In this REMIX Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, presented by Liquor Barn, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out in The Bourbon Life Studios with Owen Martin, Master Distiller, from Angel’s Envy. This Episode originally aired as Episode 233 on July 26, 2024.

The guys talk with Owen about his impressive background and education, which included a stint in Scotland for a degree in brewing and distilling, his move from Stranahan’s in Colorado to Angel’s Envy to become its first Master Distiller since the death of original Co-Founder, Lincoln Henderson, and his view on the art of finishing, blending, and crafting Bourbon.

They also taste and review Angel’s Envy’s 2023 Cask Strength Rye, their new Cask Strength Bottled in Bond Bourbon (Angel’s Envy’s first ever unfinished Bourbon release), and a sample of their yet to be released 2024 Cask Strength Bourbon (we are the first people outside of Angel’s Envy to get to taste that expression).

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Three Chord Bourbon and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at: 

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief proudly introduces Four Branches Bourbon—a powerful expression of patriotism, forged by warriors and rooted in sacrifice. He’s joined by three of the four founders—Rick Franco, Mike Trott, and Harold Underdown—veterans who’ve worn the uniform and now honor their brothers and sisters through bourbon.

The story begins with Rick Franco, a Marine and CIA contractor who made it home—but carries the memory of those who didn’t. Their names aren’t on a bottle, but on the sacred wall at CIA headquarters, marked by stars and remembered in every sip.

The team opens with the Founders Blend—a four-grain bourbon bottled at 96 proof to honor the 96-hour liberty pass cherished by every service member. With notes of burnt orange peel, caramel, and warm cinnamon, it’s a bold reminder of time earned and sacrifice made.

In the second half, they raise a glass of Black OPS—a 9-year-old bourbon finished in Caribbean dark rum casks. Created in honor of CIA legend Ric Prado and all elite Black Ops warriors, it’s as deep and complex as the missions they never speak of. And yes—it awakens the dirty old sailor in Big Chief.

Four Branches Bourbon isn’t just whiskey. It’s a tribute to the fallen. A legacy for the living. And a reminder that freedom is paid for in blood, not words.

So pour a glass, stand tall, and join us in a toast to courage, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of the American warrior.

This is The Whiskey Trip.

Cheers, y’all.

In this REMIX Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out with Wes Henderson, CEO & Founder, of True Story. Wes was previously a guest on Episode 55 and this Episode originally aired as Episode 243 in October 2024.

The guys talk with Wes about the legacy that he and his father, Lincoln, created with Angel’s Envy and how Wes is continuing to build on that legacy with his 6 sons now at True Story, his decision to forego retirement and get back into the Bourbon business and the factors that drove that decision, and the incredible project that the parent company (which Wes also owns), Saga Spirits Group, has planned in Woodford County, Kentucky that will not only provide a home for True Story but will also create a destination location for Bourbon tourists to visit and enjoy. 

They also taste and review the soon to be released True Story Bourbon Finished in White Moscatel Casks and the True Story Rye Finished in Brazilian Amburana, PX, and Oloroso Sherry Casks. 

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Three Chord Bourbon and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at: 

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

Laissez les bons temps rou

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief is taking you on a wild ride to New Orleans—home of soul, spice, and some of the best whiskey around.

He sits down with Kieran Walsh, the co-founder and owner of Big Easy Whiskey, to dive deep into what makes this drink an absolute game-changer. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill, ready-to-drink cocktail. Oh no—this is liquid magic. The foundation? A bold 5-year-old whiskey crafted with a traditional mash of 81% corn, 15% rye, and 4% barley, bottled at a perfect 86 proof.

What does that mean? It’s bold, boozy, and balanced—bitter and sweet—with a punch that’ll have you feeling the spirit of New Orleans in every sip. Infused with their signature Old Fashioned blend of herbs, spices, botanicals, and fruit, this whiskey lets you skip the hassle while still delivering that rich, complex flavor. Whether you’re keeping it simple or showing off your cocktail skills, this is the drink that lets you be the life of the party—because in New Orleans, that’s a way of life.

So pour yourself a glass, strap in, and get ready for another unforgettable ride on The Whiskey Trip. Cheers, y’all! 

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, presented by Liquor Barn, Mark and Special Co-Host, Stacey, spend some time hanging out with Cordell Lawrence, CEO & Co-Founder, and Caleb Kilburn, Master Distiller & Co-Founder, of Eastern Light Distilling in Morehead, Kentucky.

