We turn our attention to Whiskey Review: Garrison Brothers Small Batch, a release from ’s claim that the punishing heat in Hye makes a difference in the aging process bottled at 134.8 proof. At $100, it enters a competitive field.
Nose
Much like the Cowboy, the Small Batch hits your nose as sweet. There seems to be something to the distillery’s claim that the punishing heat in Hye makes a difference in the aging process. For a relatively young, 3-year-old bourbon, the oak nose is significant. It brings to mind an orange cream vanilla cake. There’s more wood evident than you’d expect, along with a red wine sweetness.
Palate
In my recent review of the 2022 Cowboy, I wrote that it gets sweeter the more water you add. (Bringing down its 134.8 proof.) I wrote that with enough water, it starts to taste like “chocolate and cherries, with maybe a hint of Dr. Pepper.” I’ll stand by that description with the Small Batch, as well. Its lower alcohol content allows the sweetness to come to the fore. The downside of the lower alcohol content is that it doesn’t have much of a finish. It has a nice moment on the front of the tongue, balanced between sweet, spicy, and nutty, then fades fast.
Finish
As I said above, I tend to like Garrison Brothers whiskeys, but find them a little on the pricey side. Both of those things remain true with the 2022 Small Batch. It’s decent bourbon, and I enjoyed it. But it’s hard to justify a price tag approaching (or north of) $100 for a bottle, when there are a whole lot of quality bourbons I can get in the $50 the $70 range at my local liquor store. If you can find it for $80, then I could be convinced to pick up a bottle.
Verdict
Garrison Brothers Small Batch is a modest offering that, at $100, serves its purpose without distinction. Those seeking depth or complexity may wish to look elsewhere in this price bracket.
