The blues has never promised that hardship will make us better or that every wound will heal. Its lesson is more durable: tell the truth about what happened, give the experience form, and find a way for the song to continue.

Most people assume a whiskey room is built to display bourbon. History suggests otherwise. Long before whiskey rooms existed, homes contained studies, parlors, and listening rooms—spaces devoted to conversation, reflection, and attention. The modern whiskey room may be their last surviving descendant.

The modern world promised convenience. What it quietly removed was ritual. As shared traditions faded from everyday life, people began rebuilding meaning through coffee, bourbon, music, hospitality, and gathering. The result is a story not about what we've lost, but about what we're instinctively trying to find again.

Every meaningful ritual leaves something behind. A cigar leaves smoke. The question isn't whether the ritual is worthwhile—it's whether we're willing to clean up after it.

The blues community descended upon Memphis, Tennessee, on May 7, 2026, transforming the city into a global epicenter of soul, slide guitars, and shuffling rhythms. Hosted by The Blues Foundation at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, the 47th Annual Blues Music Awards (BMAs) brought together performers, industry representatives, and fans from around the world to celebrate the highest honors in the genre.

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards held of February 1, 2026, were an unforgettable celebration of music—where the legends of blues, the innovators of Americana, and the soul of roots music took center stage. This year’s awards honored artists whose work continues to shape and redefine genres, from traditional blues to the cutting edge Americana and roots performances.

Imagine a dirt road in the Mississippi Delta in the early to mid-20th century. The air vibrates with music, laughter, and the promise of escape. Light spills from a ramshackle building, beckoning you closer. This is a juke joint – or was, and for generations of Black southerners, it was more than just a place to dance – it was a sanctuary.

His genius lived in restraint, in the unspoken spaces between notes, in the groove that made others shine. And so his passing felt heartbreakingly appropriate…subtle, steady, and soaked in soul.

But the story of Steve Cropper…one of the most influential guitarists in American music…began long before he ever stepped on a Memphis stage.

Every October, the bourbon world rallies for one of its most spirited traditions: Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week. What began as a celebration of a classic cocktail has evolved into something bigger — a toast to craftsmanship, community, and creativity. Distillers, bartenders, and enthusiasts across the country stir up their best versions of the timeless Old Fashioned, all while supporting Southern Smoke Foundation, a nonprofit aiding hospitality worker in need.

Every April, International Guitar Month invites us to honor an instrument that has shaped generations of music. But no celebration of the guitar is complete without shining a spotlight on the deep, resonant legacy of the blues. Born from the pain, perseverance, and poetry of African American communities in the American South, the blues gave the guitar a voice unlike any other—moaning, wailing, shouting, and whispering across decades of musical evolution. Blues guitarists didn’t just play notes. They spoke through six strings.

In the pantheon of American music, few figures loom as large as Muddy Waters. Born McKinley Morganfield on April 4, 1913, in Issaquena County, Mississippi, Muddy Waters would grow to become not only a towering figure in the blues world but also a foundational influence on rock ‘n’ roll. With his growling voice, piercing slide guitar, and magnetic stage presence, he helped electrify the Delta blues and gave birth to a new sound: Chicago blues.

Today, we raise a glass to Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle Sr., the man whose name graces some of the most sought-after bourbon bottles in the world. Born on March 22nd, 1874, in Danville, Kentucky, Pappy's life and legacy are intertwined with the history of Kentucky bourbon itself.  His is a story of perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to quality.  But…before we dive further into the Pappy the man, let’s explore the elusive bourbon that bears his namesake.

Whiskey is a beloved spirit with deep roots in both Ireland and the United States, each country developing its own unique style over centuries. Irish whiskey and bourbon are two of the most popular whiskey categories in the world, yet they differ significantly in production methods, flavor profiles, and heritage. From the smooth triple-distilled Irish whiskeys to the bold, sweet, and oaky flavors of bourbon, both spirits offer distinct drinking experiences.

In this article, we’ll explore what sets Irish whiskey apart, how it compares to bourbon, and highlight some of the most popular Irish whiskey brands, including Jameson, Redbreast, Proper Twelve, and Green Spot.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s the perfect time to recognize the contributions of Mary Dowling—not only as a whiskey industry icon but as a woman who challenged societal expectations and carved her own path in a male-dominated field.

Bourbon is hailed as America’s native spirit, deeply rooted in the history and culture of the United States. However, one of the most overlooked aspects of this industry is the significant role African Americans have played in shaping its legacy. From early enslaved distillers to today’s Black-owned distilleries and master distillers, African Americans have been integral to the development of bourbon and whiskey. As we celebrate Black history and achievements, it is crucial to recognize their contributions to this storied industry.

Born from the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans, the blues has served as a voice for generations, reflecting their experiences, emotions, and aspirations. During Black History Month, we honor the impact of the blues, not only as a foundational force in American music but as a cultural cornerstone that connects past and present.

Scotch whisky is one of the most celebrated spirits in the world, known for its diverse regional flavors and deep history. However, one of the biggest challenges for whisky lovers—especially newcomers—is pronouncing the names of Scottish distilleries correctly. Many of these names originate from Gaelic or Scots, making them tricky for English speakers.

In this guide, we'll explore some of the most famous Scotch whiskies, their regional distinctions, and how they compare to bourbon, the other great whisky tradition.

The Blues Foundation’s annual class of Blues Hall of Fame inductees has been announced and we’re providing you a brief overview.

Born in Mooringsport, Louisiana, on January 20, 1888, Lead Belly rose from the struggles of the Jim Crow South to become a cornerstone of the American folk tradition, influencing generations of artists and leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.

For centuries, whiskey has been more than just a drink—it has been a marker of taste, wealth, and style. But while the amber liquid itself has long been revered, the way we store and present it has undergone a fascinating evolution, mirroring broader cultural shifts