Molasses | Mexican chocolate | Intense peppery oak | Cinnamon 

Candied raisin | Cinnamon | Black pepper | Dense aged oak | Molasses | Vanilla custard | Undercurrent of grain

Black pepper | Brown sugar | Caramel | Aged leather | Seasoned oak 

Garrison Brothers is known for making extremely potent bourbons and so much of that has to do with the climate where they age their bourbon. The exposure to the harsh Texas climate can make their bourbons quite polarizing, but others who love a big, punch-in-the-face oak flavor, can’t get enough. Cowboy Bourbon is Garrison Brothers’ annual limited edition release that intends to produce the distillery’s highest proof, highest intensity bourbon. First introduced in 2013, 2025 marks the 11th Cowboy Bourbon release. 

Cowboy Bourbon is unapologetically bold in the best of ways. This is Garrison Brothers’ apex of intensity, highlighting the impact dry heat has on aging barrels. The bourbon has a dark, concentrated color which is true to its flavor profile. Flavors include molasses, intense peppery oak, candied raisin, dense oak, black pepper, brown sugar, and aged leather. There’s an undercurrent of grain that weaves its way throughout the midpalate, and while some will find it off putting others will revel in its raw ferocity. As usual, this year’s Cowboy Bourbon matches previous editions in terms of quality and remains as impactful as ever. 

The bottle in review is number 63 out of 10,000.