Info Shots

• Price: ~$249.99 (2023)
• Spirit: Whiskey (Texas Whiskey/Bourbon)
• Proof: 140.9 (70.45% alcohol)
• Noses (smell): Corn dust and sweet molasses
• Palate (taste): Multiple
  • 1st Layer: Sweet Cherry and Tobacco
  • 2nd Layer: Richer Sweet Cherry and Tobacco
  • 3rd Layer: Vanilla with a peppery flair
• Age Statement: 6 Years
  • Distilled and Barreled in 2017

Distiller information

Background

Garrison Brother is one of those unique distilleries that is still privately owned and making some of the top bourbons in the whiskey industry. They were founded in 2005 with the goal to make some of the best bourbon in the world. Their first year didn’t go to plan when the entire lot of whiskey exploded from the intense Texas summer that can hit as high as 130 degrees Fahrenheit. That didn’t deter them in the least as the went back the next batch with stronger barrels and ended up making some whiskey that in there own world “Good Bourbon can change the world”.

Their biggest claim to their brand is that they are making whiskey with the highest grade corn that they can obtain in Texas which is Food Grade #1 White Corn. The intense heat from summers also provide the other unique characteristic that is known for this brand. The heat causes the liquid that is aging to age at a rate that is estimated to be three(3) times faster than Tennessee and Kentucky whiskies. Thus an 8 year old whiskey from here is the equivalent to an 18 year bourbon from someone like Elijah Craig.

Cowboy is the embodiment of the brand. Its known for its rich flavors that are long and complex. Garrison brothers describes the product as the following:

Every now and then, Garrison Brothers releases one of the most highly-coveted bourbon whiskies in America: Cowboy Bourbon®. Unlike our Small Batch, Cowboy Bourbon comes from Dan and Donnis’ favorite barrels. These barrels are set aside for a couple of years for further maturation and the liquid is bottled at cask-strength, uncut and unfiltered. It’s the ultimate ambrosia.

It takes a special barrel to create a bourbon nectar sweet enough to be enjoyed at such a high proof. The potency normally overpowers the flavor. This ain’t the case with Cowboy Bourbon – it’s so sweet, the flavor overpowers its proof. And you can thank the Texas heat for that.

But as delicious as it all sounds, make sure you proceed with caution; barrel-proof bourbon is not for everyone. It should always be savored in moderation. For something strong enough to run a car engine, the finish is incredibly smooth. It’s peppery, with a restrained current of warmth. While surprising, maybe it ought not be, as that restraint makes it ideal for summertime drinking. This stuff was heat-forged in Texas, after all.

2023 Cowboy. Garrison Brothers Distillery. (2023, September 27). https://www.garrisonbros.com/our-babies/cowboy

Onto the Review

Temperature

This certainly lives up to the expectation that stands behind this bottle. There is certainly in all the things i have tried so far, nothing like it outside this brand. The dusty dryness followed by long velvety flavors of what can only be described as sweet cherry and tobacco flavors. This whiskies flavors were hanging around for what I believe was almost 3-4 minutes. The second sip was much nicer with more rich flavors as described before. Third sip was interesting as it was very much full of vanilla with what could only be described as a peppery flair. After this the sips were pretty much the same.

• 1st Layer: Sweet Cherry and Tobacco
• 2nd Layer: Richer Sweet Cherry and Tobacco
• 3rd Layer: Vanilla with a peppery flair

The proof on this one is strong but surprisingly lacking the harshness I was expecting for such a high proof bottle. First sip does let you know this one is a high roof bourbon, almost single-handedly making my tongue numb on first sip. This numbness subsided quickly as it only lasted maybe 3-4 seconds at most. By the end of the 2nd sip, it was very much tame and dangerously smooth. If you are not careful, this bottle can and will get you messed up fast at the proof its sitting at with the lack of harshness after the 2nd sip. I’ve had another bottle from them in the same proof that was part of their cask strength line and that one let you know the proof each sip you take. This one only does that in the first sip before taking a backseat for the flavors to take over while you drink.

The nose complements the taste very well as it smells like what I would describe as a corn dust (like the smell you get from grinding corn in a hand grinder). This is followed by that subtle sweet scent that later complements the cherry and tobacco flavors.

Conclusion

Wow. Just wow. This years Cowboy bourbon is honestly going to be one of the highlights for 2023 yearly releases from any brand so far this year. The complexity that one expects from Garrison Brothers is there and front stage holding the spotlight, while it knocks you off your feet in the first sip for the proof. It then dials back to show you a crescendo of flavors while you hold on for each sip from this bottle.

The flavors to the experience of sipping this nectar of the Texas gods is truly one for anyone who enjoys this brand, drinks cask strength, or is looking for something unique. This has that all. There is just one problem that everyone brings up at this point and that is the price.

At $249.99 is this bourbon worth the price? To me this one is hands down and absolute yes, but I know someone (if not everyone) will be quick to say I’m am biased. So let me explain then why I think this is a good value for your money, or at least my justification. When compared to other 18 years you find your self surrounded by the following options:

• Elijah Craig 18 year: $159.99 MSRP (Secondary ~$300 or higher)
• George Dickel 17 year: $259.99 MSRP
• Whistle Pig 18 year: $399.98 MSRP (Secondary ~$550 or higher)
• Knob Creek 18: $159.99 MSRP (secondary ~$250)
• Eagle Rare 18: $99.99 MSRP (secondary ~$400 – be real we rarely see the $99, let alone this product)

Remember that this essentially is an 18 year old bourbon when compared to these. And when compared to these (minus the whistle pig 18, as I have not decided to go crazy into their expensive products), this one stands out having flavors and complexity the others just don’t have or can’t deliver. The intensity, complexity, and character that this bourbon has is one that I think everyone should experience at some point in their life. Either by owning the bottle or trying at a bar.

Granted I know people will not agree with me as there are definitely people that don’t prefer Garrison Brothers, and that is fine. Understand that is entirely a perfect decision to make as we live in a world that give us the choice to make at the end of the day. As always drink how you like and wish to enjoy. If this one encouraged you to buy a bottle, we would love to hear your reactions in the comments down below.

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