Garrison Brothers bourbon is aged for at least three years in the scorching Texas heat. This aging process is crucial as it allows the whiskey to develop its unique set of notes and flavors from the new American White Oak barrel. The extreme temperatures in Texas play a significant role in the maturation process, causing the whiskey to interact with the wood more intensely and at a faster rate compared to cooler climates.
I have personally experienced the impact of climate on whiskey aging during a visit to a distillery in Texas. The distillery was located in a remote area, where the heat was almost unbearable. As I entered the aging warehouse, I could immediately feel the intense heat radiating from the barrels. It was a stark contrast to the cool and damp aging warehouses I had visited in other parts of the world.
The intense Texas heat accelerates the aging process, leading to more rapid extraction of flavors from the oak barrels. This results in a whiskey that boasts a robust and intense flavor profile. The heat also causes the whiskey to expand into the wood, allowing it to absorb the rich flavors and aromas trapped within the oak.
Every barrel of Garrison Brothers Single Barrel is carefully monitored and sampled throughout its aging journey. The distillers closely observe the changes in flavor, color, and aroma as the whiskey matures. They patiently wait for the perfect balance of flavors to develop before bottling.
The minimum three-year aging period ensures that the whiskey has had sufficient time to develop complexity and depth. However, it is important to note that some barrels may be aged for longer than three years. The distillers at Garrison Brothers believe in allowing the whiskey to reach its full potential, which may require additional time in the barrel.
The aging process is a delicate dance between the whiskey and the wood. As the whiskey ages, it absorbs compounds from the oak, such as vanillin, tannins, and lignin, which contribute to its distinctive flavor profile. The longer the whiskey ages, the more pronounced these flavors become.
Garrison Brothers takes pride in crafting a high-quality bourbon that showcases the unique characteristics of Texas. The aging process in the searing Texas heat is a testament to their commitment to producing a truly exceptional whiskey.
Garrison Brothers bourbon is aged for a minimum of three years in the intense Texas heat. This extended aging period allows the whiskey to develop a complex flavor profile, influenced by the interaction with the new American White Oak barrels. The heat accelerates the aging process and imparts unique characteristics to the whiskey, resulting in a bold and flavorful bourbon.