Garrison Brothers Distillery releases honey-infused bourbon

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

Twin Liquors returns to regular business hours

twinliquors20 — Starting Friday May 22, Twin Liquors all liquors locations return to regular business hours. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Twin Liquors recently announced that beginning tomorrow, Friday, May 22, all locations will return to regular business hours: 10a.m. to 9p.m. The Texas based liquor store had previously modified the store hours due to COVID-19. While hours are reverting back to normal, Twin Liquors is committed to the safety of their team members and community. With online ordering available in 90+ stores and enhanced in-store safety guidelines, Twin Liquors will continue its mission of customer service making shopping easy, accessible and safe for Texas. (Twin Liquors, 2020)

As a reminder, Plexiglas “sneeze-guards” have been placed in all Twin Liquors locations for protection between the cash register and counter as well as safety signage and social distancing markers. The staff uses gloves and protective gear and is actively disinfecting the store on a regular basis. All locations are continuing to limit the number of people in the store at one time. Shopping in groups of more than 2 will not be allowed at this time.

To find a Twin Liquors near you, visit Twin Liquors online. Customers are encouraged to shop online or via the Twin Liquors app, available to download on iOS and Android app stores. For step-by-step videos, please visit Twin Liquors and Sigel’s.

Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful “home-grown” Texas company. With a unique and well-respected reputation throughout the United States for having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, extensive selections of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world, and substantial community involvement, Twin Liquors currently operates 85+ neighborhood stores across central, south, and southeast Texas.

Garrison Brothers Distillery to release Balmorhea 2020

balmorheabourbon — Garrison Brothers will celebrate the release with a drive-thru purchasing opportunity on Friday May 22. Photo: Adam Voorhes, used with permission.

Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, announces the third release of its multi-award-winning twice-barreled bourbon, Balmorhea. The limited release will kick off on Friday, May 22 in Hye, Texas, at the distillery. The team will have a drive-through purchasing experience for the first available bottles. Balmorhea will then be available nationwide in extremely limited quantities beginning May 25. First released in 2018, the twice-barreled bourbon’s 2020 release produced 6,000 bottles total. Named after the iconic West Texas Park that is home to the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, the initial release of this bourbon raised over $250,000 to help keep Balmorhea State Park open. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2020)

Garrison Brothers’ Balmorhea has won the most awards to date in the distillery’s portfolio of grain-to-glass bourbon whiskies. Most recently, Balmorhea won a Double Gold medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Awards. Double Gold distinctions are only awarded to entries that receive a Gold medal rating by all members of the judging panel; these are noted to be among the finest products in the world.

Balmorhea is the only Garrison Brothers’ twice-barreled bourbon released annually. It is aged four years in new American white oak barrels made from wood grown, yard-seasoned and dry-aged for 25 months in the Ozarks. Then, the liquid is transferred to a second new American white oak barrel, custom designed by Master Distiller Donnis Todd to highlight specific flavors and qualities and aged for another year. The bourbon is bottled at 57.5% alc/vol or 115 proof and comes from a sweet mash bill, like all of Garrison Brothers’ releases. Todd’s tasting notes for Balmorhea include a litany of what he calls “Dairy Queen toppings” including bourbon candy, frozen fudgesicle bars, amaretto coffee with cream, sticky buns and pecan brittle.

Garrison Brothers will celebrate the third release of Balmorhea Twice-Barreled Bourbon with a drive-through purchasing opportunity at their distillery in Hye, Texas, on Friday, May 22, 2020. Distillery gates will open at Hye Noon (12p.m. CDT) and remain open until 2p.m. All bottles allocated to the distillery typically sell out within one hour, so the Garrison Brothers team encourages early arrival. The purchase limit is two bottles per person.

One lucky attendee will win the chance to join Master Distiller Donnis Todd as he tastes his way through the Garrison Brothers’ rickhouse to find the perfect barrels for the 2021 release of Balmorhea. Seventy-seven barrels went into making the 2020 release. One special bottle will be secretly labeled with “#77” and placed on gift shop shelves. The patron who purchases it will win barrel selection rights for the following year. Balmorhea lovers are encouraged to keep an eye on Garrison Brothers’ Instagram page for teasers and more info.

