Garrison Brothers

Garrison Brothers Distillery

Region
  • USA, Texas
Awards
  • Best in Show and Platinum at the 2023 ASCOT Awards, Bronze (Small Batch, 2020) North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition, Gold (Balmorhea, 2019) San Diego Spirit & Cocktail Competition
Website
  • https://www.garrisonbros.com/
Phone Number
  • +15123813155
Address
  • 1827 Hye-Albert Rd, Hye, TX 78635

Rustic barn with red star decoration

History of Garrison Brothers Distillery

 

The Garrison Brothers Distillery, renowned for its commitment to quality and tradition, has a compelling story rooted in perseverance and innovation.

Founded by Dan Garrison, the distillery faced initial challenges due to the extreme Texas heat, which adversely affected their first batch of bourbon. The barrels leaked, cracked, and broke, resulting in the loss of hundreds of gallons of bourbon.

However, Dan’s unwavering spirit led him to collaborate with a cooperage to create custom barrels with staves thick enough to withstand the intense Texas climate.

Embodying the essence of Texas pride, Dan and his team were determined to produce the very first legal Texas bourbon.

Garrison Brothers Distillery is not just about making bourbon; it’s a family of bourbon makers and lovers dedicated to crafting the finest bourbon whiskey in the Texas Hill Country. This commitment extends beyond the product itself, as the distillery values God, family, friends, and country, welcoming strangers with open arms.

The distillery places a high value on hard work, integrity, honesty, and the well-being that comes from these virtues. They also emphasize the importance of respecting and conserving natural resources, which are crucial for their business and quality of life.

Garrison Brothers cherishes the tranquillity and privacy that are increasingly rare in the modern world, promoting good health, personal accountability, and moderation among their family, employees, and friends.

 

 

Awards Won by Garrison Brothers Distillery

2023 Awards

  1. Distillery of the Year: Awarded by the American Distilling Institute (Bubble Cap Award).
  2. Cowboy Bourbon:
    • Platinum and Gold at the 2023 SIP Awards.
    • Platinum and Gold at the 2023 ASCOT Awards.
    • Platinum and Gold at the 2023 TAG Global Spirit Awards.
  3. Guadalupe:
    • Best in Show and Platinum at the 2023 ASCOT Awards.
    • Consumer’s Choice Award and Gold at the 2023 SIP Awards.
    • Spirit of the Year, Best Multi-Barrel Whiskey, and Platinum at the San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge.

2022 Awards

USA Whiskey Distillery of the Year: Awarded at the Berlin International Spirits Competition.

Awards in Previous Years

  1. TAG Global Spirits Awards:
    • Silver (Small Batch, 2022).
    • Platinum (Cowboy Bourbon, 2022; Balmorhea, 2022).
    • Gold (Guadalupe, 2022; HoneyDew, 2022).
    • Double Gold (HoneyDew, 2022; Single Barrel Cask Strength, 2022).
  2. Monterey International Wine & Spirits Competition:
    • Gold (HoneyDew, 2022).
    • Platinum (Single Barrel Cask Strength, 2022; Guadalupe, 2022).
    • Spirit Of The Year (Guadalupe, 2022).
  3. San Francisco World Spirits Competition:
    • Silver (Single Barrel, 2020).
    • Double Gold (Balmorhea, 2020).
    • Bronze (Small Batch, 2020).
  4. Spirits International Prestige Awards:
    • Innovation Award (Balmorhea, 2020).
    • Double Gold (Small Batch, 2020; Balmorhea, 2020; Special Barrel Finish, 2020).
  5. Bartender Spirits Awards:
    • Silver (HoneyDew, 2020; Small Batch, 2020).
  6. North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition:
    • Bronze (Small Batch, 2020).
    • Gold (HoneyDew, 2020).
  7. Washington Cup Spirits Competition:
    • Silver (Small Batch, 2019).
  8. San Diego Spirit & Cocktail Competition:
    • Gold (Balmorhea, 2019).
  9. Texas Whiskey Festival:
    • Silver (Balmorhea, 2019).
    • Gold (Balmorhea, 2019; People’s Choice, 2019).
    • Bronze (Small Batch, 2018; Corn Whiskey, 2018).
    • Silver (Small Batch, 2018; People’s Choice, 2018).
    • Gold (Small Batch, 2018).
  10. American Distilling Institute:
  • Silver (Cowboy, 2019; Small Batch, 2019; Honey Dew, 2019; Flagship, 2011).
  1. Texas Bourbon Shootout:
  • Gold (Balmorhea, 2019).
  1. American Craft Spirits Competition:
  • Bronze (Small Batch, 2019; Cowboy Bourbon, 2018; Estacado, 2018).
  • Silver (Small Batch, 2018; Single Barrel, 2016; Flagship, 2014).
  • Gold (Single Barrel, 2018; Cowboy Bourbon, 2016; Single Barrel, 2015).
  1. LA Wine & Spirits Competition:
  • Silver (Balmorhea, 2018; Flagship, 2015).
  • Gold (Single Barrel, 2015).
  1. Denver International Spirits Competition:
  • Silver (Flagship, 2015).
  • Gold (Single Barrel, 2015).
  1. San Francisco World Spirits Comp:
  • Bronze (Flagship, 2015; Small Batch, 2020).
  • Silver (Flagship, 2013).
  • Bronze (Flagship, 2012).
  1. San Diego Spirits Festival:
  • Bronze (Flagship, 2015).
  • Double Gold (Single Barrel, 2015).
  1. Washington Cup Spirits Competition:
  • Bronze (Flagship, 2012).

