New Garrison Bros bourbon $160???

[p_elliott]

I'm getting a bottle.

[squire]

Would appreciate your thoughts Winston.

[Balcones Winston]

Are nucking futs ?

It's research gotta be familiar with the competition

[MyOldKyDram]

I figured you lost a bet.

[WhiskyRI]

You seem to think that the majors are just sitting around and simply pumping out the same mass produced whiskey as they always have. Nothing could be farther from the fact. The BTEC is more than an exception for another thread. HH has things in their rickhouses that are way out there in the experimentation vein. Many times it is real experimentation that started decades ago, and way before the wave of crafts even thought about quitting their day job as a plastic salesman to become whiskey makers.

I just wanted to call out the BTEC is the most public example of Large distillery experimentation, (and it is definitely thread worthy but not exactly on this topic) and yes the majors are all working hard trying new things behind the scenes. MM46 is another of the rare "new" product experiment from a major, as are the numerous flavored whiskies now taking residence on shelves. But for the vast majority of Whiskey drinkers, the major's experiments are mostly unknown - very few whisky drinkers get to speak with master distillers or rickhouse managers. But those whiskey drinkers do frequent their local stores where there will usually be a display or feature space featuring the local or regional craft distiller. And given the lack of pre-conceived notions about the brand, those distilleries have the freedom (and/or desperation) to try new things at a rapid rate in the marketplace seeing what people will open their wallet for - on a micro level of course. I've tasted and enjoyed more than a few craft distillery products, and I've supported the ones I liked with my wallet, and wished the ones I didn't like, best of luck. My thought is the more the merrier and quality will win out over time, usually. But you are right craft distillers strengths so far aren't in Bourbon - although I think Balcones may change some minds with their new bourbon for those lucky enough to taste it. It'll be fun watching what happens.

[Balcones Winston]

Would appreciate your thoughts Winston.

Hopefully Chip will let me buy it as a "business expense"

Otherwise I wouldn't pay the money. I have enough trouble justifying 750mls over $100 as it is.

[WhiskyRI]

Right there with you Winston the $100 threshold. Hopefully Garrison Brothers will be at one of the fall festivals because I'd like to taste it, though regardless of how good it might be, my wallet will stay closed at that price. The money I've saved from attending Whiskey events has more than paid for itself in bottles I haven't bought. Of course the savings, and then some, have all been spent on bottles I did buy so there you.....

[weller_tex]

Butterscotch are you kidding I was looking around for a cat to lick it's ass to get the taste out of my mouth.

uucckk..shudder.. :bigeyes:you and the the esteemed Mr. Cowdery and Wade seem to have a couple of widely differing opinions:grin:

[wadewood]

uucckk..shudder.. :bigeyes:you and the the esteemed Mr. Cowdery and Wade seem to have a couple of widely differing opinions:grin:

I said that I had tasted out of a barrel some intense butterscotch; it was not released GB product.

[LostBottle]

uucckk..shudder.. :bigeyes:you and the the esteemed Mr. Cowdery and Wade seem to have a couple of widely differing opinions:grin:

...or widely differing motives....

[squire]

Winston you can pass this on to Chip from me, the way to show loyalty to your customers is make an affordable product.

[p_elliott]

Winston you can pass this on to Chip from me, the way to show loyalty to your customers is make an affordable product.

Chip is a member of this site can't remember his user name though.

[michang5]

Guys, I don't have the longevity of some to be taken seriously here, but I feel the need to say that this thread has taken a very poor turn.

Full disclosure: One of my best friends and old bosses worked with Dan Garrison in a past career, but I have not met the man, visited his operations, or tried his bourbon. I have no dog in this fight.

But it seems that people are unfairly piling on here. You are free to question the pricing of GB products. You are free to argue value. You can choose to review the bourbon positively or negatively. I personally enjoy the discourse, and it has helped me make many a purchase decision. For example, I have chosen not to spend $60-80 on GB after seeing some of the reviews here.

But questioning the motives of positive reviewers is uncalled for. Repeating over and over (here and on other similar threads) that the ONE bottle you tried was the worst dreck ever seems excessive and calls into question the motives just as much as those praising it. Say it once and move on. Not to mention it's a different product/expression and therefore not a fair appraisal. And finally, inviting those associated with a competitor distillery a hundred or so miles away to pile on just reeks of pettiness.

I live very close to both Balcones and GB. I hope to visit both someday and taste their hard work. If the price is appropriate, I hope to buy bottles from both. I want both to thrive and form a Magic-Bird rivalry, improving both operations.

