What’s up, everyone? Bourbon Bass Barbells here, and today I want to take a moment to share some of my thoughts on the bourbon community as a whole. This isn’t a rant—well, maybe just a little—but more so a collection of observations from my personal experiences. To start, I want to emphasize that the people in the bourbon community are generally great. However, like any community, it has its quirks, and my journey into becoming a bourbon influencer has opened my eyes to some of the more complicated aspects of this culture.
Wearing Many Hats
A bit about me first: throughout my life, I’ve worn several different hats. I’m an ex-military guy, and I’ve been a musician, working in a music studio mastering tracks. I was also a master electrician for years. Now, I work in marketing, having climbed up to senior director roles and now settled into a more relaxed role. I’m happy with where I am—debt-free this year (minus the mortgage, of course). But just like every industry or hobby I’ve been a part of, bourbon comes with its own set of politics.
The Politics of Influence
Breaking into the influencer space has made me more aware of the politics that come with any hobby or profession. Let’s face it—some people suck. That’s a reality you can’t escape, no matter where you are. In my case, I’m steadily building a following, approaching 3,000 followers on TikTok. As I’ve grown, I’ve tried to embrace the TikTok format where you can engage directly with people who comment. Some comments are dumb, and you can call them out. Others are insightful, and I’ll give them a shout-out in appreciation. It’s a double-edged sword, but that’s part of the deal when you’re in the public eye.
The Misinformed and the Gatekeepers
One thing I’ve noticed is how misinformed some people are when they enter this community. A lot of people don’t do their research and make comments like, “Oh, those are just looking whiskeys, not drinking whiskeys,” when they see my unopened bottles. It’s weird how they don’t grasp the concept of a set. Yes, the bottles behind me are for show—they’re part of my set. And while they might not be the most impressive bottles, like a Buffalo Trace Antique Collection or a Pappy Van Winkle, they are solid in their own right. I stick mostly to under $100 bottles because I’m not about to rack up debt for the sake of a collection.
Recently, someone asked me when I’d find the time to drink nine bottles of whiskey. I exaggerated and said it’d probably take a lifetime, but realistically, if more of my friends lived nearby, I could probably finish nine bottles in a month. However, many of my gym buddies are younger and just want to drink to get drunk. For me, though, bourbon is about savoring the flavor and the experience of sharing that with others.
Appreciating Different Palates
I want to make one thing clear—I don’t try to gatekeep bourbon. I don’t believe in telling people what they should taste or how much they should pay. Everyone has a different palate, and I hope those who share a similar taste with me will respect my opinion, or at least appreciate that I spent my money so they didn’t have to. That’s the role of influencers—to buy, review, and share insights with their audience. A recent comment from someone thanking me for saving them $90 on a bottle they were unsure about reminded me of the value in what I do.
The Challenge of Being an Influencer
Being an influencer isn’t easy. The internet is a strange place, and it can feel like a lottery when it comes to who sees your content. I’ve done series like Bourbon Heritage Month, where I review a different bourbon every day for 30 days. I’ve got Fresh Crack Fridays, where I open a new bottle each week, and Whiskey Wednesdays for additional reviews. Yet, people still comment on my unopened bottles, assuming I don’t drink them. It’s frustrating, but it comes with the territory.
Bourbon Is Personal
Another thing that really gets to me is when people criticize how much others pay for a bottle. For example, someone asked if they overpaid for an EH Taylor single barrel at $75, and I said no—it’s a fair price. But, of course, someone else chimed in, saying, “You overpaid by $5, brother.” If you’re sweating over five bucks, you’re missing the point. Bourbon is worth whatever you’re willing to pay for it. Everyone has their own budget and preferences, and that’s okay.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, if bourbon makes you happy, let it make you happy. There are too many people who want to find something negative in everything, and I’ll have a conversation with them if it’s productive. But when you’re just a faceless troll trying to tear people down, I have no time for that. Bourbon should be about the love of the drink and the experience, not nitpicking every little detail.
That’s all I’ve got for today—just a little rant from Bourbon Bass Barbells. Thanks for sticking with me, and remember to enjoy your bourbon, however you like it.