The Bourbon Life

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief takes us to the Pacific Northwest to meet Kenny Miller, the Founder and Owner of The Distillarium, a craft distillery nestled in picturesque Yakima, Washington. Known for its rich agricultural heritage, the Yakima Valley provides the perfect backdrop for crafting exceptional spirits with top-tier ingredients.

The show kicks off with a tasting of The Distillarium’s Cask Strength Rye Whiskey, boasting a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. At 116 proof, this whiskey delivers tart apple pie flavors with a touch of cinnamon spice, making for a bold and flavorful start.

Next, they dive into the Cask Strength Triticale Whiskey, featuring a mash bill of 95% triticale and 5% malted barley. Also at 116 proof, this silky-smooth whiskey has Big Chief buzzing with excitement over its unique character and balance.

In the second half, Kenny shares their Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey, crafted with a mash bill of 83% corn, 12% gazelle rye, and 5% malted barley. At 116 proof, this bourbon brings a spicy kick to the glass, rounding out a trio of powerhouse whiskeys.

To close the show, Kenny treats Big Chief to their VSOP American Brandy, a refined spirit with notes of crisp green apples, honeysuckle, and crème brûlée. This elegant brandy is the perfect afternoon indulgence, offering a refreshing contrast to the bold whiskeys.

Once again, The Whiskey Trip highlights the incredible craftsmanship and distinctive flavors of the Pacific Northwest.

Cheers to another unforgettable journey!

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast presented by Liquor Barn, Matt and Mark spend some hanging out with Ashley Barnes, Master Blender, for EJ Curley. Ashley was previously a guest on Episode 144.

The guys talk with Ashley about her incredible experience in the Bourbon industry including stints at Buffalo Trace and Four Roses, the history and resurrection of the EJ Curley brand, and what the future looks like for EJ Curley.

They also taste and review EJ Curley Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon and EJ Curley Single Barrel Straight Kentucky Bourbon.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by Liquor Barn and is also sponsored by Penelope Bourbon, Limestone Farms Bourbon, Old Dominick, Three Chord Bourbon, James E. Pepper Distillery, Pappy & Co, and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at: 

www.liquorbarn.com 

www.penelopebourbon.com

www.limestonefarms.com

www.olddominick.com             

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.jamesepepper.com  

www.pappyco.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief steps away from the distillery scene to welcome Southeast Texas country music artist Chloe Overstreet and her guitar, Angel, to Bayou Sunset Farm. Over pours of sweeter whiskeys, Chloe opens up about her music and the journey of breaking into the country scene.

At just 21, Chloe has been singing her heart out since her early teens, and she has a soft spot for sweeter whiskeys. Big Chief kicks things off with Traverse City Whiskey Company’s American Cherry Edition—a taste of cherry pie in a glass. Next up is Hermann Farm and Distillery’s Black Shire Blackberry Flavored Whiskey, a true dessert whiskey that’s perfect over ice or warmed.

In the second half, Big Chief shares some Garrison Brothers Honeydew—a wheated bourbon with a gentle honey touch that makes for an ideal nightcap. To wrap up, Chloe gets the honor of helping Chief polish off one of his all-time favorites, a Honey Cask from Giant Texas Distillery. With notes of sorghum molasses, figs, and a kick of cinnamon spice, it’s one he’ll miss.

This episode brings together two of Big Chief’s great loves: soulful music and remarkable whiskey.

Cheers to another unforgettable ride on The Whiskey Trip!

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast presented by Liquor Barn, Matt and Mark spend some hanging out with Carrie Van Winkle Greener, Co-Founder of Pappy & Company in Louisville, Kentucky.

The guys talk with Carrie about what it was like growing up as the great granddaughter of Pappy Van Winkle and the daughter of Julian Van Winkle, III who led the Pappy brand to astounding heights in the Bourbon world, how she and her two sisters came up with the idea to create Pappy & Company while remaining true to the Pappy brand, and all of the amazing Bourbon Lifestyle products that they offer through Pappy & Company.

