Garrison Brothers Distillery is Texas’ first legal bourbon distillery, founded in 2006 by Dan and Nancy Garrison. 

Dan Garrison learned to distill bourbon from Kentucky distillers during multiple trips to the birthplace of America’s national spirit. Garrison Brothers Distillery was also the first distillery outside of Kentucky to produce from scratch authentic, handcrafted bourbon whiskey.

In 2006, Dan set up shop on his small ranch in the Texas Hill Country and began tinkering with equipment, tanks, pumps, plumbing, steam, barrels, grain, and yeast. After a few years of trial and error, Dan found that aging bourbon in the extreme Texas climate was not only precarious but also resulted in outstanding straight bourbon whiskey. Eventually, Garrison Brothers Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey was born, introducing the first bottle to bourbon drinkers in 2010.

As co-founder, Nancy is very involved in the day-to-day operations, sales, and marketing. She hosts bourbon dinners and special events across the nation, works with the sales and marketing teams, calling on accounts, running tastings and meeting new people, and directly influenced and inspired the creation of some of Garrison Brothers’ most beloved expressions: HoneyDew, Lady Bird, and Sonora. 

We caught up with them for a round of five questions, which they took turns answering.

What was your gateway whiskey — the one that made you love whiskey? 

When I was 21, I took a bartending job at an upscale jazz club on Sixth Street in Austin called Anchovies. The owner was Sam Irwin and his band was Duck Soup. I was making enough in tips on Friday and Saturday night to pay for college AND girls. The rules were a little more lax back then and we’d get a free shift meal after the placed was closed. Mine was a Double Weller 12-year old in a pint glass with a splash of club soda, garnished with a straw. I’d had plenty of Jack, Jim and Makers. But this bourbon defined me. Sales of Weller 12YO sky-rocketed at Anchovies. -Dan Garrison 

What is your favorite part of the whiskey making process?

What is your favorite part of the whiskey making process? Dreaming of what could be and how a dramatic nuance can create something cutting edge. Last week our master distiller Donnis Todd handed me two test 4 ounce samples of Spanish Sherry cask-finished. I’ll never be able to afford it, but I was up all night getting to know those beautiful ladies. When released, I’m certain that one of them in particular will be considered the best tasting bourbon never made. -Dan Garrison

What trends do you believe are forthcoming in the spirits industry?

Given surplus production in Kentucky and elsewhere, there will likely be a ton of marketing shenanigans: private labels, collaborations, blends, flavored whiskies, and gimmicks. Hundreds of large and small whiskey distilleries were built in the past decade. If these folks don’t turn that young whiskey into great bourbons or single malt’s soon, that whiskey goes away, and time and money were wasted. There’s also zero liquidity out there today. Acquisitions and mergers are few and far between. I believe we at Garrison Brothers are in a great spot to focus on age, quality ingredients and interesting finishing techniques. -Dan Garrison

Other than your own brand, do you currently have a favorite bourbon, whiskey, or other spirit? 

With 10 different uniquely different expressions of Garrison Brothers Bourbon, I don’t have enough time in the day to enjoy any other spirits. -Nancy Garrison 

Neat, rocks, or cocktail?

My first choice is always, Garrison Brothers HoneyDew bourbon neat. -Nancy Garrison 

Read more: Five Questions with Blue Note Bourbon’s Chris Crosbie

About Five Questions

Five Questions is a series on Fredminnick.com in which professionals in the whiskey business offer insights into trends, favorite spirits and more.