Once again, Garrison Brothers has delivered an outstanding bourbon. For Insiders who appreciate a complex powerhouse bourbon and are not intimidated by the higher price point, this is a must-try.
Distillery: Garrison Brothers—Hye, Texas
Proof: 115.0 (57.5% ABV)
Age: Five Years—Four Years plus One Additional Year in a New Barrel
Mashbill: Undisclosed
MSRP: $180
Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey: A Texas Standout: Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Cask Strength Bourbon
“They” say everything is bigger in Texas—including the bourbon. Garrison Brothers, the first legal whiskey distillery in the Lone Star State, has a reputation for crafting bold, high-proof expressions. Rather than battling the extreme Texas climate that can punish a distillate, Garrison Brothers embraces it, using the intense heat and rapid barrel aging to their advantage.
Their Balmorhea Bourbon, named after the famous spring-fed oasis in West Texas, undergoes a double-barrel aging process, first spending four years in new American white oak barrels before being transferred to a second set of new oak barrels for an additional year.
The 2025 Cask Strength release cranks things up by delivering Balmorhea at 115 proof (57.5% ABV) making for a robust and unapologetic take on Texas bourbon.
Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4.75/5
Right away, I noticed the deep, rich color which leaves me fully expectant for the upcoming intensity. On the Nose, dark caramel, toasted marshmallow, and rich vanilla cream rise quickly upon pulling the cork. Let it sit and those notes only get deeper. There’s a distinct nuttiness—roasted almonds—and hints of deeply charred oak. Slight touches of berries add a little more sweetness on the Nose. Despite the high proof, the aromas shine through.
Palate – 4.5/5
The first sip is a full-on explosion of flavor. Chocolate-covered raisins followed by a delicacy of molasses, burnt brown sugar, and toasted cinnamon almonds. Mid-Palate, the oak asserts itself, and demands some attention. The mouthfeel is wonderfully thick, coating the tongue with a rich goodness.
Finish – 4.5/5
The Finish is long and evolving, opening with a cinnamon warmth that gives way to lingering black pepper before finally transitioning to notes of dark chocolate and aged leather. A charred oak presence is strong and leaves a dry, slightly smoky aftertaste that begs for the next sip.
Value – 4.25/5
At an MSRP of $180, Balmorhea Cask Strength sits firmly in the ultra-premium category. While the price is steep, Balmorhea Cask Strength–like many in the Garrison Brothers’ lineup–delivers a unique and powerful drinking experience.
For fans of high-proof, double-oaked bourbons, the depth of flavor and richness makes this expression a worthy pickup.
Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review: The Verdict
Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Cask Strength is a true Texas bourbon—big, bold, and fully packed with flavor. The double-barrel influence surely adds depth, and the cask-strength ensures it is a standout sipping experience.
For enthusiasts who appreciate a complex powerhouse bourbon and are not intimidated by the higher price point, this is a must-try.
Verdict – 4.5/5
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.5 – 5
- Gold – 4 – 4.5
- Silver – 3 – 4
- Bronze – <3
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.