Garrison Brothers Lady Bird Bourbon 2025 Release – Texas Honey-Infused Limited Edition

The 2025 release of Garrison Brothers Lady Bird Bourbon is a highly anticipated limited-edition Texas straight bourbon finished with wildflower honey and matured in French Cognac XO casks. This premium bourbon is handcrafted by Garrison Brothers Distillery – Texas’s first legal whiskey distillery – known for its bold, award-winning small-batch bourbons. Named in honor of Lady Bird Johnson, the expression pays homage to Texas heritage and wildflowers, even contributing a portion of proceeds to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Now available for purchase from Nestor Liquor, the 2025 Lady Bird Bourbon promises a one-of-a-kind tasting experience for bourbon collectors and enthusiasts.

Texas Heritage and Inspiration

Garrison Brothers Distillery (Hye, Texas) has pioneered craft bourbon in the Lone Star State, proudly earning its title as Texas’ first legal bourbon distillery. The Lady Bird Bourbon line—first released in 2023—is inspired by former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and her commitment to preserving Texas’s natural beauty. Each yearly release honors her legacy; for the 2025 edition, only 7,110 bottles were produced, and Garrison Brothers donates $5 per bottle sold to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. This deep connection to Texas terroir and philanthropy imbues Lady Bird Bourbon with a meaningful story to match its exquisite flavor.

Honey-Infused & Cognac-Finished Craftsmanship

What truly sets the 2025 Lady Bird Bourbon apart is its innovative dual maturation. It begins as a four-year-old Texas Straight Bourbon made from a grain-to-glass mashbill of Texas-grown corn and wheat, aged in new American oak. The matured bourbon is then infused with Burleson’s Texas wildflower honey for an extra 8–9 months, allowing rich honey flavors to deeply integrate. After the honey infusion, the bourbon is transferred into imported French Cognac XO barrels to age for another three years. This extended Cognac cask finishing imparts elegant notes of dried fruit and oak, creating a “harmonious marriage of honey and cognac flavors.” The final whiskey is bottled at cask strength – around 114 proof (57% ABV) – and hand-sealed with a distinctive Prairie Purple wax cap as a nod to Texas wildflowers. At this strength, Lady Bird Bourbon delivers a bold sip, and the decorative wax seal adds a collectible touch for enthusiasts. The result is a remarkably complex, full-bodied bourbon that marries Texas craftsmanship with Old World finesse.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Inviting scents of freshly cut grass and sweet wildflower honey, accented by hints of cocoa-dusted waffle cone and honey wafers. These aromas evoke a Texas spring meadow and draw you in with warmth.

• Palate: Bold and layered flavors of warm buckwheat pancakes, dark chocolate–covered cherries, and malted milk balls, complemented by the indulgent essence of Cognac-soaked plums and dried figs. The mouthfeel is rich and coating, delivering a luxurious tasting experience.

• Finish: A long, satisfying finish lingers with honeyed sweetness and gentle oak spice. Hints of toasted oak, caramelized sugar, and dried fruit gradually fade, leaving a lasting impression of the bourbon’s honey-cognac complexity.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Thanks to its robust profile, Garrison Brothers Lady Bird 2025 can accompany a range of rich foods. Some pairing ideas to elevate your tasting experience include:

• Roasted Duck: The bourbon’s sweetness and spice harmonize with the savory, gamey richness of duck.

• Honey-Glazed Ham: A natural match – the sweet honey glaze echoes the wildflower honey notes in the whiskey.

• Grilled Pork Chops: Charred, smoky flavors from the grill complement the bourbon’s bold oak and spice.

• Pecan Pie: A classic Texas dessert that highlights the whiskey’s caramel, nutty, and chocolate undertones.

• Dark Chocolate Truffles: Enhances the dark chocolate and dried fruit nuances in the bourbon’s profile.

For a pure tasting, enjoy this bourbon neat or with a splash of water to open up its complex layers. Its honey and Cognac-finished depth can also shine in a spirit-forward cocktail, but it’s perfectly satisfying on its own.

Availability and Purchase

The Garrison Brothers Lady Bird Bourbon 2025 Release is a limited-edition offering, highly sought after by collectors. Nestor Liquor proudly offers this bourbon. Supplies are very limited; only a handful of bottles are allocated, so enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their bottle from Nestor Liquor while stock lasts. Given its uniqueness and small production run, this release is expected to sell out quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes the Lady Bird Bourbon 2025 release unique?
This release is finished with Texas wildflower honey and aged in Cognac XO casks, yielding a deeply rich, sweet, and complex flavor profile not found in traditional bourbons. The combination of local honey infusion and French Cognac barrel finishing is unprecedented, creating a bourbon with distinctive floral, fruity, and honeyed characteristics.

How does the Texas climate impact this bourbon’s flavor?
The hot Texas summers and wild temperature swings cause the maturing bourbon to expand and contract aggressively in the barrel wood. This accelerates the aging process, resulting in a more intense concentration of flavors in a shorter time. In short, the Texas climate adds extra depth and character to Garrison Brothers bourbons compared to those aged in milder climates.

What is the proof of the 2025 Lady Bird Bourbon?
The 2025 release is bottled at a high proof – approximately 114 proof (57% ABV) – which is cask strength. This higher proof delivers a bolder, full-bodied tasting experience, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the whiskey in its most robust form (and the option to dilute to taste).

How should I drink the Lady Bird Bourbon for best enjoyment?
This bourbon is best enjoyed neat or with a small splash of water to unlock its layers of flavor. Sipping it straight will showcase the rich honey and Cognac-driven nuances. You can also use Lady Bird in an upscale bourbon cocktail (like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan) to add a luxurious twist, but its complex profile truly shines on its own.

How should I store my bottle?
Store the bottle upright in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. Proper storage will preserve the bourbon’s quality and ensure its flavors remain intact for future drams.