After trying Garrison Brothers Balmorhea, we wanted to give a couple of their other bottles a shot. Most of their whiskey isn't exactly cheap, so we decided to pick up Single Barrel for $100 and HoneyDew for $70.
We tried both bottles during the same evening, one after the other, and got two pretty different reactions from the group.
Garrison Brothers Single Barrel — $100
I've always thought Garrison Brothers makes some really unique whiskey. That Texas heat seems to give their bourbon a character you don't find in most other bottles, and Single Barrel was no exception.
It was incredibly dark, with intense caramel, vanilla, and tobacco flavors. It also had plenty of that distinctive Texas funk we've come to enjoy.
Everyone really liked this one. We tried it neat and with ice, and about two-thirds of us preferred it neat.
For me, Garrison Brothers isn't necessarily an everyday bourbon. Sometimes I'm just not in the mood for that much character in a glass. But when I want something different, it really delivers.
Would I buy Single Barrel again? That's a tough one. There are so many great bourbons available for less than $100 that I have a hard time spending that much on one bottle. But if I had a little extra money to burn, this would make a pretty nice treat.
Garrison Brothers HoneyDew — $70
HoneyDew was a different story.
I remember it having a really pleasant honey aroma, and that sweetness carried through into the taste. There was still some of the familiar Garrison Brothers character, including oak, tobacco, and that Texas funk, but the honey was definitely noticeable.
Personally, honey just isn't a flavor I particularly enjoy in whiskey.
The group was pretty evenly divided on this one. About half enjoyed it, while the other half didn't care much for it. Interestingly, most of those who weren't fans don't particularly enjoy finished whiskeys to begin with.
HoneyDew was also the first bottle we tried where ice was the clear favorite. About two-thirds preferred it on ice, including those who enjoyed the honey character.
But here's something I remember about that evening. When everyone left, there was still HoneyDew in the bottle.
That almost never happens at our tastings.
Even though some of the group liked it, apparently nobody was in much of a hurry to go back for another pour.
Worth the Pour?
Single Barrel was the clear favorite of the two. We all enjoyed it, and while $100 is more than I'd normally want to spend, I could see picking up another bottle as an occasional treat.
HoneyDew was much more divisive. I can see why someone who enjoys honey-finished whiskey might like it, but it wasn't for me, and about half the group felt the same way.
If I were standing in front of both bottles again, I'd spend the extra $30 on Single Barrel without much hesitation.