The Bourbon Life

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief steps off the whiskey trail to sit down with singer-songwriter Colin Boutwell at Wilson Valley Mercantile Distillery. Together, they dive into whiskey, love, and music, making for a soulful and spirited conversation.

Colin, a longtime whiskey enthusiast whose journey began with Old Grand-Dad, shares stories and songs that take Big Chief on a nostalgic ride through the back roads of the Texas Hill Country. Colin performs four songs during the show, showcasing remarkable vocal and guitar control, effortlessly transitioning between notes and dynamics to captivate the room.

Throughout the episode, Colin savors Wilson Valley Mercantile's Texas Notch Bourbon on the rocks. This "seed-to-sip" whiskey boasts a mash bill of 51% corn, 34% wheat, and 15% oats—all grown at Evans Ranch—and is aged for one year in Bell County. An additional yeast used during fermentation adds depth, creating a robust flavor that shines in every sip.

Meanwhile, Big Chief enjoys Wilson Valley Mercantile's Texas Three Way Bourbon neat. Featuring the same mash bill as the Notch, he describes it as the perfect session whiskey—a spirit that pairs beautifully with porch-sitting and music that touches the soul.

Once again, Big Chief uses this pause from the whiskey trail to spotlight a talented musician, proving that whiskey and music are the perfect pairing. Cheers to another unforgettable journey on The Whiskey Trip!

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out with Robert Likarish, Founder, Jonathan Likarish, Master Distiller & Blender, and Marcia Likarish, the Mother of Texas Whiskey, of Ironroot Republic Distillery.

The guys talk with Robert, Jonathan, and Marcia about their respective backgrounds and how a collective family decision led them into the wonderful world of whiskey, all of the incredible people who worked with them along the way to help them reach where they are today as well as a really cool story about how they got their still, as well as what the future looks like for Ironroot Republic Distillery.

They also taste and review Ironroot Republic Sleight of Hand Bourbon, Saints Alley The Nobleman, Saints Alley The Harold, and Ironroot Republic Harbinger.

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 spirited journey along The Tennessee Whiskey Trail with Executive Director Charity Toombs.

Charity offers insider tips on exploring the trail and its remarkable distilleries. She also highlights its vibrant festivals and events, including this year's holiday pop-up, Carols & Barrels. While sharing her insights, Charity sips on Old Dominick Distillery's The Original Toddy, a versatile winter delight perfect served warm or cold.

Big Chief embarks on his own tasting adventure, starting with Nelson's Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey from Nashville. He then indulges in one of his favorites—a cask-strength rye whiskey from Leiper's Fork Distillery.

The journey continues in the second half with more Tennessee treasures. Big Chief samples Jack Daniel's Triple Mash, a nod to the iconic Lincoln County Process still thriving in Lynchburg. He wraps up with Chattanooga Whiskey's single-barrel, wheated profile, a standout from the state's southeastern corner.

Celebrate the rich history, bold flavors, and unforgettable experiences of The Tennessee Whiskey Trail with Big Chief. Cheers to another incredible ride on The Whiskey Trip!

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, the Bourbon Life Crew (minus Chad) spend some time hanging out together live in The Bourbon Life Studios, sharing some great pours and even better conversation.

They talk about the amazing job, and all of the hard work, that Matt did on his 22-month old country ham that he cured back in January 2023 and shared with the Crew as part of this Episode, the Penelope Estate Collection Release Party that Mark and Stacey attended last week at 21c Hotel in Louisville, and if we're starting to see some pricing correction in the Bourbon market currently and where that trend might be headed and what it means for consumers.

They also taste and review the new Country Smooth Tennessee Straight Bourbon, Penelope Estate Collection Founder's Reserve Lot E, and a 2024 King of Kentucky.

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 hits The Texas Whiskey Trail and travels to Central Texas, visiting John Evans—Owner, Founder, and Distiller at Wilson Valley Mercantile, a true farm-to-glass distillery.

Established in 1867, the Evans Ranch embraces a "seed-to-sip" philosophy, growing all its grains on-site. In 2022, John decided to transform his corn harvest into spirits, creating a new chapter for the family farm.

The episode kicks off with their Texas Three Way Whiskey, crafted with a mash bill of 51% corn, 34% wheat, and 15% oats. This whiskey delivers a honey-butter sweetness that coats the palate, finishing with a touch of barrel spice.

Next, they sample the Texas Notch Bourbon, which shares the same mash bill but uses a different yeast strain, reducing the sweetness while adding spice for a longer finish.

In the second half, John introduces their Texas Bloody Butcher Corn Bourbon, featuring a rich, dusty nose and notes of popcorn ball and Cairo corn syrup that linger on the palate—a true nod to heritage corn whiskey.

To wrap things up, they taste the Wilson Valley Rye, made with 51% rye, 34% corn, and 15% oats. This "bourbon drinker's rye" offers unique flavors of black licorice and root beer, making it the perfect whiskey for breakfast.

It's always inspiring to see farmers returning to their roots, distilling their grains to create something extraordinary.

Cheers to another unforgettable ride on The Whiskey Trip!

In this REMIX Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out live in The Bourbon Life Studios with Brad Williams, Senior Category Manager for Spirits at Liquor Barn/BevMo/GoPuff. Brad was previously a guest on Episodes 90 & 127. This Episode originally aired on December 15, 2023 as Episode 201.

The guys talk with Brad about what has changed and what has stayed the same with his position over the past year and half since he was last on the show, what it's like being responsible for picking barrels for over 400 stores across the US now, and what the future looks like as Liquor Barn fully integrates with GoPuff.

They also taste and review a Liquor Barn Rittenhouse Rye Pick, the new James E. Pepper Barrel Proof Bourbon, and the James B. Beam Distilling Co. Distillers' Share Batch 04.

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 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