“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” – Lady Bird Johnson
With springtime in the Hill Country comes thousands of blooms. Bluebonnets, butterfly weeds, and pink ladies dot rolling fields along the country roads that lead to our little slice of heaven in Hye, Texas. Here, on our ranch, one truly unique blossom emerges, our newest masterpiece, Lady Bird Bourbon.
Inspired by the iconic Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson, former First Lady and established philanthropist, this newest expression captures everything we love about the spring season in Texas. Lady Bird, who was known as a “visionary environmentalist”, was partial to these wildflowers herself, and spent much of her time working to protect the native flora in the Lone Star State and beyond. She encouraged and worked alongside her husband, former President Lyndon B. Johnson, to pass many environmental protection laws while he was in office, and spent the rest of her life engaged in preservation efforts. With this new addition to our bourbon lineup, we hope to honor her legacy and her appreciation for Texas’s unique and rich wildlife.
Much like Mrs. Johnson’s environmental efforts, developing Lady Bird Bourbon was a true labor of love for Master Distiller, Donnis Todd, and Queen Bee, Nancy Garrison. Its journey begins similarly to that of HoneyDew Bourbon, Nancy and Donnis’s first collaboration: Donnis began by aging our Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey in new white American oak barrels for 4-5 years, then carried on to infuse it with Burleson’s Wildflower Honey for 8-9 months. To craft Lady Bird, he then aged the honey-infused bourbon in French Cognac XO casks for an additional 3 years, resulting in a truly harmonious blend of flavor and sophistication.
After welcoming you with the aroma of fresh-cut grass and sweet honey, Lady Bird Bourbon deepens into subtle and enticing notes of black cocoa and waffle cone. As you take your first sip, true decadence unfolds on the palate: warm buckwheat pancakes, dark chocolate-covered cherries, and malted milk balls richly envelop the senses. Its complex flavor profile also includes the indulgent essence of cognac cherries, dried figs, and plums, providing a rich and luxurious tasting experience. The finish is long and satisfying, lingering on the tongue, and leaves a lasting impression with its harmonious marriage of honey and cognac.
In tribute to Mrs. Johnson’s enduring impact, we are donating $5 from every bottle sold to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, which she founded alongside Helen Hayes in 1982. The LBJ Wildflower Center now operates as a major botanic garden and research center, dedicated to preserving the native plants of North America and fostering an appreciation for nature’s awe-inspiring beauty.
Honor Lady Bird’s legacy and enjoy the fruits of Nancy and Donnis’ hard work by sipping and savoring the masterpiece that is Lady Bird Bourbon, now available at fine liquor stores and retailers nationwide.
