Patrick "Pops" Garrett

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

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

2024 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Non-Review

The 2024 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is back, and yeah, we know—it’s been talked about more than your buddy’s “secret” bourbon stash. So, we’re flipping the script.

On The Road

Bearface Whisky is more nuanced, subtle than its name

“One reason I chose to do this in Canada was the rules for Canadian whisky aren’t so strict as they are for bourbon, I wanted to have more freedom to do something different."

New Brand Releases

Minden Mill launches premium estate distilled whiskeys

All the whiskeys are aged in climate controlled rickhouses tied to specific weather stations in whiskey regions that inspired the distiller: the Speyside region of Scotland for the American single malt and Nelson County, KY for the bourbon and rye.

New Brand Releases

Four Roses Unveils Single Barrel Collection

The Single Barrel Collection will feature the first three new 100 proof Single Barrel bourbons  – OBSF, OESK, and OESO – alongside the flagship Single Barrel, OBSV.

Members only

On The Road

Minden Mill Distilling: Terroir-Driven Nevada Spirits

"We're not just farming here—we're stressing these grains, making them work for it. And that stress translates to flavor."

New Brand Releases

Bourbon de Luxe returns to a legendary name in Kentucky whiskey

First created in the early 1900s by a Ft. Worth, Texas-based whiskey merchant named Milton Eppstein, Bourbon de Luxe is now being brought back as a super-premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon by the founders of Rolling Fork Spirits, Turner Wathen and Jordan Morris.

New Brand Releases

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection returns for Fall 2024

William Larue Weller Bourbon shines among the Collection this year with its caramel notes and long, creamy finish. It's fitting that this year also marks the 25th anniversary of Sazerac Company's acquisition of the Weller brand.

New Brand Releases

Log Still Distillery releases new rye whiskey

Monk's Road Rye Whiskey is a proud proponent of the farm-to-glass approach, ensuring that the journey from raw ingredients to the final product is as transparent and pure as possible.

Events

Whiskey in the Winter Tickets on sale Oct 30 at 11 am CT

Bourbon & Banter has sponsored this whiskey festival since its start and will once again attend this year. It's a top-notch event that's the perfect way to DrinkCurious.

Events

Pops & Bob take on the St. Louis Bourbon Festival

If you're looking to attend one of the most unique formats for a bourbon festival, we highly recommend you start making plans to attend next year's event. And who knows, we may just partner with the organizers for something special for all of our community members next year.

New Brand Releases

Maverick Distilling introduces Samuel Maverick Barrel-Aged Rum

Samuel Maverick Barrel Aged Rum is made with cane sugar and unsulphured molasses that are fermented in-house. The cane sugar is imported Colombian Panela, a raw sugar created by boiling down and evaporating the cane juice.

On The Road

The bar for whiskey and food is elevated at High West Distillery

“To have the distillery and Saloon in the heart of Park City was the original owners’ end-all, be-all goal—a place where guests could come, have a wonderful meal and whiskey pairing, and see our production right in front of their faces."

New Brand Releases

King of Kentucky Bourbon Releases Seventh Edition

This year’s release of 63 barrels came from the production dates July 19, 2007, and November 15, 2007.  All the barrels were aged in Warehouses G and J at the Brown-Forman Distillery.

Industry News

Bardstown Bourbon doubles capacity with distillery expansion

Bardstown Bourbon announces the completion of its most significant expansion to date, which pushes the organization’s capacity to more than 18 million proof gallons while focusing on conserving natural resources.

New Brand Releases

Uncle Nearest launches Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey

Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey was created with inclusivity and versatility in mind—an everyday bourbon that bars and restaurants can confidently pour as their first choice for cocktails or when reaching for a bottle to satisfy any call for bourbon.

Paid-members only

BITB Club

Replay: BITB Live Tasting #10

This month's super-sized tasting kits included seven samples providing a fantastic range of expressions, including budget-friendly bottles and pricier, hard-to-find new releases.

New Brand Releases

Penelope Bourbon introduces premium 2024 Estate Collection

The exceptional craftsmanship of the Penelope Estate Collection demonstrates the brand’s commitment to offering a portfolio of high-quality aged products sought out by aficionados, and hand-crafted in limited allocations by Penelope’s signature standards.

Industry News

Wyoming Whiskey names Brendan Cook as new Master Blender

Cook’s leadership is poised to elevate Wyoming Whiskey in the category, strengthening the brand’s commitment to crafting exceptional spirits that are a true expression of Wyoming’s rugged and pristine landscape.

Industry News

Wes Henderson launches new portfolio of premium American whiskey: True Story

Wes Henderson is joined at True Story by his six sons, continuing the legacy of his father, Lincoln Henderson, who was responsible for creating some of America’s most beloved spirits.

Industry News

Buffalo Trace offers Master Distiller "Day in the Life" Opportunity

“If you are a bourbon enthusiast, now is your chance to become an honorary member of the Buffalo Trace Distillery team during this rare opportunity,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley.

Bottle of the Day

BOTD Spotlight: J. Mattingly 1845 Classic Bourbon

What sets this bourbon apart is its double-stave aging process, where the spirit is finished in a secondary barrel with additional staves, adding layers of complexity and character.

Bottle of the Day

BOTD Spotlight: Breckenridge Distillers High Proof Bourbon

Breckenridge Distillers High Proof Bourbon is an elevated version of their classic bourbon, boasting a higher proof that amplifies its already complex flavors.

Bottle of the Day

BOTD Spotlight: Hugh Hamer Double Oaked Bourbon

What makes this bourbon stand out is its unique double-oaking process. After aging in new American oak barrels, the bourbon is transferred to another barrel for a second round of aging, resulting in an intensified flavor profile.

Bottle of the Day

BOTD Spotlight: Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon

Charles Goodnight Bourbon isn’t just a whiskey—it’s a tribute to Texas history. With roots in the Lone Star State, this bourbon brings bold flavors and a touch of the wild frontier to your glass.

Bottle of the Day

BOTD Spotlight: Milam & Greene Bottled In Bond Straight Bourbon

Milam & Greene is renowned for creating premium bourbons, and their Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon is no exception.