The Bourbon Life

This week on The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief takes listeners back to New Orleans, Louisiana, for a chat with Tracy and Barbara Napolitano, Founders of the New Orleans Bourbon Festival.

Tracy and Barbara walk Big Chief through the incredible lineup of events planned for this year's festival. From expert-led seminars and bourbon dinners across The Big Easy to the two-night Grand Tasting featuring over 80 distilleries, this festival is truly the most educational #whiskeyfestival you'll ever attend.

Big Chief is also bringing his expertise to the festival with two seminars designed to enhance your whiskey knowledge.

Durig the episode, he samples some standout barrel picks from brands featured at the festival, including Tumbling Dice, Chicken Cock Double Oak, Spirits of French Lick Rye, and Still Austin Blue Corn. And as a special treat, Tracy and Barbara shared a few rare pours: Old Forester Big Birthday, OFC (Old Fine Copper), and The Boss Hog from WhistlePig.

This ride on The Whiskey Trip is packed with tips and insights to help you make the most of one of the best whiskey festivals out there. Join Big Chief in the magical city of New Orleans and experience the best whiskey has to offer. Cheers!

In this REMIX Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, presented by Liquor Barn, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out with Graham McTavish, Founder & President, of McTavish Spirits. This Episode orginally aired on July 19, 2024.

The guys talk with Graham about his remarkable career as an actor and how his secret love for Bourbon that began over 20 years ago led him to start McTavish Spirits, the designation of "celebrity whiskey" that has been slapped on some celebrity endorsed brands and how Graham stays actively involved with McTavish Spirits to avoid that moniker being applied to his whiskies, as well as what the future looks like for McTavish Spirits.

They also taste and review McTavish Spirits' "The Keeper" Kentucky Straight Rye and "The Warchief" Bottled in Bond Bourbon.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by Liquor Barn and is also sponsored by Penelope Bourbon, Limestone Farms Bourbon, Pappy & Co., Old Dominick, The Stave Restaurant, Three Chord Bourbon, James E. Pepper Distillery, 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.pappyco.com

www.olddominick.com

www.thestavekentucky.com

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.jamesepepper.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

This week, Big Chief takes listeners to Fort Worth, Texas, to visit Blackland Distillery. He sits down with Master Distiller Ezra Cox to dive into their innovative approach to distilling, including the use of the modern iStill technology from the Netherlands.

Ezra shares how he combines advanced technology with brewing techniques, including the use of unconventional grains like triticale, a wheat-rye hybrid sourced from the Blackland Prairie of Texas—the inspiration for the distillery's name. This unique approach gives Blackland's whiskey its distinct terroir and character.

The episode begins with a tasting of Blackland Prairie Gold Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, featuring a mash bill of 80% yellow corn and 20% triticale. At 100 proof, it delivers bold, complex flavors with a subtle, smooth finish. Next, Big Chief samples the 100% Triticale Texas Straight Whiskey at single-barrel cask strength. Not yet released but slated for 2025, this whiskey leaves Big Chief amazed, declaring it a contender for his Whiskey of the Year.

In the second half, Ezra offers a special treat: a cask-strength Rye Whiskey with a mash bill of 80% rye and 20% triticale. Big Chief picks up notes of root beer candy, herbal mint spice, deep caramel, and dark fruits, all leading to a long, satisfying finish. They then explore the Blackland Texas Pecan Brown Sugar Bourbon, a 70-proof flavored whiskey that balances the woody richness of pecans with sweet molasses, vanilla, and oak. Perfect as a dessert whiskey, its broad appeal makes it a standout.

The episode wraps with Blackland Texpresso Whiskey, a 70-proof spirit combining Texas whiskey with coffee, pecans, and brown sugar. Big Chief calls it a game-changer, ideal for sipping neat or crafting the ultimate espresso martini with just a splash of espresso.

