This week,  Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, announced its 2020 release of HoneyDew, the latest addition to the company’s portfolio of ultra-premium, Texas-born bourbon whiskies. The 80-proof bourbon, infused with 100% Texas-made Burleson’s wildflower honey, is a smooth, light bourbon with a subtle honey finish. It will be available year-round in select liquor stores, bars and restaurants throughout Texas, California, Florida, New York, twenty one other states as well as on military bases where Garrison Brothers is sold. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2020)

This special release is 13 years in the making and represents a departure from previous expressions created by the brand. Nancy Garrison, business partner and wife of proprietor Dan Garrison, wanted the distillery to produce a honey-sweetened bourbon whiskey since they started the business together in 2006. Dan strongly objected due to his disdain for “flavored whiskies,” hence the name “HoneyDew,” as a play on “Honey Do” requests. Garrison’s objections to flavored whiskies come from the fact that so many are syrupy, chemical concoctions and several are even made with propylene glycol. The new bourbon has tasting notes of sweet elderberry syrup, yellow-flesh peaches, apricots, white chocolate, and of course, delicious, golden Texas honey.

Garrison Brothers will celebrate the release of HoneyDew with a drive-thru sealed bottle sales day at their distillery in Hye, Texas on Saturday, July 18. Per state law, the bottles are sold for off-premise consumption. HoneyDew will be available at the distillery in Hye, Texas, for $89.99 beginning July 18. Bottles will then be distributed to select liquor stores, bars, and restaurants across the nation, available for purchase nationwide the week of August 1.

Garrison Brothers Distillery is a small farm and ranch located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country that authentically produces straight bourbon whiskey. It is the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas history and one of the first distilleries in America outside of Kentucky to produce authentic, handmade bourbon whiskey—and only bourbon whiskey. The business was founded in 2006. Every expression of Garrison Brothers bourbon is made from a sweet mash bill and barrel-aged in the intense Texas climate. The extreme heat creates multiple aging seasons in a year, resulting in a darker, richer, and fuller bourbon, bolder than almost any other bourbon on the market.

Since 1907, Burleson’s Honey has been manufacturing the highest-quality honey from its facility in Waxahachie, Texas. For the first 40 years, the company operated as a honey beekeeping organization (producer) while also packing honey for local distribution. With company growth came increased opportunities to provide the highest-quality honey to more consumers. Today Burleson’s purchases raw honey from worldwide sources and offer their Clover Blended product, which is found in the distinctive “Blue Label,” as well as a Natural honey, which is darker and more robust in flavor. Both products contain only the finest U.S. Grade A honey.

“It’s exciting to have two family-owned businesses collaborating in support of Texas agriculture and entrepreneurship. It’s been a rewarding experience to work with Dan Garrison over the years and we’re excited to deepen Burleson’s relationship with him and his team. We want to continue bringing fine honey and fine bourbon together for everyone to enjoy.” – Tim Burleson, President of Burleson’s Honey