Garrison Brothers Lady Bird Bourbon 2026 Release Date

Garrison Brothers is bringing back Lady Bird bourbon for 2026, and if you missed out on previous years, here's your chance. The Texas distillery's honey-infused, cognac-finished bourbon returns April 4 with 7,000 bottles hitting nationwide distribution. The limited-edition release features Texas wildflower honey and three years of extra aging in French cognac casks, bottled at 114 proof for $179.99. First dibs go to folks who show up at the Hye, Texas distillery on release day, with online and retail bottles following in mid-April and May.

Release Schedule and Pricing Details

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 4, 2026 if you want first crack at this bottle. The distillery opens at 8AM with 2,000 bottles available first-come, first-served. Can't make the trip to Hye? Garrison Brothers' online store drops a limited batch on Monday, April 13, and nationwide retail distribution starts in May. You're looking at $179.99 for the standard 114-proof Lady Bird and $189.99 for the Cask Strength Single Barrel version. Both expressions are limited, so don't sleep on this one if cognac-finished bourbon is your thing. The distillery also continues its charitable angle, donating $5 per bottle to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center—they've raised over $100,000 since launching this expression in 2023.

The Production Process Behind Lady Bird

This isn't your standard bourbon finish. Garrison Brothers starts with their Small Batch bourbon aged four years in new American oak, then infuses it with Burleson's Texas Wildflower Honey for 8-9 months to create what they call "HoneyDew" at cask strength. That's already a commitment most distilleries won't make. Then comes another three years resting in French Cognac XO barrels before bottling at 114 proof. Each bottle gets hand-sealed with purple wax, which is a nice touch but also helps you spot fakes. The whole process takes over seven years from barrel to bottle, and you can taste the patience. This expression earned Platinum at the Miami Global Spirits Awards and Double Gold at the Proof Awards in 2025, so the extra aging time is paying off.

What Makes This Bourbon Different

Most honey bourbons are gimmicks—flavored whiskey with added sweeteners that taste like cough syrup. Lady Bird takes a different route by actually infusing real Texas wildflower honey into aged bourbon, then finishing it in cognac casks that add dried fruit complexity. The result is something that drinks more like a dessert bourbon than a novelty bottle. It's also a solid example of what Texas distilleries can do when they commit to unconventional aging techniques. The cognac cask finish is becoming more common, but pairing it with honey infusion before the cognac maturation is unusual. You're getting layers that most finished bourbons don't have—the honey rounds out any harsh edges, and the cognac adds depth without overpowering the bourbon character underneath.

Tasting Notes

According to Master Distiller Donnis Todd, here's what you're getting:

• Nose: Fresh cut grass, Texas wildflower honey, black cocoa waffle cone, honey wafers
• Palate: Warm buckwheat pancakes, dark chocolate-covered cherries, malted milk balls, honey sweetness
• Finish: Cognac-soaked cherries, dried figs, plums, lingering fruit and oak

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Garrison Brothers Lady Bird bourbon in 2026?

You can buy Lady Bird bourbon starting April 4 at the Garrison Brothers distillery in Hye, Texas (2,000 bottles, first-come basis). Online sales through Garrison Brothers' website begin April 13, and nationwide retail distribution at select liquor stores, bars, and restaurants starts in May 2026. Call your local liquor store in late April to check availability, as the 7,000-bottle run sells out quickly.

How much does Lady Bird bourbon cost and what proof is it?

The 2026 Lady Bird bourbon retails for $179.99 at 114 proof (57% ABV). The Cask Strength Single Barrel version costs $189.99 and has a higher proof that varies by barrel. Both are limited releases, so expect prices to climb on the secondary market if you miss the initial drop.

What does honey-infused cognac-finished bourbon taste like?

Lady Bird tastes like a dessert bourbon with honey sweetness balanced by dried fruit from the cognac casks. You get chocolate, cherries, figs, and plums alongside the honey notes, with enough proof to keep it from being cloying. It's richer and smoother than standard bourbon, closer to a liqueur but without added sugar—the sweetness comes entirely from the honey infusion and cognac barrel influence.

Is Garrison Brothers Lady Bird bourbon worth the $180 price tag?

If you like finished bourbons and unique expressions, Lady Bird is worth trying at least once. The seven-plus-year production process, limited availability, and award wins justify the premium over standard bourbon. At $180, it's competing with high-end finished whiskeys and rare bottles—it's a splurge, not a daily drinker. The charitable component (supporting the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center) adds value if that matters to you.

How is Lady Bird bourbon different from regular Garrison Brothers bourbon?

Lady Bird starts as Garrison Brothers Small Batch aged four years, then gets infused with Texas wildflower honey for 8-9 months and finished in French Cognac XO casks for three more years. Regular Garrison Brothers bourbon skips the honey infusion and cognac finish, giving you straight Texas bourbon character. Lady Bird is sweeter, fruitier, and more complex, while their standard expressions showcase traditional bourbon flavors with Texas terroir.