The Bourbon Life

Big Chief takes the ride to Henderson Kentucky and sits down with Zach Hargis and Master Distiller Jacob Call for a deep and honest conversation about the resurrection of Silk Velvet Whiskey, a storied Kentucky label with roots that stretch back well over a century.

Silk Velvet was once a household name, known for its smooth character and dependable quality during an era when whiskey was as much about trust as it was flavor. Born in Henderson and carried through generations, the brand survived shifting tastes, industry consolidation, and long stretches of dormancy. What Zach and Master Distiller Jacob Call are doing today is not a reinvention for trend's sake. It is a careful revival that honors the legacy while applying modern discipline, transparency, and thoughtful blending to bring Silk Velvet back the right way.

In the first half of the show, the glasses are filled with Silk Velvet Small Batch at 107 proof. Big Chief does not just sip. He pours a second glass because it hits everything he loves. Built from a blend of two mash bills, this whiskey delivers a rich sweetness up front, a silky mouthfeel, and a lingering tingle of spice that hangs on just long enough to demand another taste. It is bold, balanced, and classic without feeling dated.

The second half steps into the Silk Velvet Single Barrel, also bottled at 107 proof and aged seven years. The mash bill of 75 percent corn, 21 percent rye, and 4 percent malted barley shows its depth immediately. Floral notes rise from the glass, followed by a beautifully balanced wave of spice and sweetness that confirms the patience spent in the barrel. It is expressive, confident, and unmistakably Silk Velvet.

This episode is about more than what is in the glass. It is about honoring history, respecting the craft, and proving that some names are worth bringing back with care and conviction. Pour yourself something worthy and take the ride with Big Chief.

This week on The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief sits down with April Weller Cantrell, widely known throughout the whiskey world as The Bourbon Baroness. A trusted voice in American whiskey and one of Big Chief's closest confidants in the industry, April brings experience, perspective, and straight shooting honesty to a conversation that is honest and deep, rooted in respect for the craft and the people behind it.

In the first half of the show, Big Chief pours the new Shiner Texas Bourbon from K. Spoetzl Distillery. This single barrel release at 112 proof showcases bold Texas character and opens the door to a thoughtful discussion on grain, climate driven maturation, and where Texas bourbon fits within the broader American whiskey conversation.

The second half sees the glasses change. Big Chief sips on Sazerac Rye Full Proof, digging into high proof rye spice, structure, and intensity, even hinting that this pour may have the chops to compete as a Whiskey of the Year contender. Alongside him, the Baroness pours Shakertown Spirits whiskey, offering a heritage driven counterpoint that deepens the conversation around balance, tradition, and thoughtful production.

As always, this episode goes beyond tasting notes. It is about truth, perspective, and supporting the people building American whiskey the right way.

At its heart, this conversation is a reminder to slow down, be present, and appreciate the moment. A shared pour becomes a pause, a reflection, and a quiet connection to something greater than ourselves. Pour a glass, settle in, and take the ride with Big Chief and the Baroness. Cheers

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

The Crew talk about the recent BourbonCon event that was just held in Lexington, KY for the 4th year, some updated news regarding several troubled distilleries and brands and the impact that may have on the Bourbon industry, and they each make their predictions for the Bourbon industry in 2026.

They also taste and review the new Angels Envy Two-Grain Kentucky Bourbon, the new Michter's Toasted Barrel Finish Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey, and 15 Stars Artisan Collection 12-Year Old Bourbon.

This Episode is sponsored by District 7 and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads into the rolling hills of East Tennessee to sit down with Stephen Callahan for a straightforward, no nonsense conversation about building whiskey the right way. The discussion is rooted in experience, patience, and respect for the craft, giving listeners an honest look at what it really takes to build a distillery with intention instead of chasing trends.

In the first half of the episode, they sip on S.E. Callahan's Distiller's Select Straight Bourbon Whiskey, an expression that represents the core of the Tennessee Hills house style. The nose opens with familiar and inviting notes of vanilla, honey, milk chocolate, and toasted oak. On the palate, flakey pastry and sweet vanilla cream lead the way, supported by warm baking spices that add depth without overpowering the pour. The finish carries medium long with a rich, viscous linger and noticeable baking spice that keeps you coming back. As they taste, Stephen talks through barrel selection, proofing decisions, and balance, offering real insight into how this bourbon comes together and how he knows when a whiskey is ready.

In the second half, the glass shifts to the Tennessee Hills Madeira Cask Finished Bourbon, where thoughtful finishing takes center stage. Rich, smoky oak anchors the whiskey, followed by layers of ripe stone fruit and toasted hazelnut. A subtle wine driven sweetness from the Madeira cask settles in and lingers, adding complexity while allowing the bourbon underneath to remain the star of the show. It is a finish that feels intentional and restrained rather than flashy.

The episode closes with a broader conversation about East Tennessee whiskey roots, lessons learned along the way, and the role community plays in building something that lasts. It also serves as a reminder of why supporting craft whiskey matters. These are the producers putting quality first, honoring tradition, and taking the long road so the whiskey in your glass has a real story behind it.

