We had the good fortune of connecting with Fallon Dupard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fallon, what inspires you?
Born in New Orleans, I was raised to believe that life is best lived with passion, purpose, and a little bit of celebration because in the Big Easy, we don’t just go through life, we roll with it. We embrace every moment, every story, every connection. And while my roots run deep in a city that knows how to let the good times roll, Houston gave me the space to soar, grow, and turn my love for bourbon into something greater.

Bourbon, much like life, is a journey. It starts with the earth, grains nurtured by the land, growing strong, full of promise. It finds its character in the American White Oak, standing tall until it transforms into barrels that will hold and shape its future. And then, there are the Master Distillers, those artists and craftsmen who pour their knowledge, their time, and their passion into every drop, leaving behind a legacy that lasts for generations.

Legacy is something I know well. It’s in my family, in the boldness of my sister Tracie, who built Face By Trace into more than just a beauty brand; it’s a movement of empowerment, confidence, and transformation. It’s in my cousin CJ, a visionary entrepreneur who gifted me my first highly sought-after bottle of Blanton’s as a symbol of my hard work, a toast to my MBA, and a reminder that success is meant to be celebrated.

And so, I celebrate. I sip, I savor, I share. Bourbon isn’t just a drink, it’s a connection to the past, a tribute to those who came before, and a promise to those who will come after. It’s about bringing people together, creating moments, and making memories that will last long after the last drop is poured.

This journey isn’t just mine, it’s a story of resilience, passion, and the pursuit of something meaningful. From the Big Easy to the big dreams, from the oak barrels to the final pour, this is my love letter to bourbon. My inspiration.

This is Its Bourbon Baby.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My bourbon journey started with passion and a simple idea of sharing my love for the spirit through storytelling and pivoting to curated experiences. What sets me apart is my deep appreciation for bourbon’s connection to the earth, history, and craftsmanship. I’m most proud of becoming a Certified Bourbon Steward and further growing the Bourbon Baby brand, curating tastings and experiences that bring people together.

It wasn’t easy, I’ve dealt with doubt when reviewing various bourbons, imposter syndrome, and still navigating a male-dominated industry are some of the challenges. But I’m overcoming them with resilience, community support, and an unwavering belief in my vision. I’ve learned that success is about consistency, embracing growth, and staying true to your unique voice.

Its Bourbon Baby isn’t just a brand, it’s a movement. It’s about culture, connection, and celebration, honoring the legacy of bourbon while inspiring others to explore, sip, and savor.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, we’d indulge in great food, bourbon, and unforgettable experiences. We’d kick things off at Rouxpour, where the food is incredible, and the bourbon selection is top-tier. Then, we’d head to Whiskey Cake Kitchen for more great bites and a bourbon lineup that never disappoints. A visit to POST Houston is a must for its stunning skyline views and vibrant energy. Since we have a full week, we’d take a trip down to Galveston to soak in the island vibes, stopping at Daiquiri Time Out for an expertly curated bourbon selection and a fun chat with David, my favorite bartender. While in Galveston, we’d explore The Strand, take in the Gulf Coast breeze, and cap it all off with dinner at Hearsay on the Strand, where the bites are delicious, and the bourbon is even better. Along the way, we’d mix in some live music, art, and hidden gems, and of course, some local distillery tours, making sure every moment is filled with great drinks, good company, and lasting memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If you had told me a year ago that my love for bourbon would turn into something bigger than just a hobby, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. It all started with a phone, a bottle, and a desire to share my thoughts weekly on TikTok, doing bourbon reviews just for fun. But as I kept posting, I started meeting some incredible people who pushed me to dive deeper, learn more, and truly embrace the craft.

One of those people was Christy Pruitt-Haynes of The Sip and Smoke Experience. Her knowledge, passion, and expertise inspired me to go beyond just tasting bourbon to understand it. Seeing her love for the spirit became even more motivating to explore the art, science, and history of bourbon.

Then there’s Sarah Rain of Texas-Yacht, a true believer in my journey. She gave me my first big opportunity to curate my very first bourbon tasting experience. That moment was a game-changer. It wasn’t just about sipping whiskey anymore; it was about storytelling, experience, and bringing people together through the beauty of bourbon.

But if there’s one person who deserves the biggest shoutout, it’s my wife, Phylicia. From the very beginning, she has been my biggest cheerleader, my rock, and even my video editor. Every late-night content brainstorm, every “just one more take” moment, she’s been there, pouring nothing but positivity into me. Her belief in me fuels my drive to keep pushing forward.

Success is never a solo journey. It’s built on the shoulders of those who mentor us, challenge us, believe in us, and stand beside us. I’m grateful for every person who has poured into me, just as I now pour into every glass I share. Here’s to them, cheers!

Instagram: itsbourbonbabyofficial

Other: TikTok: itsbourbonbaby

Image Credits
Phylicia French-Dupard

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.