Scotch Whisky Reviews

Bruichladdich, Octomore, Masterclass 08.2 Review

“This whisky isn’t the oldest in my collection,” he said, handing another dram to Bob and then taking one for himself. “But just like you, young lady, age isn’t necessarily a qualifier.” The compliment made her smile.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Noah’s Mill Bourbon Review

Willett distills its own whiskeys but also sources others. This is sourced from other distilleries in Kentucky, the mash bill is not disclosed, and the age statement that was once on it was removed (it used to be a 15 year old whiskey).

Glassware Reviews

Aged & Ore’s Duo Glass Review

A bit over two years ago, when I was brand new to Bourbon & Banter, I wrote an article called Glassware 101: Choose the Best Glass to Enjoy Your Bourbon. The purpose was to demonstrate just how important glassware is in the entire whiskey experience.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Heaven Hill 27-Year-Old Barrel Proof Bourbon Review

If you’ve been reading my reviews for a while, it won’t be a surprise when I tell you that I’m not a fan of bourbons with a massive oak profile. So when my sample of Heaven Hill 27-Year-Old Barrel Proof Bourbon arrived, I was a little hesitant to dive in and sample it.

Gin Reviews

Loch & Union American Dry Gin Review

I am very much a gin enthusiast, with multiple selections in my bunker. I sampled the Loch & Union in a Glen Cairn glass neat, with a drop of water and with ice. I prefer it full strength since the lightness of flavor comes out best on its own.

Banter

It’s coming…are you ready?

We’re just 30 days out from the best damn month of the year – Bourbon Heritage Month. Are you ready to join us for a month-long celebration of America’s native spirit?

Scotch Whisky Reviews

Highland Park Magnus Review

It’s not the most robust Highland Park I’ve ever tried, but certainly presents a reasonable entry point to begin exploring the line. While they state that a ‘high proportion’ of first-fill Sherry seasoned American oak casks are used in the maturation, for my preferences, they didn’t use enough.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

The President’s Choice Bourbon Review

This is a great starter bourbon with something to keep you coming back for more. Not quite the sweet spot of flavors that I gravitate towards but a good one to get started or to enjoy on a hot summer day with friends.

On The Road

The American Prohibition Museum

“Alcohol is Poison.” That is the first thing you see as you enter the American Prohibition Museum. Up the stairs and you begin a fascinating and informative journey into “one of the most controversial and influential time periods in American history…”

Industry News

Introducing Rising Tide Spirits with Ed Bley

In today’s Bourbon landscape, where certain private barrel picks are coveted more than major limited edition releases, Ed Bley stands atop the mountain. He’s selected more than 200 individual whiskey barrels for a single store in just under 4 years’ time.

Tequila Reviews

El Mayor Tequila Reviews

Handcrafted with tradition by the Gonzalez Family, one of Mexico’s most respected makers of tequila, the El Mayor Tequila is made from premium 100% Weber Blue agave grown in the rocky soil of Jalisco.

On The Road

Whitmeyer’s Distilling Company

When the topic of Texas bourbons comes up in conversation, they are often met with a lot of skepticism. Unfortunately there are some Texas brands out there that have reinforced that skepticism, and Kentucky distillers have gone to great lengths to market Kentucky as the only place to make bourbon.

Scotch Whisky Reviews

Johnnie Walker Green Label Whisky Review

I was ecstatic when Johnnie Walker Green returned to shelves. Read on to see how I feel this new bottling compares to my, admittedly romanticized, memories.

American Whiskey Reviews

Woodford Reserve Malt Whiskey Review

This bottle was a present to me from my cousin, for a favor I did for him in college, over 46 years ago. I truly did not remember it (even when he told me) but I was glad to receive the bottle. I’m have not been a big Woodford Bourbon fan in the past but find myself enjoying it more recently. When I

Banter

From Coke to Cask Strength – Part Two

As with most people who visit the bourbon trail, they have a personal connection to certain distilleries and the people who work there. For Kevin, that indeed was the case & it helped shepherd him along at a remarkable pace regarding what his palate enjoyed.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Belle Meade Bourbon Craftsman Cask Collection: Honey Cask Finish Review

Just as they did with the Mourvèdre wine cask finish I reviewed this year, the Nelson brothers’ knack for cask finishing is proven again in this release.

Bars

Milk Room – A Chicago Micro Speakeasy

“Hmmm, where is this place?” My wife, Patti and I are standing in the lobby of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel looking for the Milk Room, the bar which we have reservations at 5PM. We are a little early but the only directions we have is it is on the second floor.

Banter

From Coke to Cask Strength – Part One

My only experience is bourbon & Coke.” That was the answer when I asked Kevin, who purchased a VIP trip to the Bourbon Trail, what he typically drank. My organization (Jazz St. Louis) auctioned off a trip to the trail, guided by yours truly, as a fundraising item.

Flavored Whiskey Reviews

George Dickel Tabasco Brand Barrel Finish Whisky* Review

If you’re looking for a rich, complex whiskey to sip from your Glencairn, this is not it. If you approach this as the novelty product it is, you’ll be less disappointed.

American Whiskey Reviews

StilL 630 Experimental Collection Release #12

This review of StiLl 630’s X-12 marks the completion of the first 12-months of their Experimental Collection release series. What a year it’s been. Only fitting that we mark this occasion with a review of a whiskey style that is making its debut at StiLl 630 – a wheat whiskey.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

King of Kentucky Bourbon Review

Sipped at proof, The King of Kentucky is a fierce ruler of the palate. Born of the Early Times whiskey mashbill, it packs a punch that’s amplified by aging 7 of its 14 years in a heat-cycled warehouse. I prefer high-proof whiskeys, yet at full strength, The King subdued me.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

StilL 630 Experimental Collection Release #11

Today we’re taking a closer look at StilL 630’s Experimental Collection Release #11. The X-11 is a high rye bourbon mash bill with a twist. Instead of using only one type of malted barley, it contains four different varieties – three of which are smoked.

Rye Whiskey Reviews

Rossville Union Rye Whiskey Review

With this release, I continue to be happy with MGP’s foray into releasing their own brands. None of them will be winning whiskey of the year accolades, but they’re all solid expressions of what MGP has been doing well for decades.

Irish Whiskey Reviews

Kilbeggan Single Grain Irish Whiskey Review

The whiskey world has similar categories. There are some whiskies that choose to reside in the training levels. There are others existing in more competitive realms. There are, of course, the elite few that sit atop the highest shelves of whiskey spectacle.

Banter

How to Celebrate National Bourbon Day 2018

Happy National Bourbon Day 2018! We hope your day is off to a great start and that you started your day with a nice shot of America’s native spirit while enjoying scanning the morning’s news headlines.