The Pourch

American Craft Whiskey Lives Here

The Pourch

America's Craft Whiskey Lives Here

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 2026
Last Updated: January 21, 2026

At The Pourch, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, your rights regarding your data, and the choices available to you as a visitor, reader, or contributor.

By using The Pourch website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide to Us

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:

Create an Account or Comment

  • Name or username
  • Email address
  • Password (encrypted and securely stored)

Apply to Become a Contributor

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • City and state
  • Blogging experience details
  • Writing samples and links
  • Description of writing style
  • Tasting experience descriptions
  • Intended contribution frequency

Contact Us

  • Name and email address
  • Any information you include in your message

Subscribe to Our Newsletter (when available)

  • Email address
  • Name (optional)
  • Content preferences (optional)

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit The Pourch, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activity:

Usage Data

  • Pages visited and time spent on each page
  • Referral source (how you found our site)
  • Click behavior and navigation patterns
  • Date and time of visits

Device & Technical Information

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet)
  • Operating system
  • General geographic location (city/region level, not precise location)

Cookies & Tracking Technologies We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience and analyze site performance. See Section 3 for details.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

Account Management & Authentication

  • Creating and managing user accounts
  • Authenticating logins and maintaining account security
  • Enabling commenting functionality

Contributor Program

  • Evaluating contributor applications
  • Managing contributor profiles and content submissions
  • Communicating with contributors about submissions and site updates

Communication

  • Responding to your inquiries and support requests
  • Sending administrative emails (password resets, account notifications)
  • Delivering newsletters and content updates (only if you opt in)

Site Improvement & Analytics

  • Understanding how visitors use our site
  • Identifying popular content and user preferences
  • Improving site functionality and user experience
  • Testing new features and content formats

Advertising & Monetization

  • Displaying relevant advertisements
  • Managing affiliate partnerships and tracking referrals
  • Measuring advertising effectiveness
  • Supporting sponsored content partnerships

Legal Compliance & Protection

  • Complying with legal obligations
  • Protecting against fraud, abuse, and security threats
  • Enforcing our Terms of Service
  • Defending our legal rights

3. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help us recognize your browser and remember certain information about your preferences or past actions.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies Required for basic site functionality, including:

  • User authentication and login sessions
  • Security features
  • Comment system functionality

Analytics Cookies Help us understand site usage through tools like:

  • Google Analytics 4 (GA4) – tracks anonymous usage data
  • Visit duration, page views, and traffic sources

Advertising & Affiliate Cookies Support our monetization efforts:

  • Affiliate link tracking for commission attribution
  • Advertising partner cookies (if applicable)
  • Conversion tracking for sponsored content

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

  • Block all cookies – May limit site functionality
  • Delete existing cookies – Removes stored data
  • Receive notifications – Alerts when cookies are set

Most browsers accept cookies by default. Consult your browser’s help documentation for specific instructions.

Note: Disabling cookies may affect your ability to use certain features, including commenting and personalized content.

4. Third-Party Services & Embedded Content

Analytics & Tracking

We use third-party analytics services to better understand our audience:

Google Analytics 4

  • Collects anonymous usage data
  • Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
  • Opt-out: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

Embedded Content

Posts may include embedded content from third-party platforms:

  • YouTube videos
  • Instagram posts
  • Twitter/X posts
  • Other social media embeds

Important: When you interact with embedded content, those third-party platforms may collect data about you, use cookies, or track your activity—just as if you visited their sites directly. We do not control these third parties’ data practices.

Affiliate Links

The Pourch participates in affiliate marketing programs. Some links to products or services may include affiliate tracking codes that generate commission if you make a purchase. This does not affect the price you pay.

We may participate in programs including:

  • Amazon Associates
  • Other bourbon and whiskey-related affiliate programs

FTC Disclosure: We disclose affiliate relationships in accordance with FTC guidelines. Affiliate links are marked where appropriate.

Advertising Partners

We may work with advertising networks and sponsors who use cookies and tracking technologies to serve relevant ads. These partners have their own privacy policies governing data collection.

5. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

With Your Consent When you explicitly authorize us to share specific information.

Service Providers We work with third-party vendors who help operate our site:

  • Web hosting providers
  • Email service providers
  • Analytics platforms
  • Payment processors (if applicable)

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.

Contributors & Public Profiles If you become a contributor, your profile information (name, bio, photo, links) will be publicly displayed on the site.

Legal Requirements We may disclose information when required by law or to:

  • Comply with legal process or government requests
  • Enforce our Terms of Service
  • Protect our rights, property, or safety
  • Prevent fraud or security threats

Business Transfers If The Pourch is acquired or merged with another entity, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:

Active Accounts: Data retained while your account remains active Contributor Applications: Retained for evaluation and potential future opportunities Deleted Accounts: Personal data removed within 30 days of deletion request Legal Obligations: Some data may be retained longer to comply with legal requirements

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

For All Users

Access & Correction

  • Request a copy of your personal information
  • Update or correct inaccurate data

Account Deletion

Email Preferences

  • Unsubscribe from newsletters via the link in any email
  • Manage communication preferences in your account settings

GDPR Rights (EU Residents)

If you are located in the European Union, you have additional rights under GDPR:

Right to Access: Request confirmation of data processing and obtain a copy Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”) Right to Restriction: Limit how we process your data Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time

To exercise these rights, contact [email protected].

CCPA Rights (California Residents)

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

Right to Know: What personal information we collect and how it’s used Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of personal information (we don’t sell data) Right to Non-Discrimination: Equal service regardless of privacy choices

To exercise these rights, contact [email protected].

8. Children’s Privacy

The Pourch is not directed to individuals under the age of 21. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 21 years of age.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at [email protected] and we will delete such information.

9. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction:

  • Encrypted password storage
  • Secure HTTPS connection
  • Regular security updates and monitoring
  • Limited employee access to personal data

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International Data Transfers

The Pourch is based in the United States. If you access our site from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from your country.

By using our site, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States.

11. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” (DNT) signal. Our site does not currently respond to DNT signals, but you can manage cookies and tracking through your browser settings.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or site features.

When we make significant changes:

  • We’ll update the “Last Updated” date at the top
  • We may notify you via email or a prominent site notice
  • For material changes, we may require re-consent

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: [email protected]

Response Time: We respond to privacy inquiries within 1-2 business days.

For GDPR or CCPA requests, we will respond within the timeframes required by law (typically 30-45 days).

14. Affiliate & Sponsored Content Disclosure

In accordance with FTC guidelines, The Pourch discloses:

Affiliate Relationships: Some links may generate commission if you make a purchase. This does not affect the price you pay or our editorial opinions.

Sponsored Content: Paid partnerships and sponsored posts are clearly labeled as such.

Product Reviews: We may receive free products for review. All reviews reflect our honest opinions, and we maintain full editorial independence.

Editorial Integrity: Compensation does not guarantee positive coverage. We maintain honest, authentic content regardless of commercial relationships.

By using The Pourch, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.

Last Updated: January 21, 2026