From time to time, I will review different products, places, and other items on the Bourbon Master blog. I wanted to take a few moments to walk-through my process and explain my point of view.

The Bourbon Master blog was designed to be a place readers can come for an honest opinion about bourbons and bars. In this quest, it is not uncommon for distilleries, restaurants, and other vendors to send free samples or invite us for private tastings or events.

When this does occur, this will not influence my review. If a place is amazing, I’m going to tell you it’s amazing. If a place is just so-so, you are going to hear that too. I do not have the desire to say that everything that I try is amazing (that isn’t good practice and that isn’t good content). I will always try to showcase the pros and the cons of a location or a product and provide you with an overarching look from my perspective.

You will also find disclaimers on pages where samples, visits, or other items were provided. This provides some transparency into the review process. As an academic research at heart, I understand it is important to understand the frame of reference of a researcher to fully understand the research.

If you are a company sending a sample or providing a special visit, please note that this does not guarantee a positive review. It guarantees an honest review. And I would argue that an honest review is more important. Consumers aren’t looking for marketing fluff when deciding to purchase their bourbon. They want to have a great pour. If they don’t, they might never look at your brand again. And honest review sets expectations and people know what they are purchasing. And if those expectations are met, they’ll keep coming back.