These are monster numbers for a niche community like Bourbon & Banter. Each of you deserves a round of applause for making Bourbon & Banter’s 30 Days of Bourbon celebration the biggest and best month-long celebration of Bourbon Heritage Month.
Hot damn! This year's Bourbon Heritage Month was one for the books. It was a fantastic month of bourbon from which I'm still trying to recover. I swear that the #30DaysOfBourbon Challenge gets tougher each year as I get older. But it is so worth taking part and joining my fellow bourbon lovers to spread the bourbon gospel. And even though BHM consumes all of my energy leading up to and during September, I feel exhilarated at what we all accomplished together this year. Here's a quick recap of this year's celebration and how we impacted those who joined us for the celebration.
13.2 Million+ Digital Impressions (website, social channels, etc.)
5.3 Million+ Digital Reach (website, social channels, etc.)
1.2 Million+ Giveaway Entries
These are monster numbers for a niche community like Bourbon & Banter. Each of you deserves a round of applause for making Bourbon & Banter's 30 Days of Bourbon celebration the biggest and best month-long celebration of Bourbon Heritage Month.
I would like to sincerely thank everyone who helped us make this year's celebration a huge success. From our distillery partners and sponsors to our dedicated contributors and community members–thank you. For now, I'm going to continue my recovery and start planning for next year's celebration to make it even bigger and better.
In closing, I would like to share with everyone the winners of this year's various giveaway prizes. All winners have been notified and will begin receiving their prize(s) over the next few weeks.
Todd C. James M. Brian M. Tami T. Greg P. Frank D. Matt F. Lee F. Robert H. Joleen V. Kimmi S. Jeremy W. Jennifer M. Micahel M. Graham N. Lindsay W. Jason P. Roldan O. Raul R. Scott L. Andrew C. Ralph J. Craig K.
Welcome to the most badass month of the year–Bourbon Heritage Month. Are you ready to take on the 30 Days of Bourbon Challenge and win some fabulous bourbon-themed prizes?
Whether this is your first year celebrating Bourbon Heritage Month or you're a seasoned pro, we're honored to have you drinking with us for the next 30 days. Pour yourself a drink and scroll down to explore what we've got in store for this year's celebration – our 10th-anniversary celebration, to be exact – and how you can be a part of it all.
Once you've entered our giveaway, downloaded your #30DaysOfBourbon calendar, and stocked up on some bourbon gear, we ask that you share this page with all your friends and invite them to join the fun. After all, just like drinking bourbon, winning fabulous prizes is better with friends.
All of us at Bourbon & Banter appreciate you for joining us, and we look forward to spreading the bourbon gospel with you all month long. Cheers!
WIN BOURBON SWAG & MORE
Here's your chance to spruce up your bourbon wardrobe and home bar without spending a dime. As we've done for the past ten years, we're once again hosting a Bourbon Swag Giveaway, thanks to the generous support of our friends at some of your favorite brands and distilleries. Each week, we'll pick a bourbon swag pack winner (5 in total), and at the end of the month, we'll pick a Mega-Pack winner who will receive the ultimate collection of bourbon gear.
This year, we've added even more options that will allow you to earn unlimitedadditional giveaway entries for following us online and sharing the giveaway with your friends. After racking up your entries, you can sit back, pour yourself a drink, and dream about winning.
WHAT IS BOURBON HERITAGE MONTH?
National Bourbon Heritage Month is an observance in the United States that calls for celebration of bourbon as America's "Native Spirit". On August 2, 2007, the US Senate declared September as "National Bourbon Heritage Month." The bill, sponsored by Republican Senator Jim Bunning of Kentucky, passed by unanimous consent. The resolution calls for consumers who enjoy bourbon to do so responsibly and in moderation. The bill reinforces the 1964 Act of Congress that declared bourbon "America's Native Spirit" by celebrating the family heritage, tradition and deep-rooted legacy that the bourbon industry contributes to the United States. (source: Wikipedia)
THE 30 DAYS OF
BOURBON CHALLENGE
Join your fellow bourbon lovers starting 9/1/23 as they take on the challenge of enjoying 30 different through September.
Let's break down the ground rules in the simplest way: BOURBON ONLY. We're keeping this exclusive, so no room for Rye, Scotch, Irish, Indian, Taiwanese, Canadian, Japanese, Australian, or Mexican whiskies. And don't even think about sneaking in those flavored concoctions that don't meet the TTB standards for bourbon (yes, Red Stag, we're looking at you).
Remember, your 30-day conquest is all about bourbon – nothing else cuts it. Anything other than pure bourbon doesn't add up towards your goal.
