The
Speakeasy
September 2021
Barrel proof stories straight from the
source.
The Whiskey Network Interview
John Patterson
John Patterson is the drummer of the band Tora Tora. They are a Memphis Blues--based band that is instantly recognizable for their musical style, raw talent, and spectacular live shows. Since the mid--1980’s, Tora Tora has earned a fierce following across four incredible studio albums and a relentless touring schedule. Remarkably, they’ve managed to keep the same lineup since the beginning: just four friends making great music. That’s no easy task in the rock world. You’ll find them of any list of the best rock bands of the 1980’s, and rightfully so.
​
With that said, Mr. Patterson is a sensible, low--key gentleman who loves to make music with his good friends. He’s polite, well spoken, and wields his rock--star clout with a quiet confidence. You’d never know that the videos of his band were a mainstay on music television or that his music has climbed the charts. He’s self--taught as a drummer but elevated his skills with some of the best instructors in Memphis… and it shows. His music career that spans three decades is all the proof you need.
Best of all, he’s a whiskey enthusiast.
Whiskey Beginnings for the Memphis Soul, and Tasting All Good Things
John began with whiskey like most of us did, tasting what was in the house at a young age. Later, his education in alcoholic drinks began on a tangential line: wine. From there, he jumped into the world of whiskey. As he matured, he quickly understood that the classic flavors of bourbon are the best. That’s been an influencing factor on his journey into whiskey. As we explore this topic, he immediately establishes his humble attitude towards whiskey. He keeps it simple and on--point.
​
Mark Pruett - I'm honored to be with you, John, thanks for being here today.
​
John Patterson - Thank you for having me, Mark. My pleasure.
​
MP - Let's dive right into it. I love to ask this question and I'm always fascinated by the answers given. What's your earliest memory of whiskey?
​
JP - My earliest is not a good one. When I was 15 or 16 years old, I got into my mom's liquor cabinet. I was a repeat offender. It was just one of those things you do when you’re a kid. That’s where I got my first taste of whiskey.
​
MP - Where did you grow up?
​
JP - In a suburb of Memphis, TN called Germantown. These days, I'm in Arlington, which is another suburb of Memphis. I've been in the Memphis area all my life.
​
MP - When did whiskey/bourbon go from just having a drink to a more serious hobby. What made you decide that you liked it and wanted to get more into it?
​
JP - It has been within the last 10 years, and it has just evolved from there. Everybody drinks a little bit of Jack Daniels or Jim Beam, but that is not my thing. My dad used to own a liquor store, and I worked for him for a long time. That is where I was introduced to better bourbon. Of course, back then the whiskey and bourbon craze wasn't what it is now. Everybody was more into wines back then, and I concentrated on that because I needed to talk about them.
​
I had tasted some of the better bourbons at the time. I believe an early one was Woodford Reserve, and there were others. I realized that there was good tasting whiskey out there and you didn’t have to mix them with anything. It quickly developed from there.
​
In the last seven or eight years, I've come to understand what my tastes are. There are bottles that are my go--to brands and it’s a short list of 12 to 15 bourbons.
​
On a funny note, my brother--in--law… His family owns a liquor store right by my house. He has some high end/collectible bottles, and some Pappy Van Winkle. He asked me if I wanted to borrow them and have them to display for our talk, so I could “look cool”. I’m not about doing that. If I did, I might get into them, and my wife would kill me. [laughs]
​
MP - On that note, what flavor profiles do you gravitate towards?
​
JP - Caramel and vanilla: that's what I like. I don't like a lot of oak. It gets a little bit bitter and harsh, but the caramel is what I really go for. I have found that I like to drink single barrels or small batch. For those, every batch is different, and some are better than others. It’s nice to pick up on the variety.
​
MP - Have you been to any local distilleries in your area?
​
JP - I have not been able to explore any of them yet, but I’d like to. The Jack Daniels property is six or seven hours from my house and my brother--in--law goes out there regularly. I haven’t been invited yet, and a little miffed about it! I'd really like to go to any distillery.
Photo Courtesy of Tora Tora
Touring Wild America, Exploring Distilleries, and One for the Road
Tora Tora built a ferocious fan following because of their incredible music. In part, it was also because of their relentless touring schedule. While grueling, this is a great opportunity to see different parts of the country or the world. For someone who is on the journey of exploring whiskey, distillery tours are a part of the process. As the band embarks on a tour that is coming soon, there is a great opportunity for John to take another step by exploring some of the many distilleries across the country.
