Our Story
Founded on October 27, 2008, Bourbon & Banter (B&B) is a social organization founded on the ageless principles of good friends, good drink and good conversation - or banter as we like to call it. More specifically, B&B was the result of conversation at work between co-workers about an episode of the AMC series "Mad Men."
B&B founders Pops, Fes and HR were discussing the episode – specifically, Draper and Sterling’s propensity to enjoy their workday cocktails. The conversation went a little like this...
“We’re in advertising,” Pops observed. “Why couldn’t we drink like they do?”
HR arched an eyebrow.
“Well, Draper has a bar in his office and we don’t,” he said. “One of those antique globes that opens to reveal space inside for bottles and glassware would be perfect.”
“I’ll tell you what,” Fes said by way of a challenge. “If you get one, I’ll kick in the first couple bottles and a set of glasses.”
Two hours later, Pops had an Ebay win, that weekend Fes picked up a couple bottles of bourbon, and Bourbon & Banter was born.
Originally B&B was a merely a social drinking club of individuals working together in St. Louis, MO. However, as we began to tell others about our club and our deep love of bourbon we discovered that there are countless bourbon lovers in the wild who, until now, were afraid to go public and profess their own love of bourbon. What started as a work-centric social activity is quickly growing into a city-wide social club centered around bourbon.
Individuals at other companies have started their own chapters of Bourbon & Banter which are referred to as "Bourbon Club". As the Club’s name suggests, bourbon is the mainstay libation, with prospective members enjoying their first convivial drink then bringing a bottle for the enjoyment of the club members as their application for membership.
Bourbon & Banter solidified itself as social mainstay in the St. Louis area with it's first non-workplace event in 2010 aptly called “Bourbon and Banter”. Attendees brought a bottle of their favorite bourbon to share with others while bantering away with old and new friends. It was a tremendous success. Not only did people get to try new and exciting bourbons they also formed new friendships. Building upon the success of the first Bourbon and Banter party, B&B is planning on holding its first ‘open call’ event in the fall of 2011 in St. Louis. The event will be held at a public establishment and open to bourbon lovers from around the city. Our goal is to help educate people on the wonders of bourbon, socializing and making new friends.
We invite you to become a fan of B&B on Facebook and to actively participate in the online banter put forth by our members. And with a little luck we'll see you at an event in the near future.
- Pops, Founder & Charter Member
