Garrison Brothers Distillery - Carillon Brewing Company antique barrel wagon
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Garrison Brothers Distillery

4.7
·690 reviews·Hye, United States

Texas's first legal bourbon distillery, crafting award-winning spirits with passion in the scenic Hill Country.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate experience

CrowdLow
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Garrison Brothers Distillery - Carillon Brewing Company antique barrel wagon

Garrison Brothers Distillery

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Texas's first legal bourbon distillery, crafting award-winning spirits with passion in the scenic Hill Country.

4.7
(690 reviews)

"This place should definitely be on The Texas bucket list if you are not local."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tours Online

Tours fill up fast! Book your spot online in advance to guarantee your tasting experience.

💧 Stay Hydrated

Texas heat + bourbon = need for water! Free water bottles are available on-site.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bourbon Tastings & Tours

Bourbon Tastings & Tours

Distillery grounds

Experience guided tours and tastings of their acclaimed Texas bourbons, including limited releases.

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The Whiskey Shack

The Whiskey Shack

On-site restaurant

Enjoy delicious food, including highly-praised barbacoa tacos, and bourbon cocktails in a relaxed setting.

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Scenic Hill Country Views

Scenic Hill Country Views

Distillery grounds

Savor the breathtaking vistas of the Texas Hill Country from the distillery's beautiful grounds.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Garrison Brothers Distillery tours and tastings fill up fast, especially limited releases. Booking online well in advance is crucial to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. TikTok

Plan for Texas Heat & Travel

The Texas Hill Country can get very hot. Stay hydrated with water provided on-site and consider visiting during cooler months. Uber reliability is low in Hye, so plan your transportation accordingly. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather for grounds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@Garrison Brothers Distillery is a farm and ranch located in Hye, Texas that offers bourbon whiskey tastings for $50. We got to sample 4 of their coveted bourbons at the coolest custom-made bar and it was so fun! Perfect for bachelor parties, birthday celebrations, and everything in between. 📍1827 Hye-Albert Rd, Hye, TX #garrisonbrothers #garrisonbrothersdistillery #garrisonbrothersbourbon #garri...
@atasteofkoko
3.8K likes • 112.8K views

🎯 Book Tours Online

Tours fill up fast! Book your spot online in advance to guarantee your tasting experience. TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated

Texas heat + bourbon = need for water! Free water bottles are available on-site. Reddit

Introducing Sonora Bourbon Finished in Rye Barrels #whiskey #texasbourbon #bourbon #sonora #garrisonbrothers
@garrisonbrosdistillery
832 likes • 15K views
Garrison Brothers Distillery is a vibe! If you get a chance to visit, I highly recommend it! The fall weather is perfect to enjoy their nice grounds and the drinks are a perfect pairing! There are no videos on tour so enjoy these Live Photos! #garrisonbrothers #distillerytour
photob32
8 likes • 388 views

🚗 Transportation Woes

Uber/Lyft are unreliable here. Arrange rides in advance or consider a designated driver. Reddit

📸 Photos Welcome

Capture the beautiful scenery and distillery, but no videos are allowed during tours. Instagram

The best Garrison Brothers yet? Unboxing @garrisonbros Lady Bird and jumping right into a Just the Sip review. #bourbon #texas #texasbourbon #distillery #whiskey #bourbonlover #texasgirl #texasphotographer #bourbonporn #bourboncountry #spiritwithcharacter #justthesip #review #tasting
onlybourbonfans
156 likes • 5.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tours Online

Tours fill up fast! Book your spot online in advance to guarantee your tasting experience. TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated

Texas heat + bourbon = need for water! Free water bottles are available on-site. Reddit

🚗 Transportation Woes

Uber/Lyft are unreliable here. Arrange rides in advance or consider a designated driver. Reddit

📸 Photos Welcome

Capture the beautiful scenery and distillery, but no videos are allowed during tours. Instagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Grounds

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the grounds, making it a great spot for furry friends too! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(690 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Garrison Brothers Distillery for its exceptional bourbon, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and the stunning Texas Hill Country setting. The tours are described as informative and entertaining, offering a deep dive into the bourbon-making process. While some find the on-site food a bit pricey, the overall experience is highly recommended as a must-visit Texas destination.

