Book Reviews

Bourbon Curious Book Review

A great new book from Fred Minnick, "Bourbon Curious, A Tasting Guide for the Savy Drinker". I love this book.

New Brand Releases

New Limited Edition High Rye Bourbon from A. Smith Bowman Distillery

For those of you that enjoy whiskey from the A. Smith Bowman Distillery you’ll be pleased to hear about this year’s release. Here’s some information straight from the brand. I’d love to get my hands on a bottle but they’ve made it pretty clear that unless you’re near to Virginia you’re SOL.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Duke Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review

It’s been a while since Duke Kentucky Straight Bourbon was released into the rapidly growing bourbon market. We didn’t go out of our way to avoid trying it but it was not on our list of things to acquire and review for the blog.

Food Stuff Reviews

Think Jerky Review

Some things just go together like peanut butter and jelly, beer with brats and bourbon and beef jerky. The latter of these amazing pairings that were on my mind when the folks at Think Jerky contacted me about their new Kickstarter campaign.

Distilleries

An Accidental Afternoon at Smooth Ambler Spirits

Smooth Ambler is a beautiful enigma in the world of craft bourbon distilling, because they offer not only amazing palates in choosing and blending sourced bourbon but also the drive and ambition to craft whiskey from grain to glass in the heart of West Virginia.

Bottled Cocktails

Jefferson’s: The Manhattan Barrel Finished Cocktail Review

When I’m in the mood for a bourbon cocktail a Manhattan is always my first choice. A classic drink with only four ingredients, it’s easily customized to fit your mood. Want something extra spicy? Swap out bourbon with rye whiskey.

Rye Whiskey Reviews

Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey Review

Raise your hand if you like rye whiskey? Now raise your other hand if you love rye whiskey? Shake them if you’re excited about Heaven Hill’s (“HH”) latest release – Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey. Good. Now that I’ve gotten your full attention, and those around you, let’s focus on the whiskey.

Banter

Safe Ride Home: Thanks Campari!

This press release came across my desk last week courtesy of the folks at Campari. I thought it was a pretty cool use of emerging technology to connect with alcohol consumers.

Drinking Accessory Reviews

Is Shaker 33 the Best Cocktail Shaker Since Prohibition?

“The Best Cocktail Shaker Since Prohibition” That’s the bold statement Shaker 33 uses on Kickstarter.com to catch your attention and draw you in to learn more about their product and campaign.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

I.W. Harper Bourbon Review

It’s been a few months now since Diageo announced that they were bringing I.W. Harper bourbon back to the U.S. market after a 20-year hiatus. As fan of older I.W. Harper bourbon, I was curious to see how Diageo’s new version of the classic would measure up against the I.W. Harper of years gone by.

Banter

Happy 4th of July

Banter

Sour or Sweet: The Father of Modern Bourbon

The last time you found yourself at Ye Olde Liquor Store, your eyes might have wandered to the bottom shelf where labels are stuffed with text emphasizing the quality and heritage of the bourbon, proudly boasting, “SOUR MASH WHISKEY.”

Book Reviews

The Craft Cocktail Party: A Review & Giveaway

Let me preface this review by saying that I am not much of a cocktail drinker: A glass of wine, sure, bourbon on the rocks, great, an occasional manhattan or a hot toddy on a cold winters night (made by my lovely husband), excellent.

Banter

From Grain to Glass: An American Craft Spirits Renaissance

Here’s a wonderfully produced “grain to glass” documentary produced by our friends over at Hudson Whiskey. Pour yourself a glass of whiskey and take 15 minutes out of your day to enjoy this peek into the craft distilling world. And congrats to Hudson Whiskey on 10 great years!

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Bourbon Review

For many, the 17-year age statement of Wild Turkey Master’s Keep is more than enough to get them to stand in line for a chance to get their hands on Wild Turkey’s oldest release to date.

Banter

Introducing Melissa Alexander

Today we’re super pleased to announce that Melissa Alexander will be joining the Bourbon & Banter team as a regular contributor. Melissa made her B&B debut last week with a post titled, “Bottled In Bond: A Brief History”.

Cocktails

Can I Get You a Drink?

When welcoming guests into your home, nothing says “I’m glad you’re here” quite like a cocktail. It shows you care and want them to have a good time. After taking coats and accepting any gifts (the best guests bring gifts), the first thing I do is offer a drink.

Banter

Four Roses Tournament: A Story of Bourbon, Banter & BBQ

We’d like to wish everyone a very happy National Bourbon Day! To celebrate we invite you to watch our video about a recent Four Roses tasting that we were lucky to be invited to here in St. Louis.

Banter

Bottled In Bond: A Brief History

During your last visit to Ye Olde Liquor Store, you might have noticed a couple of bottom-shelf bottles sporting a fancy, old-script tag: “Bottled-in-Bond.”  The bottle might claim that the whiskey is exceptional, full of heritage, made according to an old, forgotten tradition.

Boozy Books

Bourbon Straight

Immerse yourself in the lives of legendary, notorious, and lesser-known individuals who have shaped the American whiskey landscape. From renowned producers to beloved brands, this book covers it all.

Cocktails

The Sazerac Cocktail

Although the first cocktails were invented by British, they attained global popularity when they first appeared in United States. Like many other things, they are susceptible to trend. So, it happened that some of the cocktails, which enjoyed great popularity in the past, are no longer available.

Banter

What The Hell Is National Running Day?

Apparently today is National Running Day. I’m sure it’s a very important day for those that actually enjoy running for sport or pleasure. As for me, well…let’s just say that I was built more for comfort than speed. As such I really don’t get running as a hobby.

Boozy Books

Introducing the Second Edition of American Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye: The Ultimate Guide!

With a meticulously organized A-to-Z directory by distillery and brand, this comprehensive book features over 330 remarkable whiskeys, including more than 120 exciting new additions.

Banter

The Day I Hung Out With Sam Medley

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Sam Medley at Sidecar here in Portland, Ore. It was a full house in a long, narrow space, but I was able to sample the full Medley portfolio and talk somewhat in-depth with Medley about his family’s products.

Banter

Bourbon Is The Answer