Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Diamond State Bourbon Review

Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States, but when one thinks of bourbon, one typically thinks of Kentucky. After all, 95% of all bourbon produced is made there. But one need not be in Kentucky to make fine bourbon; craft distilleries are popping up all over the United States.

Industry News

Luxco Release Party Celebrates 3 New Whiskeys

Photo L to R: Steve Beam (Limestone Branch Distillery), John Rempe (Luxco – Blood Oath Bourbon), Patrick Garrett (Bourbon & Banter) and Ciaran Mulgrew (Quiet Man Irish Whiskey) One might think that whiskey launch parties are a typical occurrence for someone who runs a bourbon blog.

Events

WhiskyFest Chicago 2016 Recap

The 17th annual WhiskyFest made its second stop in Chicago on March 18th. WhiskyFest has exploded in popularity in recent years, and this event is no longer the laid-back casual affair that long-time attendees remember.

Events

Bourbon Classic 2016 Recap

Disclaimer: I was invited to attend the Bourbon Classic at no cost to write about it for Bourbon and Banter but I paid for my hotel, food, and travel expenses while there and this review reflects my honest opinion on the event.

New Brand Releases

High West Releases Distillery-Exclusive 14-Yr Light Whiskey

PARK CITY, Utah (March 17, 2016) — Come see the light! High West Distillery, Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870, releases a limited edition 14-Year Light Whiskey.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Review + Bourbon Graph

Every regular bourbon drinker has THE bourbon, the one that opened up the portal to the possibilities that the spirit offers. For me, it wasn’t one bourbon, but several from the constellation of Buffalo Trace’s collection.

Irish Whiskey Reviews

5 Irish Whiskeys for the Bourbon Lover

Every March 17, we all get to be a little Irish. How, or if, you choose to embrace your new, day-long heritage has always been a personal preference, but conventional pop culture tells us that means consuming green beer, Guinness and, of course, Jameson Irish Whiskey.

Irish Whiskey Reviews

West Cork Irish Whiskey Review

I always reach for bourbon when I want a tasty pour of whiskey. Sure, I’ve had a number of scotches I have enjoyed and I have the requisite bottle of Jameson on my bar, but when I crave whiskey I crave bourbon. That’s why, after trying a number of world whiskies at Whiskies of the World last year.

Cocktails

Bonded Buck Cocktail Recipe

Do you know what the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale is? I didn’t, but I did a search and now I do. Ginger beer is brewed and fermented. Ginger ale is carbonated water with ginger flavoring added. Knowledge is power.

Banter

Meet Your New Bourbon & Banter Team Members

Over two months ago we put out a Help Wanted post to recruit some new writers for Bourbon & Banter. Little did we know how strong interest was going to be in joining our team.

Banter

The Story Behind Our New Logo

It’s been a few weeks since we launched our new website and new logo. We thought we’d take a few moments and share with everyone some of the ideation behind the new look from the amazing designer, Josh Reeves, who created it for us.

Book Reviews

12 Must Have Bourbon Books

You upgraded from bourbon & coke, you have Glencairn glasses, and you even started reading this fantastic little blog: now what? It’s time for you to get educated, my friend! Bourbon writing has exploded in the past decade.

Industry News

Announcing Castle & Key: Kentucky-Bred Bourbon

Millville, KY, February, 2016—Inside the walls of a 19th century limestone castle in the heart of bourbon country, history is being honored–and made.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Review

Evan Williams Black Label is a benchmark bourbon, not be confused with Benchmark Old No. 8 which I’ve previously reviewed. It’s one of those bourbons by which others are judged. I get that, but if you’ve read any of my reviews, you’ll know 86 proof is not my preferred ABV.

New Brand Releases

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Seasoned Wood Bourbon Whiskey Released

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (Feb. 29, 2016) – Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its homage to former Distillery owner Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. with a special release bourbon whiskey aged in seasoned wood oak barrels.

Food

Bourbon Brined Chicken Breasts, Halleluiah!

Bourbon love is widespread, and if you’re like me, well, first of all, welcome to my world, and second, you’re likely wondering “How can I can get more bourbon into my life?”

Banter

Bourbon Graphs: Turn Your Tasting Notes up to 11

If you hang around serious bourbon drinkers (or any whiskey drinker) long enough, you will start to hear the same adjectives used repeatedly. A quick Google search of “bourbon adjectives” yields no shortage of adjectives most commonly used to describe a pour.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Colorado Straight Bourbon Review

Colorado Straight Bourbon is made by Peach Street Distillers, out of Palisade, Colorado. Peach Street Distillers boasts of being “artisan experimenters” and “fearless craftsmen” located in a “secluded mecca perfect for growing the finest fruits and grains on the planet.”

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon Review

Living in Louisville makes it easy to develop the mindset that local is better. We excel at homegrown restaurants, arts, and bourbon. Here a bourbon lover can audition a different Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey weekly and never run out of options.

Industry News

Barton 1792 Distillery Releases Limited Edition Single Barrel Bourbon

New product release update from the fine folks over at the Barton 1792 Distillery: Barton 1792 Distillery Releases Limited Edition Single Barrel Bourbon. A new Single Barrel Bourbon is the latest limited edition expression in the premium 1792 whiskey collection.

Cocktails

The March Hare Bourbon Cocktail Recipe

There is a certain breed of person who feels that upon getting locked into your own house due to inclement weather, the best option is to head for the whiskey cabinet. Given that you’re reading a blog that worships at the altar of whiskey… I’ll assume that you might be of this particular breed.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Elijah Craig 23 Year Single Barrel Bourbon Review

Back in 2012, Heaven Hill started its Elijah Craig series with Elijah Craig 20 Year. For several years now Heaven Hill has offered a taste of Elijah Craig bourbon aged an additional year allowing us to taste what happens to their signature premium bourbon over time.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon Review

Looking into Hillrock Estate Distillery’s history you’ll find it is very short. But the estate upon which it’s situated, located in the Hudson Valley of New York State, has a history that dates back to the early 19th century.

New Brand Releases

The Return of Bourye

Some good news from our friends at High West Distillery. If you enjoyed the original Bourye you may want to look into how you can get your hands on the new version.  Good luck!

Banter

A Bourbon Hunter’s Guide to the Galaxy

“Where did you find that bottle?” That is the question that starts the hunt for many of us; after the rare bottle has been opened, shared, and tasted and you finally understand all of the hype. For me, a sip of George T. Stagg in 2010 was the bottle that launched a thousand ships. One bottle, seven