our story

It all started back in 2011 with one simple goal – to spread the Bourbon Gospel. And for the past several years we’ve had a hell of a time doing it. Through our shared love of America’s native spirit we’ve met new people, swapped stories and even starred in few of our own.

But, along the way, we realized we had stumbled into something far more interesting, and frankly more fulfilling, than whatever was in our glass at the time. A remarkable kinship – born in bourbon, but cemented through genuine curiosity for the world of liquor and the resulting unfiltered conversations we call banter. It’s a big reason we’re here today and the soul of what we’re planning for tomorrow.

We’ve got our sights on going beyond spreading the Bourbon Gospel. We’re looking to unite a band of curious drinkers, original thinkers and just downright candid folks over intoxicating conversation. In renewing our commitment to unpretentious booze reviews, approachable content, and honest barstool talk, we’re creating a community fueled by personal passion and opinion unlike any other.

With a colorful cast of characters – from professional palates and cocktail connoisseurs to casual drinkers and bottom-shelf dwellers – our opinions may be varied but our mission singular: to help you drink curious. Please, pull up a chair and let the banter begin.

Our Team

Patrick “Pops” Garrett
Founder
Read Full Bio

Chief Bourbon Drinker & Editor

Born in the shadows of the legendary Anheuser-Busch Brewery to parents that rarely drank, Patrick grew up observing drinking culture from the sidelines. He moved to Japan after high school and spent several of his formative adult years immersed in the infamous Japanese drinking culture. After successfully mastering the Japanese art of drink (or survived if you will), Patrick returned to life in the US and still had no clue what bourbon was all about. It was only after he was married and raising his children did he discover his love for bourbon. Upon finding his beverage soulmate Patrick set about finding others that shared his passion for America’s Native Spirit and started BourbonBanter.com. As our Chief Bourbon Drinker (CBD), Patrick is responsible for charting the course of Bourbon & Banter while we pursue our goal of spreading the bourbon gospel across the globe. Should you ever encounter him in a social situation make sure to introduce yourself. You’re sure to find yourself engaged with quality banter and a free glass of bourbon.

Sr. Contributors

Contributors

 
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Contributors At Large

(former regular contributors currently roaming the earth while drinking)

  • Ginny Tonic
    GinnyTonicCincy

  • Melissa Alexander
    AGlassofHIstory

  • Lindsey Wehking
    Lindsey_Wehking

  • Gerald Dlubala
    gldlubala

Want to contribute to Bourbon & Banter?

We’re always open to meeting talented writers and graphic designers who share our love of bourbon, whiskey, booze, and banter. If you have a passion for all these things and would like to contribute to Bourbon & Banter, please send a sample of your writing (bourbon related) or graphic design samples along with your social media credentials to editor@bourbonbanter.com. If we like what we see we’ll get back in touch with you to discuss potential opportunities for you to become part of the Bourbon & Banter contributor community.