​
Exploring connections to whiskey further, there are many bands capitalizing on the popularity of cross--branding with beer or whiskey. John knows the value of the Tora Tora brand and sees the opportunity that could come from such a collaboration. Of course, since he favors bourbon, that could blossom into quite a venture.
​
MP - I know you probably don’t do as many concert dates as you did in the past, but with your touring schedule you might be able to explore those cities for local distilleries. This leads to another question, how many shows do you do now?
​
JP - Before the pandemic, we were doing 25 to 30 dates a year because we all have day jobs. We need to work around our schedules and try to play shows when we can. Right now, we have about a dozen on the books, and we want to book more through the end of the year.
​
Unfortunately, none of them are in East Tennessee or Kentucky. That is where all the distilleries I want to visit are. Kind of bummed about that.
​
MP - Well, there are craft distilleries everywhere now. I hope that when you're on tour that you use your down to visit a few. It's a fantastic opportunity.
​
If you are willing to discuss it, what is your day job?
​
JP - I’m a realtor in my day job. I do it because it's flexible and I can set my own schedule. If I’m not too busy, that gives me more time to play with the band.
​
MP - Has anybody ever recognized you from the band?
​
JP - Absolutely. I get business that way. In fact, I've got some clients I'm working with now and it’s because they're a fan of the band. It goes hand in hand. Those are the people that I really want to take care of. Of course, I try to help everybody, but I really want to help those people because they're loyal to me and my band. I want to give something back to them.
​
MP - You have a great attitude about that. Circling back, I hope when you're on the road that you can visit some of the craft distilleries that are cropping up everywhere. As a part of your whiskey journey, it’s a great opportunity to experience some great products. If you do get to a few, please come back to talk to us about it. I'd love to hear more about your adventures.
​
JP - Now that I think about it, we do have one here in Memphis. It's called Blue Note. I’ve tasted their whiskey, but I have not been to the facility. I need to line that up since they are right here. I'm sitting here saying “Boo--hoo, poor me”, but there is one right here.
​
MP - Be the change you want to see in the world, John. Go do that today. That leads to another interesting question. What do you think of bands putting their names on labels of whiskey or getting deeper involved and working to help produce the whiskey the brand?
​
JP - I'm good with it. Why not? It's another great way of branding your band. Now, I do see the other side of it where people may not agree. However, if it's a good product and something that you believe in, put your name on it. I don't have a problem with it.
​
MP - There are a lot of different levels of involvement. One band is really involved, and they play the music at the barrels to cause vibrations as a part of the maturing process. Also, we recently spoke to a guitar player who likes to be really involved in the entire process at the distillery, and that is cool to hear about. He’s a geek about the whole process. Then, there are bands that are just providing the logo for the label. There’s nothing wrong with that because they all seem to sell very well.
Has a distillery every approached Tora Tora to put your logo on a beer or whiskey? That would be a great opportunity for the band.
​
JP - We have not been approached, but I think that would be very cool!
​
MP - Whiskey Network audience, here is a great opportunity! If there are any distilleries out there, please give the band a call. Let’s make this happen!
​
Photo Courtesy of David L. Horan
Whiskey Stories: As Time Goes By and Being There to Share Whiskey
There are very few bands in existence for three decades that also maintain the exact same lineup in that time. Tora Tora is partnership forged in respect, love, and a unique bond that only being in a band creates. Anthony Corder is the prototypical lead singer… ebullient and charismatic. John (drums), Keith Douglas (guitar), and Patrick Francis (bass) all fall into place behind him with their own talents as a part of the whole. It’s the magic of why this band is still relevant on the musical landscape today.
​
With any group of friends in a band that has been together for a long time, there are stories. As everyone knows very well, whiskey and stories go hand in hand. John and the band have stories that have been lost to time and a particularly strong drink. It happens. The good news is that John has taken Patrick under his wing on his own whiskey journey in the more recent past.
​
This is the essence of whiskey: sharing it with good friends.
​
MP - Changing gears just a bit, Tora Tora has been together since the mid to late '80s. You've been putting music together and it's been the same lineup to present. How is that possible? How have you guys managed to stay together and do that for as long as you have?