Hold on tight, here's a handy set of guidelines to ensure your daily pick counts towards conquering the 30 Days of Bourbon Challenge:
Proof Parley: For instance, Wild Turkey 81 and Wild Turkey 101? We're treating those as one in the Challenge. But when it comes to different expressions from the same brand, like a Bottled-in-Bond versus a non-bonded variant, those count separately.
Mash-Up Mastery: Take Four Roses, for example, with its ten unique recipes. Each stands as an individual bourbon. Their Small Batch and Small Batch Select, both blends of these recipes, are also fair game. Plus, don't forget about Four Roses' limited editions – they're in too, thanks to their distinct blend ratios.
Sourced Stories: With so many brands sourcing from bigger distilleries, it's a bit of a maze. To simplify, sourced bourbons – even if from the same distillery – are good to go as long as they play by the other challenge rules.
Single Barrel Shuffle: Ah, single barrels. This year, we're shifting gears. Different barrels of the same brand expression don't tally toward your 30-day feat anymore. While they may have differences in color, aroma, and flavor, they're all part of the same expression. So, no more counting each unique horse stopper on Blanton's, and drinking 30 distinct single barrel numbers won't seal the deal anymore.
Cocktails Count: Prefer to drink your bourbon in a cocktail? No worries. When it comes to crafting cocktails, feel free to shake things up, as long as you're using a fresh Bourbon for each.
We held back a small quantity of our most recent private barrel picks to celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month. Here's your chance to enjoy some truly unique cask-strength private picks normally reserved for our Bourbon & Banter community members. As a bonus take advantage of $20 flat rate shipping on up to 12 bottles from our retail partner, Ace Spirits.
Special thanks to our friends at the following brands for being partners and supporting our efforts to celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month this year. We truly appreciate their partnership in supporting our mission of helping others to #DrinkCurious.
This challenge isn’t just a nod to bourbon enthusiasts; it’s an open invitation to everyone, whether you’re taking your first sip or you’re a seasoned aficionado, to unite in a shared passion for this quintessentially American elixir.
Can you believe it's already that time of the year again?
It's time to celebrate the most badass month of the year–Bourbon Heritage Month.
For a decade running, Bourbon & Banter has been the driving force behind a worldwide celebration for National Bourbon Heritage Month. This isn't just any celebration – it's a high-proof month-long party filled with awesome giveaways and exclusive content aimed at championing the spirit of bourbon within our community.
Now, brace yourself for the crown jewel of our celebration: the highly anticipated 30 Days of Bourbon Challenge. This challenge isn't just a nod to bourbon enthusiasts; it's an open invitation to everyone, whether you're taking your first sip or you're a seasoned aficionado, to unite in a shared passion for this quintessentially American elixir.
Hold up, have you ever encountered the phenomenon known as the 30 Days of Bourbon Challenge? Allow me to bring you up to speed. It's a simple yet bold endeavor, a goal that's easily stated: drink 30 distinct bourbons over the course of 30 days.
Now, you might think, "Well, I already know my way around a bourbon bottle, so this sounds like a breeze." But hold on, because there's so much more to this challenge than meets the eye. It's not just about the daily toast – it's about diving into the rich and varied tapestry of bourbon, exploring its nuances, and experiencing the depth of its character in a truly remarkable way. Get ready to unlock a world of bourbon like never before!
30 DAYS OF BOURBON CHALLENGE RULES
Let's break down the ground rules in the simplest way: BOURBON ONLY. We're keeping this exclusive, so no room for Rye, Scotch, Irish, Indian, Taiwanese, Canadian, Japanese, Australian, or Mexican whiskies. And don't even think about sneaking in those flavored concoctions that don't meet the TTB standards for bourbon (yes, Red Stag, we're looking at you).
Remember, your 30-day conquest is all about bourbon – nothing else cuts it. Anything other than pure bourbon doesn't add up towards your goal.
Now, let's address the age-old question that has puzzled many a bourbon enthusiast – are Jack Daniels and George Dickel allowed? Yes, indeed! Both these iconic spirits get the green light. You might be wondering why. Well, here's the scoop: Tennessee Whisky is essentially bourbon before it undergoes the distinctive Lincoln Country process. It's a technicality that works in favor of our challenge, aligning with bourbon's legal standards even after the Lincoln County process, which doesn't impart any additional flavors.
