Austin-based Garrison Brothers Distillery, Texas’ first legal whiskey distillery (they are proud to note), shows some Lone Star spirit by launching Operation Crush COVID-19, proving that well-thought-out on-the-ground action can be among the most effective tools to fight our current health crisis. In partnership with Good Bourbon for a Good Cause and the distillery’s own foundation, the program aims to raise over $2 million for veteran-led disaster response organization Team Rubicon, who are already out in the field leading efforts to combat the pandemic. Good Bourbon for a Good Cause will be the secondary beneficiary; that organization helps meet the immediate needs of hospitality industry professionals and their families.

“Good bourbon can change the world. We hope to inspire those who can to join us in our fundraising efforts to help communities and families rebuild and cope during this devastating pandemic,” said Dan Garrison, founder and proprietor of Garrison Brothers Distillery. “Our team is proud to be partnering again with Team Rubicon to help with relief efforts in all 50 states as well as fundraise to immediately help the hospitality industry.”

The distillery had plans to release its long-awaited Laguna Madre expression, a tipple ten years in the making, to a limited number of friends of the distillery and loyal bars and restaurants. But the owners decided to pivot: This rare spirit will now only be made available to the first 2,004 people who contribute $1,000 or more to the combined Garrison Brothers/Good Bourbon for a Good Cause/Team Rubicon effort. There are other gifts for lesser contributions.

Laguna Madre is the oldest bourbon the makers have produced to date, and is an ultra-premium spirit aged in new white American oak for four years, then transferred to French limousin oak barrels for secondary aging and adding flavor notes of vanilla, cacao and white chocolate.

“If you donate $100, you will forever have our respect, and you can choose to take home any clothing item from our gift shop for free,” adds Rob Cordes, marketing director at Garrison Brothers Distillery. “If you donate $500, we’ll reserve one bottle of Boot Flask (375ml) and one bottle of Honey Dew (750ml) for you.”

“When these bottles are gone, they’re gone forever. We’ll make more, but it may take years,” Garrison concludes.