​
JP - We've been close friends for a long time. There is rarely ever an instance where we have had a strong disagreement about anything; musically or otherwise. So, it’s easy for us to get along. We've stayed together as a band because it’s been very natural and easy for us to work together. We are similar, but we recognize and respect our differences. We don’t let that interfere with anything musically or personally. It's really been a great relationship between us.
​
MP - Are all of you still local to one another or do you live further apart?
​
JP - Keith (Douglas – guitar/backing vocals), and Patrick (Francis – bass/backing vocals) and I (drums) still live in the Memphis area. Anthony (Corder – vocals/acoustic guitar) moved to Nashville and has lived there for about 17 years. It’s only a 3--hour drive, so he comes to town and rehearses with us. He will come to town to visit family and give us a call. We'll all get together and hang out.
​
MP - You know those lead singers. I've seen his videos. [laughs]
​
JP - They have to be different. [laughs]
​
MP - In all seriousness, those videos he posts, his spread in Nashville is a beautiful, idyllic place. His videos are pure joy.
​
JP - Yes, his “Happy Sunday”, which he does every week. That guy cracks me up, and he is such a great person.
​
MP – He is a great soul and very talented. All of you are, for that matter! It’s been an awesome journey to follow the band and that you are still very active.
​
JP - On that note, we just got out of the studio, so there's going to be more new music coming out soon.
​
MP - I want you to hold that thought about new music. We will get to that. If I may, I’d like to ask one last whiskey related question. During the great times of the '80’s and '90’s, with all the time you've been on the road, and even with the popularity of your music videos – I am sure there were some “adventures”. Do you have any stories that you'd be willing to share that involve the band and whiskey?
​
JP - For starters, we used to get a lot of beer. Somewhere along the way, Jägermeister got introduced to our rider every night. That didn't turn out so well. There's so much that I don't remember.
​
MP - Nobody remembers any stories that involve Jägermeister, because that's exactly what it's meant to do.
​
JP - That's does seem to be what ends up happening.
​
MP - How about these days?
​
JP - These days, I'm low key. To me, whiskey is for relaxation at the end of the day or if I've done something that I want to have a little celebration over. I'll go pour a little glass of what I have on hand and enjoy it. It helps me unwind and it helps me feel good.
​
I do have a great whiskey story to tell that is current. Patrick (bass) knows I like bourbon and whiskey and recently told me that he wanted to get into it. On tour, we have a modest rider, so we decided to try and get some whiskey added. He wanted to start with Jack Daniels, and I suggested we go for something better. He didn’t agree, so we started there, and he was pouring it with coke, ginger ale, and other stuff. One night on the road, I ended up buying him a glass of Woodford Reserve and he really liked that. From there, we explored Gentleman Jack. Now, we have Woodford Reserve on a regular basis. Their people need to know that I created a new fan for them! He doesn’t drink much, but now he knows the difference.
​
MP - I love it. That's a beautiful story and I am glad there are people in the bourbon and whiskey world who are willing to take someone under their wing and grow their tastes.
​
JP - I'm not through with him yet. He's going to get some better stuff, not that there is anything wrong with Woodford. I just know that we have a lot more to explore. I’m excited to introduce him to so many more bottles.
​
MP - Whiskey is versatile because it can be great for solitary enjoyment and something to enjoy with friends. To a certain extent, the brands that equate to either are generally different, too.
​
JP - That’s right. I do have a few friends that enjoy good whiskey just like I do, but there are not many. Most of my friends are really into beer. If my whiskey friends come to my house, I'm getting the best of what I have and we're drinking it. That's the way I do things, and if I'm enjoying something… I want my friends to enjoy it with me. I’m in another band called FeverTree and we practice every week. Everybody brings a different whiskey, and we can all try it.
​
MP - This validates a big part of what the Whiskey Network stands for: whiskey is meant to be shared and great stories come from that.
Photo Courtesy of Danny Day
All Good Things: New Music and Current Projects
John has never been one to stand still. Tora Tora has kept him busy, and he has another band he’s working with. It’s a very special place to be able to do something you love and then share that with the fans. There is quite a bit of new music in the pipeline from John, and we can’t wait to see what happens next. In fact, Tora Tora has announced a new single “Trip the Light Fantastic” that will be released on September 3rd, 2021. Fans should check out the band’s website for more information on how to get this new music.
