I had the pleasure of attending the Bourbon Mixer in Louisville on August 15th, and I have to say, the Whisky Chicks and Bourbon Brotherhood know how to throw a fantastic event! Annually, these two groups combine to host a bourbon-fueled shindig benefitting different charities each year. This year, the entire event supported Best Buddies Kentucky, a nonprofit that is “dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” So, not only did guests get to gussy up and drink fantastic bourbon and cocktails, …
What I Learned From Dinner With Jim Rutledge
Last week Bourbon & Banter had the honor of hosting a Four Roses bourbon tasting dinner with Jim Rutledge as our guest of honor. Before his arrival at dinner, I was like a child at Christmas–eagerly awaiting Santa Claus to come down the chimney. I had met Jim on several occasions, but couldn’t help but be excited that he was coming to St. Louis to spend some time with the local Bourbon & Banter community. There was no doubt in my mind it was going to be an amazing evening. Upon arrival guests were treated to one of Juniper’s signature cocktails, a …
What I Did Right at WhiskyFest Chicago
Well I have survived. Thank to Pops and everyone else who were praying for me to make it back relatively unscathed and with a few stories to tell. After failing miserably at my first whiskey festival I learned a few things that I applied this year, and I think I can say that the weekend was a success. Here are some of the top things that helped me make the most of my experience at WhiskyFest Chicago. 1. I downloaded the app: One of the promotional emails I received prior to the event suggested I download the WhiskyFest app prior to …
Four Roses Bourbon Tasting Dinner
Who wants to have dinner and drinks with Four Roses’ Master Distiller Jim Rutledge? Bourbon & Banter is pleased to announce that Jim Rutledge will be joining us on May 6th to host a Four Roses bourbon dinner and tasting at Copia Restaurant & Wine Bar in St. Louis, MO. Four Roses has won American Whisky Distiller of the Year honors from Whisky Magazine 4 of the last 5 years for good reason. Much of that success is due to the passion, expertise and dedication of their Master Distiller, Jim Rutledge. Here’s a short bio lifted directly from Four Roses’ …
What to Try at WhiskyFest Chicago 2015
I am very excited to be attending my first WhiskyFest Chicago this coming weekend, April 10th. Over 350 whiskeys, nine seminars, a chance to talk with the distillers and blenders who make your favorite whiskeys, and only four hours to do it all. With those kinds of opportunities and that little time I am going to need a plan. After all, I don’t want to repeat the mistakes of my first whiskey festival. Here is my list of whiskeys not to miss trying. I have only included things that will be available for the whole night, not just VIP hour. …
Want To Attend A Mystery Bourbon Launch Party?
There’s a new bourbon coming to town folks. While I’m not at liberty to spill the details quite yet, I am able to offer a few lucky Bourbon & Banter readers with an opportunity to attend the brand’s soft launch party in St. Louis on March 18th, 6 pm at the Gamlin Whiskey House. If you’re able to be in St. Louis on March 18th and would like to attend as our guest, please use the link below to throw your name in the hat. We’ll pick a few folks this weekend to attend. Since this is a soft …
Bourbon Classic 2015 Recap
Disclaimer: I was invited to attend the Bourbon Classic at no cost to write about it for Bourbon and Banter but I paid for my own hotel, food, and travel costs while there and this review reflects my honest opinion on the event. Thank you. The 3rd annual Bourbon Classic took place February 20th and 21st and I was lucky enough to be a part of it. Once again this was an extremely entertaining event, attended by bourbon lovers of all kinds; the people who make, people who sell it, people who write about it, people who study it. And of …
San Antonio Cocktail Conference 2015 Recap
Bourbon & Banter was very graciously invited back by the folks at the San Antonio Cocktail Conference to attend their spectacular event that focuses on all of the great booze and food across the country and in the city of San Antonio. It is an event filled with opportunities to learn about liquor, its history, cocktail making, food pairings, and what is new and hot in the industry. Classroom sessions (always taught alongside a few choice cocktails) are complemented by blow-out bashes that feature live bands and world-class cocktails set amongst the historic backdrop of downtown San Antonio. Not only …
Bourbon Events – February 2015
Looking for something to do in February related to bourbon? At the end of each month we’ll be posting a summary of what’s coming up the following month so you can begin planning your next bourbon adventure. But don’t be shy. You can come back anytime and visit the Bourbon Events calendar page to make sure you don’t miss a thing. We’ve just started asking folks to share their events with us so don’t worry if there’s only a few things listed this month–the list will grow. [ai1ec view=”posterboard” ai1ec exact_date=”2-1-2015″]