About Ethan Pope
Author. Whiskey Reviewer. Community Builder.
I believe good whiskey and good stories share something in common: balance, intention, and honesty.
A Life Built Around Stories
I’ve always been drawn to stories. Not just the ones found in books, but the ones carried by people, places, and traditions.
I began publishing speculative fiction in 2018 after discovering that writing wasn’t simply something I enjoyed. It was something I couldn’t stop doing. What started as a creative pursuit eventually became a lens through which I viewed the world: paying attention to details, asking better questions, and looking for meaning beneath the surface.
That same mindset eventually led me deeper into whiskey.
What first began as curiosity about flavors and distilling techniques grew into an appreciation for something larger. Every bottle represents a series of decisions. Every distillery reflects a philosophy. Every whiskey carries a story worth understanding.
Today, those interests come together through The Bourbon Bishop, where I explore whiskey through reviews, distillery visits, interviews, blending experiences, and industry coverage.
The Bourbon Bishop
I’ve reviewed hundreds of whiskies, visited distilleries across the country, and spent years helping build whiskey communities rooted in curiosity, transparency, and genuine connection.
My approach is intentionally independent. While I work with select brands and industry partners, I believe trust is earned through honest assessments, clear disclosures, and a willingness to value substance over hype.
Whether I’m reviewing a new release or sitting down with a distiller, my goal remains the same: help people discover better whiskey.
The Writer
Long before whiskey reviews, I was a writer.
In addition to whiskey journalism and industry features, I write speculative fiction, short stories, essays, and poetry. Writing continues to shape how I approach every review and article I publish.
Good writing isn’t about having the loudest voice in the room. It’s about noticing what matters and communicating it clearly.
That philosophy guides everything I create.
Why Whiskey Matters
People often ask why whiskey became such an important part of my work.
The answer has less to do with bottles and more to do with people.
My professional career is as a board-certified hospice music therapist. Every day, I work alongside individuals and families navigating questions of meaning, legacy, connection, and time.
That perspective has profoundly shaped how I think.
It reminds me that experiences matter more than possessions. Relationships matter more than status. And the things worth remembering are usually the things shared with others.
Whiskey, at its best, creates those moments.
It’s a reason to gather, celebrate, reflect, and connect.
That’s what continues to draw me back.
What You’ll Find Here
Whiskey Reviews
Independent reviews focused on transparency, value, and thoughtful analysis.
Distillery Visits
Behind-the-scenes looks at the people, places, and processes shaping modern whiskey.
Industry Insights
News, interviews, blending experiences, barrel selections, and conversations from across the whiskey world.
Beyond Whiskey
I live in Northern Virginia with my wife, our three children, and two very opinionated dogs.
When I’m not writing, reviewing whiskey, or chasing deadlines, you’ll usually find me spending time with family, reading, listening to music, or working on my next creative project.
At the end of the day, whiskey is only part of the story.
The people we share it with matter far more.
Let’s Connect
Whether you’re a fellow whiskey enthusiast, a distillery, a brand, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, I’m glad you’re here.