Mark and Stacey talk with Cordell and Caleb about their impressive backgrounds in the industry and what made them decide to leave Kentucky Peerless to start Eastern Light, why they decided to open their Eastern Light in Eastern Kentucky and what they both hope it will mean for the surrounding community, as well as what the timeline looks like for their opening and what the future looks like for Eastern Light Distilling.

They also taste and review Four Roses Small Batch, Wild Turkey 101, and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, all of which were picked purposefully by Cordell and Caleb for this Episode.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Three Chord Bourbon and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at: 

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief takes you deep into the winter wonderland of Minnesota for a conversation with Jace Marti of Black Frost Distilling—a man whose passion for whiskey is as bold as the spirits he crafts.

Jace shares the incredible story of his family’s brewing legacy and how it sparked the dream of a distillery, one that champions Minnesota-grown grains and a rare distillation method more commonly found north of the border.

The journey kicks off with Black Frost Wheated Blended Bourbon Whiskey, a masterpiece with a derived mash bill of 63% corn, 25% wheat malt, 7% barley malt, and 5% rye malt. Aged in Minnesota-grown oak barrels with a medium toast and #3 char, this 92-proof beauty delivers layers of spiced candied orange, cherry cola, pale chocolate, toasted oak, caramel, and vanilla.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there! In the second half, Jace and the big man dive into the Black Frost Blended Rye Malt Whiskey. Crafted from an 80% rye, 18% corn, and 2% barley malt mash bill, and aged in those same Minnesota barrels, this rye explodes with flavors of sweet caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, Mexican chocolate, roses, orange cola, and dried apricots.

Brewmasters turned distillers are shaking up the whiskey world, and Jace Marti is proof that the fusion of brewing expertise and distilling innovation leads to some seriously phenomenal drams.

So pour yourself a glass, strap in, and get ready for another unforgettable ride on The Whiskey Trip! Cheers! 🥃🔥

In this lively Bourbon Life Crew episode, Mark, Matt, Stacey, and Chad gather for a live recording, diving into new bourbon tastings, discussing industry trends, and sharing their thoughts on market developments. The conversation covers everything from contract distilling shifts to celebrity whiskey brands and the realities of the evolving bourbon market. Featured tastings include Frey Ranch 100% Wheat Whiskey, Maker’s Mark Keepers Release, and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A125.

The team kicks off the episode with a deep dive into the latest market trends, addressing the impact of recent layoffs at Green River Distilling and speculation on a slowdown in the bourbon industry. They explore how whiskey consumption has stabilized post-pandemic and why private equity-backed distilleries are adjusting their strategies. The discussion highlights the importance of brand storytelling and the growing need for authentic consumer engagement in an increasingly competitive market.

Listeners are treated to insightful tastings as the crew samples three standout bourbons. They begin with Frey Ranch 100% Wheat Whiskey, an exceptional grain-to-glass expression from Nevada. Next up is Maker’s Mark Keepers Release, the latest in the Wood Finishing Series, offering bold oak and toasted sweetness. Finally, they savor Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A125, a powerhouse bourbon packed with rich caramel, spice, and deep oak influence.

Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just getting into whiskey, this episode delivers an engaging mix of industry insights, spirited discussions, and fantastic pours. Tune in for an inside look at the state of bourbon and some top-tier tasting notes from the Bourbon Life Crew!

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Three Chord Bourbon and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at: 

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief takes you deep into the heart of Missouri whiskey country—to Weston, Missouri, where history and bourbon collide at the legendary Holladay Distillery. There, he sits down with Master Distiller Kyle Merklein to uncover a story of grit, determination, and damn good whiskey.

Kyle paints a vivid picture of 1856 Missouri, a time when stagecoaches rumbled through the dusty roads, Pony Express riders pushed the limits of endurance, and silver mines promised fortunes. Amidst it all, two bold brothers, Ben and Major David Holladay, saw something even more valuable—a pure limestone spring that would become the foundation for crafting world-class bourbon.

And what’s a story without a pour in hand? Big Chief and Kyle start strong with the Ben Holladay 1856 Bottled in Bond—a 100-proof, 6-year-old stunner with a mash bill of 73% Corn, 15% Rye, and 12% Malted Barley. One sip delivers lush stone fruit, crisp cherry pie, and a touch of warm allspice—a perfect way to set the stage.