​
His other band, FeverTree, is also preparing new music to share with their fans. FeverTree are Tim Dills (vocals), Mike Bertoldo (guitar), Rocko Walls (bass), and John (drums). They offer something different in their sound and approach. They have already developed a very devoted following and continue to grow. John thrives on both bands and their respective style and sound.
​
The secret sauce are the live shows for both bands. There are dates scheduled for the rest of 2021 across the US. In that time, there will also be additional songs released. Stay tuned for more information.
​
MP - I asked you to hold your thought about new music… so let’s get to that! It sounds like you have a lot going on. Tell me about the current projects with Tora Tora and the other bands you are in.
​
JP - With Tora Tora, we've been writing songs during the shutdowns. Since we haven’t been able to go out and play them, we decided to put together around 10 songs. From there, we decided to touch them up, get them finished, and go into the studio to record them. We just finished most of that two weeks ago, but there’s still a bit of touch up left to do. They sound incredible and we cannot wait to share them with our fans! We are not sure when they are going to be released. We have talked about several different options… we may do a full album, or we may just release them as singles here and there. We haven't really made up our minds on that one yet.
​
As soon as I was done with the Tora Tora song, I jumped into the studio with my other band, FeverTree. We have 11 songs in process and need to finish the guitars, bass, and vocals on them. That will be released as an album, and it will be out by the end of the year. We are hopefully going to be pressing vinyl for that release. It's going to be good and a lot different than what people might expect.
​
MP - For Tora Tora, “Bastards of Beale” was released in 2019. The band has also released an acoustic EP recently.
​
JP - Yes, and we've got some more songs that from that night that are recorded that we're talking about releasing, as well. There is a lot of great music that our fans can look forward us releasing. We all need to sit down and figure out the game plan and get it done.
​
MP - Also, you are just about to start a tour, can you tell me about that?
​
JP - We have some shows booked starting in August and will be touring through the end of October. Our awesome booking agency is always on the prowl, looking for more gigs for us to play. Follow us and you’ll get the latest information about everything that’s going on.
​
MP - If members of our audience are not familiar with the band, Tora Tora is and old--fashioned, kick--ass rock and roll band with a tinge of the blues. They are four friends who continue to make great music that stands the test of time. You are in for a treat with this band!
​
Can you tell me a little bit about the sound of FeverTree?
​
JP – Thank you. We love our fans and love to welcome new ones!
​
FeverTree is straight ahead rock and roll, but there are southern and blues influences in the music. We're all from the South and we can't help it. For example, our guitar player Mike is from Oklahoma, and he's got a unique writing style that I gravitate towards. I've always gravitated toward guitar players. There is a lot more technical playing involved in FeverTree music. The music is more dynamic, and we don’t play as loud.
​
With Tora Tora, we're just on 10 all the time. We're loud, that's the way it is, that's what we do, and I love it. My hearing has suffered because of it.
​
MP - John, my hearing has suffered because of Tora Tora... Because I've played it loud for a very, very long time.
​
JP - Glad to hear it. Sorry for your hearing loss, but I'm glad to hear it.
​
MP - Totally acceptable, we're good.
For Tora Tora, if the Whiskey Network audience wants to buy your music and learn about your tour dates… Where do they go?
​
JP - Our website is www.toratoramusic.com and if you want merchandise you can go to www.rightrocksportswear.com.
​
MP - Tora Tora is very active on social media, including Facebook and Instagram. As we mentioned, Anthony Corder, the lead singer, loves to post all the time.
​
How do people engage with FeverTree?
​
JP - Look us up on Facebook. That’s where we are most active.
​
MP - To recap, fans can look forward to a new music from Tora Tora within the next year. Correct?
​
JP - For sure, though it could be a full album or just singles. We’re leaning towards just releasing them as singles right now.
Also, we also want to promote the acoustic album that we just put out. As I said, we've also got some more acoustic music recorded that we might do something with. We just need to decide.
​
MP - John let’s get serious here. I want you to make a promise since you are about to go on tour.
​
Will you visit at least two local distilleries when you're on the road? Also, when you return and have that new music to talk about, come back and talk to us about it. Can we make that happen?
​
JP - I'm going to do it. You have my word.
​
MP - Beautiful! This is your official welcome to the Whisky Network family. Let's just say you're in and you can't ever leave us.
