Garrison Brothers Production Process Explained

Welcome to the world of Garrison Brothers, where the art of bourbon making is a revered tradition. As the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, Garrison Brothers has carved out a niche for itself, crafting some of the finest bourbons in the country.

Grain Selection and Quality

The foundation of any great bourbon lies in its grain. Garrison Brothers takes this to heart, sourcing only the highest quality grains to ensure the best possible product. The primary grains used are corn, wheat, and barley, each contributing unique characteristics to the final product.

Corn: The Backbone of Bourbon

Corn is the primary grain in bourbon, making up at least 51% of the mash bill. At Garrison Brothers, they use organic, food-grade, Texas-grown corn. This choice of corn imparts a rich sweetness and a robust flavor to the bourbon, setting it apart from others. The focus on organic and locally sourced corn ensures that the bourbon not only tastes great but also supports local agriculture.

Wheat: Adding Smoothness

Wheat is the secondary grain in Garrison Brothers bourbon, replacing the more common rye found in many other bourbons. This choice of wheat over rye results in a smoother, softer taste with a creamy mouthfeel. The winter wheat used is also sourced from Texas farms, further cementing Garrison Brothers’ commitment to local ingredients.

Barley: The Enzymatic Powerhouse

Barley plays a crucial role in the fermentation process. At Garrison Brothers, they use malted barley, which provides the necessary enzymes to convert the starches in the grains into fermentable sugars. This not only aids in fermentation but also adds a layer of complexity to the bourbon’s flavor profile.

Quality Control: Only the Best Grains

Quality control is a critical aspect of grain selection. Each batch of grain undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets Garrison Brothers’ high standards. This attention to detail ensures consistency in every bottle of bourbon they produce.

Detailed Distillation Methods

The distillation process is where the magic truly begins. Garrison Brothers employs traditional methods, combined with modern precision, to create their distinctive bourbon.

Milling: Preparing the Grains

The first step in the distillation process is milling. The grains are ground into a coarse meal, which is then mixed with pure Texas Hill Country water. This mixture, known as the mash, is cooked to release the sugars from the grains.

Mashing: Extracting the Sugars

Once cooked, the mash is transferred to large fermenters where yeast is added. The yeast converts the sugars into alcohol over several days, creating a beer-like liquid called the “wash.”

Fermentation: The Heart of Flavor Development

Fermentation is a critical stage where the flavors of the bourbon begin to develop. Garrison Brothers uses a proprietary yeast strain, which adds unique flavor characteristics to their bourbon. The fermentation process takes place in open-top cypress wood fermenters, which allow natural yeast and bacteria from the environment to influence the flavor.

Distillation: Refining the Spirit

After fermentation, the wash is distilled twice in copper pot stills. The first distillation, known as the “wash distillation,” separates the alcohol from the solids. The second distillation, called the “spirit distillation,” refines the alcohol further, concentrating the flavors and increasing the proof. The use of copper stills is crucial, as copper removes unwanted sulfur compounds, resulting in a cleaner, smoother spirit.

Cutting the Heads and Tails

One of the most critical steps in distillation is making the cuts. The first portion of the distillate, known as the “heads,” contains undesirable compounds and is discarded. The “hearts” cut, which follows, contains the desirable flavors and aromas and is collected for aging. Finally, the “tails,” which contain heavier compounds, are also discarded. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that only the best part of the distillate makes it into the barrels for aging.

Stills: The Copper Pot Perfection

Garrison Brothers uses traditional copper pot stills, which are renowned for their ability to enhance the quality of the distillate. Copper is excellent at conducting heat and reacting with sulfur compounds, which can negatively impact the taste of the bourbon. This ensures a cleaner, more refined spirit.

Aging and Maturation Techniques

The aging process is where bourbon truly comes into its own, developing the complex flavors and aromas that define a great bourbon. Garrison Brothers employs several techniques to ensure their bourbon ages to perfection.

Barrel Selection: The Right Container

The choice of barrels is paramount in the aging process. Garrison Brothers uses new American white oak barrels, charred to a specific level to caramelize the sugars in the wood. This charring process imparts the distinctive vanilla, caramel, and spice notes that are characteristic of bourbon.

Texas Climate: A Unique Aging Environment

The Texas climate plays a significant role in the aging process. The hot summers and cool winters cause the bourbon to expand and contract within the barrels, allowing it to interact more with the wood. This accelerates the aging process compared to bourbons aged in cooler climates, resulting in a rich, full-bodied spirit in a shorter amount of time.

Rackhouse Management: Ensuring Consistency

The barrels are stored in rackhouses, where they are carefully monitored and rotated to ensure even aging. Garrison Brothers’ rackhouses are designed to take advantage of the natural climate, with temperature and humidity controlled to optimize the aging process. This careful management ensures consistency and quality in every batch.

Single Barrel vs. Small Batch

Garrison Brothers offers both single barrel and small batch bourbons. Single barrel bourbons come from a single barrel, offering a unique flavor profile with each bottle. Small batch bourbons are crafted from a selection of barrels blended together to create a consistent, well-rounded flavor.

Tasting and Blending: Crafting the Final Product

Throughout the aging process, the bourbon is regularly tasted to monitor its development. Master distillers evaluate each barrel, selecting only the best for bottling. Sometimes, barrels are blended to achieve a specific flavor profile, ensuring that each bottle of Garrison Brothers bourbon meets their exacting standards.

Barrel Proof: Bottling at Strength

Garrison Brothers also offers barrel-proof bourbons, which are bottled at the strength they come out of the barrel without dilution. This results in a more intense, flavorful bourbon that captures the essence of the aging process.

The Garrison Brothers Difference

Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is a core value at Garrison Brothers. They employ eco-friendly practices throughout their production process, from using organic grains to recycling and reusing materials wherever possible. Their commitment to sustainability ensures that they not only produce great bourbon but also take care of the environment.

• Community Involvement Garrison Brothers is deeply rooted in the Texas community. They support local farmers by sourcing their grains locally and engage in various charitable activities. Their dedication to the community is as strong as their commitment to making exceptional bourbon.
• Awards and Recognition Garrison Brothers has garnered numerous awards and accolades over the years, testament to their dedication to quality. Their bourbons have been recognized in national and international competitions, solidifying their reputation as one of the premier bourbon producers in the country.

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Conclusion

From the careful selection of high-quality grains to the meticulous distillation methods and patient aging techniques, Garrison Brothers leaves no stone unturned in their quest to produce exceptional bourbon. The result is a rich, complex spirit that embodies the spirit of Texas and the craftsmanship of its makers.

Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, Garrison Brothers bourbon is a testament to the artistry and dedication of its creators. Cheers to the craftsmanship and tradition that make Garrison Brothers bourbon truly one of a kind.

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