Breckenridge Distillery had the pleasure of hosting Patrick “Pops” Garrett and Steve Coomes from the Bourbon & Banter and DrinkCurious community this summer. After nerding out with founder Bryan Nolt and Head Distiller Hans Stafsholt, Pops and Steve hand-selected a single barrel to share with their fellow Bourbonites, available for sale at Breckenridge Distillery starting mid-December, 2022.
Keep reading for an exclusive Q&A session with Pops, and how you can become a part of the DrinkCurious community (membership discount code below).
Q: What was it about the single barrel you chose that you loved so much?
We had spent the morning trying several barrels and had narrowed our selection down to a similar barrel which was 100% Breckenridge Whiskey. Choosing something that was Breckenridge’s whiskey was important to us as we’ve always loved the brand and have been champions for their product for years. So we wanted to bring that to our members and community.
After we chose our favorite barrel, Steve headed off to take a quick call. While he was gone, Hans told me to hang on for a second, and he disappeared. He came back moments later with another sample. I tried it and was blown away. It was similar to the one we picked but richer and more complex. Apparently, it was from a sister barrel that Hans had pulled out to put into a blend later that day, but he figured I might enjoy it based on what I picked. When Steve returned, I told him to try it, and he refused. He said he didn’t want any more whiskey (it had been a long few days). But I insisted, and he gave in and loved it. We immediately switched our pick to that last-minute addition.
Q: Tell me about DrinkCurious. What is it, why sign up, why be part of this community?
DrinkCurious’ mission is to teach the world to drink better. We created a members-only community to help deliver on this mission by bringing together people passionate about distilled spirits who want to meet others with similar interests. It’s a community where people of all experience levels can engage in the spirit of learning and exploration. The community hosts virtual and in-person events that foster friendships and provide spirits education and forums for discussion and learning. Members also get exclusive access to private barrel picks at below-retail prices, providing an excellent opportunity to get exposed to different brands while enjoying amazing barrel selections.
Signing up will provide folks with the above benefits and allow them to purchase a bottle of barrel-proof Breckenridge Whiskey when available next year. But the most important reason to join is that when you DrinkCurious…you never drink alone.
Q: What is the difference between DrinkCurious and Bourbon and Banter?
Bourbon & Banter is a whiskey news and review website from a critic’s POV. DrinkCurious is built on that brand foundation but provides people with education and guidance to get the most out of bourbon and other spirits. DrinkCurious does that by providing education opportunities (tastings, online classes, travel/trips) and our members-only community.
Q: What is next for Breckenridge Distillery and DrinkCurious + Bourbon & Banter? Is there another whiskey coming?
To build on this 92-proof release, we’re planning on choosing another barrel, but this time, at barrel proof. We’re excited to pick another barrel of Breckenridge’s whiskey at barrel strength to allow our community to try it in its raw form – barrel strength. Breckenridge Whiskey has a rich complexity that can only be appreciated at barrel strength. And barrel proof allows folks to adjust the whiskey as needed to suit their mood and palate experience.
Q: What are you looking for in the barrel proof pick?
I’m looking for a whiskey rich in flavors with an oily mouthfeel and medium to long finish. A whiskey with character and a bold range of flavors. But also a whiskey that won’t intimidate the drinker. Breckenridge’s whiskey at barrel-proof is still approachable and makes for the perfect high-proof bottle to introduce bourbon drinkers of all levels to barrel-proof bourbon.
B&B Single Barrel Tasting Notes:
Nose: light caramel, mature oak
Palate: dark bitter chocolate, light honey sweetness
Finish: bright orange with a rye spice
Join Bourbon & Banter’s DrinkCurious Community
If you’d like to be a part of the DrinkCurious community, use code “BreckCurious” to recieve either 25% off your first month of membership, or 25% off an annual membership to the following categories:
- Social Drinker
- Curious Drinker
- Daily Drinker
- Drinking Evangelist
- Drinking Ambassador
**For issues with redemption, please contact customer-service@drinkcurious.com
Read more about Pops’ and Steve’s trip to Colorado and their experience at the Breckenridge Distillery. Visiting Breckenridge? There are plenty of ways to explore the world of whiskey. From tours and tastings to dining at the Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant or blending your own whiskey, we offer an immersive exploration of spirits. Book your own experience.
