Get To Know

Erisman eases New Riff into older, bolder whiskies

"These are not delicate little Scotches–and I love delicate little Scotches. But this is fat ass Kentucky-style whiskey."

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.

Bottle of the Day

BOTD Spotlight: Still Austin Cask Strength Bourbon

Still Austin is a relatively new player in the bourbon game, but they’ve quickly made a name for themselves with their dedication to craft and quality.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Old Forester 2024 Birthday Bourbon Review

On the nose, there is every classic Old Forester aroma: a little acetone and banana, citrus peel and deeply charred oak. Juicy Fruit Gum is all over this, as are surprises like a chocolate-coated cream-filled donut, candy bar (nougat and milk chocolate), nutmeg and cocoa powder.

Get To Know

Get to Know: Bryan Smith, master distiller and partner, Hard Truth Distilling Co.

So, I was listening to what’s their plans were … and I asked if I could join them on the project. Sometimes something opens up in front of you, and you see this vision of what it could become, and you want in on it.

Get To Know

Time to Level Up Your Bourbon Hunt with Dan The Bourbon Man!

Imagine this: you’re scrolling your phone, and bam—an email alert notifies you that the allocated bottle you’ve been after has been spotted at a store near you.

Kentucky Bourbon Festival

Shop these single barrel buys at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Sept. 13-15

I was asked to pick a few favorites for Bourbon & Banter readers who will be attending this sold-out event. The list below is not in order of picks liked best, rather it partially reflects the order in which we visited distilleries to taste them.

Bottle

Maker's Mark Cellar Aged Bourbon 2024 Release Review

This bourbon just never runs out of gas. Every sip is a revelation, a new view into a complex whiskey providing countless vistas.

Bottle of the Day

BOTD Spotlight: 10th Mountain Bourbon

10th Mountain Bourbon is more than just a bottle of whiskey—it's inspired by the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division, a legendary alpine military unit.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Bulleit Barrel Strength Bourbon Review

Loads of baking spice, blackberries and cooked stone fruit cruise in on a wave of honey and an undercurrent of oak. It's sturdy but not fire-breathing hot as the nose suggested it would be.

Bottle of the Day

BOTD Spotlight: Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish Bourbon

Breckenridge Distillery is known for pushing boundaries and creating distinctive spirits, and their Rum Cask Finish Bourbon is a perfect example of that spirit of innovation.

Art Eatables

Chocolate & Bourbon: A Match Made in Heaven During Bourbon Heritage Month

Chocolate and bourbon are like old friends who bring out the best in each other. The rich, creamy texture of chocolate melds beautifully with the bold, spicy, and sometimes sweet bourbon notes. When you pair them just right, it's like a symphony of flavors playing on your palate.

New Brand Releases

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Introduces Silver Oak Finish, Discovery 12 In Time for Bourbon Heritage Month

Bardstown Bourbon’s Silver Oak finish is an expert blend of six 9- to 15-year-old bourbons, finished in Silver Oak Cabernet barrels for 17 months. The resulting bourbon offers an exquisite balance of ripe fruit, caramel and roasted nuts.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Mary Dowling Tequila Barrel Finished Bourbon Review

This feather-light whiskey is a malt drinker's bourbon, which, based on conversations I've had with Zamanian, who is a Scotch lover, may well be what he was after.

Bourbon Heritage Month

WELCOME TO BOURBON HERITAGE MONTH

Whether this is your first year celebrating Bourbon Heritage Month or you're a seasoned pro, we're glad to have you drinking with us for the next 30 days. Pour yourself a drink and scroll down to explore what we've got in store for this year's celebration and how you can be a part of it all.

Rye Whiskey Reviews

Michter's 2024 10 Year Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey Review

But that's not as fun as pointing to that classic nose of bubble gum, dried flowers and fruit pastries. The barrel has a say, of course, introducing spice and tannin sotto voce, while letting tropical fruit and bruleed sugar speak a bit louder.

Get To Know

The Happy, Hellish Journey of Starting a Distillery

We have zero plans to build and sell the distillery. We want to own and be a part of it for a very long time.

Tequila Reviews

Suavecito Anejo Tequila Review

Suavecito was created for tequila-curious drinkers who want spirits that are "smooth" and without "the burn."

New Brand Releases

Little Book Announces Inaugural Series: The Infinite

Little Book ‘The Infinite: Edition 1’ will serve as the foundation of the line extension utilizing liquid from generations of the Noe Family through every future release.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Old Forester 117 Series, Rum Finish Review

Outside a faint tropical fruit note, the nose isn't recognizable as Old Forester. I'll be fair: Its aromas are solid: light and floral and slightly candied. Then, it moves to sherried notes like golden raisins, honey and baking spices.

New Brand Releases

Pursuit Spirits Releases New Double Oaked Rye Whiskey

Over 40 different oak experiments were conducted to find a profile that worked in perfect harmony with their Pursuit United Rye.

This Round's Mine

Is Wood All You Got for Uniqueness?

In the past decade, American distillers have turned to unique cooperage to differentiate their whiskeys. In some cases, it’s worked wonderfully, especially when real experts in the management of maturate and blending are pulling the levers.

Cocktails

Happy Whiskey Sour Day!

The foundation of a sour is simple: spirit, sweet, and citrus. A delightful quaff that delivers a little punch from the booze, a little sweet from sugar, and a heavy dose of zest from citrus.