Scotch Whisky Reviews

Islay Storm Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review

Most Single Malt Scotches at this price point are pretty rough. Even my #RespectTheBottomShelf philosophy gives a cautious view of Single Malts from that market. This one will change your mind.

Industry News

The Sazerac Company Launches GreatAgave.com

he Sazerac Company just launched an educational website about all things agave.

Rye Whiskey Reviews

Wollersheim Round Top Rye Review

There’s a plethora of two-year-old Ryes hitting the market, with some commanding amazingly high price tags. As this market gets more crowded, distillers must distinguish themselves from the competition.

American Whiskey Reviews

Sunshine Reserve American Whiskey Review

he notes from the distiller tell us that they bake the barrel staves instead of charring. That explains the Malty flavor and nose. The 4 Grain Mash bill primarily made of Oats also adds a fair amount of sweetness. It was a little too sweet for my taste and underproof.

Industry News

Yellowstone’s Shows Us Your Pioneer Spirit Contest

In addition, the brand has also launched an online contest where consumers are encouraged to show their pioneer spirit for the chance to win a trip to Yellowstone National Park, as well as branded outdoor merchandise.

Cocktails

The Christo Julep Recipe

For the whiskey part, there are about 120,000 mint juleps sold in the two days of the Oaks and Derby, and countless others consumed at Derby parties around the country.

Drinking Accessory Reviews

The Magic Flask Review

The Magic Flask is a stainless steel flask that uses technology related to bioresonance. The flask is specially tuned with electromagnetic waves so that water molecules within liquid placed inside will be qualitatively changed.

Banter

Instagram: Follow • #DrinkCurious • Win Free Stuff

That’s right, we’re going to give away more stuff. We already pick a monthly winner from our email list (sign-up here if you haven’t) and now we’re going to pick a 2nd winner from our Instagram followers who have #DrinkCurious in their profile.

Gear

Top Liquor Apps To Help You Discover a New Swig of Good Bourbon

You think of yourself as a well-educated bourbon appreciator. To say the least, you recognize the local taste and are reluctant to take another’s suggestions with ease. Alcohol preferences are often built in years, and there are rarely fans that share exactly the same bourbon affinity.

Banter

Bourbonomics: Taking Advantage of Human Nature

Mark Twain wrote that Tom Sawyer “had discovered a great law of human action, namely that in order to make a man covet a thing, it is only necessary to make the thing difficult to attain.”

Banter

Introducing Our New Bourbon & Banter Team Members

All of us at Bourbon & Banter are thrilled to welcome our newest round of Guest Contributors. We invite you to learn more about them below and offer them a hearty congratulations for becoming part of our team.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Wild Turkey Longbranch Review

Today, Matthew McConaughey and the legendary Wild Turkey® Distillery are proud to announce the introduction of Wild Turkey Longbranch™, a collaboration between the iconic whiskey brand’s creative director and Master Distiller Eddie Russell. Inspired by McConaughey’s Kentucky and Texas roots, this ra

Tequila Reviews

Tequila Exotico Review

Handcrafted with tradition by the Gonzalez Family, one of Mexico’s most respected makers of tequila, the award-winning Exotico Tequila is made from premium 100% Weber Blue agave grown in the Highlands of Jalisco.

Rye Whiskey Reviews

Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength Rye Whiskey Review

Last summer I had the opportunity to attend a Sagamore Spirit Rye tasting. I like their regular rye offering, but at 83 proof, it is a nice rye but not great. The Cask Strength Rye, however, is excellent. It has finally arrived here in Virginia and I purchased a bottle when I saw it.

Banter

Cognac for Bourbon Drinkers

We all have our favorite drinks. And Bourbon is about as American as pumpkin pie and good ol’ Abe Lincoln. But you know? On occasion, a change is as good as a rest, and you might just fancy a different drink to savor.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Blood Oath Pact 4 Review

I’ve come into this review completely blind. I’ve not had any of the previous Pacts, so I had no preconceived notions. The appearance in the glass is a deep, rich amber. Swirling it around creates a very thin rim, leading to medium legs that drop quickly into the pool.

New Brand Releases

Matthew McConaughey and Eddie Russell Unveil Wild Turkey Longbranch

Today, Matthew McConaughey and the legendary Wild Turkey® Distillery are proud to announce the introduction of Wild Turkey Longbranch™, a collaboration between the iconic whiskey brand’s creative director and Master Distiller Eddie Russell.

Rye Whiskey Reviews

Barrell Rye Batch #2 Review

Five years into Joe Beatrice’s foray into the independent bottling business, his Barrell brand has not taken its foot off the creative pedal.

Banter

Remember When Nobody was Going to Ever Drink Elijah Craig Again?

Do you ever feel worn out? Run down? Past your prime? Have you ever longed for your younger days? Does getting older suck, or is it a great experience?

Cocktails

Rancho Clara Cocktail

There was a time in the distant past when liquor store shelves weren’t crowded with $50 bottles of the latest celebrity-endorsed Blanco tequilas. Heck, during that time there weren’t any celebrity endorsed spirits at all. If a celebrity liked a particular brand, they bought it and enjoyed it.

American Whiskey Reviews

StilL 630 Experimental Collection Release #9

Following quickly on the heels of our review of StilL 630’s X-9, we’re bringing you a review of their Experimental Collection Release X-9. The X-9 is a 16.25 month old cherrywood smoked single malt bottled at 100 proof.

Banter

How To Host A Scotch Tasting

While bourbon was my first love, there is so much other great whisk(e)y out there to explore. If you and your friends are interested in branching out, here are some ideas to hold an introductory scotch tasting!

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Bluebird Distilling Four Grain Bourbon Review

With Pennsylvania’s antiquated liquor laws, I am always on the lookout for a good local bourbon. Many of the distilleries in Pennsylvania are new and finding a quality bourbon can be hard due to the all too strong corn flavor of young craft bourbons.

American Whiskey Reviews

StilL 630 Experimental Collection Release #8

StilL 630’s Experimental Collection Release #8 gets the video review treatment today. The X-8 is a twist on StilL 630’s flagship RallyPoint rye whiskey where the normal 10% malt barley is replaced with chocolate roasted malted barley.

Rye Whiskey Reviews

Michter’s US 1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye Whiskey Review

The ladies were right on this one. By that I mean this: During the first group tasting of this spirit in 2017, Michter’s president Joe Magliocco gave this whiskey a thumbs down, believing the brand’s fans wouldn’t like it. Michter’s master distiller, Pam Heilmann, and its master of maturation, Andre