The 2026 edition of the uncut, unfiltered, cask-strength Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey will make its debut at the Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas, on Saturday, September 12.
Garrison Brothers is bringing back one of its most highly anticipated releases this fall as the Texas distillery prepares to release the 12th edition of Cowboy Bourbon.
The first 1,000 bottles of the limited release will be available at the distillery beginning at 8 a.m. that day. The 2026 Cowboy Bourbon was bottled at a formidable 141 proof, with a total production of 16,000 bottles. Each barrel was hand-selected by Master Distiller Donnis Todd and aged for at least eight years in the Texas Hill Country climate.
Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon Embraces Texas Whiskey-Making
First released in 2013, Cowboy Bourbon has become one of Garrison Brothers’ signature expressions and played a role in bringing greater national attention to Texas bourbon. For each release, Todd selects some of the distillery’s most distinctive barrels and sets them aside for additional maturation.
The extreme Texas climate contributes to the whiskey’s maturation, with the distillery crediting the conditions with helping create the concentrated flavors and character associated with Cowboy Bourbon. The whiskey is bottled without cutting or filtration, preserving its full cask-strength profile.
At 141 proof, the 2026 release opens with notes of burnt wood and gun smoke before moving into dried stone fruit and caramelized sugar. Garrison Brothers describes the finish as warm and layered, with additional notes of dried fruit and toasted marshmallow.
“It comes on strong at first, but the depth of flavor quickly draws you in. A lasting flood of warmth gives way to layers of dried fruit and toasted marshmallows, creating a bold Texas finish that keeps you coming back for another sip,” said Donnis Todd, Master Distiller at Garrison Brothers Distillery.
2026 Cowboy Bourbon Release Details
The distillery’s September 12 release event will offer more than an opportunity to purchase the new bourbon. The family- and dog-friendly celebration will include coffee, breakfast and lunch at The Whiskey Shack, live music, bottle signings, specialty cocktails, bourbon tastings and distillery tours.
Garrison Brothers will also welcome local businesses and community partners to the property during the event. Tour reservations are recommended.
Following the distillery release, the 2026 Cowboy Bourbon will arrive at select bars, restaurants and retailers nationwide beginning October 1, 2026. The suggested retail price is $249.99 per bottle.
A limited allocation of 279 bottles will also be offered through the Garrison Brothers e-commerce store beginning September 18. Online purchases will be limited to one bottle per order, with engraving available.
A Continuing Award-Winning Legacy
The return of Cowboy Bourbon follows recent recognition for the 2025 edition. Last year’s release earned a Platinum medal at the 2026 ASCOT Awards and a Double Gold medal at the 2026 SIP Awards.
With its combination of extended aging, Texas maturation conditions and high-proof presentation, Cowboy Bourbon continues to represent one of Garrison Brothers’ most ambitious annual releases.
For bourbon enthusiasts looking to experience the 2026 edition at its source, the September 12 release in Hye provides the first opportunity to purchase the new expression, while broader distribution will follow in October.
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