Patrick "Pops" Garrett

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

Banter

Bourbon Beyond Borders

I reported to my current posting here at the U.S. Embassy in Quito, Ecuador, in mid-October of 2017…just in time for the annual Marine Ball.

Gin Reviews

St. George Terroir Gin Review

Let me just get this out in the open: I like gin. Like, really like gin. I come from a long line of Tanqueray drinkers. I love gin so much I named my Dungeons & Dragons character “Juniper.”

Banter

What should I really put next to my steak?

In the world of bourbon today, there are unfortunately many different characters that you may rather not associate with. The world is getting smaller thanks to social media, and there are seemingly more fans of good whiskey than ever before.

Banter

The Benevolent Basil Hayden

I was standing in an empty Kentucky Kroger parking lot as the sun was setting on Christmas Eve night five years ago, taking stock of my situation.

American Whiskey Reviews

STILL 630 EXPERIMENTAL COLLECTION RELEASE #6

Today we’re reviewing StilL 630’s Experimental Collection Release #6, a 100% applewood smoked single malt barley whiskey aged for 14 months. If you’re new to our journey we encourage to read our kick-off post about the Experimental Collection and Release #1.

Banter

Good-bye 2017 & Happy New Year!

As I sit down to write my year-end post I find myself a bit at a loss for the words to explain how I’m feeling about the closing of another year.

Banter

Help Wanted: Seeking Booze Evangelists Worldwide

As we head into 2018, Bourbon & Banter is excited one again post an open call for booze evangelists. If you’ve ever wanted to write for Bourbon & Banter or get your point of view heard by hundred’s of thousands of fellow booze aficionados, now’s your chance.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Yellowstone 2017 Limited Edition Bourbon Review

Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a marriage of some of the finest hand-selected bourbon available, celebrates the return of Yellowstone to the family of Limestone Branch founders Steve and Paul Beam – and the many fine bourbons to come.

American Whiskey Reviews

STILL 630 EXPERIMENTAL COLLECTION RELEASE #5

StilL 630’s Experimental Collection Release #5 gets the video review treatment today. Join us as we taste the X-5 and learn why StilL 630 decided to include a 100% corn whiskey as part of their Experimental Collection.

Gear News

2017 Bourbon & Banter Holiday Gift Guide

It’s our favorite time of the year here at Bourbon & Banter! We love nothing more than getting together with family and friends during the holidays to enjoy some fantastic bourbon and banter.

American Whiskey Reviews

StilL 630 Experimental Collection Release #4

StilL 630’s Experimental Collection Release #4 gets the video review treatment today. The X-4 is a departure from the previous releases which were all single malts.

Banter

Up the Ante of Your Next Card Party

Card parties are still a thing and are as popular as ever. Whether you’re hosting one to visit with friends, eat great food and enjoy great drinks in the comfort of your own home, themed card parties are all the rage right now, so power up your typical night of playing cards with a little bourbon.

On The Road

Bourbon & Banter 5th Anniversary Bourbon Pilgrimage

Today is the day. I’m hitting the road early this morning, along with half of the Bourbon & Banter team, on my way to Louisville to celebrate Bourbon & Banter’s 5th anniversary.

Events

The Whiskey Affair London

“It’s like a beer festival…but with whiskey, and cocktails!” We’re heading to The Brewhouse for the first time with over 75 brands of scotch, bourbon and whiskey for you to fall in love with.

Events

Whiskey In The Winter 2017 – Win Free VIP Tickets

Now that you’ve survived National Bourbon Heritage Month it’s time to let your liver rest for a bit before heading into our second favorite month of the year – November. November has the honor of being the month when our favorite whiskey festival is held each year – Whiskey In The Winter.

Gear

Outlaw Soaps Review

If you’ve been reading Bourbon & Banter for a while, you’re aware that I love products that try to capture the essence of the bourbon lifestyle.

American Whiskey Reviews

StiLl 630 Experimental Collection Release #3 Review

Our 5-year, 60 spirits journey continues with StiLl 630 Experimental Collection Release #3. If you’re new to our journey we encourage to read our kick-off post about the Experimental Collection and Release #1 and #2.

Industry News

Bardstown Bourbon Company and Copper & Kings Release “Collabor&tion” Rare Release Bourbon

Bardstown, KY (September 13, 2017) – The Bardstown Bourbon Company (“BBCo”) and Copper & Kings American Brandy Company (“C&K”) announced today the release of “Collabor&tion,” two distinct products made with 10-year-old straight bourbon whiskey.

Industry News

Wild Turkey Unveils Latest Matthew McConaughey TV Commercial

Matthew McConaughey is back at the helm of Wild Turkey® Bourbon’s advertising, ready to testify in his newest creative effort for the iconic bourbon. Wild Turkey today unveiled its second television commercial directed by and starring the Academy Award®-winning actor.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Rebel Yell 2017 Single Barrel Review

I really loved the 2016 Rebel Yell Single Barrel release. In fact, if I could have found a steady supply of it I might have made it my house bourbon. When I received my sample of the 2017 release, I was pretty excited and was eager to see how it matched up to my memory of the 2016 release.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

George Remus Bourbon Review

I wasn’t sure what to expect when MGP announced they were taking over the George Remus label. I was secretly hoping that their first release would be a big hitting bourbon with some advanced age on it to get people worked up.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

2017 Parker’s Heritage Collection Review

I simply love the nose on this bourbon. If you had me smell it blind, I would have guessed it was much older than it is. And yes, if I could get this aroma in a candle I’d buy a case. The color is gorgeous, and its legs are fine. It sips smooth and sweet initially but quickly hits you with a heavy p

American Whiskey Reviews

StiLl 630 Experimental Collection Release #2 Review

Our 5-year, 60 spirits journey continues with StiLl 630 Experimental Collection Release #2. If you’re new to our journey we encourage to read our kick-off post about the Experimental Collection and Release #1.

Industry News

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY OPENS NEW E. H. TAYLOR TOUR, INCLUDES “BOURBON POMPEII”

Buffalo Trace Distillery kicks off its long-awaited tour to its famous “Bourbon Pompeii” on Monday, August 7th, 2017. Officially called the E. H. Taylor Tour, the tour will visit three sites at this National Historic Landmark Distillery.

Rye Whiskey Reviews

A.D. Laws Bottled in Bond Secale Straight Rye Whiskey Review

The finish starts sweet, with a nice mix of orange peel and honey but quickly turns a bit hot with rye spices. It feels a little off balance, erring on the hot and spicy side instead of mixing the sweet and spicy as my taste buds were anticipating.