This episode celebrates the evolution of distilling through modern technology and innovative grain use. 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 hanging out with Dr. Pat Heist, Chief Scientific Officer, Co-Founder, & Co-Owner, of Wilderness Trail Distillery, in Danville, Kentucky. This Episode originally aired on March 28, 2024.

The guys talk with Pat about his impressive background that led him to start Wilderness Trail with his friend, and Co-Founder, Shane Baker, the incredible growth that the brand has experienced since its inception in 2012, and the recent buyout by Campari and the impact that will have on the Wilderness Trail brand moving forward.

They also taste and review the Wilderness Trail Trail Mix which includes single barrel expressions of their wheated Bourbon, their high Rye Bourbon, and their Rye whiskey.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by Liquor Barn and is also sponsored by Penelope Bourbon, Limestone Farms, James E. Pepper Distillery, Bluegrass Distillers, The Stave Restaurant, Three Chord Bourbon, Pappy & Company, The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co., and Keeper's Heart.

Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at:

www.liquorbarn.com

www.penelopebourbon.com

www.limestonefarms.com

www.jamesepepper.com

www.bluegrassdistillers.com

www.thestavekentucky.com

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.pappyco.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

www.keepersheartwhiskey.com

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief wraps up 2024 in grand fashion by announcing his Distillery of the Year and Whiskey of the Year. Joining him for this special episode are his old friend Steve Johnson, Jim Hough from Liberty Pole Spirits, and Mark McLaughlin from Old Line Spirits.

In the first half, Big Chief and Steve savor a Wheated Bourbon and a Rye Whiskey from Liberty Pole Spirits in Washington, Pennsylvania, as he names it The Whiskey Trip Podcast's 2024 Distillery of the Year. Big Chief shares with Jim—and the listeners—why this outstanding craft distillery earned the top honor.

In the second half, the focus shifts to Old Line Spirits as Big Chief and Steve sip on the Old Line American Single Malt Navy Strength (114 proof). Big Chief announces this exceptional pour as The Whiskey Trip Podcast's 2024 Whiskey of the Year and explains to Mark why it stood out. The show concludes with the veterans raising a glass of Old Line American Single Malt Cask Strength to toast an incredible year.

2024 has been a year of adventure, excitement, and unforgettable moments. Here's to another amazing journey on The Whiskey Trip! Cheers!

In this Final Episode of Season 5 of The Bourbon Life Podcast presented by Liquor Barn, Matt is in Michigan for Christmas spending time with his family so Mark is flying solo and hanging out with 4-time Bourbon Life Podcast guest, Jackie Zykan, Master Blender, from Hidden Barn.

Mark talks with Jackie about all that has been going on with her since the last time she was on the show over 2 years ago, all that has been going on with the Hidden Barn brand since her last appearance, and also about her new business venture, Oduoak, which showcases Jackie's ability to blend fragrances anchored around the aromatic profile of Bourbon to create bespoke eau de parfum which captures the essence of Jackie's life events.

They also taste and review Hidden Barn Madeira Finished Bourbon, Hidden Barn Organic Wheat Bourbon, and Hidden Barn Slow Fade.

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 takes listeners on a journey to southern Alabama to visit Seth Dettling, the founder and distiller of Dettling Bourbon. Together, they explore the story behind this rising Southern brand that has whiskey enthusiasts lining up for every drop coming off the stills.

The episode kicks off with a tasting of Dettling Bourbon Bottled in Bond, featuring a unique mash bill of 70% corn, 15% rye, 12% oats, and 3% roasted malted barley. This bourbon is rich and viscous, offering flavors of crème brûlée, kettle corn, espresso, and dark chocolate.

In the second half, they dive into a Single Barrel Cask Strength expression with the same mash bill, bottled at 118 proof. Big Chief describes it as a "no-bake cookie" in a glass, with notes of fudge, peanut butter, oats, dark fruits, and perfectly balanced spice.

