points lower than last year’s release. The blend was created from 250 barrels of 6 year old boubron and 205 barrels of 8 year old bourbon. A total of 16,104 bottles were produced this year, a 6,000 bottle increase from last year.

There's something quite perfect about the pairing of Garrison Brothers’ robust-tasting bourbon with the state of Texas, cowboy culture, and its ultra-high proof. Though each of these traits can be polarizing to some, the package is undeniably synergistic.

If you’ve had Cowboy bourbon before, then you know what to expect, as its baseline flavor profile is fairly consistent year over year. The bourbon is still incredibly dry and oak-forward, though less this year than previous editions - a notable improvement to its overall sip. The bourbon's in-between flavors are what make Cowboy Bourbon what it truly is. Mexican chocolate, bootstrap molasses, cocoa powder, brandied cherry, and clove are its magic sauce this year. Though it's still a proofy pour, you'll focus on the bourbon’s flavor intensity, not necessarily its proof. It’s once again “unapologetically bold,” and that’s exactly what it needs to be.

The bourbon in review is bottle number 141215 of 16,104 (possible error).