Garrison Brothers Distillery Tour Information and Experience

The Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas, invites visitors for a unique tour and tasting experience. This package combines an informative distillery tour with a premium bourbon tasting session, offering a comprehensive insight into the world of bourbon making.

Distillery Tour

The experience begins with a 90-minute distillery tour. Guests will learn about the history of Garrison Brothers and the intricate process of crafting their renowned bourbon, from the initial grain selection to the final product in the glass.

Hye Reserve Tasting

Following a 15-minute break after the tour, visitors are welcomed to the private Hye Reserve Bar for a 45-minute tasting session. This exclusive tasting includes Garrison Brothers’ most coveted bourbon expressions, such as Laguna Madre, Guadalupe, Balmorhea, and Cowboy Bourbons.

Outdoor Experience

The tour and tasting activities are primarily conducted outdoors, allowing guests to enjoy the local Texas weather. The experience is designed to be enjoyable rain or shine, so visitors are advised to dress accordingly.

Pricing and Schedule

  • Thursdays and Fridays: $55 per person
  • Saturdays: $65 per person
  • Available Times: Thursdays at 12:00 PM; Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM

This tour and tasting package at Garrison Brothers Distillery offers a blend of education, enjoyment, and the opportunity to taste some of the finest bourbons in Texas.

Flask & Barrel Review of Garrison Brothers Distillery

Alright, here’s my take on Garrison Brothers Distillery – and I’ve seen my fair share of whiskey spots. I’m scoring it a solid 4.7 out of 5.

First off, the atmosphere is just what you want in a distillery. It’s got this real, rustic Texas charm that’s hard to beat. The whiskey? Simply outstanding.

Each bottle is a testament to quality and Texas tradition. The tour was an eye-opener, full of cool insights into their distilling magic. The guides were knowledgeable and you could really tell they love what they do.

My only small gripe? The tasting felt a bit rushed. I mean, with whiskey this good, you want to savor every drop. But overall, it’s an experience any whiskey aficionado should have.

Garrison Brothers isn’t just about making whiskey; they’re about making memories. Definitely worth the trip.

What To Do Nearby Garrison Brothers Distillery

  1. William Chris Vineyards (3.2 km away): A must-visit for wine lovers. People rave about their selection.
  2. Compass Rose Cellars (1.1 km away): Cozy spot with great wines. Perfect for a chill afternoon.
  3. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site (6.7 km away): A slice of history and nature. Great for a relaxing stroll.
  4. French Connection Wines (1.3 km away): Small, but their wines pack a punch. Worth a stop.
  5. Kuhlman Cellars (4.2 km away): They have some unique blends. A hidden gem for sure.
  6. Grape Creek Vineyards Fredericksburg (15.4 km away): A bit of a drive, but their wines are top-tier.
  7. Heath Sparkling Wines (15.2 km away): For those who love their bubbly. A sparkling experience.
  8. Hye Meadow Winery (2.7 km away): Great vibes and even better wines.
  9. Texas White House (6.6 km away): A historic spot with a cool backstory.
  10. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park (15.9 km away): For history buffs, this is a must.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Garrison Brothers Distillery?

  • Silver Dollar Bistro: It has a rating of 5.0 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18303087750. Their address is 8264 US-290, Johnson City, TX 78636.
  • The Whiskey Shack: It has a rating of 5.0 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15123813155. Their address is 1827 Hye-Albert Rd, Hye, TX 78635.
  • Rex’s Creole Kitchen: It has a rating of 5.0 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18308688010. Their address is 214 Edmonds Ave, Johnson City, TX 78636. 

What hotels are near Garrison Brothers Distillery?

  • Best Western Johnson City Inn: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18308684044. Their address is 107 US-281, Johnson City, TX 78636.
  • Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18555353123. Their address is 4064 US-290, Johnson City, TX 78636.
  • Blanco River Hotel: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18308335697. Their address is 2218 US-281, Blanco, TX 78606.