Spicy grain note | Caramelized oak | Dark chocolate | Raisin | Unique

Dense, seasoned charred oak | Vanilla custard | Black pepper | Maple sugar candy | Burnt brown sugar | Vanilla extract | Thick, oily mouthfeel | Complex

Black pepper | Caramel | Hint of leather | Seasoned oak | Barrel char | Slight nutty undertone

This year marks the 7th annual release of Garrison Brothers Laguna Madre. The expression is one of the distillery’s oldest and most carefully matured, spending 4 years in American oak, then 4 more years finishing in Limousin oak barrels. Laguna Madre features messaging that raises awareness of the mission of FlatsWorthy, a charity Master Distiller Donnis Todd and his son are involved in. The organization focuses on Texas’ coastal areas via public awareness and education, along with involvement with state and federal agencies to protect resources.  

The 2026 Laguna Madre release totals 3,000 bottles. For the first time, it is released alongside a limited edition 135.4 proof Laguna Madre single barrel. Both were introduced at a launch event at Garrison Brothers on August 8. While the single barrel will only be available at the distillery, 2,000 of the standard 101 proof Laguna Madre bottles are available nationwide and through Garrison Brothers’ website.

Limousin oak is a specific type of French oak that’s harvested from the Limousin region of central France, which derives its name from a dialect of the Occitan language. Known for its loose, wide grain and high tannin levels, Limousin oak allows for deeper interaction between the aging spirit and the wood. For this release, Garrison Brothers transferred the liquid to eight custom-coopered Radoux 225 Liter (~59.4-gallon) French oak barrels with a specific “vanilla” toast, which Radoux refers to as a medium-plus toast and toasted heads. Seven of the barrels were blended for the 101 proof standard release, and one was selected for the Cask Strength Single Barrel release.

Garrison Brothers Laguna Madre is in a league of its own. It has the quintessential Garrison Brothers flavor profile, but it's enhanced and more complex at every turn. The Limousin oak finishing accentuates sweeter flavors of vanilla extract, maple sugar candy, and burnt brown sugar, but the bourbon maintains the dense, seasoned, peppery oak undercurrent Garrison Brothers is known for. It has a unique aroma with an inviting raisin note, followed by a complex midpoint that’s delivered with a thick, oily mouthfeel. The finish heads back towards the savory side, adding leather, barrel char, and a slight nutty undertone.

Garrison Brothers Laguna Madre is an unusually unique pour, going all-in on the sweeter side of the quintessential Garrison Brothers flavor profile. While it's not barrel proof, it delivers huge flavor and a ton of complexity, especially at the midpoint. That said, it’s by no means anything akin to a traditional “Kentucky-like” bourbon flavor profile, as fans of this Texas-based distillery are all too familiar with. Instead, it's a complex, bold, full-flavored exploration in Garrison Brothers’ unique flavor profile, albeit at a price point that puts it out of reach for most.

The bourbon in review is bottle number 3554.