Only 504 bottles of Balmorhea Twice-Barreled Bourbon will be available at the distillery in Hye, Texas, for $159.99 beginning May 22. The remaining 5,496 bottles will be distributed to select liquor stores, bars and restaurants throughout Texas and the other 26 states and military bases where Garrison Brothers is sold. Bottles will be available for purchase nationwide the week of May 25.

Garrison Brothers Distillery
1827 Hye Albert Rd
Hye, TX 78635
(830) 392-0246

Lone Star Beer announces new Mexican lager

Lone Star Beer announces the latest line in the beloved family of Lone Star Beers: Rio Jade. Rio Jade: The New Taste of Texas, is a Mexican-style lager inspired by the appreciation for Texas’ diverse lands and waterways. The beer will be available throughout Texas starting in late April, with full distribution in May, for a limited time until the end of summer. In light of current events, to assist those who have supported its beer for generations, Lone Star is also launching a goodwill initiative called Keep The Lights On Y’all to help support members of the bar and restaurant community during these uncertain times. (Lone Star Beer, 2020)

Lone Star’s first seasonal beer will inspire all drinking-age generations to be proud of what Texas represents. Like the ever-flowing waters of Texas, Lone Star Beer is here to ensure no one goes thirsty. The new beer, which translates to “River Jade,” was inspired by the love of the land of Texas and the color and design is reflective of the natural beauty found in the waters of Texas and Mexico. From natural pools, to running rivers, everyone can find their oasis in Texas with a Rio Jade in hand.

With an ABV of 4.5%, this crisp, Mexican-style lager is locally brewed in the Hill Country of Austin with the finest ingredients Texas has to offer, including award-winning malt from Blacklands Malt, the first malt house to use Texas-grown barley. The beer has a unique-to-Texas flavor that provides a crisp and refreshing taste with characteristic sweetness of flaked maize balanced with spicy, floral and citrus notes from the hops. Rio Jade pairs perfectly with floating the river, sunbathing at a favorite swimming hole, or watching the sunset from your backyard to practice “social distancing” at this time.

Served in bold turquoise cans, Rio Jade is the first beer label designed by Burnt Nopal Creative Director and Texas-based artist Cruz Ortiz. Rio Jade will be available throughout Texas, with six-packs available at a suggested retail price of $7.99. Beer lovers can use Lone Star’s beer finder to find a store selling nearest to them. Rio Jade will also be available for delivery with Drizly. Lone Star encourages everyone to enjoy the new lager at home during this time.

As a response to the COVID-19 crisis effect on members of the service industry, Lone Star is launching the Keep The Lights On Y’all initiative. With the help of the team at popular Texas Humor, Lone Star has created an exclusive T-shirt inspired by the classic neon lights that grace fine establishments throughout the state as a call to action for Texans to support local bars and restaurants. The shirt serves as a reminder to all Texans to show support and help out those in the service industry while their doors are temporarily closed. One-hundred percent of the profits from the new merchandise will benefit Southern Smoke, a Texas-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that supports the food and beverage community and their suppliers—championed by Houston Chef Chris Shepherd. Keep The Lights On Y’all initiative t-shirts are available online for $25 each.

Lone Star Brewing Co., the makers of Lone Star Beer “The National Beer of Texas” and Lone Star Texas Light Beer, have been proudly brewing beer in Texas since 1884. Since its founding, Lone Star has partnered with local communities throughout the state, supporting Texas-specific charities and organizations. Lone Star Brewing Co. is owned by Pabst Brewing Company, one of the largest independently owned American brewing companies.

