Book Reviews

Booze and Vinyl Book Review

Ok, so a little tease using our bourbon review format but what is this book all about? It’s a fun way to approach pairing cocktails and music. It takes things a little over the top but if you are going to throw a listening party I think this offers a nice blueprint to follow.

Rye Whiskey Reviews

Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye Review

Michter’s master distiller Pam Heilmann calls this, “my favorite Michter’s whiskey.” She’s a real and regular whiskey lady, so it was believable high praise when she said that to me—unsolicited and on multiple occasions—which put me on the hunt for it. Did I mention kicking myself for not buying all

Rum Reviews

StilL 630 Experimental Collection Release #10

We’re only two months away from completing the first year of StiLl 630’s Experimental Collection but first we need to take a look at the X-10. The X-10 is a 21 month old spiced rum bottled at 100 proof. While spiced rums are nothing new to the market, StilL 630’s spiced rum is like nothing you’ve ev

Irish Whiskey Reviews

Glendalough 13-year Mizunara Finish Single Malt Irish Whiskey Review

This whiskey spent 13 years in former bourbon casks before an unspecified finish in Mizunara oak barrels.

Bourbon News

A Sneak Peek of the New Willett Distillery Bar

On May 3rd, Willett held a preview event for the new bar and hospitality space completed above their retail shop and tasting room. The Willett bar has been under construction for a long, long time and with good reason. The Kulsveens seem to be perfecting everything on the property right now. The bar

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

A Honey of a Bourbon: Introducing Belle Meade Bourbon Honey Cask Finish

In a sweet play on the distilling industry’s legendary “honey barrels,” those elusive whiskey casks that have been aged to perfection and are almost mythological within the world of whiskey.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Belle Meade Bourbon Craftsman Cask Collection: Mourvedre Cask Finish Review

I was wowed by the Belle Meade Cognac cask finish bourbon released two years ago, but this exceeds that. When too many distilleries are using cask finishing to cover up flaws in subpar source material, Andy and Charlie Nelson are demonstrating their ample talents for using well-aged liquid.

Industry News

MGP Ingredients Launches Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey

MGP Ingredients is proud to announce the launch of Rossville Union, their first proprietary Rye Whiskey label.

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.