Great bourbon.
Better company.

OUR GROUP

A shared appreciation
for a good pour.

The Sonoma Bourbon Imbibers is a small, invitation-only circle of enthusiasts in Sonoma County devoted to the deliberate study and enjoyment of American whiskey. Sessions are organized around a single theme so that participants may compare expressions side by side rather than sample them in isolation. Earlier gatherings examined the so-called “Kentucky myth”—the historical and marketing claims that surround bourbon’s origin and identity—together with introductory flights that distinguished traditional rye-forward mash bills from other grain combinations. The most recent meetings have concentrated on wheated bourbons, examining how the substitution of wheat for rye produces a softer, bread-like sweetness and a different aging trajectory.

Tastings draw directly from a privately curated collection of nearly 180 bottles. Each pour is accompanied by structured observation: color, nose, proof, finish, and a simple rating scale that records both technical features and personal preference. Because several members already possess a well-developed wine palate, the group pays particular attention to the subtler distinctions of bourbon—grain character, oak integration, and the effects of barrel entry proof—that can be easy to overlook after years of evaluating vineyard-driven wines.