“We’re excited to launch the Rio Jade Mexican Style Lager as it gives us a chance to honor our heritage, but also celebrate the Texas of today. The beer perfectly represents what we value at Lone Star – connecting to the land and people of Texas, providing new and refreshing ways to enjoy our great state, and above all else, making delicious tasting beer for Texans everywhere.” – Lone Star Brand Director, Emily Hoyle

Luck Productions presents 4/20 live stream

Luck Productions presents “Come And Toke It”—a new variety show and fourth installment of Luck’s ongoing live programming, following Til’ Further Notice, Hello Walls and Prime Cuts. What better way to honor Willie’s favorite holiday, than to celebrate with him on April 20th at 4:20 p.m. in the comfort of your own home. Hosted by the unofficial patron saint of weed himself, Willie Nelson, who will be joined by artists, chefs, comedians and cannabis experts during the 4 hour and 20-minute live-streamed program. (Luck Productions, 2020)

The variety show will include performances by various musical guests, cooking and cocktail demos and weed-centric moments. Stay plugged-in to Luck Reunion social media channels, as the talent will be revealed on a rolling basis. All programming will stream on Luck reunion and Twitch TV.

Luck and Willie’s Reserve are joining forces to launch the #comeandtokeit #passleft challenge, which is perhaps the world’s only chance to knock smoking with Willie Nelson off their bucket list. Whether you partake or not, this is your chance to live the dream. Luck will be asking fans to post a video of themselves passing whatever toking material of their choice to the left with the hashtags #ComeandTokeIt #PassLeft. One lucky participant will be randomly selected to talk to Willie himself, live on air, to pass left and wish him an early birthday “in person” during the broadcast. More details available on You Tube.

To help kick your at-home party off, viewers in Austin, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City areas will be able to order from classic cocktail delivery service Sourced Craft Cocktails. Come And Toke It will also highlight its partnerships with Willie’s Reserve, Last Prisoner Project, El Silencio, and Grav.

Luck Productions is a rogue cultural collective headquartered in Willie Nelson’s Luck, TX. Anchored by its flagship event, the annual Luck Reunion—also dubbed as the “Anti-Coachella” by Fast Company—Luck Productions creates experiences that embrace our past while cultivating new traditions in American roots culture. In addition to the Reunion, Luck Productions has hosted pop-up events including “Luck Mansion” residencies during Nashville’s AmericanaFest; a featured stage activation during Highwater Festival; the “Luck Hotel” content and concert series in Dallas; and the new “Luck Social” supper and song series held in Luck, TX. After the postponement of Luck Reunion 2020, Luck Productions kicked it into high gear with a virtual festival Til’ Further Notice – a live streaming concept that raised upwards $200,000 for participating artists and partnering nonprofits who are heavily impacted by the current disaster.

Don’t forget to tune in for Luck Presents Prime Cuts: a live, cook-along event featuring award-winning chefs and musical guests Fridays at 6p.m. and for Hello Walls: a music-discovery focused mini-series Sunday nights at 8p.m. Past guests on Prime Cuts include award-winning host chef Michael Fojtasek and musical guest Shakey Graves. The first episode of Hello Walls was hosted and curated by Deer Tick’s John McCauley and Langhorne Slim hosted episode two.

“Come and toke it with me on 4/20 at 4:20. There will be music and good times. And, it’s for a good cause.” – Willie Nelson

Twin Liquors enhances safety guidelines

twinliquorssocialdistance — Twin Liquors has installed social distancing markers in an effort to keep customers safe. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.

Twin Liquors, committed to its team members and community, has been working on enhanced guidelines to ensure the safety of all customers and staff members. Over the last three weeks, Twin Liquors has expanded to over 40 stores to offer delivery and in-store pick-up in addition to implementing extra safety precautions and preparedness in every store across Texas. All Twin Liquors locations will remain open Monday through Saturday with modified hours from 11a.m. to 8p.m. (Twin Liquors, 2020)

Other safety measures include Plexiglas “sneeze-guards” for protection between the cash register and counter; safety signage, social distancing markers and reduced hours and the use of gloves and protective gear. The staff is also actively disinfecting the store on a regular basis.

