Step inside one of Louisville's most iconic bourbon bars. In this episode of the Mash Bill Podcast, I sit down with Brian Downing, owner and general manager of The Silver Dollar in Louisville, Kentucky. From its beginning as a historic firehouse to its place today as a cornerstone of the city's bourbon scene, Brian shares the story of how this Clifton neighborhood favorite has evolved while holding on to its honky-tonk charm.

We explore The Silver Dollar's impressive whiskey list of over 500 selections, their curated barrel selection program, and how they're expanding into tequila and mezcal offerings for adventurous palates. Brian walks us through the cocktail menu, from tried and true classics to inventive new creations, and highlights the food that keeps guest coming back, like chicken and waffles and barrio tacos.

If you love bourbon history, Louisville nightlife, and the stories behind the bars that shape Kentucky's whiskey culture, this conversation will make you want to pull up a reclaimed wood booth, sip something neat, and stay awhile.

Follow along on social media:Instagram and Facebook @parlorroomtastings & @bourbonduchessTikTok @whitneyrye

Follow along with The Silver Dollar @TheSilverDollar https://www.youtube.com/@TheSilverDollar and @Bourbonnerd or visit their website https://www.whiskeybythedrink.com

For curated tastings and events in Bardstown, visit ParlorRoomTastings.com#Bourbon #TheMashBillPodcast #BourbonPodcast #KentuckyBourbon #whiskey #History #Travel #BourbonTrail #Bourbon #Distillery #BourbonLegends #behindthescenes #Bardstown #Kentucky #newepisode #podcast

In this episode of The Mash Bill Podcast, we sit down with Master Distiller Stephen Beam of Limestone Branch Distillery, a name that resonates deeply in the world of Kentucky bourbon. As a descendant of both the Beam and Dant families, Stephen carries generations of whiskey-making heritage—while also forging his own path through the revival of the iconic Yellowstone Bourbon brand.We explore Stephen’s journey from his family’s historic roots to the founding of Limestone Branch, and how he’s balanced tradition with creativity to help reestablish Yellowstone as a beloved and respected name among bourbon enthusiasts. With stories that span family legacies, industry shifts, and the evolution of craft, Stephen gives us a rare glimpse into what it truly means to steward a brand with such rich history.We also dive into what makes Yellowstone’s latest expressions stand out, and how Steven’s philosophy as a distiller continues to shape both Limestone Branch and the broader bourbon landscape.Whether you're a fan of the Beam legacy or curious about what it takes to bring an iconic brand back to life, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.Follow along on social media:Instagram and Facebook @parlorroomtastings & @bourbonduchessTikTok @whitneyryeFor curated tastings and events in Bardstown, visit ParlorRoomTastings.com#StephenBeam #LimestoneBranch #YellowstoneBourbon #TheMashBillPodcast #BourbonPodcast #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyHistory #History #Travel #BourbonTrail #Bourbon #Distillery #BourbonLegends #behindthescenes #Bardstown #Kentucky #newepisode

In this episode of The Mash Bill Podcast, we sit down with legendary Master Distiller Steve Nally to explore his remarkable journey through more than five decades in the bourbon industry. From his early days at Maker’s Mark to helping build Bardstown Bourbon Company from the ground up, Steve’s story is one of legacy, resilience, and a true love for the craft.

Together, we dive into the story behind the pours that have made Bardstown Bourbon Company one of the most talked-about names in modern bourbon. With Steve’s guidance and vision, the brand has established a reputation for quality, collaboration, and forward thinking in an industry rooted in tradition.

We also touch briefly on their newest release, the Cathedral bottle, and how it reflects the balance of innovation and heritage that defines Bardstown Bourbon Company’s approach. But at the center of it all is Steve himself, a living connection between the past and future of bourbon.

To hear how great whiskey gets made and what it takes to shape a legacy, don’t miss this episode.

Follow along on social media:
Instagram and Facebook @parlorroomtastings & @bourbonduchess 
TikTok @whitneyrye

For more on curated tastings and events in Bardstown, visit ParlorRoomTastings.com

#BardstownBourbonCompany #SteveNally #TheMashBillPodcast #BourbonPodcast #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyHistory #History #Travel #BourbonTrail #Bourbon #Distillery #BourbonLegends #behindthescenes #Bardstown #Kentucky #newepisode

Join us on The Mash Bill Podcast as we sit down with Jeff and Walter, CEO and COO of Whiskey Thief Distillery, at their beautiful Franklin County farm distillery. In this exclusive interview, we dive deep into their unique Farm to Flask philosophy, highlighting their hands-on bourbon production style and explaining why their bourbon is only available directly from them. With no distribution, the only way to experience their whiskey is by visiting the distillery itself or their conveniently located tasting room in Louisville, Kentucky.

Take a behind-the-scenes tour with us, and learn about Whiskey Thief Distillery's one-of-a-kind experience of “thieving” your bourbon straight from the barrel, then bottling your personal selection right there on the spot. They don’t just craft outstanding bourbon; they have created an authentic Kentucky experience complete with live goats roaming the property, live music, a full bar serving delicious, handcrafted cocktails, and rotating local food trucks serving up great eats.

