The Bourbon Life

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief welcomes back Master Distiller Denny Potter of Potter Jane Distillery for the third installment in a series following Denny and Jane's incredible journey through the world of Kentucky bourbon.

From their days at the legendary Maker's Mark Distillery to stepping out on their own and building Potter Jane Distillery, this story is about more than making whiskey. It's about taking everything you've learned, trusting your instincts, and having the courage to build something with your own name on it.

Over the course of these three conversations, Big Chief has followed Denny and Jane's evolution from working at one of Kentucky's most iconic heritage distilleries to creating their own brand and shaping their own future in American whiskey.

In the first half, Big Chief and Denny get a glimpse into the future of Potter Jane, sipping two 18-month-old bourbon samples straight from their developing whiskey program.

First up is their Wheated Bourbon, featuring a mash bill of 64% corn, 23% wheat, and 13% malted barley. This young whiskey offers an early look at the flavor profile Denny and Jane are developing for their distillery.

Next, they explore their Rye Bourbon, crafted with 64% corn, 23% rye, and 13% malted barley. With the same corn and malted barley percentages, swapping wheat for rye gives the guys an opportunity to explore how the secondary grain influences the character of the whiskey.

In the second half, things get interesting as Denny and Big Chief pour Big Vat Liar, a sourced six-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in oak casks.

And here's where the story gets good!

Big Vat Liar takes its name from a promise Denny and Jane made about something they said they would never do. Sometimes the whiskey business has a way of making you eat your own words, and this bottle embraces that reality with a little humor and a whole lot of bourbon.

Throughout the episode, Denny shares another chapter in the Potter Jane story, giving listeners a look at the challenges, decisions, and excitement that come with leaving an established distillery behind to build something entirely your own.

This episode is about heritage, friendship, taking chances, and chasing a dream. It's a reminder that even after years of making some of the world's most recognizable bourbon, there's always another chapter waiting to be written.

So pour yourself something good, settle in, and join Big Chief and Denny Potter for another unforgettable ride through Kentucky bourbon country.

Because the best stories aren't always about where you've been. Sometimes they're about where you're headed.

Like the episode, subscribe to The Whiskey Trip, and share it with a friend who loves great bourbon and the people behind it.

The Whiskey Trip – Take the Ride!

Be a Rising Tide.

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark welcomes Stacy and Philip back to the Bourbon Life Studios for another entertaining Crew Episode. With Matt in Hawaii preparing for the Ironman World Championship in Kona and Chad unable to join the fun, the three settle in around the table to catch up on what's happening in the bourbon world, share a few laughs, and taste three exciting new whiskey releases.

The Crew kicks things off with a look back at Bourbon Heritage Month and the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. They discuss the festival's continued growth, the changing atmosphere surrounding limited bottle releases, and whether the increasing presence of social media influencers is taking attention away from the brands, people, and traditions that make bourbon special. The conversation also turns to declining bourbon sales, increasingly available allocated bottles, rising prices, and whether consumers are finally becoming more selective about where they spend their whiskey dollars.

The Crew also discusses the recent fire at the historic Old Crow Distillery property, home to Glenns Creek Distilling, and the importance of preserving Kentucky's bourbon heritage. They explore the challenges facing distilleries in today's market, including international trade issues, growing whiskey inventories, and the increasing popularity of innovative barrel finishes as established brands look for new ways to capture consumers' attention.

The Crew also tackles one of the most shocking stories to emerge from the bourbon industry in recent memory: the civil lawsuit involving Wes Henderson, co-founder of Angel's Envy and former CEO of True Story Whiskey and The Kentucky Castle. They discuss the disturbing allegations that Henderson secretly recorded family members and other guests in private settings, his subsequent removal as CEO, and reports of a federal investigation. Mark also reflects on his previous interviews and personal interactions with Henderson, while the Crew considers the potential legal consequences and broader fallout from the controversy, emphasizing that the allegations remain unproven and Henderson has denied them.

And, of course, the Crew tastes and reviews three new whiskey releases, including:

• Bardstown Bourbon Company 2026 Discovery Series Garryana Finished Bourbon
• Michter's 2026 Toasted Barrel Strength Rye
• Booker's The Reserves 2026 Rye Finished in Apple Brandy Casks and Infused with Cinnamon

From the unique influence of Pacific Northwest Garryana oak to the rich, dessert-like character of Michter's toasted rye, and a special Booker's release inspired by a family tradition involving apple brandy and cinnamon, the Crew shares its impressions of three very different expressions.

