Skillset asks four readers from totally different walks of life to review a bottle of bourbon from Garrison Brothers Distillery! Long story short…. it was well received!
Citizen 1
The BAMF
HITS: My first impression of the bottle was “Wow!” — the Garrison Brothers really put some attention into their bottle presentation. The black wax seal and leather pull-tab is a very classy look, and the classic oak bourbon smell was there when I opened the bottle. I was surprised at how smooth the bourbon was straight, although the first drink still delivered the warm sensation I expected. In simple terms, this bourbon is the BOMB. I don’t think I have ever had smoother bourbon in my life, and I would be proud to pull out a bottle of Garrison Brothers for my buddies to enjoy. I am definitely a fan, and I will be purchasing some more in the future.
MISSES: The biggest miss is that I have to explain to people that bourbon doesn’t have to be made in Kentucky. The only other miss I could possibly think of is the price. However, whatever the guys at Garrison Brothers are doing to make this is worth the money.
STARS: 9.8 out of 10 (Nobody is perfect.)
NAME: Billy C.
SKILLSET: Liberator of the Oppressed, Military Freefall Instructor, Gunsmith, Medic, Former Special Forces Green Beret
SOCIAL MEDIA: Super-Secret Squirrel (I can’t tell you.)
Citizen 2
The Bartender
HITS: The Garrison Brothers have designed a beautiful bottle with a thick wax top and a leather strap to open it. I knew it was going to be good just by looking at it, not to mention being aged in oak barrels and made with rainwater, organic corn and wheat. So, I cleared my afternoon and sat back to enjoy the ride. The bottle tag suggested letting it aerate a bit before drinking, like a fine wine. I immediately noticed the light floral nose with hints of sweet vanilla. The color is a fiery amber. I poured a couple ounces into a Glencairn glass and anxiously waited for my first sip. It was smooth, with a complex flavor profile. This bourbon is a warm, easy sipper. I recommend it straight up or on a large whiskey rock.
MISSES: I’ll go broke buying more.
STARS: 10 out of 10
NAME: Kristen S.
SKILLSET: Bartender Extraordinaire, Outdoor Enthusiast, Gunslinger, Whiskey Drinker, Audio Engineer, Wife and Mother
SOCIAL MEDIA: @kristengracemonkeyface
Citizen 3
The Ball Player
HITS: Ever drink a bourbon that tasted like you were drinking right from a gasoline pump? This is far from that kind of bourbon. I have tried $10 bottles up to $800 bottles of bourbon, and this stacks up with the best. It is really smooth bourbon with a different, but easy taste. I drink it on ice or neat, and it’s pretty damn good. I will be buying more of this God’s blood.
MISSES: The only miss for me was the price when I saw it before I drank it. But now that I have tried it, I have decided that it is worth every dime.
STARS: 9 out of 10
NAME: Dustin G.
SKILLSET: Professional Ball Player, Gun and Shooting Enthusiast
Citizen 4
The Rock Climber
HITS: At first glance, I thought this was just another fancied-up bottle of hooch. When the first sip hit the back of my throat, though, I realized it was something completely different. It is almost as if it told a story as I drank it. This bourbon is somehow smooth, but with an aggressive bite at the same time. Although I am sometimes selfish with the quality stuff, this is bourbon you share with a good friend (and maybe a couple cigars).
MISSES: The bottle goes empty too fast!
STARS: 10 out of 10
NAME: Joe B.
SKILLSET: Triathlete, Cigar Aficionado, Climber
We love to talk about (and drink) alcohol here at Skillset HQ! Check out our stellar reporting on Pruno if you’re heading to jail soon. You can pick up a back issue of our magazine at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Stay Motivated.