Hold on tight, here's a handy set of guidelines to ensure your daily pick counts towards conquering the 30 Days of Bourbon Challenge:
Proof Parley: For instance, Wild Turkey 81 and Wild Turkey 101? We're treating those as one in the Challenge. But when it comes to different expressions from the same brand, like a Bottled-in-Bond versus a non-bonded variant, those count separately.
Mash-Up Mastery: Take Four Roses, for example, with its ten unique recipes. Each stands as an individual bourbon. Their Small Batch and Small Batch Select, both blends of these recipes, are also fair game. Plus, don't forget about Four Roses' limited editions – they're in too, thanks to their distinct blend ratios.
Sourced Stories: With so many brands sourcing from bigger distilleries, it's a bit of a maze. To simplify, sourced bourbons – even if from the same distillery – are good to go as long as they play by the other challenge rules.
Single Barrel Shuffle: Ah, single barrels. This year, we're shifting gears. Different barrels of the same brand expression don't tally toward your 30-day feat anymore. While they may have differences in color, aroma, and flavor, they're all part of the same expression. So, no more counting each unique horse stopper on Blanton's, and drinking 30 distinct single barrel numbers won't seal the deal anymore.
Get ready to dive into a world of bourbon brilliance, and let the challenge begin!
EMBARK ON THE 30 DAYS OF BOURBON CHALLENGE WITH THESE SIMPLE STEPS
With the playbook in your hands, it's your moment to officially step into the arena of the 30 Days of Bourbon Challenge. Let's paint your path to bourbon glory by following these simple steps. Join forces with fellow bourbon aficionados and let the bourbon gospel resound far and wide.
Here's your game plan to dive into the action:
Synchronize Your Sip: First things first, snag the 30 Days of Bourbon Drinking Calendar below and bring it to life with ink on paper.
Chart Your Bourbon Travels: Craft a master plan outlining the bourbons you'll be sipping each day throughout the month. Start by unearthing treasures from your own stash, then weave in selections from your buddies' collections or the enticing arrays of your cherished bars and restaurants. With a bit of strategizing, hitting your target will be a breeze.
Savor & Scribble: It's showtime! Sip on your daily bourbon and etch it into history. Whenever you partake in the bourbon of the day, jot it down on the 30 Days of Bourbon Drinking Calendar – your ticket to keeping a formal record of your noble endeavors. Pro tip: Ensure your scribbles are decipherable for your later self.
Raise Your Glass to the World: The joy of sipping is amplified when shared. Capture your daily bourbon indulgence and share the love on social media. Whether it's a snapshot of the bottle itself or a snapshot of your completed calendar, both are applause-worthy. When you're ready to hit the digital stage on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter/X, tag @BourbonBanter and toss in the power-packed hashtags #30DaysofBourbon, #BourbonHeritageMonth, and #DrinkCurious. We're on the lookout, and a lucky bunch will seize some swanky bourbon swag during Bourbon Heritage Month. Feel free to jazz up your posts with our tailor-made graphics, up for grabs below.
Invite Fellow Adventurers: Triumphs are sweeter when shared with pals. Extend the challenge to others and let the rivalry commence. Link them up with this very page and offer a sip from your personal stash to get them on their feet.
Cherish the Ride: Remember, this challenge is all about embracing the journey. No need for high-pressure stakes here. Life can throw curveballs that might disrupt your bourbon pilgrimage – that's all right. Just pick up where you left off or, if the spirit moves you, take on two bourbons the following day and backdate one to bridge the gap. Don't overanalyze, and keep in mind, if the challenge starts chiseling away at your Zen, you might need a recalibration.
Now, without further ado, raise your glass, and let the 30 Days of Bourbon Challenge begin!
30 DAYS OF BOURBON DRINKING CALENDAR
Download and print out your very own copy of our 30 Days of Bourbon Drinking Calendar to chart your progress as detailed above.
30 DAYS OF BOURBON LOGO OVERLAYS
Download and use our BHM23 logo overlays when sharing your 30 Days of Bourbon Challenge progress online. Each file is a .png file, allowing it to be used as an overlay on top of your photo. For those of you with an iPhone, we recommend using the Canva app to create your final image with overlays.
BHM 2023 Graphic Overlay Preview. Download using the links below.
Download/Usage Instructions: Click on one of the links above to download the overlay graphics. The image will open in a new browser tab/window. Then right-click on the image in the new tab/window and save the image to your computer or phone. Please note that the images are shown in black on a white background for illustration purposes only. When downloaded, they will be in white with a transparent background, allowing you to overlay them on a photo.