The Texas-based family-owned liquor store has also expanded the online process. Originally providing delivery and online ordering for 12 locations, Twin Liquors is now offering e-commerce with delivery and in-store pick-up to 40+ stores varying by city, county and store location. Twin Liquors is currently serving most areas in Austin, Austin Metro, San Marcos and San Antonio; select areas of Houston; and select areas of Dallas (through Twin Liquors’ Sigel’s brand). This week, Twin Liquors also launched e-commerce to Georgetown, Killeen, New Braunfels, Temple, Victoria and Waco.

To shop with Twin Liquors, please visit the link here. To shop Sigel’s in Dallas, please use the link here. Customers are able to shop through the website or the Twin Liquors app, available to download on iOS and Android app stores. For a step-by-step video on how the ordering process can be done, please visit the links provided here – Twin Liquors and Sigel’s.

“Twin Liquors is committed to our team members and our communities. We are working diligently during this challenging time to balance the needs of the community and our staff while navigating through this uncertainty together. With that, we are continually updating safety procedures and are expanding e-commerce capabilities daily.” – David Jabour, president of Twin Liquors.

Pluckers Cocktails available for pickup or delivery

pluckerslogo — Gallons of select Pluckers Cocktails are now available for curbside pickup or contactless delivery. Photo: Pluckers, used with permission.

Pluckers recently launched their gallons of select Pluckers Cocktails and they are now available for curbside pickup or contactless delivery. All orders must be accompanied by a food purchase and must be placed online or through the Pluckers app which is available for free download on iTunes and Google Play. There is a $30 minimum on all delivery orders. As always, Pluckers Club Specials are not available for delivery or take-out. (Pluckers, 2020)

Pluckers will be offering select bottles of beer, White Claw and Truly, in addition to the following:

Pluckers Lemonade ($40): A gallon of Pluckers Lemonade mix and a 375ml bottle of Tito’s.
Psychedelic Frog ($40): A gallon of Pluckers Batman mix, 3 50ml bottles of Tito’s, 2 50ml bottles of Bacardi Rum, and 2 50ml bottles of gin.
House Margarita ($45): A gallon of Pluckers Margarita Mix and a 375ml bottle of tequila.
Patron Margarita ($55): A gallon of Pluckers Margarita Mix and a 375ml bottle of Patron Silver tequila.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul and Sean Greenberg opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 24 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 25 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen, San Marcos and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for their signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant. They offer guests a fun, laid-back atmosphere where friends, family, and co-workers can enjoy a great meal and watch sports. Pluckers has been named in USA Today’s “Top Ten Wing Restaurants” and ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work 2017” by the Austin Business Journal and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar.”

Pluckers Wing Bar
14881 IH-35 North
Selma, TX 78154

Pluckers Wing Bar
15651 I-10 W
San Antonio, TX 78249

Garrison Brothers Distillery launches fundraiser

bootflask — Garrison Brothers Distillery launched Operation Crush COVID-19. Photo: Garrison Brothers Distillery, used with permission.

Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, has launched Operation Crush COVID-19, a fundraising campaign to help American communities recover and rebuild. The campaign, launched in partnership with Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, the distillery’s 501(c)3 public charity, aims to raise more than $2 million dollars for veteran-led disaster response organization Team Rubicon, which is currently serving in communities across the country, leading efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Good Bourbon for a Good Cause will also be naming a secondary beneficiary that is helping with the immediate needs of hospitality industry professionals and their families. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2020)

Until recently, Garrison Brothers had planned to release Laguna Madre, a special project over 10 years in the making, later this summer through traditional liquor retail channels. Laguna Madre is the oldest bourbon Garrison Brothers has made to date; an eight-year-old, top-shelf release named after the beautiful blue waters along Texas’ Gulf Coast. The ultra-premium bourbon was aged in new white American oak barrels for four years and aged secondarily for four more years in Limousin oak from France, which is prized for its vanilla content. Limousin oak wood imparts spirits with distinct flavors of vanilla, sweet candy, cacao and thick, white chocolate that an experienced bourbon drinker will never forget.

