The Bourbon Life

In this week's episode of The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief visits Hood River, Oregon, to chat with Caitlin Bartlemay, the Master Distiller, and Everett Rubin, a Distiller at Hood River Distillers. They delve into the rich history of the distillery, which has been producing spirits since the end of Prohibition in 1934. Initially, the distillery focused on brandies made from the local fruit abundant in the area, nurtured by the waters of the Columbia River and the surrounding Mt. Hood.

The conversation highlights the unique aspects of their distilling process, particularly their use of pristine glacial water sourced from the glaciers around Mt. Hood, which has been naturally filtered through volcanic rock. This exceptional water is integral to the distinct flavors found in their whiskies and brandies, offering a terroir that Big Chief finds irresistible.

Big Chief begins the episode by sampling Trail’s End 8 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which is sourced from Kentucky and finished with Oregon Oak in the Pacific Northwest. This Bourbon boasts a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. The combination of glacier water and Oregon Oak elevates it to a remarkable sipping whiskey. He then moves on to McCarthy’s Oregon Single Malt Whiskey, aged for six years, which features notes of smoked peaches, crisp pears, and peppercorn spice—a perfect American replacement for peated Scotch.

This episode celebrates the exceptional spirits of Oregon and the fascinating history behind them.

Cheers to a memorable journey!

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, presented by Liquor Barn, Mark is flying solo and hanging out in Bardstown, Kentucky at the original home of Jim Beam with James B. Beam Distilling Co. 8th generation Master Distiller, Freddie Noe, talking about all things country ham.

Mark and Freddie talk about the history of curing meats like country ham and the similarity of curing ham and distilling grains into whiskey, the Noe family history of curing country ham and his grandfather, Booker’s, love of curing country ham, and the different ways that people enjoy their country ham including prosciutto style which is how Mark and Freddie enjoy it on this episode.  

During the Episode they sip on a Booker’s Batch No. C90-K-28 that Mark picked up a few years ago and they enjoy it with some 19-month old prosciutto style country ham that Freddie and his dad, Fred, cured and smoked themselves in their home smokehouse.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by Liquor Barn and is also sponsored by Penelope Bourbon, Limestone Farms Bourbon, Regard Law Group, Old Dominick, 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.regardlaw.com 

www.olddominick.com             

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.jamesepepper.com  

www.visitthekitchentable.com

In this week's episode of The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief heads to Frankfort, Kentucky, for an intriguing conversation with Toby Curtsinger, a central figure in Netflix’s series “Heist”, specifically in the episodes titled “Bourbon King” (episodes 5 and 6). The discussion dives deep into the infamous "Pappygate," where Toby recounts his involvement in the black market of bourbon. He shares how he illicitly acquired and distributed bottles and barrels of whiskey from notable distilleries like Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey, leading to his eventual legal troubles.

Toby reflects on the regret he feels for putting his family through such a difficult period and how he has been working to rebuild his life since. He also talks about his path to redemption and his new role as "The Bourbon King," where he shares his story through whiskey tastings and tours, offering a unique perspective on the world of bourbon.

Big Chief kicks off the show by enjoying a pour of Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year, which at 107 proof, stands out as his favorite expression of the highly sought-after bourbon, describing it as a "cinnamon bomb." The episode wraps up with Big Chief savoring a glass of Russell's Reserve 10 Year from Wild Turkey, a highly affordable and flavorful bourbon with a pronounced Kentucky rye spice, even at 90 proof.

This episode of The Whiskey Trip not only explores a significant event in the bourbon world but also showcases how one man’s missteps contributed to the boom of bourbon's popularity.

Cheers to an unforgettable ride!

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 Randy Prasse, President, of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

The guys talk with Randy about his background in festival and event management and the history of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, all of the great things that attendees can anticipate at this year’s Festival which is the 33rd annual, as well as what the future looks like for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

They also taste and review three different Kentucky Bourbon Festival Single Barrel picks that will be available at this year’s Kentucky Bourbon Festival, including a Maker’s Mark Private Select, a Hemingway Whiskey Rye finished in a Rum Seasoned Oloroso Sherry Cask, and a Jeptha Creed 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, Regard Law Group, 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.regardlaw.com 

www.olddominick.com             

www.thestavekentucky.com 

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.jamesepepper.com  

www.visitthekitchentable.com

In this week's episode of The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief takes listeners to Brooklyn, New York, where he chats with Sienna Jevremov, the Head Distiller at Widow Jane Distillery. The episode delves into the history of Widow Jane and the famed mine that lends its name to the distillery.

