This Texas Bourbon Distillery Reports Strong Growth Despite Industry Headwinds

(Photo: Garrison Brothers)

A Texas bourbon distillery is reporting strong sales growth at a time when much of the spirits industry continues to face pressure from slowing demand.

Garrison Brothers Distillery said it has delivered double-digit sales growth nationally in the first and second quarter of 2026, with more than 40% gains in its home state of Texas.

The company said the performance comes just over nine months after expanding its national distribution partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, one of the largest alcohol distributors in the United States.

“Our performance in Q1 and Q2 reflects the team’s strategic planning and focus, the strength of our partnership with Southern Glazer’s, and the continued drive of the Garrison Brothers brand in a highly competitive premium bourbon category,” Drew Pennington, Vice President of Sales at Garrison Brothers, said in a news release. “We are encouraged by our double-digit growth nationally and outsized gains in Texas, which underscore both the resilience of our business and the effectiveness of our route-to-market strategy across all 50 states.”

Founded in 2006 in Hye, Texas, Garrison Brothers was the first legal whiskey distillery in the state and has built its identity around Texas-produced bourbon made with local grain and aged in the state’s hot climate.

The distillery first released its bourbon commercially in 2010 and now distributes its core lineup across all 50 states and five countries.

Garrison Brothers’ portfolio includes four core bourbon expressions as well as limited releases, including its popular annual cask-strength Cowboy Bourbon release.

The company has earned more than 800 awards across spirits competitions and most recently received recognition at the 2026 Ascot Awards, where its Single Barrel Cask Strength expression earned Double Platinum honors.

The growth comes during a challenging period for the broader bourbon and premium spirits category, which has seen signs of slowing momentum after years of expansion.

Despite that backdrop, some premium and craft-focused distillers have continued to show resilience, particularly those with strong regional identities and established distribution networks.

Garrison Brothers said its expansion has also been supported by partnerships with hospitality and entertainment groups, including Oak View Group, Landry’s and Omni Hotels & Resorts.

The company also highlighted its long-running charitable initiative, Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, which has raised more than $1.5 million for community programs in Texas, including veteran support and local preservation efforts.

While industry-wide data points to cooling growth in certain segments of the bourbon market, Garrison Brothers said it continues to see strong demand for its premium and limited-release expressions.

“As Garrison Brothers continues its national and international expansion, the brand is creating new opportunities to educate consumers about bourbon as America’s protected spirit,” the company said.