Barrel strength Cowboy Bourbon from Garrison Brothers distillery out of Hye, Texas
The American Craft Spirits Association just announced the results of its 10th annual competition. Entries were judged blindly by a panel of industry experts who convened this January in Denver. We’re about to dive deep into the special bottle of bourbon that they deemed the best of them all. But first a brief explanation on the American Craft Spirits Association and what makes this organization so vital.
The ACSA is the only nationally registered non-profit trade association representing craft spirits across the country. Its stated mission is “to elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirits producers.” This often involves lobbying members of local and federal government to ensure that liquor is regulated fairly—ideally on par with rules in place for beer and wine—and not subject to any undue international tariffs that disproportionately affect small businesses. Membership is open to anyone.
Its annual competition is one important way in which ACSA helps promote the stature of these members. As for the methodology employed, the organization has this to say: “Spirits were scored on appearance, aroma intensity, aroma complexity, palate concentration, palate complexity, body, character and nature of alcohol, texture, and finish. Finally, each judge was asked if they would pour the spirit for a peer.”
Applying those stated metrics, this year’s best bourbon—in fact, the best in class across all categories of American whiskey—was Cowboy Bourbon by Garrison Brothers.
The esteemed distillery out of Hye, Texas specializes in unapologetically full-throttled liquids. But this particular label is audacious, even by its own outsized standards. Originally launched in 2013, it only comes to market in limited quantities; whenever the producers feel as though they’ve come across an exceptional cache of high intensity barrels. This latest release was from 2023, flaunting a paint-stripping ABV of 70.45%—140.9-proof, high enough to earn the expression the nickname, “Hazmat.”
So, yeah. It’s pretty hot. Beyond the heat, however, is the sweet. The Garrison Brothers themselves promise a “delightful mix of cinnamon twizzlers, burnt marshmallows, Werther's chewy caramels, and red hots in apple cider.”
Judges for the ACSA were taken aback by some of these same curious characteristics. Atop my palate, there is a pronounced element of maple syrup—and an associated thickness in mouthfeel to match. I don’t know whether to sip it or pour it over my morning pancakes, or both. For most drinkers, this is a bourbon best enjoyed under the addition of several drops worth of cold(ish) water. It subdues the heat to reveal more of those intense caramelized apple components.
Only 9600 bottles of the latest Cowboy Bourbon ever saw shelves. Due to its limited nature, it can be difficult to find it for less than $250 per 750ml. Nevertheless, any self-respecting American whiskey enthusiast owes it to her or himself to experience a dram of this uncut and unfiltered gem.
If you prefer other categories, we still have you covered. Stay tuned in the weeks ahead for a detailed look at what won over the ACSA judges in the world of vodka, gin, rum and more...
Garrison Brothers Bourbon Whiskey at Robb Report's House of Robb at SXSW held at The Walter Tips ... [+]
