Ramble On: The 2025 Summit Podcast Special Edition

14 years of bourbon, bullshit & the stories that made us

Every fall, the Bourbon & Banter Summit brings together our people — the professional palates and cocktail connoisseurs to casual drinkers and bottom-shelf dwellers who keep this community alive. So when Pops and Bob sat down at Summit HQ in Louisville for this year’s recording, they decided to do something a little different: look back at 14 years of Bourbon & Banter while sipping through some heavy-hitting pours and swapping stories with the folks who’ve been part of the journey.

This wasn’t an “anniversary episode.” No balloons, no confetti, no commemorative T-shirt order (yet…). Just a damn good conversation fueled by great whiskey and even better company.

Joining Pops and Bob at the table:

• Brent Joseph – community manager, barrel pick organizer, and WWCI

• Steve Coomes – editor, taster, storyteller, and professional nice guy

• Dan Gardner – industry legend with 44 years of bourbon experience and zero marketing filters left

Pour something good — it's a long one, so grab a full bottle - you’re going to want it for this one.

Here’s the Ramble On Episode breakdown: 

• 00:00 – Live from Summit HQ
  Pops and Bob reflect on 14 years of Bourbon & Banter with Brent Joseph, Steve Coomes, and bourbon legend Dan Gardner.
• 04:59 – How It All Started
  Pops shares how an office bourbon club and Facebook group turned into a community 14 years strong.
• 08:09 – Back When Blanton’s Was Everywhere
  The crew looks back at how easy bourbon hunting used to be — and what’s changed since.
• 16:49 – The Wild Turkey Debate
  Old-school stories and new opinions on the brand that defined bold bourbon.
• 26:00 – King of Kentucky & Blue Run Hot Takes
  Steve pours some legendary whiskey while the group dishes honest reviews (and a few burns).
• 33:24 – Dan Gardner’s Barrel Science 101
  Dan explains how oak, sugar, and age shape bourbon’s flavor — masterclass style.
• 1:25:05 – The Sumo Squat Story
  Brent tells the hilarious tale of meeting Bob for the first time — an instant Bourbon & Banter classic.
• 1:56:42 – Final Toast: 14 Years and Counting
  A heartfelt cheers to bourbon, friendship, and the community that’s kept the banter flowing.

Warning: If you're not comfortable with unapologetic, independent thinking, plus a healthy dose of swearing, you might want to skip this one, folks. It's recorded at barrel strength with full-throttle banter.

Dare to Watch the Podcast Video

If you're wearing sunglasses and paid up on your life insurance, you can now watch this podcast episode as it was recorded "live" from the Bourbon & Banter Summit HQ.

We sure hope you enjoyed this Special Edition of the official Bourbon & Banter podcast and that you'll consider sharing it with your friends. We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below or by emailing us.

Have a great weekend, and remember to stay safe while spreading the bourbon gospel and learning to #drinkcurious.

Hey, wait a minute. You have listened to all our previous episodes. If not, check out our most recent bourbon podcast episodes and get caught up.