They also taste and review the brand new Ass Pocket Whiskey, the new celebrity Bourbon from American guitarist and songwriter Derek Trucks, and a very special treat – a 16-Yeaer Old Van Winkle Family Reserve Wheated Bourbon that was distilled by Stitzel Weller in 1968.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by Liquor Barn and is also sponsored by Penelope Bourbon, Limestone Farms Bourbon, Old Dominick, Three Chord Bourbon, James E. Pepper Distillery, Pappy & Co, and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at: 

www.liquorbarn.com 

www.penelopebourbon.com

www.limestonefarms.com

www.olddominick.com             

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.jamesepepper.com  

www.pappyco.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads to Bryan/College Station to sit down with Nathan Barkman, Founder and Distiller at Rio Brazos Distillery.

Named after the Brazos River, this Texas craft distillery sits in the heart of the state’s agricultural region, where rich, black soil provides ideal conditions for growing the grains that fuel their exceptional whiskey.

The Episode kicks off with a tasting of their unaged Whistlestop Texas Whiskey. The corn’s sweetness shines through with notes of honey and vanilla. Next, they dive into Boxcar Blended Texas Whiskey, which gives Big Chief the essence of Irish whiskey with a Lone Star twist of spice.

In the second half, Nathan shares College Station Texas Corn Whiskey. Its creamy texture, hints of barrel spice, and corn pop cereal notes make it an ideal after-dinner sipper. To close, they savor the single barrel Texas Bourbon Whiskey, a true Texas gem bursting with cinnamon spice, dried fruits, and molasses.

This episode highlights Big Chief’s passion for exploring craft whiskey from all corners of the trail.

Cheers to another unforgettable journey on The Whiskey Trip!

In this REMIX Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast presented by Liquor Barn, Matt and Mark spend some time with the one and only Mike Rowe, Descendant (his title not ours) of Knobel Whiskey. You might recognize Mike from his wildly successful hit TV Show, Dirty Jobs, or his incredible Podcast, The Way I Heard It, or his Best-Selling book of the same name. This Episode originally aired as Episode 210 in February 2024.

The guys talk with Mike about his background and growing up just outside of Baltimore, Maryland next door to his Pop, Carl Knobel, who had a huge influence on Mike and for whom the whiskey is named, his foray into the wonderful world of whiskey which was done originally as a fundraiser for his Foundation, mikeroweWORKS, but has grown into an incredibly successful brand featuring four different expressions (with a 5th in the works), as well as what the future of Knobel Whiskey looks like.

They also taste and review Knobel Tennessee Straight Rye, Knobel Tennessee Whiskey, Knobel Rickhosue Edition Straight Tennessee Whiskey, and Knobel Barrel Strength Tennessee Whiskey.   

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by Liquor Barn and is also sponsored by Penelope Bourbon, Limestone Farms Bourbon, Old Dominick, Three Chord Bourbon, James E. Pepper Distillery, Pappy & Co, and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at: 

www.liquorbarn.com 

www.penelopebourbon.com

www.limestonefarms.com

www.olddominick.com             

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.jamesepepper.com  

www.pappyco.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief hosts Conner Gilbert, CEO of McTavish Spirits, at Bayou Sunset Farm. Gathered around a fire, Conner shares his whiskey and the story behind the brand’s impressive rise.

Starting with a simple email to actor Graham McTavish and backed by relentless hard work, Conner has built a brand that stands out on liquor store shelves. Transparency is key, and McTavish Spirits proudly shares the details of each expression.

The episode kicks off with a tasting of The Keeper Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. Notes of baking spices and oaky sweetness give way to hints of cinnamon, fruitcake, oak, and a whisper of pepper—an exceptional rye.

