007 Series Ep. 7: Diamonds are Forever (1971)/Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon (Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2)

Welcome back to the Drinks and a Movie Podcast! In this seventh episode of my James Bond series, I’m diving into Diamonds Are Forever (1971), which marks Sean Connery’s return as Bond after a break from the role. This film, while classic in its own right, is also notable for its place in the Bond franchise’s continuity—or lack thereof. Diamonds Are Forever, along with On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and You Only Live Twice, deviates from the correct order of Ian Fleming’s novels. The correct sequence is Thunderball, followed by On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and then You Only Live Twice. This shift is significant because it disrupts the emotional and narrative through-line, especially when it comes to Bond’s relationship with Tracy and the aftermath of her death, which was central to On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. By skipping over the emotional weight that should have followed, Diamonds Are Forever somewhat lightens the thematic stakes of Bond’s character arc, leaning into a more campy, adventurous tone instead of the emotional depth seen in Fleming’s books.To pair with this film, I’m sipping on Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Sour Mash Bourbon, crafted from Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #2. Elmer T. Lee, a legendary figure in the bourbon world. He was became a master distiller at Buffalo Trace and was instrumental in the creation of Blanton’s Bourbon. His single barrel sour mash bourbon is known for its smooth, rich profile, making it the perfect companion for a Bond film that balances high stakes with a lighter, more fun tone. Join me as I discuss how Diamonds Are Forever shifts the tone of the Bond saga, why the change in the novel order matters thematically, and why Elmer T. Lee’s bourbon is an ideal drink to accompany this spirited, yet somewhat disjointed, chapter in Bond’s story.