It's another fun-filled Crew Episode featuring great whiskey, plenty of laughs, some spirited opinions, and an entertaining look at where the bourbon industry has been and where it might be headed next.

This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Repeal Oak-Fired Steakhouse, Bluegrass Distillers, District 7 Social, and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with Kevin LeBlanc — The Bourbon Gator, one of the rising voices in the whiskey community.

Kevin is a Southeast Texas whiskey enthusiast and content creator who's building a following by keeping whiskey fun, approachable, and all about community. We talk about how The Bourbon Gator got started, his journey into whiskey, creating content, and where he hopes to take the brand next.

On this week's ride:

Kevin pours Chickenduck Wheated Bourbon (94 Proof) and Garrison Brothers Señora, while Big Chief pours Bon Vāle Cask Strength American Single Malt from Distillerie Acadian and Milam & Greene Unabridged Volume 5.

We also hit Kevin with the Quick Fire Round, talk about the people doing great things in the whiskey community, and recognize this week's Rising Tide, Dan Henley.

Plus, we shine a light on Frontline Heroes Outdoors, Whiskey Valor, Hearts & Barrels, and Daxton's Heart Warriors.

Is The Bourbon Gator whiskey's next big voice? Jump in and Take the Ride with us.

Like the episode.

Drop a comment and tell us what you're drinking.

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Take the Ride. Be a Rising Tide.

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and Matt welcome back Owen Martin, Master Distiller at Angel's Envy, for his second appearance on the show and a wide-ranging conversation about how both Owen and the brand have evolved since his last visit in 2024.

Owen catches listeners up on his journey at Angel's Envy and talks about becoming more comfortable in the role nearly four years in. He explains why he increasingly thinks of himself as a "whiskey maker" rather than simply a distiller, how getting his own releases into the market helped shape his confidence and creative direction, and why the dozens of projects currently resting in the warehouse are only beginning to reveal where he wants to take the brand.

The conversation also gets personal as Owen talks about life with a three-year-old and a new baby daughter, balancing family with production work, travel, and his role as one of the public faces of Angel's Envy. He shares how fatherhood has influenced the way he thinks about planning, legacy, and even introducing his daughters to the sensory side of food, aromas, and whiskey making.

On the whiskey side, Owen dives deep into his approach to finishing and blending. He explains why the core Angel's Envy expressions require stewardship while special releases give him room to push boundaries, experiment with longer finishing times, and borrow ideas from other corners of the beverage world. He also discusses why finishing will remain central to Angel's Envy while the brand continues exploring releases that may challenge what consumers expect from it.

Owen also takes Mark and Matt behind the scenes of two of Angel's Envy's newest experimental releases. He explains how the Distillery Series Stout & Amburana Finished Bourbon was built around a Mexican hot chocolate-inspired flavor profile, using first- and second-fill stout barrels with just a small amount of Amburana to create balance rather than overwhelm the whiskey. Then he reveals the new Cellar Collection Peach Brandy & Toasted Oak Finished Rye, including how an initially candy-like peach profile led the team to add toasted oak components and move the whiskey toward the peach cobbler character they were chasing.

And, of course, Mark and Matt taste and review three Angel's Envy expressions, including:

• Angel's Envy 2026 Cask Strength Rye

• Angel's Envy 2026 Distillery Series Stout & Amburana Finished Bourbon

• Angel's Envy 2026 Cellar Collection Peach Brandy & Toasted Oak Finished Rye

It's a fun and thoughtful conversation about family, creativity, blending, long-term whiskey making, challenging expectations, and Owen's evolving vision for the future of Angel's Envy.

This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by VisitLEX and sponsored by Bluegrass Distillers, District 7 Social, and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with his good friend Dude Poole, author of The Men Who Made American Bourbon: Bourbon Barons Volume 1, host of The Bourbon Hunters Podcast, and a certified Executive Bourbon Steward.

This isn't your typical interview. It's two buddies sitting down with a couple of great pours and talking about bourbon, history, podcasting, and the friendships that come along with this crazy whiskey journey.

Dude shares what pushed him to become an author and the work that went into researching and writing The Men Who Made American Bourbon: Bourbon Barons Volume 1. He and Big Chief dig into some of the men and stories found throughout the book and how these bourbon barons helped shape an industry that would become part of American history.

There's also plenty of history between these two. Dude is the man responsible for Big Chief's infamous "Bourbon Bullshitter" T-shirt, and Big Chief has made the trip over to The Bourbon Hunters Podcast before. Big Chief also congratulates Dude and the Bourbon Hunters crew on an incredible milestone—500 episodes behind the microphones.