In the second half, Conner treats Big Chief to the Warchief Bourbon Whiskey, a bourbon seemingly made for him. Sweet vanilla leads on the palate, unfolding into a gentle spice and rich dark cherry on the finish. Wow!

This episode dives into the success of a celebrity brand that has perfected its craft.

Cheers to another unforgettable ride on The Whiskey Trip!

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, presented by Liquor Barn, Mark is flying solo and hanging out in The Bourbon Life Studio with Amir Peay, Owner and Operator of James E. Pepper Distilling Co. Amir was previously a guest on Episodes 106 and 212.

Mark talks with Amir about what’s been going on with the Distillery and the brand since he was last on the show in March of this year, the advantages of being located in beautiful Lexington, Kentucky and why people need to make Lexington their home base on their Kentucky Bourbon Trial visit, the current state of the Bourbon market and where Amir thinks things might be headed based on recent statistics and news reports, as well as some exciting things that are on the horizon for the Distillery and the brand.

They also taste and review a 15-Year Old James E. Pepper 1776 Rye (which was one of the earliest releases ever from the Distillery sourced from the old LDI), their James E. Pepper Barrel Proof Decanter Bourbon, and a James E. Pepper Single Barrel Bourbon.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by Liquor Barn and is also sponsored by Penelope Bourbon, Limestone Farms Bourbon, VisitLEX, Old Dominick, Three Chord Bourbon, James E. Pepper Distillery, Pappy & Co, and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at: 

www.liquorbarn.com 

www.penelopebourbon.com

www.limestonefarms.com

www.visitlex.com      

www.olddominick.com             

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.jamesepepper.com  

www.pappyco.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief takes a break at his Bayou Sunset Farm and welcomes the Southeast Texas County band, JT Reserve. Over pours of fine wheated bourbon, the band shares their music and stories from life on the road.

Lead singer Josh, fiddle player Troy, and their tour manager Canaan open up about their journey and love for whiskey, playing several songs for Big Chief while explaining the inspiration behind their music.

The episode kicks off with a tasting of Garrison Brothers Guadalupe, a Texas whiskey finished in port wine casks. It delivers a soft, velvety mouthfeel with flavors of dried fruits and chocolate rushing in.

Before wrapping the first half, Big Chief pours some Tahwahkaro Cask Strength, a bold wheated bourbon packed with notes of stone fruits and roasted caramel corn.

In the second half, Big Chief brings out a special bottle of Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 19 Year Old. This well-aged wheated bourbon showcases dry oak and baker’s chocolate, making it the perfect pour for a relaxing evening.

To close out the show, the guys enjoy Maker’s Mark Cask Strength. With rich notes of sorghum molasses, figs, and a perfect kick of cinnamon spice, it’s Big Chief’s go-to bourbon for any cocktail.

This episode offers a laid-back chance for Big Chief to indulge in two of his favorite things: great music and exceptional whiskey.

Cheers to another unforgettable ride on The Whiskey Trip!

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, presented by Liquor Barn, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out in The Bourbon Life Studios with Dave Bob, National Brand Manager and R&D Blender, for Lexington Brewery & Distilling Co.

The guys talk with Dave Bob about his incredible background and time abroad in China that eventually led him to Lexington Brewery & Distilling Co., the history and story of Lexington Brewery & Distilling Co., and what the future looks like for the brand as well.

They also taste and review a delicious Raspberry Brown Ale from the Brewery, Town Branch Overproof Bourbon, the soon to be released Town Branch Imperium Bourbon, and Town Branch 25th Anniversary Bourbon.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by Liquor Barn and is also sponsored by Penelope Bourbon, Limestone Farms Bourbon, VisitLEX, Old Dominick, Three Chord Bourbon, James E. Pepper Distillery, Pappy & Co, and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at: 

www.liquorbarn.com 

www.penelopebourbon.com

www.limestonefarms.com

www.visitlex.com      

www.olddominick.com             

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.jamesepepper.com  

www.pappyco.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com