"The tour was absolutely fabulous! The guides are extremely knowledgeable and considerate of all guests (we had our grandparents with us and their dog). Shout out to Mike and Travis for remarkable service and hospitality!

The small batch, honeydew, amd single barrel can all be purchased in most Total Wine/Specs stores so those weren't new to me. What I really wanted to try were the limited releases and the cowboy bourbon. I just wish those were more available to the public.

The facility itself is state of the art and resides on a gorgeous piece of land in the hill country. Photos are welcomed but not videos. They definitely take pride of their product and how it is produced. Everything was so clean and well kept.

The food at the whiskey shack is a bit pricey in my opinion but everything came out very fast. They do keep water bottles stocked up around the grounds which was a life saver since heat + alcohol usually don't mix.

This place should definitely be on The Texas bucket list if you are not local."

Joshua Lenz

"I got surprised with a trip to Austin and a tour and reserve tasting for my birthday and it was incredible. The tour was fun with lots of cool stories and every member of staff was friendly. The tasting was great, the gift shop had a lot of really cool items and the restaurant was so good. The barbacoa tacos were the best I’ve bet had.
Uber is not reliable out there and we found that out the hard way. Karen, the nicest woman ever, gave us a ride and honestly she made our trip. So kind and she had so many cool stories about the town, the area and L.B.J.
Can’t wait to come back and volunteer"

John Wilson

"Great tour with Steve and Sandra. I personally am not much of a drinker, but I enjoyed the tour. Tour was informative with enjoyable humor and banter . We also enjoyed the lady in the waxing room. Employees acknowledged and appreciated military, EMS, and teachers. Nice tour. Highly recommend."

debbie canant

What People Like

Exceptional bourbon quality
Knowledgeable and friendly staff
Beautiful Hill Country setting

What People Dislike

Limited release availability
Pricey food options
Unreliable ride-sharing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Garrison Brothers Distillery is located at 1827 Hye-Albert Rd, Hye, TX. It's about an hour and a half drive west of Austin. While Uber and Lyft are available in the general area, they can be unreliable for pick-ups directly from the distillery. It's recommended to arrange transportation in advance or have a designated driver. TikTokReddit

Yes, Garrison Brothers Distillery is nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, offering stunning views and a scenic drive. TikTok+1

The most common way to reach Hye, Texas, is by car. It's accessible via major highways from cities like Austin and San Antonio. Consider a road trip to fully enjoy the surrounding Hill Country. TikTok

While Hye is a small town, there are various accommodation options in nearby towns like Fredericksburg and Johnson City, which are popular tourist destinations in the Hill Country. TikTok

Public transportation options directly to Hye are very limited. Driving or arranging private transport is the most practical way to visit the distillery. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Bourbon whiskey tastings at Garrison Brothers Distillery typically cost around $50 per person, which includes sampling several of their coveted bourbons. It's always best to check their official website for the most current pricing and tour options. TikTok

Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tours and tastings online in advance. They fill up quickly, especially for popular times and limited release tastings. TikTok

Operating hours can vary, but generally, the distillery is open for visits and tastings. It's essential to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before planning your visit. TikTok

Yes, you can purchase Garrison Brothers bourbon at the distillery. However, limited releases and special editions may have different availability and purchase restrictions. Reddit

Garrison Brothers offers various experiences, including guided tours that delve into their history and bourbon-making process, as well as tasting sessions. Some tours may include a trailer ride to the top of the hill for historical insights. TikTokReddit

🎫 🥃 Onsite Experience

Tours at Garrison Brothers Distillery are informative and engaging, often featuring knowledgeable guides who share the distillery's history and the bourbon-making process. You'll likely see the mash room, fermentation area, and bottling line, with opportunities to taste mash, white lightning, and various bourbons. TikTokReddit

Yes, the Whiskey Shack on-site offers food, including highly-rated barbacoa tacos. While some find it a bit pricey, the food is generally well-received and served quickly. TikTokReddit+1

