Garrison Brothers Distillery Co-founder Nancy Garrison and Distiller Samantha Olvera presented a donation check for $15,205.00 to Texas Cave Management Association and the Mayfield-Ingham family, who owns and manages Caverns of Sonora, to help to preserve the underground caverns for all to enjoy for generations to come. The donation, made possible by Good Bourbon for A Good Cause, represents the total funds raised by Garrison Brothers, the first and oldest legal whiskey distillery in Texas, and the first distillery outside of Kentucky to produce authentic, handcrafted, corn-to-cork bourbon whiskey. Garrison Brothers committed $5 from every bottle sold from their Sonora
Texas Straight Bourbon Finished in Rye Whiskey Barrels first release in 2025 to this cause.
“The Caverns of Sonora are extremely proud and privileged to be a part of such a wonderful collaboration. A huge thank you to Garrison Brothers and their outstanding team for allowing us to be included in such inspiring endeavors. We continue with our commitment to working together with TCMA to help preserve and protect our natural wonders,” shares John Lockwood, Manager of Caverns of Sonora, on behalf of the Mayfield-Ingham family.
Sonora bourbon was first released on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the distillery. This seven-year-old bourbon’s name was inspired by the mysterious and awe-inspiring Caverns of Sonora, a natural wonder hidden deep within Texas. Just as these caverns have been shaped by time and patience, Sonora is the culmination of years of craftsmanship, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As the ninth expression in the award-winning Garrison Brothers portfolio, Sonora represents a true collaborative effort. With the Garrisons’ blessing, Master Distiller Donnis Todd guided Distiller Samantha Olvera, who led this project. Sonora is aged for four years in new white American Oak barrels and then, three years in rye whiskey barrels. It is sealed with a ruby red wax and is bottled at 108 proof. The limited release produced 6,000 bottles and retailed for $159.99.
“It has been an honor to tour the awe-inspiring Caverns of Sonora with the Mayfield-Ingham family and learn more about the preservation work needed, underground here in Texas. We are happy to extend this donation to support these efforts from our Sonora bourbon sales. With this contribution and others we make year-round to help preserve and restore Texas’ beautiful lands, we reinforce our belief that good bourbon can change the world,” shares Nancy Garrison, Co-founder, Garrison Brothers Distillery.
With its first release, Sonora earned top awards. Sonora earned Double Gold at the 2025 Craft Distillers Spirits Competition, and a Double Gold (97 points) at the 2025 Proof Awards. Charitable funds raised by the distillery through bourbon sales have been gifted to Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, which then earmarked the donations for restoration efforts at the caverns, to be monitored by TCMA.
“TCMA is proud to partner with Garrison Brothers to support the excellent conservation work of the owners and operators of the amazing Caverns of Sonora,” said TCMA President Jim “Crash” Kennedy. “This just proves how effective businesses and nonprofits can be when they work together to protect Texas karst.”