I’ve written about hazmat bourbon here before, a term referring to ultra-high-proof whiskey that the FAA has banned from taking onboard certain airplanes due to its flammability. Some people find this style of whiskey to be undrinkable, while others can’t get enough of these palate burners. The latest Cowboy Bourbon release from Texas distillery Garrison Brothers just creeped into hazmat territory, and it will likely be another collector’s item for those who can take the heat.
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Hazmat refers to whiskey that is bottled at over 140 proof, or 70 percent ABV, which is obviously really, really strong. Cowboy Bourbon is uncut, unfiltered, and aged for eight years in the dry Texas heat, which is why it reaches such a high proof. Barrels aging in this type of climate tend to have a higher angel’s share, or evaporation rate, which means the whiskey loses a lot of water and the ABV increases. Garrison Brothers uses standard 53-gallon barrels as well as some smaller sizes, and after aging that long in the heat there is usually only a few gallons left—which is particularly concentrated in terms of flavor in the smaller casks.
This is the 10th anniversary of Cowboy Bourbon, and the fact that this whiskey is released at eight years old is impressive for a distillery that released its first bourbon in 2010. This year’s release clocks in at 140.2 proof, just edging into hazmat territory, and as mentioned before it is unfiltered so it’s pretty much like drinking whiskey straight from the barrel. “This 10th anniversary release of Cowboy Bourbon is more than just a bottle—it’s a tribute to the legacy of America’s national spirit and Garrison Brothers ’ most coveted bourbon,” said founder Dan Garrison in a statement. “It’s a nod to years of hard work and dedication blessed by the unmatched Texas terroir, all in the hands of our distiller, Donnis Todd.”
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Now, 140.2 proof might be a little too strong for you, and there’s no shame in that. While the lack of dilution before bottling means unadulterated flavor, proofing down whiskey is also an art that unlocks different notes on the palate. So go ahead and add some water or ice if you like, and get this whiskey to the strength you can best enjoy it—after all, the ability to control your dilution is part of the joy of drinking barrel-proof whiskey. 10,000 bottles of the 2024 Cowboy Bourbon will be released this year, and your first chance to try it will be at the distillery in Hye, Texas on September 21, when 1,000 bottles will go on sale for $280 apiece. These tend to sell out to diehard fans, so get there early if you want to grab one. And if you can’t make it out to Texas, Cowboy Bourbon will reach bars, restaurants, and retailers in October–check websites like ReserveBar , which has releases from prior years for sale now if you want to compare.
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