Don’t miss this engaging conversation about bourbon production, sustainability, farm fresh ingredients, and genuine Kentucky hospitality with the team behind Whiskey Thief Distillery.

Stay connected with us on social media:
Instagram: @bourbonduchess and @parlorroomtastings
TikTok: @whitneyrye
And follow Whiskey Thief Distillery: @whiskeythiefdistilling

Tune in now for the ultimate insider’s guide to bourbon, cocktails, live music, farm animals, and all the charm that makes Whiskey Thief Distillery a must visit destination in Kentucky.

In this episode of The Mash Bill Podcast, I sit down with Will Woodington, National Brand Ambassador for Chicken Cock Whiskey, to talk about one of the oldest bourbon brands in America. From its deep roots in Prohibition-era history to its modern-day revival, we cover how Chicken Cock has stayed true to its legacy while finding fresh ways to connect with today’s drinkers. Will shares some of his favorite ways to enjoy Chicken Cock in cocktails, and what it means to represent a brand with such a bold personality. We also chat about their Bardstown tasting room, Circa 1856, as it celebrates its one-year anniversary this Friday, June 27. Whether you're a whiskey nerd, a history buff, or just someone who loves a good pour, this one’s worth the listen.

In this powerful episode of The Mash Bill Podcast, Whitney sits down with the four founders of Four Branches Bourbon—each representing a different branch of the U.S. military. What began as a tribute to one fallen brother quickly grew into something far bigger: a mission to honor all who served. Their motto, “Don’t drink to forget, sip to remember,”is more than a tagline—it’s a call to reflection, connection, and community.

We unpack the emotional story behind their brand’s origin, the shared experiences that bond these veterans, and the deeper purpose behind every bottle they craft. This is more than bourbon. It’s legacy in a glass.

Follow along @parlorroomtastings on Instagram and Facebook, or catch behind-the-scenes clips on TikTok @WhitneyRye. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe for more bourbon stories and deep dives into the why behind every brand.

In this episode of The Mash Bill Podcast, Whitney Rye sits down with the three visionary founders behind Old Steelhouse Distillery—a once-abandoned industrial site now undergoing a remarkable revival. Located in the heart of bourbon country, Old Steelhouse is being carefully reimagined from the ground up using original blueprints, historical archives, and a fierce commitment to preserving legacy.

We explore the hidden history of this long-forgotten site, the renovation process that’s as ambitious as it is authentic, and the founders' belief that they could bring something great back to life. From architecture to mash bills, this behind-the-scenes tour of a distillery not yet open to the public offers a rare glimpse into what it takes to revive bourbon tradition—one brick and barrel at a time.

Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast, bourbon historian, or lover of comeback stories, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

Be sure to follow and comment to tell us your favorite part of the episode!

For more bourbon history and behind-the-scenes stories like this, find us on Facebook & Instagram (@ParlorRoomTastings) and TikTok (@WhitneyRye).

What do you get when you sit down with a bourbon legend? A masterclass in legacy, innovation, and storytelling.In this episode of The Mash Bill Podcast, host Whitney Rye sits down with Bill Samuels Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Maker’s Mark and one of the most influential figures in modern bourbon history. Together, they dive into the history of the Maker’s Mark brand, its unlikely rise in the 1950s when bourbon was far from cool, and the family values that have kept it authentic ever since.We explore:🥃 The post-Prohibition landscape and how Maker’s carved out a niche when no one cared about premium bourbon🌾 Bill’s own role in shaping the voice of the brand and championing the creation of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail📈 How the brand grew through hospitality, storytelling, and a whole lot of heartThis is more than a conversation—it’s a look behind the curtain at how a humble family recipe became a cornerstone of American whiskey.LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT below to tell us your favorite part of the Maker’s story—or share your own first pour of Maker’s Mark.Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Whitneyrye📍 Filmed at Spalding Hall, The Rickhouse Restaurant📸 Follow @ParlorRoomTastings & ‪@Whitneyrye‬ for behind-the-scenes content and future guest updates.

In this exciting episode of The Mash Bill Podcast, host Whitney Rye sits down with John Rempe, the visionary Master Distiller and Blender at Lux Row Distillers, to explore the fascinating journey behind his acclaimed Blood Oath bourbon series. Hear firsthand how John's innovative blending approach, combining rare bourbons of varying ages and unique finishes, has made Blood Oath one of bourbon's most captivating collections since its debut in 2015. Discover the artistry behind the latest release, Blood Oath Pact 11, a remarkable blend featuring bourbons finished in Añejo tequila barrels, delivering an unforgettable, complex flavor experience.

For more behind-the-scenes insights, episode updates, and bourbon adventures, follow Whitney Rye on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook at @BourbonDuchess, @WhitneyRye, & @ParlorRoomTastings.

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected with The Mash Bill Podcast!

Bourbon didn't disappear during Prohibition-it became the foundation of a criminal empire, fueling fortunes, betrayals, and a war fought in the shadows. Bootleggers seized loopholes, corrupt officials turned a blind eye, and whiskey flowed through underground networks guarded by those willing to kill for it. The government's war on liquor only made bourbon more powerful, shifting control from mobsters to corporate giants who still shape the industry today. This is the story of rebellion, survival, and the lasting scars of a law that tried—and failed—to erase America's native spirit.