Garrison Brothers Distillery: Texas's First Legal Bourbon Distillery
Updated: 14 hours ago
Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, in the Texas Hill Country, is described as the first and oldest legal whiskey distillery in Texas. It makes bourbon only.
In this guide
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Garrison Brothers at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Distillery / brand | Garrison Brothers |
Country and region | Texas, United States |
Ownership / operator | Garrison family-founded distillery |
History | The Texas bourbon is sold in all 50 US states and five countries. Flagship Cowboy Bourbon is a few thousand barrel proof bottles a year, first released in 2013 and annually since 2015.… |
Whisky identity | Texas bourbon with annual and limited-edition expressions. |
Visiting | Check the producer's latest official tour and opening information before travelling. |
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Quick facts
Location: Hye, Texas Hill Country
Founded: 2006 by Dan and Nancy Garrison
Permit: first bourbon stiller's permit outside Kentucky and Tennessee, 2006
First bourbon on market: 2010
Visitors: over 50,000 a year
History
The Texas bourbon is sold in all 50 US states and five countries. Flagship Cowboy Bourbon is a few thousand barrel proof bottles a year, first released in 2013 and annually since 2015. A trademark suit by distributor Allied Lomar over the name was resolved when the Fifth Circuit affirmed in July 2018 that the earlier trademark had been abandoned.
In 2018 it started a nonprofit, Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, supporting causes including renovating Balmorhea State Park.
Awards
Wikipedia lists a 2025 Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Single Barrel Cask Strength and Jim Murray naming Balmorhea US Micro Whisky of the Year in his 2019 Whisky Bible.
Frequently asked questions
Does Garrison Brothers only make bourbon?
Yes, per Wikipedia.
What is Cowboy Bourbon?
The flagship barrel proof release, with a new batch each year since 2015.
Where is it?
Hye, Texas.
Visiting the distillery
Garrison Brothers is at 1827 Hye Albert Rd in Hye, Texas. According to its visit page, the distillery is closed on Sundays and Mondays, open 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Thursday and 10am to 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Hours are subject to change.
Tours last 75 to 90 minutes and include samples and a pour of Small Batch
Tours cost $10 per person Tuesday to Friday and $20 on Saturday
The tour covers the stillhouse, the cookhouse, the bottling room where bottles are hand dipped in wax, and the original barrel barn called Uno
Children and leashed dogs are welcome
A Whiskey Shack serves food and there is a gift shop
The range
The brand site lists these expressions: Small Batch, Single Barrel, Balmorhea, Guadalupe, Cowboy Bourbon, Laguna Madre, Sonora, Lady Bird, HoneyDew, Boot Flask and Bottled in Bond, plus limited releases such as Ranch Reserve. Strengths were not shown on the pages that loaded.
Sources and gaps
Gaps for Filip: ABVs, stills, capacity, founding date and current ownership were not confirmed beyond the earlier Wikipedia source. Tour prices and hours were read from the site on 20 October 2026 and can change. Set the URL slug in SEO settings.
What makes Garrison Brothers distinctive?
Texas bourbon with annual and limited-edition expressions.
Garrison Brothers whisky bottles and expression comparison
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Garrison Brothers Small Batch | NAS / varies | Check label | Texas bourbon with annual and limited-edition expressions. |
Garrison Brothers Balmorhea | NAS / varies | Check label | Texas bourbon with annual and limited-edition expressions. |
Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon | NAS / varies | Check label | Texas bourbon with annual and limited-edition expressions. |
This table describes documented expressions. It does not guarantee current stock, age statements or strengths. Check producer labels for details.
More distilleries to explore
Frequently asked questions about Garrison Brothers
Where is Garrison Brothers based?
Texas, United States.
Who operates Garrison Brothers?
Garrison family-founded distillery.
What distinguishes Garrison Brothers?
Texas bourbon with annual and limited-edition expressions.
Which bottlings are documented?
Garrison Brothers Small Batch, Garrison Brothers Balmorhea, Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon. Some editions may be historical.
Can you visit Garrison Brothers?
Please check whether tours are currently operating and book through the producer before travelling.
Sources and editorial checks
Original research and historical notes have been retained. Visitor details, owners and bottle ranges may change.
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About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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