Sleep Deprived & Bourbonized – the 27th episode of the Bourbon & Banter podcast is now available for your listening and drinking pleasure. We’ll dedicate this podcast to those awake at 3 am, thinking about all the limited-release bottles comi…
Sleep Deprived & Bourbonized – the 27th episode of the Bourbon & Banter podcast is now available for your listening and drinking pleasure. We’ll dedicate this podcast to those awake at 3 am, thinking about all the limited-release bottles coming out this fall that you’ll never see. We feel your pain.
Bourbon Heritage Month has arrived! It’s that time of year again, and whether this is your first-year celebrating Bourbon Heritage Month or you’re a seasoned pro, we’re thrilled to have you join us for the next 30 days. Pour yourself a drink and scroll…
Bourbon Heritage Month has arrived! It's that time of year again, and whether this is your first-year celebrating Bourbon Heritage Month or you're a seasoned pro, we're thrilled to have you join us for the next 30 days. Pour yourself a drink and scroll down to explore what we've got in store for this year's celebration and how you can be a part of it all. Once you've entered our giveaway, downloaded your #30DaysOfBourbon calendar, and stocked up on some bourbon gear, we ask that you share this page with all of your friends and invite them to join in the fun. Thanks again for joining us & we look forward to spreading the bourbon gospel with you all month long.
The rules are pretty simple: This is a Bourbon challenge. No Rye, Scotch, Irish, Indian, Taiwanese, Canadian, Japanese, Australian, yadda, yadda, yadda. If it ain’t Bourbon, it doesn’t count. Nothing says you can’t drink and enjoy those other types of …
The rules are pretty simple: This is a Bourbon challenge. No Rye, Scotch, Irish, Indian, Taiwanese, Canadian, Japanese, Australian, yadda, yadda, yadda. If it ain’t Bourbon, it doesn’t count. Nothing says you can’t drink and enjoy those other types of whiskey, but they don't count for this challenge. If you're going to participate in this challenge, only bourbon counts. Argue all you want, but Tennessee Whisky is bourbon, so feel free to pour George or Jack if that’s your jam. Cocktails count, too, as long as you can identify the bourbon used and you haven't drunk it on another day in September.
Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition is routinely one of the most anticipated limited edition bourbons in the September release season because Four Roses has so much flexibility with its ten recipes and variety of ages, so it’s always unique. This year I tasted…
Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition is routinely one of the most anticipated limited edition bourbons in the September release season because Four Roses has so much flexibility with its ten recipes and variety of ages, so it’s always unique. This year I tasted the Small Batch Limited Edition with Master Distiller Brent Elliott and a dozen lucky recipients of samples.
I asked Brent whether it was intentional to keep the high-rye “B” mash bill so restricted here, to less than 20%. The lower-rye (but still higher rye than almost every other distillery) “E” mash bill historically is used more often for the limited editions. Brent said that he really did not focus on the rye content, and instead is more focused on the yeast. The “K” and “V” yeasts are perennial favorites and used extensively each year. This year, the big news is the use of “Q,” albeit at only 6%. But, as Brent explained, a little bit of Q goes a long way.
2021 Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition Tasting Notes
Nose: Brown sugar, caramel, dark chocolate, candy apple, and leather create mouth-watering aromas.
Taste: The flavors are incredibly well balanced with plenty of sweetness like butterscotch, more brown sugar, and honey, combined with a firm antique oak backbone, probably from the OESV, and this oak really drives the overall experience. The “youngest” component—the 12-year OESK—brings vibrancy and spice, but not as much of the rich berry flavors that Four Roses knows so well. And even at just 6%, the OBSQ pronounces its inclusion with candied sweetness and baked cinnamon apples, but the age mellowed the Q’s floral notes.
Finish: The finish is long and layered with complexity. It unfolds with cinnamon and vanilla, and the last few sips—after plenty of chance to open up—shifts more to chocolate and dark cherries.
Bottom Line Brent and his team have another home run this year with Q continuing to shine, just like it has in the single barrel program, with uniqueness that makes this limited edition stand out from its peers. With only 14,500 bottles they’ll be difficult to find, but this Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition will also be available at the distillery gift shop through a lottery system open online to the public. Good luck in the lottery!
Disclaimer: The brand managers kindly sent me a sample for this review, without any strings attached. Thank you.
For the past decade, bourbon fans have eagerly awaited the annual fall release of Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection. This year’s Antique release comes with a new (and permanent) twist: Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon will now be 101 proof, rather than….
For the past decade, bourbon fans have eagerly awaited the annual fall release of Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection. This year’s Antique release comes with a new (and permanent) twist: Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon will now be 101 proof, rather than...