For the first half, Big Chief pours Weller Antique 107, while Dude reaches for a Crittenden Wheated Bourbon. They talk about what's in their glasses while diving deeper into Dude's bourbon journey, the podcast, his research, and how the idea of writing a book about the men behind American bourbon became a reality.

For the second half, they get on the same page and both sip on Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C921. With a big barrel-proof bourbon in the glass, the conversation continues into bourbon history, writing, podcasting, and the people they've met along the way.

From being guests on each other's shows to the Bourbon Bullshitter T-shirt, 500 episodes of The Bourbon Hunters, and now Dude becoming a published bourbon author, there's plenty to talk about on this ride.

At its heart, this episode is about more than what's in the glass. It's about preserving bourbon history, telling the stories of the people who built the industry, and the friendships that are made along the whiskey journey.

Pour yourself something good and join Big Chief and Dude Poole for another trip through American whiskey history.

Take the Ride.

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads north to New York's Hudson Valley to sit down with Paul Coughlin, founder of Taconic Distillery.

Paul shares how Taconic got its start, what it's been like building a family-owned distillery in New York, and the story behind the American Foxhound that has become such a recognizable part of the brand.

And you know Big Chief isn't making this trip without drinking some whiskey.

First Half

Taconic Bottled in Bond Bourbon – 100 Proof

Taconic Founder's Straight Rye – 90 Proof

Second Half

Taconic Double Barrel Maple Bourbon – 90 Proof

Taconic Distiller's Select Bourbon – 6 Years Old, 134 Proof

The ride starts with Bottled in Bond and rye before moving into the Maple Bourbon and finishing BIG with that 134-proof Distiller's Select.

Along the way, Paul and Big Chief talk whiskey, family, the Taconic story, and what it takes to build a distillery while staying true to your roots.

And don't forget about this week's Taconic giveaway! Head over to The Whiskey Trip social media pages for all the details and get entered before time runs out.

Grab a glass, pour yourself something good, and come hang out with Big Chief and Paul.

Cheers! Take the Ride!

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and Matt welcome back Zach Johnston, Chief Brand Officer and Senior Vice President of International Sales at Blackwood Distilling Co,, for a wide-ranging conversation about how the brand has grown and evolved since his last appearance on the show nearly two years ago.

Zach breaks down Blackwood's approach to whiskey, including its unique one-to-one rebarreling process using new toasted Kelvin barrels and the philosophy behind creating a more complete, rounded flavor profile without letting the secondary barrel overwhelm the whiskey. He also explains how the Toasted 105 line was developed to offer the same Blackwood character at a more approachable proof and price point while still delivering the depth and finish the brand is known for.

The conversation also explores Zach's path from restaurants, bars, travel, and spirits writing into the whiskey business, as well as Blackwood's expansion beyond Kentucky into additional U.S. markets. Zach discusses the realities of building an international sales strategy in a constantly changing trade environment and why identifying new opportunities and being willing to pivot have become essential for growing brands.

Closer to home, Zach talks about Blackwood's move into Lexington, including its bottle shop and tasting room, and the launch of the Blackwood Barrel Association. He explains how the program gives members access to special bottles, early releases, unique merchandise, and more personal tasting experiences while creating a stronger connection between the brand and its supporters.

Zach also gives Mark and Matt a look at what's coming next from Blackwood, including Fifty/50, a collaboration with Germany's Stork Club that combines German rye with Blackwood Toasted Barrel Strength Rye, and Country House, an upcoming 12-year, non-toasted bourbon release that marks a new direction for the brand.

And, of course, they taste and review three Blackwood expressions, including:

· Blackwood Toasted 105 Bourbon

· Blackwood Toasted 105 Rye

· Blackwood Toasted Rye Barrel Strength

It's a fun, informative conversation about toasted whiskey, thoughtful blending, building a premium brand, navigating a changing bourbon market, and what's ahead for Blackwood Distilling.

This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by VisitLEX and sponsored by Bluegrass Distillers, District 7 Social, and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

This week on The Whiskey Trip, O'l Big Chief sits down with Monica Wolf, CEO of The Blending House, and Matt King, Director of Operations, for a conversation about bourbon, family, craftsmanship, and legacy.