Pour a glass, settle in, and take the ride with Big Chief.

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark spend some time in The Bourbon Life Studios hanging out with our good friend and Bourbon Life Crew Member, Chad Watson, Blending & Operations Manager, for Rare Character. Chad was previously a guest on Episode 199.

The guys talk with Chad about his background in retail and how his passion for Bourbon and writing reviews on Instagram led him to a position with Rare Character, the meteoric rise of Rare Character and the almost cult-like status that it has obtained amongst Bourbon drinkers and fans, and the new line extensions that Rare Character has released since his last appearance and how Rare Character is working to continue focusing on its core business that brought it so much success while also developing these new line extensions to reach a broader audience.

They also taste and review several of the newer line extensions from Rare Character including their Hurst Knoll Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, their 15-Year Brook Hill Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and their Old Cassidy Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

This Episode is sponsored by District 7 and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

On this episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with Clinton Dugan, co-founder and master blender of Short Barrel Bourbon out of Atlanta. Clinton dives into his approach to blending, barrel selection, and what it really takes to build a whiskey brand that stands out without chasing trends. This is a conversation rooted in patience, experience, and letting the whiskey speak louder than the label.

The first half kicks off with Short Barrel's new four grain whiskey, a five year old blend pulling wheat bourbon from Green River Distilling Co. and rye bourbon from Wilderness Trail Distillery. Bottled at 94 proof and priced at a wallet friendly $39.99, this 30 barrel batch delivers exactly what you want in an everyday pour. Soft wheat sweetness leads the charge while the rye brings balance and spice, making this an easy drinking whiskey that quietly punches above its weight.

Things turn up quickly with OZ Tyler, a bruiser clocking in at 138.8 proof after spending three years aging in the Atlanta heat. Distilled by Jacob Call, this pour is bold, loud, and unapologetic. Heat, barrel, and time collide to create a whiskey that demands respect and doesn't apologize for it.

In the second half, the big men come out swinging with an Old Fourth 10 Year Old Bottled in Bond. The MGP distilled juice is rich and oily, coating the palate with sticky sweetness and layers of stone fruit and chocolate that linger long after the sip. It's a reminder of how elegant well aged whiskey can be when the blending is done right.

To close it all out, Clinton pours their Tokaji cask finished rye, and it stops Big Chief in his tracks. Finished in Hungarian Tokaji dessert wine barrels, this rye brings a deep raisin funk right out front, followed by grape driven sweetness, sugar cookie silk, and a smooth, confident finish. Big Chief doesn't hesitate to put it on record, calling it the first whiskey on his list for Whiskey of the Year for 2026.

Real talk, real whiskey, and big pours from start to finish. Pour something good and Take the Ride with Big Chief and Clinton Dugan on The Whiskey Trip.

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark spend some time in The Bourbon Life Studios hanging out with one of their favorite people in the Bourbon industry, the wonderful Ashley Barnes, Co-Founder & Master Blender, from The Blending House. Ashley was previously a guest on Episodes 144 and 249.

The guys talk with Ashley about how she got started in the industry and the incredible experience that she has gained in that time, the creation of The Spirits Group and how that led to the creation of The Blending House and all of the services that they provide to their clients, as well as a great discussion on the artistic and scientific sides of blending Bourbon.

Ashley mixed things up on the guys a little bit on this Episode by blinding them on 3 different bottles – quizzing them about the tasting notes, the mashbill, the age, and a lot of other factors and then hits them with a BIG surprise to wrap it all up. You'll have to check out the Episode to find out more.

On this episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads into the North Georgia mountains to sit down with distiller Randy Stamey at SharpTop Distilling Company in Jasper. The conversation explores SharpTop's Appalachian roots, hands-on approach to distilling, and the careful balance between honoring traditional mountain spirits and building a modern Georgia whiskey program grounded in patience and purpose.

Jasper itself is woven deeply into the story. Long before legal distilling returned to the region, these hills carried a strong moonshine tradition, with families quietly running corn liquor through the mountains during Prohibition and the decades that followed. The area is also known for its historic marble mines, which helped define the local economy and supplied stone used in notable buildings across the country. Today, SharpTop Distilling sits squarely in the middle of that history, located between the old jail and the county courthouse, a powerful reminder of how an outlaw tradition has come full circle into a respected, legal craft.

The tasting begins with Honest Man's Friend & Protector Moonshine, a corn whiskey made from a 100 percent corn mashbill. The pour delivers classic Southern character with notes of hot buttered popcorn and a subtle hint of caramel, keeping the grain front and center and showcasing the clean, honest profile of a true mountain-style corn whiskey.

Next, the glasses move to Connahaynee Reserve Barrel Aged Whiskey, built on the same 100 percent corn mashbill but transformed through time in the barrel. The aging brings added depth, oak influence, and structure, highlighting the natural progression from still to barrel while preserving the sweetness and simplicity of the original corn-forward spirit.

