The news out of the Texas Hill Country this holiday weekend has been devastating. Before dawn on July 4, as much as 20 inches of rain fell in just a few hours, pushing the Guadalupe River far beyond its banks and sweeping away camps, homes, and entire stretches of roadway. We personally know several of the families directly affected, and this tragedy weighs heavily on them—making our call to band together and help even more personal. As of this afternoon, local officials confirm at least 85 lives lost—21 of them children from local camps—and dozens more people still unaccounted for. These numbers are changing by the hour.
What Authorities Are Reporting
- Scale of the disaster: Floodwaters rose to the height of a two-story building in some low-lying areas, uprooting trees and carrying cars, cabins, and livestock downstream. Search-and-rescue teams from more than twenty agencies are still working along the river corridor and thousands of people have been evacuated from the area.
- Counties affected: Kerr County has borne the brunt of the loss of life, but significant damage and evacuations have also been reported in neighboring Bandera and Gillespie counties. Our distillery is in Blanco County and has, thankfully, been spared from this major tragedy. We believe our people and their families are safe. Awaiting news from them directly and saying prayers.
A Change of Purpose for July 12
This Saturday, July 12, we were scheduled to host the distillery-only release of our 2025 Guadalupe Bourbon. In the first hours after the flood, we talked seriously about canceling the event altogether. Instead, we realized this is our chance to prove—again—that good bourbon can change the world.
Just as our fans rallied after Hurricane Harvey, we’re asking the Garrison Brothers community to gather once more, turning release day into a full-scale fundraiser for flood relief through Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, our 501(c)(3) public charity.
- Bottle Sales: $50 per bottle from the 1,000 bottles of Guadalupe Cask Strength Single Barrel sold will be directed to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country who has set up the Kerr County Relief Fund.
- Event Donations: On-site stations will accept additional contributions on Saturday, and our owners and staff will match the first $10,000 given at the gate.
- Online Giving: We’ve added a secure donation form at onecau.se/hctxflood so friends who cannot attend in person can still help.
Choosing the Right Beneficiary
Our goal is to make sure every dollar lands with the families, small businesses, and community organizations hit hardest—whether that means replacing a volunteer fire department’s washed-out gear, rebuilding cabins at a summer camp, or funding a scholarship for children who lost parents. We’re especially mindful of the Texas Game Wardens, whose swift, heroic response was the first lifeline for Camp Mystic and so many others along the river. We are working hand-in-hand with county officials and relief coordinators to ensure funds reach the greatest needs first. Our first beneficiary is Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country who has set up the Kerr County Relief Fund.
What to Expect on Release Day
- Schedule: Gates open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 12; bottle sales begin immediately.
- Bottles Signed: Master Distiller Donnis Todd will be stationed at the distillery exit to sign every copper-topped bottle that leaves the ranch. Dan and Nancy will be there as well to sign bottles. Please stop by.
- Food & Music: 100% of the profit from sales at the Whiskey Shack and Gift Shop merchandise will be donated on July 12th. Come grab a bite to eat and enjoy live acoustic sets throughout the day.
Looking Ahead
We believe that bourbon is about community—the shared table, the lifted glass, the stories that bind neighbors together. Today our neighbors along the Guadalupe River need more than a toast; they need tangible help rebuilding lives and livelihoods. On July 12, and in the weeks that follow, we invite you to join us in turning good bourbon into real relief.
Updates will appear on our social channels and at garrisonbros.com/bourbon-blog/ as soon as donation details are finalized. Thank you for standing with the Texas Hill Country during this difficult time. Salud.
