#32 - Back in the Saddle

The 4th Annual Bourbon & Banter Summit took the event to new heights with a new Summit HQ, more unique, curated events for our community, and even more Mercenary BBQ to indulge in. However, with our Summit podcast special, some would say it took things to a new low. Just imagine a craft shoot on steroids. We lost count, but we started with seven bottles and ended up somewhere around fourteen. For this year's Summit special podcast, we decided to tour cigar-blend bourbons while smoking cigars. Thankfully, the cigars helped hide some of the pours we took, because "offensive" doesn't even begin to describe some of them.

In this very special 2025 Summit episode, Pops and Bob take a spirited look back at how it all began — from a small Facebook group in 2011 to one of the most respected voices in bourbon today. Joined by editor Steve Coomes, community manager Brent Joseph and industry legend Dan Gardner, the crew shares stories from the early days, talks about how the bourbon world has changed, and celebrates the community that's grown along the way. 00:00 – Live from Summit HQPops and Bob reflect on 14 years of Bourbon & Banter with Brent Joseph, Steve Coomes, and bourbon legend Dan Gardner. 04:59 – How It All StartedPops shares how an office bourbon club and Facebook group turned into a community 14 years strong. 08:09 – Back When Blanton's Was EverywhereThe crew looks back at how easy bourbon hunting used to be — and what's changed since. 16:49 – The Wild Turkey DebateOld-school stories and new opinions on the brand that defined bold bourbon. 26:00 – King of Kentucky & Blue Run Hot TakesSteve pours some legendary whiskey while the group dishes honest reviews (and a few burns). 33:24 – Dan Gardner's Barrel Science 101Dan explains how oak, sugar, and age shape bourbon's flavor — masterclass style. 1:25:05 – The Sumo Squat StoryBrent tells the hilarious tale of meeting Bob for the first time — an instant Bourbon & Banter classic. 1:56:42 – Final Toast: 14 Years and CountingA heartfelt cheers to bourbon, friendship, and the community that's kept the banter flowing.

In this episode of the Bourbon and Banter podcast, the hosts dive into a variety of topics surrounding bourbon culture, including the controversial pumpkin spice trend, the success of Bourbon Month, and the upcoming Bourbon and Banter Summit. They also recap their experiences at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, discuss innovative aging projects at Ingram Distillery, and share their opinions on current industry trends and practices. The conversation is lively, humorous, and filled with insights into the bourbon community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bourbon and Banter Podcast 02:48 Pumpkin Spice and Bourbon: A Controversial Mix 05:45 Live Recording and Community Engagement 08:50 Recap of Bourbon Month and Community Challenges 11:23 Whiskey Hot Wash: Kentucky Bourbon Festival Recap 22:55 Bourbon and Banter Summit Preview 34:16 S.N.I.F.F. Report: Ingram Distillery's Innovative Aging Project 43:18 Bourbon Bullshit: Industry Rants and Opinions

Episode 38 of the Bourbon & Banter podcast - Size Matters - is here, and Bob and Pops are finally back after a 19-month break—just in time for Bourbon Heritage Month. We're talking all things 30 Days of Bourbon Challenge, dropping hot takes with our new Whiskey Hot Wash segment, and unleashing the Sniff Team for some undercover whiskey sleuthing. Of course, it wouldn't be Bourbon & Banter without a little ranting. This time, we're calling out the sorry state of today's single barrels and the money-grab mentality taking over the industry. Spoiler: quality still matters more than hype. So grab a pour, settle in, and listen at barrel strength. It's unapologetic, unfiltered, and just what you've been missing. Have comments or questions? Drop us a line at [email protected]. Cheers!

Dive into Episode 37, Taylor Takes A Drink, and get ready for a wild ride through bourbon town this Valentine's. We're spilling the tea on those eye-watering barrel pick prices and sharing tales from our barrel-hunting escapades. Our Discord fam's been buzzing, and you're missing out if you're not in on the action. We're dropping the latest whiskey lowdown, from New Riff's big news to Kentucky's newest distillery beast. Plus, we've got the dirt on some kick-ass whiskey drops you can't ignore. And, because we love stirring the pot, we're dishing out a hefty serving of bourbon BS, calling out the industry's bad behavior. So, crack open your best bottle, settle in, and hit play for some straight-up, no-chaser bourbon banter. It's all the good stuff – laughs, sass, and a whole lot of bourbon love. Have comments or questions? Drop us a line at [email protected].  Cheers! 

Episode 36 of the Bourbon & Banter podcast – Welcome to the Hellidays - is now available for your listening and drinking pleasure.  We're here to help you through the ridiculousness of the holidays, or "hellidays" as may be more appropriate. That's right, we all learn a new word in this episode! Have comments or questions? Drop us a line at [email protected].  Cheers! 

Episode 35 of the Bourbon & Banter podcast – Squatting on Bublé - is now available for your listening and drinking pleasure.  We're heading into the holidays with excitement following our first ever Bourbon & Banter Community Summit, that is until Bob hears about Michael Bublé's new whiskey…. Have comments or questions? Drop us a line at [email protected].  Cheers! 

Episode 34 of the Bourbon & Banter podcast – Right In The Nards - is now available for your listening and drinking pleasure. Best enjoyed with a barrel-strength bourbon and an open mind!  We're sobering up after Bourbon Heritage Month and have quite a few things we want to tell you. Are you ready? Have comments or questions? Drop us a line at [email protected].  Cheers! 

Episode 33 of the Bourbon & Banter podcast – Count the Bourbons - is now available for your listening and drinking pleasure. Best enjoyed with a barrel-strength bourbon and an open mind!  We're super excited as we kick off the best damn month of the year: BOURBON HERITAGE MONTH! Have comments or questions? Drop us a line at [email protected].  Cheers! 

Episode 32 of the Bourbon & Banter podcast – Back in the Saddle - is now available for your listening and drinking pleasure. Best enjoyed with a barrel-strength bourbon and an open mind! Pops and Bob are back after a few months off for reasons you won't believe. Tune in to discover why Bob isn't fit for a life on the run, and stay for the extra deep bourbon bullsh!t.  Have comments or questions? Drop us a line at [email protected].  Cheers!