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The cases were there—until they weren’t. One morning, a routine inventory check at a storied Kentucky distillery turned into the discovery of a heist that no one saw coming. The missing bourbon wasn’t just any whiskey; it was THE bourbon, the kind collectors whisper about and connoisseurs hunt for. How could so much of it vanish without a trace? Was it an inside job, a well-planned heist, or something even more sinister? As investigators dug deeper, they uncovered a tangled web of deception, underground deals, and a black-market bourbon trade that had been hiding in plain sight.

What started as a quiet theft quickly spiraled into one of the most notorious whiskey crimes in modern history. Rumors swirled through Kentucky hollers and high-end bars alike, as bottles from the stolen stash began to surface in the most unexpected places. Law enforcement, whiskey insiders, and bourbon lovers around the world were drawn into the mystery, each piece of the puzzle leading to more questions than answers. News reports circled the globe. Was it greed, revenge, or something far more personal? The truth behind the missing barrels would shake the bourbon world to its core. 

Feel free to email your thoughts about the episode or the show in general at thebourbonprincipal.com. I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for listening to Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, where history meets flavor and every bottle has a story to tell. Cheers to the stores and legends behind the Spirit! Please leave a rating and review as it will help me plan future episodes.

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 (Season 2 begins March 3, 2025)

Last season… we took a journey to discover LEGENDS

We uncovered the legend of how bourbon came to Kentucky—why this state, why this water, and why it became the beating heart of America’s spirit. We met Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr., the legend who shaped modern bourbon. We hunted the White Whale of Bourbon—one of the rarest bottles ever made, lost to time and a legend sought after by the greatest hunters.  We unmasked the King of Bootleggers, a infamous legend who ruled Prohibition’s underworld. We saw how one of the Wild West’s most notorious outlaw legends came to Bardstown and left his Mark.  And we even took a detour down to Tennessee to reveal a legend lost in the hills for over a hundred years and discovered the true father of Tennessee whiskey and the Lincoln County Process—spoiler: it wasn’t Jack Daniel.

Each episode, we dug deeper into the stories only whispered across the bourbon trail—the tales you won’t find on distillery tours, legends that are passed from bartender to the backroom speakeasy’s, from master distillers to late-night campfires

But that… was just the beginning.

Now, get ready for Season 2.

Because if you thought we covered it all, you haven’t heard anything yet.

This season even more legends are coming your way…. we’re resurrecting a lost bourbon—one that disappeared for decades, only to be brought back like something straight out of Jurassic Park. We’re diving headfirst into Pappygate—the infamous heist at Buffalo Trace that turned the bourbon world upside down.

We’ll trace the rise, fall, and rebirth of some of the most legendary distilleries—Four Roses, Green River, Stitzel-Weller—the very places that shaped the bourbon we chase today. And speaking of legends… how did Pappy Van Winkle himself become the icon he is today? The answer may surprise you. We will see how several distilleries suffered blows from Mother Nature, and how one was almost ruined forever, only to rise from the literal ashes.

And that’s just the first pour.

There are more stories just waiting—hidden in dusty warehouses, lost in the stacks of aging barrels, in the ink of old newspapers, in the memories of those who lived them. Stories of deception, determination, and the spirits that refused to be forgotten.

So, grab your favorite bourbon, settle into your best listening spot, and get ready. Because Season 2 of Bourbon: Legends from the Trail is coming… and the next round of legends is about to be poured.

You ready?

Feel free to email your thoughts about the episode or the show in general at thebourbonprincipal.com. I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for listening to Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, where history meets flavor and every bottle has a story to tell. Cheers to the stores and legends behind the Spirit! Please leave a rating and review as it will help me plan future episodes.

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In the heart of Tennessee, tucked away in a remote holler, a secret lost for over 150 years waited to reshape the world of whiskey. When this story came to light nearly eight years ago, it sent shockwaves through the spirits industry, further explaining how the pivotal distinction between Kentucky Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey came to be, and still defines these spirits today. It began with a modest farmhouse, a determined preacher, and a mysterious shack billowing smoke and steam. What happened there would ignite a legacy, blending tradition, ingenuity, and the quiet strength of those who worked in the shadows.