In the second half of the episode, Randy introduces Sharptop Lawless McClain's Cut Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This bold expression carries a mashbill of 64 percent corn, 24 percent rye, and 12 percent malted barley, is aged more than four years, and is bottled at 100 proof. The higher rye content brings spice and backbone, balanced by corn sweetness and a maturity that reflects SharpTop's commitment to doing things the right way, not the fast way.

The episode closes with a look toward the future as Randy shares his excitement about a bourbon currently aging quietly in the rickhouse, one that is not yet ready for release but already showing serious promise. It is a fitting reminder that great whiskey is never rushed and that at SharpTop Distilling Company, goodness truly takes time. Pour a glass, settle in, and Take the Ride with Big Chief and Randy Stamey on The Whiskey Trip.

On this week's episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief pulls up a chair with his brother Little Feather for a no-nonsense, end-of-year sit-down rooted in family, flavor, and hard-earned opinions. With a year of miles behind them and a table full of whiskey in front of them, the brothers look back on Big Chief's 2025 Whiskey Trail while taking on the challenge of naming Whiskey of the Year and Distillery of the Year. It is part reflection, part debate, filled with laughs, brotherly jabs, and a deep respect for the craft and the people behind it.

To strip away hype, labels, and reputation, the tasting is done completely blind, with all five whiskeys poured into plain mason jars. No fancy glassware and no branding, just whiskey. Each pour is judged on nose, palate, mouthfeel, finish, and balance, forcing every whiskey to stand on its own merits. The mason jars set an honest, humble tone and lead to a few surprises and some strong, unfiltered reactions.

As the tasting unfolds, Little Feather flips the mic and interviews Big Chief about the highs, lessons, and standout moments from the 2025 Whiskey Trip. Between sips, they talk road miles, distillery visits, and the people who made the journey matter. The conversation naturally turns forward, with Big Chief sharing what is already taking shape for 2026, including new regions, deeper dives into the craft, and a continued commitment to giving distillers a real voice.

The five whiskeys competing for Whiskey of the Year represent a wide range of styles from stops along the trail. The lineup includes Anita's Choice, a six-grain bourbon from Burnt Church Distillery; Reverence from 1845 Distilling Company; a bold Cask Strength Rye from Ponfeigh Distillery; Broken Halo Cask Strength from War Trail Distillery; and Batch 37 from Barrell Craft Spirits. With no labels to lean on, each whiskey earns praise or criticism based solely on what is in the jar.

When the dust settles, Whiskey of the Year goes to 1845 Preemption Reverence, a pour that rose above the rest when judged blind for its balance, depth, and character. Distillery of the Year honors go to Trinity River Distillery, recognized not only for its whiskey but for the full experience it delivers, from immersive tours to the renovation of its historic ranch-style bean factory, along with its Whiskey Kitchen and Bourbon Nursery.

Whether listeners agree with the final calls or not, this episode is about honoring the pours, the places, and the passion that keep American whiskey moving forward. Pour yourself something good, pull up a chair, and Take the Ride with Big Chief and Little Feather as they close out 2025 and set their sights on what is ahead.

On this special holiday episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with Doc Brown Farm and Distillery founders Amy Brown and Paige Dockweiler for a conversation rooted in family, farming, and true grain to glass distilling. More than distillers, Amy and Paige are stewards of the land, driven by a shared determination to keep small scale farming alive at a time when doing things the right way is harder than ever.

The episode opens with Amy and Big Chief sipping on Effie Jewel, a deeply personal release from a January 2021 crop built on a mash bill of 75% Jimmy Red corn, 10% Abruzzi rye, 10% wheat, and 5% barley. Eight barrels were sent to Galveston in July 2024, where the Gulf Coast climate left its mark before returning home in April 2025 for extended aging. Bottled at 101 proof and limited to 1,900 bottles, Effie Jewel will be allocated across Texas, Georgia, and online, with a major direct to consumer release event at DOMA on February 8.

From there, the tasting moves to Southern Ember, followed by Day Swigger, which also serves as the base for both the Honey Expression and Hot Honey Expression. These pours highlight what sets Doc Brown apart. The honey and peppers come straight from the farm, just like the grain, reinforcing a farm first mindset where every ingredient has a story and a purpose.

Throughout the conversation, Amy and Paige open up about the grit it takes to keep farming viable. They discuss balancing unpredictable weather, rising costs, regulations, and the physical demands of working the land while building a spirits brand rooted in integrity. Their tenacity shows as they talk about preserving heirloom grains, protecting farmland, educating consumers, and proving that farming and distilling can still coexist without compromise.

In the second half of the episode, Paige joins Amy and Big Chief to sip on the Salted Caramel Bourbon Cream and Coffee Bourbon Cream. These rich, comforting pours are perfect for a cold holiday morning or a slow day spent relaxing with family.

We hope you have enjoyed the ride throughout 2025 on The Whiskey Trip Podcast. From Woodrow, Ms. Viv, and of course Ol' Big Chief, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Pour something good and take the ride.