Then, they turn up the intensity with the Ben Holladay 1856 Original Rickhouse Proof—a 123.3-proof cinnamon spice bomb that coats the palate with a velvety heat, unfolding into layers of roasted nuts and rich caramel.

For the second half, they dive into the Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled in Bond, where a mash bill of 73% Corn, 15% Wheat, and 12% Malted Barley brings something special to the table. Big Chief is instantly transported to a county fair—biting into candied apples, munching on fig newtons, and savoring the creamy sweetness of butterscotch.

Finally, they bring it home with the Holladay Soft Red Wheat Rickhouse Proof—a six-year-old, 120.4-proof powerhouse bursting with dark cherry, caramel, and baking spices. This pour takes Big Chief back to high school, with the nostalgic flavors of Big Red cream soda and an atomic fireball—a bold finish to an unforgettable lineup.

For over 165 years, Holladay Distillery has stood the test of time, crafting whiskey with character, history, and an unwavering commitment to quality. They’re not just making bourbon—they’re carrying on a legacy, Missouri-style.

So pour yourself a glass, buckle up, and get ready for another wild ride on The Whiskey Trip. Cheers! 🥃🔥

In this REMIX Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast presented by Liquor Barn, Matt and Mark are on location at Augusta Distillery in Augusta, Kentucky for the release of their 17-Year Old Buckner’s Bourbon and they also spend some time hanging out with 4x guest, and Augusta Distillery’s brand new Master Distiller and Director of Distillery Operations, Alex Castle, and Co-Founder and President, Ryan Edwards. This show originally aired on June 21, 2024 as Episode 228.

Matt and Mark talk with Alex and Ryan about Alex’s decision to leave Old Dominick in Memphis, where she also served as Master Distiller, to take the reins at Augusta Distillery and Ryan’s perspective on making such a tremendous hire for Augusta, the transition that Augusta Distillery will have to make over the next few years in moving from sourced Bourbon to using their own distillate (a process that Alex previously went through at her Old Dominick), and what the future looks like for the brand and for Augusta Distillery.  

They also taste and review Augusta Distillery’s full Buckner’s lineup including Buckner’s 10-Year Old Bourbon, Buckner’s 13-Year Old Bourbon, Buckner’s 15-Year Old Bourbon, and their brand new Buckner’s 17-Year Old Bourbon.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Three Chord Bourbon and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at: 

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief keeps a solemn promise, riding north through the towering piney woods of East Texas to Tyler, where he shines a spotlight on Kiepersol Distillery and the legacy behind Jimmy’s Bourbon.

At the heart of this whiskey is Jimmy Hines, a World War II pilot who carried a bottle of whiskey with him through the war—only to trade it for a vinyl record that turned out to be blank. Imagine the heartbreak. Today, Kiepersol honors Jimmy’s spirit and sacrifice, using his pilot goggles as the symbol of their brand and his fearless outlook as the inspiration for their tagline:

“Through Hero’s Eyes.”

Big Chief sits down with distiller Dylan Latham, a man whose passion for the craft is evident in every sip. They kick things off with Jimmy’s 84-proof Bourbon, a light, crisp Texas whiskey with whispers of crackerjack and vanilla—a perfect bridge for those who love the easy-drinking nature of Irish or Scottish drams.

Next up is Jimmy’s 90-proof Bourbon, a whiskey with a cult following so loyal that it rarely stays on shelves. Deep, rich toffee notes, accented by tea and honey, make this an unmistakable Texas gem.

For the second half, Dylan and Big Chief dive into Jimmy’s Rye Whiskey—a Kentucky-style rye with layers of licorice, sweet vanilla cream, and warm spice on the back end. Smooth yet complex, it’s a rye that demands attention.

And then, the grand finale. A 10-year-old, cask-strength expression of Jimmy’s Bourbon, clocking in at 116.7 proof. This might just be the best whiskey in the Lone Star State. Deep, rich kettle corn, butterscotch, dried fruit, and chocolate flood the palate, finishing with a lingering kiss of light smoke and spice.

Kiepersol isn’t just another Texas craft distillery—it’s a place of heritage, honor, and damn good whiskey. This was a ride Big Chief will never forget.

So pour yourself a glass, settle in, and join us for another unforgettable journey on The Whiskey Trip. Cheers!