This is a tale of ambition, transformation, and an innovation that forever altered the course of whiskey-making. Journey back with me to the mid-1800s, where dirt roads, rolling hills, and deep hollers, hid a process so unique it turned whispers into legends. The story of this forgotten holler continues to echo through the hills, challenging everything we thought we knew about whiskey history.

This is one of my favorite stories to tell while out on the Bourbon Trail.  I hope you enjoy and let me know what you think!

Feel free to email your thoughts about the episode or the show in general at thebourbonprincipal.com. I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for listening to Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, where history meets flavor and every bottle has a story to tell. Cheers to the stores and legends behind the Spirit! Please leave a rating and review as it will help me plan future episodes.

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In this gripping installment of Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, we take you deep into the misty hills of Kentucky for a tale that’s equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking. While the moonshiners of yore have captured imaginations for generations, today’s story flips the perspective to the other side of the law. Meet the men tasked with shutting down the illegal stills that dotted the countryside—fearless agents who not only enforced Prohibition-era laws but became legends in their own right. At the heart of this story is one man whose name alone could send a chill down a moonshiner’s spine. But his legacy is far more complex than a simple pursuit of justice.

Through the lens of one unforgettable encounter, we’ll unravel the cat-and-mouse game between moonshiners and the man they dreaded most. Along the way, you’ll hear tales of ingenuity, honor, and survival in a world where the line between right and wrong wasn’t always clear. Get ready for a narrative that weaves history, myth, and humanity into a story you won’t be able to stop thinking about. Tune in for a legend born in the heart of bourbon country—where every shadow hides a secret and every still has a story to tell.

Feel free to email your thoughts about the episode or the show in general at thebourbonprincipal.com. I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for listening to Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, where history meets flavor and every bottle has a story to tell. Cheers to the stores and legends behind the Spirit! Please leave a rating and review as it will help me plan future episodes.

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In this captivating episode of Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, we step into the moonlit shadows of Appalachia to uncover the rebellious history of moonshine—bourbon’s untamed brother. From its roots as a clandestine craft born of necessity to its undeniable influence on American culture, moonshine has always walked a fine line between defiance and tradition. This episode delves into the mysteries surrounding its production, the fiery legacy of its makers, and the enduring spirit that still burns in Kentucky’s hills today.

You’ll hear tales of legendary figures who navigated a dangerous dance with the law, including those who rose to folklore status and others who boldly turned their outlaw ways into family legacies. With every story, this episode shines a light on how moonshine’s unyielding spirit has evolved—finding its way from hidden stills deep in the hollers to the polished shelves of modern distilleries. Get ready for a journey through history, rebellion, and the unquenchable thirst for independence.

Feel free to email your thoughts about the episode or the show in general at thebourbonprincipal.com. I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for listening to Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, where history meets flavor and every bottle has a story to tell. Cheers to the stores and legends behind the Spirit! Please leave a rating and review as it will help me plan future episodes.

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In this week's episode of Bourbon: Legends from the trail, we will hear part 2 of Crown of Shadows: The Prohibition King’s Rise and Fall.

As George’s journey takes him to Cincinnati, he steps into a world where wealth and corruption go hand in hand. Surrounded by marble, gold, and opulence, he quickly rises to be the King of the Underworld. But his ambition and charm have their limits—and cracks begin to show, not only in his empire but in his marriage to the captivating yet dangerously impulsive Imogene. With powerful friends in high places and enemies lurking in the shadows, George’s world spirals into chaos as the authorities close in.

We’ll dive into George’s empire at its peak: the splendor, the deception, and the alliances that led to the legendary party that inspired a classic novel. But as the saying goes, all empires will fall. Betrayal, forbidden passion, and a high-stakes game of revenge bring George’s world crashing down, leading to one of the most sensational murder trials of the century. Will the King of Bootleggers escape unscathed, or will justice finally catch up to him? Join us for Part 2, where legends rise and fall in a blaze of glory.”

Feel free to email your thoughts about the episode or the show in general at thebourbonprincipal.com. I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for listening to Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, where history meets flavor and every bottle has a story to tell. Cheers to the stores and legends behind the Spirit! Please leave a rating and review as it will help me plan future episodes.

