Rye Whiskey Reviews

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel 2020 Barrel Proof Rye Review

I’ve long been a fan of Jack’s Single Barrel, Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey, as I think it’s the best readily available American whiskey on the market. I said READILY AVAILABLE, calm down whiskey police.

Banter

Is Bourbon Broken? Part 4 – A Final Argument

I think that one final argument that can be made as to why bourbon is broken, is that consumers keep paying ridiculous prices at retail stores for bottles of extremely young or sourced bourbon from a myriad of new brands.

Podcast

Cease & Desist – Bourbon Podcast #13

The 13th episode of the Bourbon & Banter podcast – Cease & Desist – is now available for your listening (and drinking) pleasure. Sit back, grab a pour, and join us in celebrating a whirlwind of breaking news and one-of-a-kind reporting that you only get from Bourbon & Banter.

Banter

Is Bourbon Broken? Part 3 – The Distribution & Retail Problem

Another large reason that bourbon can be viewed as broken is the three-tier distribution system in this country. Unfortunately, we can’t do too much about the system. It is what it is. By law, the distillers have to sell to the distributors.

Podcast

Bourbon & Banter & Barrels…Oh My! – Bourbon Podcast Special Edition

Bourbon & Banter is proud to share a very special episode of the Bourbon & Banter podcast, an on-site recap of our recent Kentucky barrel picking trip. Join Pops, Erin, Brent, and Jim as they detail two magnificent days filled with bourbon and good times.

Banter

Is Bourbon Broken? Part 2 – The Secondary Problem

If you really have to have that bottle, you’re forced to buy it on the secondary market. That is when you are at the mercy of the hype train. People are paying 4-8x retail for $30 bottles? Are you kidding me? That’s insane to me.

Industry News

SAP56 Canadian Maple Whisky Honors Maker’s Heritage and Taste Memories

SAP56 references the 56 days required to harvest and process pure maple sap into a Grade A syrup. (I repeat myself: syrup making is work! Think about that the next time you wince at paying high prices for a bottle of such deliciousness.)

Banter

Is Bourbon Broken? Part 1 – The Consumer Problem

I’ve been into bourbon for about 25 years now. It started with drinking Woodford Reserve on the rocks. Now I pretty much only drink it neat. The only real exception to this is if it’s a hot day and I’m relaxing by a pool, then I probably have a Kentucky Mule.

Irish Whiskey Reviews

The Dublin Liberties Copper Alley Review

You may have read my review of the 5-year offering from The Dublin Liberties, Oak Devil, and seen that I did not recommend it very highly (mostly as a result of it being overpriced for what it is). I don’t believe that to be the case here with Copper Alley. Read on to see why!

Irish Whiskey Reviews

The Dublin Liberties Oak Devil Review

I really enjoy Irish Whiskey and put them into roughly two categories where value is concerned. One of them is the cheaper, for mixing and the other is complex for sipping.

Japanese Whisky Reviews

Kamiki Japanese Cedar Cask Finished Whisky

This whisky has an interesting story, going through a secondary aging in Japanese cedar, honoring the Omiwa Shrine at the food of Mount Miwa. The name means God Breath, inspired by the breezes coming from the Mountain of the God.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Chicken Cock 15 Year Old Barrel Proof Bourbon Review

This is a swell whiskey. It’s balanced, bold—even muscular—and pretty much what a properly aged 15-year-old bourbon should taste like. Some sourced whiskey shows the talent or luck of the barrel hunter, so let’s call Grain & Barrel Spirits’ master distiller Gregg Snyder talented.

Podcast

How Much Is That Tube In The Window? – Bourbon Podcast #12

The 12th episode of the Bourbon & Banter podcast – How Much Is That Tube In The Window? – is now available for your listening (and drinking) pleasure. Sit back, grab a pour, and join us in celebrating a year of the most honest podcast in bourbon.

Bourbon News

Maker’s Mark Unveils 2021 Limited Edition Wood Finishing Series Bourbons

Maker’s Mark® today announced the latest entry in the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series with the launch of the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2021 Limited Release: FAE-01.

Cocktails

Introducing the “It’s 5 O’Clock Here” Cocktail Video Series

One evening in late March, I made my partner a Manhattan and myself an Old Fashioned and for whatever reason, I decided to film it and post it on Instagram. The reception was better than I expected, so I filmed step-by-step recipes and educational mixology sessions with some frequency.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

KO Distiller’s Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

This was a pleasant surprise. I have had the opportunity to try a number of KO Distilling whiskies including their Cask Strength Offerings at 120 proof and at least 3 years in age. I found them very hot and a good bit of youth showing through. The Distiller’s Reserve is a different story, however.

Blended Whiskey Reviews

Old Wm. Tarr Manchester Reserve Review

The nose says, “Whiskey;” the palate says, “Bourbon;” the finish says, “Rye.” I like whiskeys that take you on a journey from the nose to the finish. As a blend, Manchester Reserve takes you on less of a journey and more around some sharp turns.

Japanese Whisky Reviews

Umiki Japanese Whisky Review

I can’t say I was really looking forward to this whisky, so I was surprised to find how much I really like it. It drinks a bit hotter than it’s 92 proof, but just a drop of water affects that nicely.

Banter

Woodford Reserve’s “200 Flavors” Claim Challenged, Recount Underway

Woodford Reserve’s “200 Flavors” Claim Challenged, Recount Underway In what sounds like incredibly ironic timing, Brown Forman is being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission for its claim that there are more than 200 flavors to be discovered in a bottle of Woodford Reserve.

Scotch Whisky Reviews

BenRiach The Original Twelve Review

I’ve had a hard time remembering a time when my tasting notes differed so widely from the brand’s own for a bottle I actually liked (usually when the difference is this great, it’s a dumpster fire).

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review

Despite the inviting nose—which revealed layer after incredible layer of aromas the longer it rested—whiskey is for drinking, and that effort ended the fun for me. I get that others like some of these extra-long-aged bourbons; in fact, I appreciate it.

Scotch Whisky Reviews

Benriach The Smoky Twelve Review

If you’re reading this, you’ve most likely seen this bottle in the #3 spot of the Whisky Advocate Top 20 Whiskies of 2020 list and have come to Bourbon & Banter as your one-stop-shop for some honest feedback. Here’s what I’ll tell you:

Banter

It’s Not The Destination But The (#DrinkCurious) Journey

On February 7th, it will be five years since my first article appeared in Bourbon & Banter. And on February 9th I will be 68 years old. Quite the journey so far.

Scotch Whisky Reviews

Benriach The Smoky Ten Review

With all the press that The Smoky Twelve has been getting recently, I was anxious to find out if The Smoky Ten (which comes in 10 dollars cheaper) is as solid an offering from Benriach. If you’re making a lists of ‘Best Value Whiskies of 2020’ this deserves on a spot on it.

Banter

Is This Whiskey Worth This Price?

We’re at the point in the whiskey boom where everyone not asking these types of questions are successful chemists. Conveniently, they’ve also obtained degrees in immunology and constitutional law. A handful has even successfully schooled TTB agents on how to do their jobs.