The original plan was to release just over 2,000 bottles to the distillery’s original supporters, then to close friends, then to bars and restaurants who have always championed the brand. But in light of COVID-19, Laguna Madre will now be available only to donors who contribute $1,000 or more to Good Bourbon for a Good Cause in partnership with Team Rubicon, a global disaster response organization composed primarily of military veterans and first responders who are deploying teams to areas heavily affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The first 2,004 people to contribute $1,000 or more will receive a bottle of Laguna Madre. Everyone is invited and encouraged to donate whatever they can. “If you donate $100, you will forever have our respect and you can choose to take home any clothing item from our gift shop for free,” adds Rob Cordes, marketing director at Garrison Brothers Distillery. “If you donate $500, we’ll reserve one bottle of Boot Flask (375ml) and one bottle of Honey Dew (750ml) for you.”

There will be 4,008 bottles of Boot Flask, 4,008 bottles of Honey Dew and 2,004 bottles of Laguna Madre available.

“At Team Rubicon, we know we’re only as strong as our volunteers, partners and donors, as we fight this invisible war on COVID-19, we must all work together. During this unprecedented time, we are entirely grateful to have Garrison Brothers Distillery and its customers by our side, supporting our efforts in response to this deadly virus. This generous donation will help us continue to prepare, respond and aid community recovery efforts across the country.” – Jake Wood, co-founder and CEO of Team Rubicon.

Twin Liquors biannual Dollar Sale

Twin Liquors, Central Texas’ fine wine and spirits retailer, is excited to announce its winter 2020 Dollar Sale, offering incredible deals on wine and spirits. This Dollar Sale is set for Thursday, February 27 through Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 10a.m. to 9p.m. at all 85+ Twin Liquors locations. It will feature incredible savings on wine and spirits 750 ml and larger. Prices will drop down to the absolute lowest plus a dollar. Shoppers can look forward to amazing prices on collectible wines, rare whiskies and other popular spirits. (Twin Liquors, 2020)

Highlights of the sale include:
Product (750ml)                                Retail            Dollar Sale          Price Savings
Suntory Toki Japanese Whiskey   $37.99           $29.00                   $8.99
Casamigos Blanco Tequila             $46.99          $35.53                   $11.46
Sazerac Rye Whiskey                      $27.99           $20.50                   $7.49

On Thursday, February 27, starting at 10a.m. shoppers at all Twin Liquors Marketplace locations can expect cocktails and complimentary breakfast tacos provided by Deep Eddy Vodka. Marketplace locations include: College Station Marketplace, Hancock Marketplace, South Lamar Marketplace and San Antonio Marketplace.

Twin Liquors Fine Wine & Spirits began in downtown Austin, Texas as one small store. Since then, it has developed into a successful “home-grown” Texas company that has a unique and well-respected reputation throughout the United States for having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, extensive selections of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world and substantial community involvement. Twin Liquors currently operates 90+ neighborhood stores across central, south, and southeast Texas.

Twin Liquors announces new location in Hardy Oak

Twin Liquors, Texas’s fine wine and spirits retailer, is pleased to announce the opening of its new Hardy Oak store in San Antonio. The new store will open the week of November 18, 2019. Known for its wide selection of wine and spirits and its associates’ vast knowledge and friendly service, Twin Liquors currently operates more than 90 neighborhood stores in Texas and continues to grow to meet the response of its dedicated customers. (Twin Liquors, 2019)

Every Twin Liquors location stocks an impressive inventory of fine wines and industry staples at exceptional values in addition to hard-to-find specialty wines and spirits. Each individual Twin Liquors store further distinguishes itself by offering a unique experience: specifically catering to nearby communities and neighborhoods.

Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful “home-grown” Texas company. It has a unique and well-respected reputation throughout the United States for having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, extensive selections of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world and substantial community involvement. Twin Liquors currently operates over 90 neighborhood stores across Texas, including Sigel’s in Dallas.

Twin Liquors Fine Wine & Spirits
23714 Hardy Oak Blvd #Ste 101
San Antonio, TX 78258

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Category: Liquor/Spirits