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Transport yourself to the smoky speakeasies of 1920s Chicago, where one man seized the chaos of Prohibition to build an empire unlike any other. He wasn’t a household name, but his cunning rivaled the most infamous crime lords. From a humble start, he rose to wealth and power, manipulating the law with brazen genius and a twisted loyalty to himself alone. This two-part episode uncovers the legend behind a bourbon bottle you might have overlooked, a story pulsing with ambition, betrayal, and a ruthless thirst for dominance. Join us as we dive into the shadowy world of this Prohibition king, a figure history nearly forgot.

This story is the favorite of my guests out on the Bourbon Trail.  It is a story that many guests have asked how this story has not been made into a movie.  I have no answer, as it would make an incredible movie. 

There is so much to this story, I decided to split it into two parts.  I hope you enjoy!

Feel free to email your thoughts about the episode or the show in general at thebourbonprincipal.com. I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for listening to Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, where history meets flavor and every bottle has a story to tell. Cheers to the stores and legends behind the Spirit! Please leave a rating and review as it will help me plan future episodes.

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On this episode of Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, we delve into a story as iconic and enduring as the bourbon itself, a tale that bridges past and present with astonishing intensity. It’s a legend forged in battle, bound by camaraderie, and carried through to the distillery. Most might recognize echoes of this saga from Hollywood or bestsellers, but few know how it intertwines with Kentucky’s bourbon trail and the indomitable spirit of those who walked it.

We’ll take you back to a day that defined a generation and shaped lives, a day marked by unimaginable loss but also by an unyielding sense of duty. It’s a journey into one of America’s darkest hours that transforms into a story of resilience and brotherhood, carrying through the mountains of Afghanistan to a new chapter in the hills of Kentucky. This story is about more than war—it’s a legacy, one you can taste in a glass of bourbon crafted by the very hands that once held the weight of a nation.

Join us as we explore this extraordinary legend, where horses meet heroes and a small fragment of the past finds its way into every bottle. This is not just a story to be told; it’s one to be celebrated, remembered, and honored. Raise a glass with us as we uncover the true spirit behind this bourbon—a story that’s as alive today as the day it began.

Feel free to email your thoughts about the episode or the show in general at thebourbonprincipal.com. I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for listening to Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, where history meets flavor and every bottle has a story to tell. Cheers to the stores and legends behind the Spirit! Please leave a rating and review as it will help me plan future episodes.

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In this episode, prepare to delve into a legend that transcends whiskey itself - an elusive treasure whispered about only among the most dedicated collectors.  It's a tale of passion, pursuit, and the mysterious bottle that has captivated bourbon enthusiasts for decades.  In the 1990's, the world was gripped by a frenzy, but little did most know that far from the public eye, an even greater obsession was slowly brewing inside barrels in a dark, long-ago forgotten rickhouse. A few rare individuals embarked on a journey to uncover one of the most coveted spirits ever made - something so exclusive, it's nearly mythical.

This is a story of three men, drawn together by fate, whose paths would cross in a way that changed bourbon history forever.  The bottle they crafted is so rare, even among connoisseurs, it remains almost a secret.  Join me as we trace the footsteps of these men and unlock the mystery of the bourbon world's greatest hidden treasure.

Feel free to email your thoughts about the episode or the show in general at thebourbonprincipal.com. I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for listening to Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, where history meets flavor and every bottle has a story to tell. Cheers to the stores and legends behind the Spirit! Please leave a rating and review as it will help me plan future episodes.

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In this episode, we journey to a town that most people do not even know exists, where rolling hills hide a secret that changed American history.  Beneath the quiet facade lies the story of a young woman whose sons would wreak havoc on not only their town, but the future bourbon capital of the world.  Their wild antics and lawless deeds left a lasting mark, but their connection to Kentucky's bourbon history runs deeper than most realize.  We'll explore a historic tavern they frequented, where bullet holes still bear witness to their presence, and trace the rise of a bourbon empire, a legend and brand the whole world is familiar with, born from the ashes of a family's struggles.  Tune in to find out how the Wild West came to Bardstown and left it Mark!

Feel free to email your thoughts about the episode or the show in general at thebourbonprincipal.com. I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for listening to Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, where history meets flavor and every bottle has a story to tell. Cheers to the stores and legends behind the Spirit! Please leave a rating and review as it will help me plan future episodes.