The Gulf Coast is making waves in the whiskey world, adding to its distilling legacy rooted in rum with bold takes on America's native spirit. Cheers to another unforgettable journey on The Whiskey Trip!

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast presented by Liquor Barn, the Bourbon Life Crew (minus Stacey) spends some time hanging out together in The Bourbon Life Studios for their 12 Blinds of Christmas Spectacular, where the guys each drink a different blind pour during each of the three rounds and then try to guess what they're drinking.

They talk about the new partnership that Whiskey House has with Whiskey Capital that will provide capital for the brands that Whiskey House is distilling for currently, the Top 5 Bourbons and Ryes of the Year, and the Top Distillery of the Year.

They also taste and review 12 different Bourbons and Ryes – too many to list here – but there were some dusties, some new ones, some Bourbons, and some Ryes and it was a great time. You'll have to listen to the Episode to see how they each did in guessing their blind pours.

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 visits the newest stop on the Texas Whiskey Trail—Whiskey Castle, home of the Whiskey Crusaders. He sits down with Owner, Founder, and Whiskey Expert, Matt Zitrick, to explore the world of whiskey education.

Matt shares his passion for the "water of life," recounts his journey, and gives insight into his remarkable collection of over 4,500 bottles.

The show begins with a Suntory Yamazaki 12 Year Single Malt Japanese Whiskey. Big Chief notes its flavors of vanilla, orange creamsicle, and a subtle touch of smoke.

Next, they sample the Old Pulteney 17-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, with tasting notes of straw, earthiness, and a hint of salted bean—a whisky perfectly reminiscent of the sea for any sailor.

To close the first half, Matt pours a Westland Garryana Single Malt Whiskey. This 8th edition explores the robust, savory spice of Garryana Oak, blended with dark fruit notes from Pedro Ximénez sherry and Washington State red wine casks. Big Chief describes it as tasting like a Payday candy bar with chocolate undertones.

Kicking off the second half, the duo dives into The Irishman Single Cask 17-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey. This luxurious whiskey offers a velvety texture, with rich caramel, dark chocolate, toasted nuts, and nuances of baking spices.

To finish, they savor Amrut Portonova, an unpeated single malt whisky with a fascinating journey. It's matured in new American oak and ex-bourbon barrels, transferred to Portuguese port pipes, then returned to ex-bourbon casks. The result is an exotic, vibrant whisky bursting with raisins, vanilla, cherry liqueur, and warm spices.

This episode celebrates sharing whiskey—whether with new enthusiasts or seasoned connoisseurs—and reminds us there's always more to learn and experience.

Cheers to another unforgettable adventure on The Whiskey Trip!

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out in The Bourbon Life Studios with Heather Wibbels, aka Cocktail Contessa, Mixologist/Author and Managing Director of Bourbon Women.

The guys talk with Heather about how her passion for Bourbon led her to become a world-famous mixologist and author, her role as Managing Director of Bourbon Women and her passion for sharing her love of Bourbon with people across the US, and her inspiration for writing her book,Bourbon Is My Comfort Food and how anyone can begin to create their own cocktails at home by following her recipes.

They also taste and review several cocktails made by Heather including a Browned Butter Fat Washed Bourbon Old Fashioned featuring Heather's Christmas/Holiday Syrup, a Rye Mimosa featuring the Holiday Syrup and Castle and Key Restoration Rye, and A Rye Mimosa featuring the Holiday Syrup and Wilderness Trail Rye.

To make Heather's Holiday Syrup you can follow this easy recipe:

Christmas/Holiday Syrup

· ½ c fresh squeezed orange juice, strained

· ½ c water

· 1 c sugar

· 10 allspice berries

· 8 cloves

· 3 cinnamon sticks, cracked

· 2 star anise

· Orange peel from two oranges (no pith)

Add all ingredients to a saucepan and simmer on low for 10 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved and the orange peel is slightly translucent. Turn off the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. Strain and refrigerate. Will keep for 3-4 weeks in the fridge.

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