Photo Courtesy of Tora Tora
The Mashbill: Whiskey Network Wants to Know Your Recipe
It is our tradition at the Whiskey Network to ask our guests the same final 5 questions, also known as the Mashbill.
​
MP - John, you have been extremely generous with your time today. It has been exciting to learn about your projects and everything that's going on in your world with whiskey. I have a special treat for you here. We ask all our guests the same 5 questions, and these are the most common questions that get asked by our audience.
​
It’s not a test, so don't get nervous. Let's just have fun with it.
​
Question 1: What was the last whiskey, bourbon or scotch that was in your glass?
​
JP - Buffalo Trace
​
MP - Can't go wrong with Buffalo Trace, an old standard.
​
JP - That's my go to when I don't feel like spending a lot of money.
​
MP - I’ll share with you… I have a sad story about an empty bottle of Buffalo Trace here next to me. [holding up an empty bottle of Buffalo Trace on camera]
​
JP - You've got a problem. You need to make a run to the store.
​
MP - I promise that after this is done, I’m going to the store to stock up.
​
Question 2: Do you prefer to drink your whiskey in a specific type of class?
​
JP - I prefer a highball glass. I've got a nice double walled glass that came with in a Knob Creek set. It’s a really nice glass because it doesn't sweat if I put ice in it. I'd rather drink at room temperature to be honest with you.
​
MP - Ice for amateurs… come on. [laughs]
​
JP - [laughs] It is. Let's be honest... some of them really do need it, but I’m not going to name any names. However, Woodford and Knob Creek don't need ice.
​
MP – I am kidding. I do the same thing, and I am with you. If something is a little too hot, I'm dropping an ice cube in it.
​
JP - Yes, once you get up into the 110 and 115 proof whiskey, there needs to be some ice in it.
​
MP - Moving on to question 3: Do you have a Unicorn bottle?
​
JP - To be honest, I’m not sure I really have a definitive unicorn bottle. I’m just and everyday whiskey drinker. If I had to choose, I’d say a Pappy Van Winkle 23--Year--Old. I’ve tasted it and it’s very good to me, but I also understand a lot of it is hype and folklore.
​
MP - That is totally acceptable. Drink what you like and how you like it.
​
Question 4 is a hypothetical one: I'm looking for a gift for a friend. My budget is somewhere between $50 and $75. What would you recommend that I buy?
​
JP - My short list is Rowans Creek or Noah's Mill. These are awesome bottles of bourbon and I love them. Also, if you can find it… Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch. My brother--in--law recommended it to me, and the bottle disappeared very quickly. However, it’s not available for me to buy it again… yet.
​
MP - Ready for the final question? Question 5: what is your favorite toast?
​
JP – I don’t know that I have one, but I’ll go with: Live Long and Prosper. To tell you the truth, I do not really like to lead toasts. I'm not the guy who's going to stand up and hit the glass, so can I make a toast. I'm a drummer, and I'm in the background.
​
MP - Isn’t that what Anthony is for?
​
JP - Yes, that's Anthony job. He does all that. I'll join anybody in a toast for anything that they are leading.
​
MP – John, I wanted to thank you again. There have been some great stories that have come out of this discussion. I love where you are in your whiskey journey and hope to hear more about where you go from here. You're still making great music and I am very happy to have talked about that, also.
​
Again, welcome to the Whisky Network family. Anytime you have anything to discuss let us know. Even if you want to just make any excuse to talk to us… just let us know. You’re always welcome and we consider you family now. To top it off, you have some homework. I hope you and I stay in touch, and we follow through on this tour where you get to a couple of distilleries.
​
JP - We will. In fact, I'm probably going to go down to Blue Note as soon as I can in your honor, Mark.
​
MP - I'll look forward to seeing the pictures on social media.
​
JP - Thank you. I truly enjoyed this conversation and look forward to talking to the Whiskey Network audience again very soon.
John Patterson is a humble and talented gentleman from Memphis who just happens to be a member of an influential rock and roll band. Despite his success, he’s remained level--headed and has stayed close to his roots. He loves to make music with his friends, and it shows in the finished product. Check out John with Tora Tora on their newest acoustic record, with more new music on the way. In addition, FeverTree will be releasing new music very soon. Both bands are likely to be playing a show near you!
​
We are honored to have John join the Whiskey Network family. We look forward to hearing from John again and telling the story of whiskey journey as it continues.