Banter

The Great Bourbon Hunt of 2016

It’s Bourbon Heritage Month and my favorite time of the year with fall releases right around the corner. Hunting is a little less enjoyable these days since most of the good stuff never reaches the store shelves. But I am pretty stubborn and enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

Book Reviews

Bourbon: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of an American Whiskey Book Review

Fred Minnick truly needs no introduction, but he deserves one anyway. He is a bestselling whiskey author, a judge for the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and World Whiskies Awards, a bourbon ambassador for the Kentucky Derby Museum, a contributor to Whisky Advocate...

Banter

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.

On The Road

You need to meet… Ryan Geller at Basecamp Wine and Spirits

“In the mountains (of Colorado), things tend to run a little behind the times,” said Ryan Geller, co-owner of Frisco’s Basecamp Wine & Spirits, which opened its doors on Christmas Eve 2014.

Banter

Welcome to Bourbon Heritage Month 2016

Welcome to Bourbon Heritage Month – the best month of the year. We’re glad you’re here to help us celebrate with 30 days of bourbon, banter, and giveaways. That’s right friends – giveaways.

Cocktails

Celebrating National Whiskey Sour Day

With summer temperatures continuing to soar past the 100-degree mark (at least here in Washington, DC), I find myself of the mindset that summer may actually never end.

Heads & Tails

Heads & Tails: The Dead Tired Edition

Welcome to this week’s installment of Heads & Tails – The Dead Tired Edition. Why ‘The Dead Tired’ edition? Because that’s what I am. I’m worn out.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Blanton’s Gold Bourbon Review

Blanton’s Gold is a higher-proofed version of Blanton’s that is only available in International markets and duty-free outlets (if you are lucky). Blanton’s is my favorite higher-end bourbon and my standard when trying something new.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Wheat Bourbon Review

During our recent tour of the A. Smith Bowman Distillery, our guide, Ralph, mentioned that the distillery would be releasing their next limited edition soon. The Bowman Distillery does a limited edition release periodically.

Banter

What’s Wrong with My Whiskey?

I love opening new bottles. There’s something almost romantic about it, it is something about that first sip. It is especially exciting when you’re opening a bottle of something special your friends have been yammering about, but you’ve never tried.

Book Reviews

Dead Distillers: A History of Upstarts and Distillers Who Made American Spirits

Dead Distillers, Colin Spoelman and David Haskell’s follow up to 2013’s The Guide to Urban Moonshining, is a truly unique walk through the history of whiskey- in many cases a walk through actual cemeteries!

Banter

Bourbon FoMO – Fear of Missing Out

I’ve heard a fairly common theme amongst bourbon enthusiasts lately. “I have to grab everything I can because there is far more demand than there are good bottles available.”

Bourbon News

Will Wild Turkey’s Celebrity Marketing Be More Than Skin Deep?

Last week Wild Turkey stunned the world’s bourbon drinking population by announcing that they had hired Matthew McConaughey as the brand’s new Creative Director. (Yep, you read that right – Creative Director, not a celebrity spokesperson.)

On The Road

A Visit with Tenn South Distillery

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

Heads & Tails

Heads & Tails: The Alright Alright Alright Edition

Welcome to this week’s installment of Heads & Tails – the Alright Alright Alright Edition. We’ve had one hell of a week here at B&B HQ. So we’re pretty damn excited that it’s Friday and that the weekend is only a matter of hours away.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Angel’s Envy – #Bourbonjourney Review #2

Welcome back to the next stop on our ongoing #bourbonjourney, where today we’ll be taking a second look at the port wine finished bourbon, Angels Envy. During the last week of each month, I pour a dram from the same bottle of Angels Envy and present my thoughts here.

Rum Reviews

Bayou Select Rum Review

As the resident bourbon historian here at Bourbon & Banter, I have a shocking secret to admit: I have a love affair with American rum. When people think of spirits that defined our nation, it’s almost always bourbon and rye whiskey.

Gear

Whiskey Elements Review

You’re in the mood for whiskey, but you’re on a budget. You could take Jeffrey’s advice and respect the bottom shelf; there are certainly some great options for budget boozing.

American Whiskey Reviews

High West Campfire Whiskey Review

If you’re anything like me, you enjoy a wide variety of whiskeys. You might favor a particular style, but you occasionally dip your tastebuds in other styles. Personally, I prefer bourbon, especially those with a higher rye content; that probably explains why I love a good rye whiskey as well.

Heads & Tails

Heads & Tails: It’s About Time It’s Friday Edition

Welcome to this week’s installment of Heads & Tails – the It’s About Time It’s Friday Edition. We’ve had one hell of a week here at B&B HQ. So we’re pretty damn excited that it’s Friday and that the weekend is only a matter of hours away.

Distilleries

Visiting Jack Daniel’s with Fairmont Hotels

In November 2015 Fairmont Hotels did a global relaunch of their cocktail program called Classics. Perfected. The menus were curated by 5 of Fairmont’s top talents or “Tastemakers.”

Scotch Whisky Reviews

Celebrating National Scotch Day with Syndicate 58/6

For those of you active on social media, I’m sure you’ve come to notice that just about every other day is someone’s “Special Day.” Whatever your interest may be, there has likely been a day set aside to not only acknowledge your interest but to celebrate and share your joy with others.

Drink Reviews

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.

Banter

A Private Barrel Selection in a Control State?!

I like private barrel bourbon selections. Some of the best bourbons I have tasted have been private barrel selections. I have found these in restaurants that we have been in during our travels.

Food

Bubba’s Honey Sting Wings with CC’s Honey Fire BBQ Sauce

The inspiration for this recipe came from my most recent trip to Kentucky where I attended this year’s Kentucky Bourbon Affair. One of this year’s evening events was a dinner with the Russell’s. What a fantastic evening where I was able to spend time with Jimmy, his wife Joretta.