Ashley Barnes is back for her fourth appearance on The Bourbon Life Podcast, and as always, she brings plenty of insight, honesty, and exceptional whiskey along for the ride.

Matt and Mark catch up with Ashley to discuss her recent departure from The Spirits Group and her exciting new chapter as an independent blending consultant, while continuing her role as Master Blender for The Blending House. Ashley shares what this transition means for her career, the opportunities it creates, and why she's more excited than ever about the future of whiskey.

The conversation then turns to one of the most anticipated bourbon releases of the year—Jacob Spears Bourbon. Named in honor of one of Kentucky's earliest distillers, the whiskey was distilled by Bourbon Hall of Famer Jim Rutledge and blended by Ashley. Matt and Mark even have the unique opportunity to taste and weigh in on two different small batch blend variations before discussing the final direction of the brand, along with a standout single barrel expression.

Ashley also previews the upcoming Grand Slam Bourbon Fest, taking place August 27 at League Stadium in Huntingburg, Indiana, where bourbon and baseball come together to celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with an unforgettable day of great whiskey, great history, and great fun.

And, of course, no episode of The Bourbon Life would be complete without a lineup of incredible pours. This week, the crew tastes and reviews:

• 2015 Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition (a release Ashley helped blend alongside Jim Rutledge during their time at Four Roses)
• Two Jacob Spears Bourbon Small Batch blend variations
• Jacob Spears Bourbon Single Barrel
• Two Worlds Whiskey Alliance

Whether you're interested in the art of blending, the story behind an exciting new bourbon brand, or simply enjoy hearing from one of the industry's most respected blenders, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

This episode is sponsored by District 7 Social and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.