Book Reviews

Bourbon Justice Book Review

It’s also a dusty hunter’s dream. I finally learned the origins of some pre-prohibition whiskeys I’ve tried, including Old Jordan (found in a 3-gallon glass carboy in a pharmacist’s office!), as well as a bottle from The American Medicinal Spirits Corporation.

On The Road

A Visit to New Riff Distilling

I’ve been traveling across the country for the past three weeks visiting distilleries both large and small. Today I’m excited to share with you details of our trip to New Riff Distilling.

Rye Whiskey Reviews

WhistlePig The Boss Hog V: The Spirit of Mauve Review

The outlay for a $500 bottle is a big investment for something you might not love. My favorite way to try these kinds of bottles is to split it with 4-5 friends. That way, we each get 3-4 drinks for the price of a shot at the bar. If that is not an option, I recommend trying it at a bar.

American Whiskey Reviews

Fifty Stone Single Malt Whiskey Review

This whiskey contains considerably more peat and iodine taste than I would expect from an American Whiskey, but if these Mainiacs are your style, you're going to be real glad they're doing what they're doing!

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Old Forester 2018 Birthday Bourbon Review

I’m a fan of about every Fo’ on the shelf, but I was not quick to like this bottle. When first opened, my press sample was sharp, edgy, not inviting. I gave it time in the glass—a 45-minute rest, in fact—but it wouldn’t come to heel. I let it sit a week or so and revisited it.

Brandy Reviews

Introducing Habondia Peach Brandy

Habondia Peach Brandy is aged for six months in a white wine barrel, then for thirty months in a used, medium-toasted Missouri white oak barrel, for three years aging. As with the fresh ginger used for The Big O, the fresh peaches used are hand-chopped on-site at the distillery.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 Review

I’m going to start this off by saying I’m a sucker for Elijah Craig. This doesn’t mean that any of the various expressions get a free pass from me, rather, it means when I see a new incarnation, I get excited and will buy a bottle untasted.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival

I received a bottle of the Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Decades Bourbon this past Christmas and thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so that I have already finished it. When the Wild Turkey Revival became available, I purchased it almost immediately.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

We’ve all been there. You have a few friends who pick up a pricey bottle, they tell you what a great whiskey is inside and that you have to get a bottle of your own.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

StilL 630 Experimental Collection Release #13, #14 and #15

This past July, StilL 630 began the second year of their 5-year Experimental Collection journey. After a successful first year chronicling their monthly releases, we decided to take a different approach this year.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

New Riff Bourbon Review

New Riff put out an MGP bourbon for a while called OKI, which was aged from 8-12 years, and it was really good. Their product at four years shows a lot of promise as it ages. I’m looking forward to it when it’s 8 years old or older.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Litchfield Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

I know the first question many of you have is, “Is this MGP?” The answer is a definitive, “No.” Litchfield does not source its whiskey. They obtain their corn, rye, and barley from local farmers to create their own mash and distillate.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

2018 Parker’s Heritage Collection Review

Where do I begin in providing my overall view of this bourbon? First, let me say that I enjoyed the nose on this one. The candied orange and fruit were inviting on their own, but the presence of buttery caramel notes really sold me on the nose.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Four Roses 130th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch

This might just be Brent Elliott’s best release since taking over as Master Distiller at Four Roses. It’s a great sign of what he’s capable of and gets me excited to see what he does next. Is it better than the Al Young commemorative release?

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Wyoming Whiskey Private Stock Barrel #1537 Review

I’m fortunate I had a full bottle of this to review, so I could take a little extra time and enjoy multiple pours over the course of a few weeks. The more time I spent with it, the more I enjoyed it as it has a unique nose and flavor profile that I don’t find often.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Russell’s Reserve 2002 Review

I still feel that blind tasting is the best way to evaluate a whiskey, though my convictions are softening on that stance.

Banter

Join Us for the 2018 #30DaysOfBourbon Challenge

Four years ago I started a little something to celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month. You see, I wanted to go to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. The problem was that life happens, and I couldn’t make it work out.

On The Road

Get To Know: Sour Mash Tours

It’s no secret that many fans of bourbon flock to Kentucky annually to have an experience on the Bourbon Trail™. And while those outings are almost certainly rites of passage for visitors to the Bluegrass state, there are many new and cool options to check out as well.

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.