For Monica, bourbon is part of her family story. She's carrying forward the legacy of her father and a rich history in the bourbon industry, while continuing to put her own mark on that story. Matt's journey is different. He's building a legacy of his own, using his talents, hard work, and passion for bourbon to help shape what comes next at The Blending House.

On the first half, the trio kick off the Whiskey Trip with E.J. Curley Small Batch Bourbon before moving on to E.J. Curley Single Barrel Bourbon. As the glasses are passed around, Monica talks about her father, her family's history in bourbon, and what it means to carry that legacy forward while continuing to write her own chapter.

On the second half, Big Chief, Monica, and Matt keep the conversation rolling with Ten Runner Bourbon before finishing the trip with 31 Lengths Bourbon. Matt shares more about his journey and what it means to build a name and legacy of his own in an industry where history, tradition, relationships, and craftsmanship mean so much.

This week's giveaway is something special. One lucky winner will receive a bottle of E.J. Curley Single Barrel Bourbon, a The Whiskey Trip rocks glass, and an incredible custom copper bottle thief handcrafted by Matt King himself. It's a unique piece made by one of this week's guests and a perfect reminder of the craftsmanship behind this episode.

It's two different journeys coming together at The Blending House: Monica carrying forward a family legacy and Matt creating one of his own. Sometimes the Whiskey Trip is about honoring the legacy handed down to you. Sometimes it's about building one that others will remember.

Pour yourself something good and join O'l Big Chief, Monica Wolf, and Matt King for this week's episode of The Whiskey Trip.

Take the Ride.

On this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast presented by VisitLEX, Mark sits down with first-time guest Zane Brammell, founder of New Era Whiskey & Social Club, for a fun conversation about how a Lexington barrel club grew into a whiskey brand built around single barrels, storytelling, and community.

Zane shares his path from working in healthcare and through the COVID years to discovering bourbon through time spent with his stepfather. That interest quickly turned into a passion for barrel picks and eventually a local barrel club that grew from a few hundred members to nearly 3,000 before inspiring him to take the next step and create New Era.

They dig into the story behind the brand, including the newspaper-inspired labels, the headline concept, and Zane's love of physical media and creative storytelling. Zane also explains the principles behind New Era's whiskey program: sourcing whiskey at a minimum of eight years old, bottling at cask strength, and keeping every release single barrel. He also talks about the hands-on approach to selecting barrels and why making the barrel-pick experience fun and personal is such an important part of the brand.

The conversation also turns to the newly opened New Era Distillery and Social Club in Lexington. Zane talks about the community-first vision behind the space, the strong turnout for the grand opening, and how Social Club members receive specially selected monthly bottles while also having a place to gather, taste, and connect. He also shares how the Social Club gives New Era another way to use its labels to tell meaningful personal stories.

Mark and Zane also look ahead to continued growth for New Era, including plans to expand into additional states in 2027 while continuing to work with retailers, clubs, and groups on unique single-barrel selections.

And, of course, they taste and review three different New Era single-barrel picks, including:

· New Era 1st & Market Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 8 Year

· New Era Warriors Rise for Princess Nyla Rye – 14 Year

· New Era Midnight Flight Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 19 Year

It's a wide-ranging conversation about finding community through bourbon, building a brand from the ground up, creating memorable single-barrel experiences, and giving every bottle a story worth telling.

This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by VisitLEX and sponsored by Bluegrass Distillers, District 7 Social, The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co., and Hotel Distil.

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads to Owensboro, Kentucky, for a conversation with Caryn Wells, National Brand Ambassador for Green River Distilling Company.

Green River has a story stretching back to 1885, and Caryn joins Big Chief to talk about the history, resilience and revival of this historic Kentucky whiskey brand. They explore the significance of DSP-KY-10, Green River's place in Owensboro whiskey history, and how the brand is building on that legacy today.

Of course, no Whiskey Trip is complete without taking a ride through the lineup.

First Half:

• Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon

• Green River Kentucky Straight Rye

• Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon

Second Half:

• Green River Full Proof Wheated Bourbon

• Green River Distillery Select Toasted Double Oak

• Green River Honey Finished Bourbon

Along the way, Caryn and Big Chief talk mash bills, proof, flavor profiles, the historic distillery and what makes Green River whiskey stand out. Caryn also shares some of her own story, including her passion for beekeeping, which makes that final Honey Finished Bourbon pour even more fitting.

It's a conversation about Kentucky bourbon history, great whiskey and the people carrying the Green River name forward.

Six pours. Two halves. One historic Kentucky distillery.

Pour yourself something good and Take the Ride with The Whiskey Trip!