Garrison Brothers Distillery is dog-friendly on their grounds, making it a great place to visit with your well-behaved canine companions. Reddit

While primarily an adult-focused experience, there are activities like cornhole available on the grounds that can help keep children entertained. Reddit

Photos are welcomed at Garrison Brothers Distillery, allowing you to capture the beautiful scenery and experience. However, videos are generally not permitted during tours. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The distillery offers stunning photo opportunities, from the picturesque Texas Hill Country views to the state-of-the-art facility itself. The grounds provide a beautiful backdrop, especially during pleasant weather. TikTokInstagram

While photos are encouraged, videography is typically not allowed during the distillery tours. This helps maintain the focus on the guided experience. Instagram

The expansive grounds offer numerous scenic spots. The rolling hills and the distillery architecture provide a great setting for memorable shots. TikTok

The golden hours, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for photography. However, the scenic views are impressive throughout the day. Instagram

Yes, you can photograph the bourbon bottles, especially during tastings or if you purchase one from the gift shop. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Garrison Brothers Distillery is primarily an adult-focused experience, families can still enjoy a visit. The beautiful grounds offer space to roam, and activities like cornhole can keep children entertained. Reddit The Whiskey Shack also provides food options that might appeal to younger palates. However, it's important to note that the core experience revolves around bourbon tasting and education, so it's best suited for families with older children or those who can appreciate the scenic aspects and outdoor activities. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

A tasting at Garrison Brothers Distillery is an investment, typically around $50 per person. While this price point may be higher than some other distillery tours, it includes sampling multiple premium bourbons and often access to the distillery's history and process. TikTok Consider it a worthwhile splurge for a unique Texas experience. To save on food, you might consider packing snacks or planning a meal at a more budget-friendly spot in a nearby town. Reddit

💑 Couples

Garrison Brothers Distillery offers a romantic setting for couples. The scenic Hill Country views, the intimate tasting experiences, and the opportunity to enjoy a meal together at the Whiskey Shack make for a memorable outing. TikTokInstagram Consider booking a tour during a weekday for a more relaxed and private experience. It's a perfect stop for a special occasion or a weekend getaway in the heart of Texas. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Garrison Brothers Bourbon Story

Founded in 2005 by Dan Garrison, Garrison Brothers Distillery holds the distinction of being Texas's first legal bourbon distillery. Their journey began with a passion for crafting authentic, handmade bourbon outside of Kentucky, a feat they've achieved with dedication and innovation. Instagram+1

The distillery is deeply rooted in the Texas Hill Country, utilizing the region's unique climate to influence their bourbon's maturation. This environment, characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations, accelerates the aging process, imparting a rich flavor profile. Their commitment to quality is evident in every step, from grain selection to the final bottling. Instagram+1

Key to their success are their signature bourbons like the Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon and the highly sought-after Cowboy Bourbon. Each release, including limited editions like Balmorhea and Laguna Madre, tells a story and showcases the distillery's evolving craft. They are celebrated for producing Texas bourbon without the metallic finish often associated with the style, earning praise even from seasoned bourbon enthusiasts. TikTokReddit+1

Planning Your Distillery Visit

A visit to Garrison Brothers Distillery is more than just a tasting; it's an immersive experience. The distillery offers guided tours that provide a comprehensive look into their bourbon-making process, from the mash tun to the bottling line. These tours are often praised for their educational content, delivered with humor and engaging storytelling by knowledgeable guides. TikTokReddit

Beyond the tours, the distillery grounds themselves are a destination. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Texas Hill Country, relax in the outdoor spaces, and even participate in activities like cornhole. The on-site Whiskey Shack offers a menu of food and bourbon cocktails, providing a perfect way to unwind after a tour. TikTokInstagram+1

It's crucial to plan ahead. Tours and tastings, especially for limited releases, are popular and tend to sell out. Booking your experience online well in advance is highly recommended. Also, be prepared for the Texas weather; staying hydrated is key, and while the grounds are dog-friendly, transportation to and from Hye can be challenging due to limited ride-sharing services. TikTokReddit

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