The Bourbon Life

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

This week on The Whiskey Trip, the journey takes us to Culpepper, Virginia, home to one of America's oldest craft distilleries—Belmont Farm Distillery. Big Chief sits down with Founder and Distiller, Chuck Miller.

Known from his time on Discovery Channel's Moonshiners, Chuck helped folks like Tim Smith bring their products into the legal market. But Big Chief didn't come for the moonshine—he came to sample the whiskey Chuck has been distilling since 1989, using grain from his own farm.

Chuck distills with a historic 1933, 3,000-gallon kettle still, seized from an illicit site by the state of Virginia. They begin the tasting with Belmont Farm's Virginia Bonded Whiskey, aged in used oak barrels to soften the oak influence.

Next, they savor the Virginia Reserve 10-year-old whiskey, a cask strength beauty at 116 proof, made from a mash bill of 50% corn, 25% wheat, and 25% malted barley. Big Chief declares this the perfect whiskey for a desert island.

Wrapping up the first half, they enjoy a smooth Virginia Bourbon at 92 proof—a testament to Chuck's incredible still.

The second half kicks off with an American Single Malt, aged 4 years and bottled at 86 proof. It delivers a sharp taste and a stunning nose, underscoring why these whiskies are making waves. Then comes the Rye Whiskey, crafted from 70% rye, 25% corn, and 5% malted barley, offering that root beer candy note Big Chief loves. To close out, they sample a 100% corn whiskey at 100 proof, with flavors reminiscent of buttered popcorn.

This trip was a true highlight, and it was an honor to sit down with a whiskey legend.

Cheers to another memorable 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 Barry Brinegar, Co-Founder & National Brand Ambassador for RD1 Spirits in Lexington, Kentucky. Barry was previously a guest on Episodes 51 and 147.

The guys talk with Barry about all of the exciting things that have been going on with RD1 since the last time he was on the podcast including all of the awards that their Bourbons have recently won, the excitement surrounding the hiring of their new R&D Master Distiller, Dr. Jarrad Gollihue, and how the construction of their new Distillery in downtown Lexington is coming along.

They also taste and review RD1 Kentucky Bourbon Festival Private Select Bourbon, RD1 Bourbon Finished in Balsamo Wood, and RD1 Bourbon Finished in Smoked Oak and Maple.

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, the adventure leads to Richmond, Virginia, for a visit to Reservoir Distillery. Big Chief sits down with Founder, Dave Cuttino and Director of Distillery Education, Shelley Sackier, who deliver far more than he expected, filling the day with education, warm hospitality, and spirits that had him dancing in his seat.

Reservoir's Austria-built brandy still is key to producing their exceptional single grain whiskeys. The episode starts with a tasting of their four-grain Bourbon, featuring a mash bill of 69% corn, 14% rye, 14% wheat, and 1% barley. This bourbon was crafted to help the distillery grow into new markets while staying true to their unique identity.

To finish the first half, they explore the 100% single grain rye whiskey, a bold spirit with rich, antique flavors of sorghum molasses and sassafras tea.

The second half opens with Holland's Milkman, a Bourbon finished in an Ardent Milk Stout barrel, showcasing the exciting collaboration between distillers and brewers—whiskey's new frontier.

The grand finale is the Hazmat Expression: a 142 proof, 10-year-old Bourbon that explodes with fiery, hot cinnamon candy flavor. What a way to finish!

This episode has reignited Big Chief's passion for whiskey, inspiring him to seek out even more captivating stories to share with listeners.

Cheers to another unforgettable stop on The Whiskey Trip!

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, presented by Liquor Barn, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out with Wes Henderson, CEO & Founder, of True Story. Wes was previously a guest on Episode 55.

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 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