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

Bars

DRY 85 OC – BOURBON AT THE BEACH

Ocean City (OC to us here in the land of pleasant living), located on the eastern shore of Maryland, has always held a special meaning for me. My first trip to the beach was when I was three years old and I have been going there ever since.

Banter

The Embassy Series: Mekhong – Thailand’s Native Spirit

For this month’s installment of my international series, I looked a bit closer to home. Just around the corner from my house sits BKK Cookshop, a restaurant focused on Thai-style street food. This tiny neighborhood kitchen is one of my favorite restaurants in DC.

Gin Reviews

Bols Genever Review

Genever? That’s not the brand name, that’s the actual spirit itself. Now I know, what is this doing in the Gin reviews? Well, Genever is basically the ancestor to all the Gin we know and love today. Still, however, it is not technically Gin.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Stillhouse Black Bourbon Review

I wish I could have been able to taste this blind, because I just can’t seem to get over the fact that it comes in a turpentine can. It definitely stands out on the liquor store shelf, and I get that Stillhouse is trying to “reinvent the idea of what bourbon should be”, but this misses the mark.

Food

Scotch Oysters

Bourbon has become an often-used ingredient in food. In fact, I was interviewed once on what the top five ingredients were that I couldn’t do without, bourbon was one of them.It’s great in main courses, side dishes, desserts and sauces.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Boone County Eighteen 33 Bourbon Review

The Boone County Distilling Co. traces the history of distilling in Boone County Kentucky back to 1833. This is when William Snyder and his brother, began the Petersburg Distillery on the site of their existing flour mill.

Banter

The 4 Bs of Bourbon Photography

We all have our favorite little things that we enjoy about bourbon. Obviously drinking it is number one. For many there is also the thrill of collecting it and the reward of sharing it with friends and family.

Banter

A New Take On Whiskey Pairings

Whiskey pairings are nothing new, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find new and exciting ways to pair your whiskey. The best pairings bring out the essence of what’s in your glass, and better still, bring your experience to a new level.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond Bourbon Review

In the glass, it presents itself as a muted amber, almost caramel in color. Swirling it around leaves a thin rim that generates thicker legs to drop quickly back into the pool of liquid sunshine. The nose is much more complex than you’d expect in a bottom shelf whiskey.

Events

2018 Bourbon Classic Recap

As someone that lives and breathes bourbon, people assume I attend every bourbon-related event held in the beautiful state of Kentucky. I would love to say that’s true but the truth couldn’t be more different.

Banter

NEAT: The Story of Bourbon – A Review

Bourbon, there is nothing more rooted in American history and tradition. Bourbon can span generations, bring people together and make friends out of competitors. “NEAT: The Story of Bourbon” shares the history of bourbon, and also the love and passion of the people who make the spirit unique.

Banter

The Biology of your Buzz

We all have that friend. The one that insists on telling you that they only drink beer because whiskey gets them too drunk. Or, I stick to vodka because tequila makes me crazy.

Irish Whiskey Reviews

The Pogues Irish Whiskey Review

Branded The Original Irish Whiskey of the Legendary Band, what West Cork Distillers have attempted is to capture the spirit of The Pogues in a bottle. Have they succeeded?

Banter

Gordy Hue and the Greatest Bourbon Story You’ve Never Heard

If you found your way to Bourbon & Banter, then you’ve undoubtedly heard of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon. And if you’ve heard of Pappy Van Winkle then know it’s coveted by everyone from aficionados to the people who cut their hair.

Rye Whiskey Reviews

Rodham Rye Whiskey Review

The last kind of drinker I am is a rye drinker. I will drink it and I will definitely drink this, but likely with a dash of water or some ice. Rye is a complex ingredient though. Ice or water allow a sense of sweetness to blossom if added, which is what happens with this whiskey. Context sometimes i

Rum Reviews

Papa’s Pilar Dark Rum Review

At the first nose, it is sherry forward and reminiscent of aspects of sherry finished whiskeys. However, the sugar cane is very present and clearly comes through the taste and finish. It is very well blended while the bourbon, port and sherry notes all linger with the sugar cane.

Tequila Reviews

A Tasting Review of the Codigo 1530 Tequila Family

If you’re unfamiliar with the brand as well here’s what you need to know. Codigo 1530 is an all-natural product with no chemicals, sugar, or flavoring added.