Ultimately, we all vote with our wallets. If you don't agree with a company, make your (relevant) argument, and buy elsewhere.

[smokinjoe]

Thank you Mic, for clearly establishing what we are free to question, argue, and choose; enumerating how many times we may express an opinion; and providing clarity to peoples motives. Not to mention the nifty 3 step process from opinion formation to purchasing location. I'll be sure to try and keep all of that in mind.

[Flyfish]

About three weeks ago our local paper did a feature story on a new microdistillery in the area. The owner and sole operator said, "My goal is to produce the best tasting whiskey I can, sparing no expense of time or money." A 375 of his Old Homicide Rye is to sell for $95. Part of the cost is attributable to the economy of scale issue, part to "spare no expense," and part, he says, to taxes and fees. In addition, because Ohio is a control state, he doesn't really get to determine the price. What is priceless, though, is the conclusion of the story. "I don't drink whiskey at all," he said. "I drink red wine." Seems like a natural partner in promoting his product might be Robert Parker.

[HighInTheMtns]

And finally, inviting those associated with a competitor distillery a hundred or so miles away to pile on just reeks of pettiness.

Probably best not to level unfounded accusations at fellow SB.com members:

Garrison just released a 136pr "Cowboy Bourbon" to the market, in 375ml. It's pretty damn pricey, as Dan admits, so idk if I'll get to try it, I hope he sends me a sample. I have heard from others that Garrison straight out of the barrel is some of the best bourbon they've ever had.

Doesn't sound like someone who would be interested in "piling on" does he?

[squire]

Frankly I think the conversation is developing exactly as it should on a Bourbon board.

[Balcones Winston]

Chip is a member of this site can't remember his user name though.

[Balcones Winston]

Winston you can pass this on to Chip from me, the way to show loyalty to your customers is make an affordable product.

[smknjoe]

Have you had a chance to try it yet?

and

Although I have not tried any of your stuff yet, I have seen some of it on shelves at reasonable prices. I also very much appreciate you not shoving TEXAS!!! down my throat like some others do. That's the most unoriginal, yet most ubiquitous marketing around here.

[Balcones Winston]

Probably best not to level unfounded accusations at fellow SB.com members:

Doesn't sound like someone who would be interested in "piling on" does he?

[Balcones Winston]

Have you had a chance to try it yet?

[gburger]

I like Dan, his team, and his whiskey. I'll also say this about him. He knows his audience. Not only will these sell, the people who buy them will consider themselves privileged.

Dan asked the distributor to favor the stores in the towns neighboring the distillery. Those sales will be a nice payday for the stores too, which they will appreciate. One reason for his pricing is that he seldom sees stores selling his bourbon at the suggested retail. The demand is so great most of the stores mark it up.

Unlike some craft distillers, who can't wait to get their products into major markets, Garrison expects it will be years before he even tries to sell outside of Texas. It was about this time last year when he started to sell in Houston and I'm not sure if he's in Dallas-Fort Worth even yet. It will be fine with him if he never sells it outside of Texas.

The point is that he is extremely and demonstrably loyal to his customers, neighbors, and the other folks who have supported him. It's an object lesson in brand building. To understand and appreciate what Garrison is doing, you have to understand and appreciate Texas and Texans. Not everyone does.

He's also unusual in making one mash bill and selling only straight bourbon, although in a couple of different iterations. The distillery itself and its setting are beautiful, a tourism dream.

You may not like his whiskey or the way he markets it, but to say he is "all hat and no cows" suggests the speaker doesn't understand the expression. You also might want to check Texas law, because I believe he is allowed to shoot you for that.

Well said Chuck, I'll be seeing Dan in a couple of weeks. I'm having a photography workshop at his place. Bourbon, fried chicken and photography.

And oh one more thing, just about everyone in Texas carries a gun. God Bless Texas.

[cowdery]

Well said Chuck, I'll be seeing Dan in a couple of weeks. I'm having a photography workshop at his place. Bourbon, fried chicken and photography.

And oh one more thing, just about everyone in Texas carries a gun. God Bless Texas.

Dan's place is very photogenic.

I said something about Dan once that he liked so well he wrote it on the wall at the distillery: "Never tell a Texan he can't do something."

Another craft distiller, Ralph Erenzo at Tuthilltown in New York, says you need two qualities to accomplish anything in life: gumption and tenacity. I admire those qualities in all of the craft distillers I know.

[SMOWK]

If I got mad every time I saw something that was overpriced, I wouldn't be a very happy person. But I am! And I owe it all to good, cheap bourbon!