Proof of Life: Fourteen Years of Pour Decisions
Welcome to another edition of Proof of Life—brought to you this week by bourbon, honey, lemon, and whatever miracle is hiding in a hot toddy. I’ve been a bit under the weather, but I still managed to pull this one together with more punch than your Aunt Edna’s Wisconsin Old Fashioned (you know the one—with muddled sadness and a splash of regret).
This week, we’re raising a glass to 14 years of Bourbon & Banter, catching up on the barrel market rollercoaster, and rolling out a new commentary feature I’m calling 🥃📋 SIP REP: The Chief Drinking Officer’s unfiltered take on whatever just hit the inbox, the rickhouse, or the fan. Consider this your weekly reality check—neat, no chaser.
Also on deck:
- Booker’s honors a Beam legend with “Barry’s Batch”
- Amburana is back (sigh)
- Copper & Cask drops a 145.2-proof beast
- West Fork drops a 99% corn bomb
- The WHO goes full buzzkill on booze
- And The Last Drop drops five-figure bottles for folks who collect whiskey like NFTs
Toss in a few blind tastings, some barrel chatter, and the usual industry nonsense, and we’ve got ourselves a newsletter. Let’s get into it.
14 Years of Bourbon & Banter—and Still No Bullshit 🥃
Six weeks ago, I quietly celebrated Bourbon & Banter’s 14th anniversary.
Technically, it’s the anniversary of the day I hit “publish” on our first blog post: Welcome Fellow Bourbon Lovers. What started even earlier as a humble Facebook page tied to an after-work "Bourbon Club" has turned into something I never saw coming.
I kept the celebration quiet at the time—I was on a cruise with my wife and honestly wasn’t in the headspace to turn it into a big social media moment. But now, with a little distance (and a little bourbon), I want to take a minute to say thank you.
When I launched this site, there was no plan. No brand strategy. Just a desire to connect with other bourbon lovers. The fact that it’s grown into a thriving community—and a platform with real influence—is one hell of a surprise. And I wouldn’t trade a moment of it.
Along the way, I’ve made deep connections with industry folks, met some of the most passionate drinkers on the planet, and—most importantly—built lifelong friendships with the incredible contributors who’ve helped shape Bourbon & Banter’s voice.
That voice? It’s honest, bold, funny, and rooted in integrity. No fluff. No hype. No bullshit.
Just real people talking about real whiskey—and having a damn good time doing it.
To every contributor who’s lent their time, talent, and taste buds to this site over the years: I am endlessly grateful. You’ve made B&B what it is.
If you’ve ever laughed, learned, or raised a glass because of something they wrote, do me a favor—drop them a comment on your favorite post. Let ‘em know you’re out there.
Thanks for being part of the ride. Here’s to the next pour, the next post, and many more milestones together.
~ Pops
Barrel Market Update: New Fill Drops, Aged Stock Heats Up
Following up on our last note about falling barrel prices—things just got even more interesting. As of Q2 2025, new fill bulk bourbon barrels are nearing 10-year lows, with prices down a massive ~85% from two years ago. That spike? Blame oak shortages, grain inflation, and a clogged supply chain. Now that distilling capacity has caught up, the pendulum has swung hard in the buyer’s favor.