Sienna shares insights into her journey at Widow Jane, starting under the mentorship of Lisa Wicker and eventually taking the lead in steering the distillery's future. The conversation begins with a tasting of Widow Jane's signature 10-year-old bourbon, known for being non-chill filtered, proofed with mineral water from the Rosendale Mines, and produced in small 5-barrel batches.

Next, they explore the unique Baby Jane Bourbon, distilled with heirloom corn that adds depth, sweetness, and a creamy-spicy profile, earning it a spot as a contender for Big Chief's whiskey of the year. The episode concludes with a tasting of Widow Jane Paradigm Rye, celebrated for its balanced flavor profile that goes beyond the usual spiciness of rye, incorporating a sweetness and mouthfeel that highlights the diversity of the grain.

This episode emphasizes the significance of the water used in proofing whiskey, showcasing its impact on the final product. Cheers to a journey through the flavors and history of Widow Jane Distillery!

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, presented by Liquor Barn, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out with Matt Cunningham, Founder, of Old Glory Distilling Co. from Clarksville, Tennessee.

We talk with Matt about his background and how he transitioned from studying finance in college to becoming a firefighter in Clarksville to becoming the Founder of Old Glory, the decision to wait until Old Glory had its own mature distillate to release their first Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey, and what the future looks like for Old Glory.

They also taste and review Old Glory Distilling Co.’s Bottled In Bond Tennessee Whiskey, their Bottled in Bond Bourbon, and an Old Glory Distilling Co. 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, 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 on The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief takes a ride with his friend Ryan Mareno, Founder and Owner of Mareno’s Outfitters and Guide Service.

Ryan and Big Chief talk about Ryan’s guide service that offers unique hunting experiences for both American Alligators and Feral Hogs in Southwest Louisiana. They also chat about Ryan’s love of wheated bourbon. This episode is an opportunity for listeners to win one of two giveaways, so make sure to listen to the end.

These two outdoorsmen start the show by sipping on some Green River Distillery wheated bourbon. Its soft notes of honeysuckle and caramel make it delicious. They then move on to Castle and Key Distillery wheated bourbon. With a little more proof, it’s got that sweetness the big man loves.

To start the second half, the duo crack open a bottle of Fox Trail Distillery O’Highlands XIV, which is a 14-year-old straight bourbon whiskey. Man, what a whiskey! Too bad this was a limited release. They finish the show with a TX Whiskey Port Barrel Finish. It makes Ryan think of raisins and toffee.

This ride on The Whiskey Trip shows just how fast the Big Man can grow his Village in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. Welcome to the family, Ryan, O’Neill, Matt, and Taddy.

Cheers!

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, presented by Liquor Barn, the entire Bourbon Life Crew spends some time hanging out together in The Bourbon Life Studios having some great pours and even better conversation.

We talk about some fun times that Chad had on his recent cruise and make fun of his fanny pack that he wore on the cruise, Matt gets his feelings hurt because Mark forgets to call him his co-host, and they also discuss some recent changes in the contract distilling game that involve some brands switching production partners.

They also taste and review 3 different expressions that Chad brought to share and to test the rest of The Crew to see if they can pick out if any of the expressions are a Jack Daniel’s product or not but you’ll have to listen to the Episode to find out who got it right and who didn’t.

And for the 1st time ever The Crew have a 4th Bonus Round of The Bourbon Life Podcast where they taste and review the new Heaven Hill 18-Year 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 on The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief takes a ride with his great friend  - the Bourbon Baroness, April Weller Cantrell - and explores the basics of whiskey.

April and Big Chief discuss different regions around the world and what makes each type of whiskey/whisky so special. They give listeners some history on the water of life as well as discussing terroir. These two old friends have each other laughing the entire episode.

The Big Man sips on 65 years of whiskey throughout the show. Sipping on Red Breast 12 year Irish whiskey, Singleton Of Glendullan 18 year Scotch Whisky, Knob Creek 18 year Bourbon Whiskey and Down Home 17 year Rye Whiskey.

The Bourbon Baroness sips on The Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky, W.L. Weller 12 Year Bourbon Whiskey, Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey and a Leiper’s Fork single barrel Rye Whiskey.

This ride on The Whiskey Trip gives listeners a quick lesson in whiskey and friendship.

Cheers!

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 Owen Martin, Master Distiller, from Angel’s Envy

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 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