Patrick "Pops" Garrett

Founder and Chief Drinking Officer of Bourbon & Banter and DrinkCurious.

Industry News

MGP Ingredients Launches Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey

MGP Ingredients is proud to announce the launch of Rossville Union, their first proprietary Rye Whiskey label.

Industry News

The Sazerac Company Launches GreatAgave.com

he Sazerac Company just launched an educational website about all things agave.

Industry News

Yellowstone’s Shows Us Your Pioneer Spirit Contest

In addition, the brand has also launched an online contest where consumers are encouraged to show their pioneer spirit for the chance to win a trip to Yellowstone National Park, as well as branded outdoor merchandise.

Banter

Instagram: Follow • #DrinkCurious • Win Free Stuff

That’s right, we’re going to give away more stuff. We already pick a monthly winner from our email list (sign-up here if you haven’t) and now we’re going to pick a 2nd winner from our Instagram followers who have #DrinkCurious in their profile.

Gear

Top Liquor Apps To Help You Discover a New Swig of Good Bourbon

You think of yourself as a well-educated bourbon appreciator. To say the least, you recognize the local taste and are reluctant to take another’s suggestions with ease. Alcohol preferences are often built in years, and there are rarely fans that share exactly the same bourbon affinity.

Banter

Introducing Our New Bourbon & Banter Team Members

All of us at Bourbon & Banter are thrilled to welcome our newest round of Guest Contributors. We invite you to learn more about them below and offer them a hearty congratulations for becoming part of our team.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Wild Turkey Longbranch Review

Today, Matthew McConaughey and the legendary Wild Turkey® Distillery are proud to announce the introduction of Wild Turkey Longbranch™, a collaboration between the iconic whiskey brand’s creative director and Master Distiller Eddie Russell. Inspired by McConaughey’s Kentucky and Texas roots, this ra

Banter

Cognac for Bourbon Drinkers

We all have our favorite drinks. And Bourbon is about as American as pumpkin pie and good ol’ Abe Lincoln. But you know? On occasion, a change is as good as a rest, and you might just fancy a different drink to savor.

New Brand Releases

Matthew McConaughey and Eddie Russell Unveil Wild Turkey Longbranch

Today, Matthew McConaughey and the legendary Wild Turkey® Distillery are proud to announce the introduction of Wild Turkey Longbranch™, a collaboration between the iconic whiskey brand’s creative director and Master Distiller Eddie Russell.

American Whiskey Reviews

StilL 630 Experimental Collection Release #9

Following quickly on the heels of our review of StilL 630’s X-9, we’re bringing you a review of their Experimental Collection Release X-9. The X-9 is a 16.25 month old cherrywood smoked single malt bottled at 100 proof.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Bluebird Distilling Four Grain Bourbon Review

With Pennsylvania’s antiquated liquor laws, I am always on the lookout for a good local bourbon. Many of the distilleries in Pennsylvania are new and finding a quality bourbon can be hard due to the all too strong corn flavor of young craft bourbons.

American Whiskey Reviews

StilL 630 Experimental Collection Release #8

StilL 630’s Experimental Collection Release #8 gets the video review treatment today. The X-8 is a twist on StilL 630’s flagship RallyPoint rye whiskey where the normal 10% malt barley is replaced with chocolate roasted malted barley.

Gin Reviews

Bols Genever Review

Genever? That’s not the brand name, that’s the actual spirit itself. Now I know, what is this doing in the Gin reviews? Well, Genever is basically the ancestor to all the Gin we know and love today. Still, however, it is not technically Gin.

Banter

A New Take On Whiskey Pairings

Whiskey pairings are nothing new, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find new and exciting ways to pair your whiskey. The best pairings bring out the essence of what’s in your glass, and better still, bring your experience to a new level.

Events

2018 Bourbon Classic Recap

As someone that lives and breathes bourbon, people assume I attend every bourbon-related event held in the beautiful state of Kentucky. I would love to say that’s true but the truth couldn’t be more different.

Irish Whiskey Reviews

The Pogues Irish Whiskey Review

Branded The Original Irish Whiskey of the Legendary Band, what West Cork Distillers have attempted is to capture the spirit of The Pogues in a bottle. Have they succeeded?

Rye Whiskey Reviews

Rodham Rye Whiskey Review

The last kind of drinker I am is a rye drinker. I will drink it and I will definitely drink this, but likely with a dash of water or some ice. Rye is a complex ingredient though. Ice or water allow a sense of sweetness to blossom if added, which is what happens with this whiskey. Context sometimes i

Banter

A Feast For The Eyes…

I’ll kick off by saying that I am usually a person who buys whiskey with my eyes and not my taste buds (not 100% accurate to be completely honest if I’ve had a blind sample of a whiskey).

Scotch Whisky Reviews

Flaming Heart Scotch Whisky Review

Extremely well balanced whisky. No need to add any water, in fact the few drops I added basically destroyed the flavor profile. Keep it neat and you won’t be disappointed.

American Whiskey Reviews

StilL 630 Experimental Collection Release #7

Today we’re reviewing StilL 630’s Experimental Collection Release #7, a 100% mesquite smoked single malt barley whiskey aged for 15 months.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

George Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon Review

This George Remus Repeal Reserve expression is a step from the everyday George Remus bourbon that I reviewed several months ago. It’s not quite the “big hitting” bourbon I was hoping for back then, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Cocktails

The Magic Of A Good Cocktail

I’m a professional magician. When a lot of people get into this profession, they do so to be able to make friends at a party or to be the “life of the party”. Those people are doing it wrong.

Banter

Bourbons To Help You Stay Warm This Winter

As frigid weather swept the country—even the Deep South, where I live—this month, my taste turned to bold, high-alcohol bourbons. I found myself drinking even the most intense bourbon undiluted, out of my Glencairn glass, rather than with an ice cube or two.

Banter

Changing the Game: Allocated Bourbon All Year

This past Wednesday, I had the opportunity to meet with Jonathan Blue. For those of you who don’t know: Jonathan’s investment firm, Blue Equity, had already owned Party Mart and now recently acquired Liquor Barn.

Cocktails

Seed To Shaker: Six Unique Culinary Herbs For Exceptional Garnish

Craft Cocktails have entered a second golden age. There are more craft distilleries, opening up every day, the big boys are aging more specialty lines, and Instagram allows the sipping enthusiast as well as master mixologists a chance to explore cutting-edge creations in real time.