Banter

Kentucky Tavern Bourbon Ad Circa 1945

Been a while since we posted a vintage ad for everyone to enjoy. A contributor shared this one with me and I knew that everyone would appreciate the greatness of having a hidden bourbon bar in your home library. I hope everyone enjoys this Kentucky Tavern bourbon ad from 1945.

Banter

Bourbon & Banter 2nd Anniversary

Looks like we’ve survived another trip around the sun by drinking our bourbon and spreading the bourbon gospel. All of us at Bourbon & Banter are thankful for everyone’s continue support as we celebrate our 2nd Anniversary.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Jefferson’s Bourbon Review: Presidential Select 30 Year Old

Earlier this week I reviewed Jefferson’s Bourbon Presidential Select 25 Year Old after receiving some tasting samples from Castle Brands in January. As part of that sample shipment I was lucky enough to also receive a sample of Presidential Select 30 Year Old.

Banter

St. Patrick’s Day Irish Whiskey Schwag Giveaway

We’re less than a month away from that one day of the year when everyone is Irish – St. Patrick’s Day. As you know last year I did a review of an Irish Whiskey to celebrate my Irish heritage and take a wee break from drinking bourbon.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Jefferson’s Bourbon Review: Presidential Select 25 Year Old

Back in December 2013, Jefferson’s Bourbon put out an official statement announcing the release of their latest bottling – Presidential Select 25 Year Old and Presidential Select 30 Year Old.

Glassware Reviews

New Glencairn Whisky Glass

We’re excited to announce that we just added 3 new custom designs to our Glencairn Whisky Glass section of our bourbon shop.

Food Stuff Reviews

Duke’s Beef Jerky Review: The Bourbon Edition

Beef and bourbon. Bourbon and beef. No matter how you say it those two words are magical. So it’s only natural that people who make beef jerky would create products that feature bourbon.

Banter

How To Build A Whiskey Cocktail Bar

I am an admitted hoarder of spirits (though I prefer to say “collector” because it sounds much better) and tend to buy things because “yes, I will absolutely want to experiment with this scorpion wine” later.

Events

Bourbon Classic Recap

The second annual Bourbon Classic was held last weekend in Louisville, Kentucky. The event drew bourbon fans from around the country to join with distillers, bartenders, restaurants, and media representatives in celebrating all things bourbon.

Banter

Life On The Road With Whisky’s Wanderers via WhiskyCast HD

Came across this video from our friends over at WhiskyCast HD and thought I’d share it with everyone. Perfect way to slip into the weekend.  Hope you enjoy “Life on the Road with Whisky’s Wanderers”.

Events

What I Learned from the San Antonio Cocktail Conference: Cocktail Shading with Gastriques

Whether a seasoned bartender or just a cocktail enthusiast (and really, who isn’t?), the San Antonio Cocktail Conference was an experience not to be missed.

Gear News

Custom Design Bourbon Flasks for Valentine’s Day

We’re pleased to announce the addition of 3 new custom designed flasks to our online store. We’ve been working on these for a while and couldn’t be more thrilled to finally make them available.

Banter

1st Down and Bourbon Winner

We’re pleased to announce that Brandon Smith (@SmittyOD) is the winner of this year’s 1st Down and Bourbon giveaway. His name was randomly chosen from everyone that entered the contest and he’ll be receiving a special bourbon schwag pak in the mail within the next few weeks. Congrats Brandon!

Banter

1st Down and Bourbon Giveaway

You are drinking bourbon for today’s big game, right? Would you like to win some cool bourbon schwag for your efforts? Participate in our 1st Down and Bourbon promotion today and you might just be the lucky winner of an extra special bourbon schwag pack from Bourbon & Banter.

Banter

Another POV on Suntory Buying Beam

Trying out a new post format using the video capabilities built into my MAC. After you watch the video let me know what you think about the format. If folks like it I’ll be able to post more content quicker and on a more regulated schedule.

Banter

Old Forester As Windshield Fluid

Here’s something you don’t see every day. Received this photo from a friend down in South Alabama. Apparently the windshield wiper fluid sold at stores doesn’t work in the cold weather they’ve been experiencing. He told me that Old Forester works perfectly and keeps his windshield ice free.

Events

San Antonio Cocktail Conference 2014 Recap

Disclaimer: The San Antonio Cocktail Conference provided Bourbon & Banter writers with lodging and access to the conference and events. All other travel costs were the responsibility of the attending writers.

Cocktails

Honey and Spice…Deliciously Nice!

Regardless of where you are in the country, old man winter has definitely settled in and seems to be getting cozy.  And my only answer to that is to retreat inside with something to warm you up.

Events

San Antonio Cocktail Conference: Opening Night Party

The 2014 San Antonio Cocktail Conference kicked off last night with an epic cocktail party. At the historic and ornately decorated Majestic Theater in downtown San Antonio you could find three floors of elaborate cocktails as well as food from local restaurants being served in every corner.

Events

Ready for Bourbon & Banter at the San Antonio Cocktail Conference?

I am very excited to announce….ok I take that back. Excited doesn’t even begin to cover it. I am ecstatic beyond belief to announce that Erin Petrey and I will be attending the San Antonio Cocktail Conference this coming holiday weekend.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Jim Beam Single Barrel Bourbon Review

It’s amazing what can happen overnight.  I recorded our Jim Beam Single Barrel bourbon review on Sunday night, January 12th, and went to bed thinking about the long history of the Jim Beam brand and how they’ve worked hard over the years to bring American bourbon everyone around the world.

Industry News

Beam to be sold to Suntory for $16 billion

Nothing like going to bed on your birthday and waking up to news that Japan’s Suntory Holdings Ltd is planning to purchase Beam for $16 billion. If everything goes as planned, Suntory would become the world’s 3rd largest maker of distiller drinks.

Bottled Cocktails

High West Barreled Boulevardier Review

Typically speaking, I prefer my bourbon neat. No ice, no additional water and certainly no mixers that would mask the flavors of my beloved whiskey. However, in the last decade, classic cocktails have been making a comeback. If you’re a regular of Bourbon & Banter, you’re already well aware of this.

Banter

In Politics, You are What You Drink

Check out this banter inducing chart courtesy of the folks over at The Washington Post. You can check out the original article here to get the complete back story on the chart and data behind it. Let us know how accurate it is based on your own personal drinking habits and your close friends.

Cocktails

Celebrate New Year’s with a Seelbach Cocktail

While everyone around you is toasting the new year with a glass of champagne there is no reason not to sip on some bourbon instead if that is what you enjoy. But before you write off the bubbly completely may I suggest a classic cocktail that combines the best of both worlds?