Ginny Tonic - BOURBON & BANTER

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Ginny Tonic

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What to Taste at WhiskyFest 2019

It has been too long since I have written anything for Bourbon & Banter and it has been way, way too long since I have attended Whiskyfest. I am excited to correct both of these oversights this week.

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What I’ve Learned From Bourbon

I wrote my first guest column for Bourbon & Banter in 2013. At that time I was an avid follower of the site and a special education teacher who loved bourbon. I had done a lot of reading and even more drinking on the subject.

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Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Four Roses Showdown

Have you ever wondered how much difference there is between two barrels of bourbon with the same mash bill, yeast, age, and storing conditions? How about which of your local liquor stores do the best barrel picks?

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Starting a Career in Whiskey: 5 Things I’ve Learned So Far

Back in 2012 I began taking my general love of bourbon, cocktails, and spirits from a private hobby to a public one. I started a podcast with the guy who is now my husband.

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A Visit with Tenn South Distillery

Tenn South was founded by Clayton Cutler and Blair Butler, an engineer, and a doctor respectively.

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Brenne Ten French Whisky Review

Here at Bourbon & Banter, we love our bourbon, but we also embrace whiskeys made all over the world. Today’s post should appeal to the single malt lovers among our readership.

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Brenne Estate Cask Whisky Review

Sometimes it is ideal to take a break from the full-bodied, in-your-face awesomeness that is American whiskey, and take it easy with a nice single malt from across the seas.

Maker's Mark Private Select Tasting Photo

Maker’s Mark Private Select Reimagines Barrel Selection

Maker’s Mark is one of the most iconic bourbon brands of the modern age. Bill and Margie Samuels lead the way, post-prohibition, in bourbon marketing, tourism, and helping people outside of Kentucky rediscover quality bourbon.

Corralejo Tequila Review Bottles

Tequila Reviews

Corralejo Tequila Reposado Review

Although my experience with tequila is mostly limited to cocktails and a few tasting lessons on my honeymoon in Cancun, I am never one to shy away from a challenge.

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How Tequila Compares to Bourbon

For many of us, tequila is more associated with slamming back shots and decisions we regret the next morning than with enjoying the flavor of a fine barrel-aged spirit. But Cinco de Mayo is a great opportunity to learn more about this surprisingly complex spirit.

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Marriott Hotels Bring the Bourbon

As bourbon has become increasingly sought after by both American and international travelers, Marriott Hotels has found a way to distinguish themselves from other upmarket hotels: best bourbon selection.

Copper & Kings Distillery

Copper & Kings: The Hipster Brandy Distillery That Won Me Over

Perhaps you are wondering what an article about a brandy distillery is doing on a bourbon website? I was wondering something along those lines myself when the media tour I was doing before the Bourbon Classic pulled up to Copper & Kings American Brandy Company.

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Bourbon Classic 2016 Recap

Disclaimer: I was invited to attend the Bourbon Classic at no cost to write about it for Bourbon and Banter but I paid for my hotel, food, and travel expenses while there and this review reflects my honest opinion on the event.

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Best Reason to Brush Your Teeth? Bourbon Flavored Toothpaste

Recently my husband was touring an exhibit of Kenner Toys and other novelties with a Cincinnati connection at the Cincinnati Public Library and he sent me a picture that just about blew my mind.

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Bourbon Classic Returns to Louisville for 2016

The Bourbon Classic, an annual bourbon and culinary celebration held in Louisville Kentucky, will return for its fourth year on February 26 – 27 at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts.

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11 Problems Every Bourbon Lover Understands

There’s only a few days left in Bourbon Heritage month which undoubtedly will be causing many of you to shed a tear in sorrow this week. In an attempt to cheer you up I’ve compiled a list of 11 problems every bourbon lover understands.

What I Did Right at WhiskyFest Chicago

What I Did Right at WhiskyFest Chicago

Well I have survived. Thank to Pops and everyone else who were praying for me to make it back relatively unscathed and with a few stories to tell.

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What to Try at WhiskyFest Chicago 2015

I am very excited to be attending my first WhiskyFest Chicago this coming weekend, April 10th. Over 350 whiskeys, nine seminars, a chance to talk with the distillers and blenders who make your favorite whiskeys, and only four hours to do it all.

Bourbon Classic 2015 Recap

Bourbon Classic 2015 Recap

The 3rd annual Bourbon Classic took place February 20th and 21st and I was lucky enough to be a part of it. Once again this was an extremely entertaining event, attended by bourbon lovers of all kinds; the people who make, people who sell it, people who write about it, people who study it.

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American Whiskey Reviews

Tincup American Whiskey Review

Tincup American Whiskey is a pretty inoffensive whiskey all things considered. But it is just too forgettable for me to wholeheartedly recommend it to a serious bourbon or whisky drinker.

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Rye Whiskey Reviews

Few Spirits Rye Whiskey Review

This is a really fresh and grassy rye that leads into a peppery, ginger burn that lingers on the lips. Flavors of plum and vanilla come out with the burn. There are hints of sweetness but it only tempers the spice and never overcomes it.

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Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Few Spirits Bourbon Review

At this point in the craft distilling boom, I think it is understandable that those of us who are bourbon aficionados may have become a little cynical.

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Review: Michael Veach’s Bourbon Academy II

Many of our readers have been lucky enough to attend one of Michael Veach’s famed Bourbon Academy events, including the one sponsored by Bourbon and Banter last November.

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Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Maker’s 46 Bourbon Review

When I was first getting into bourbon people talked about how wheated bourbons were sweeter and softer than rye. This confused me because the only wheated bourbon I had tried was Maker’s Mark which I still think has one of the most fiery finishes out there.

Photo of the front of New Riff Distillery

New Riff Distillery Opens in Newport Kentucky

At the end of May I got to attend a media sneak peek at the newly opened New Riff Distillery. As it was being constructed, I could tell it was going to be a beautiful facility with a lot of serious investment behind it.