This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief keeps a solemn promise, riding north through the towering piney woods of East Texas to Tyler, where he shines a spotlight on Kiepersol Distillery and the legacy behind Jimmy’s Bourbon.

At the heart of this whiskey is Jimmy Hines, a World War II pilot who carried a bottle of whiskey with him through the war—only to trade it for a vinyl record that turned out to be blank. Imagine the heartbreak. Today, Kiepersol honors Jimmy’s spirit and sacrifice, using his pilot goggles as the symbol of their brand and his fearless outlook as the inspiration for their tagline:

“Through Hero’s Eyes.”

Big Chief sits down with distiller Dylan Latham, a man whose passion for the craft is evident in every sip. They kick things off with Jimmy’s 84-proof Bourbon, a light, crisp Texas whiskey with whispers of crackerjack and vanilla—a perfect bridge for those who love the easy-drinking nature of Irish or Scottish drams.

Next up is Jimmy’s 90-proof Bourbon, a whiskey with a cult following so loyal that it rarely stays on shelves. Deep, rich toffee notes, accented by tea and honey, make this an unmistakable Texas gem.

For the second half, Dylan and Big Chief dive into Jimmy’s Rye Whiskey—a Kentucky-style rye with layers of licorice, sweet vanilla cream, and warm spice on the back end. Smooth yet complex, it’s a rye that demands attention.

And then, the grand finale. A 10-year-old, cask-strength expression of Jimmy’s Bourbon, clocking in at 116.7 proof. This might just be the best whiskey in the Lone Star State. Deep, rich kettle corn, butterscotch, dried fruit, and chocolate flood the palate, finishing with a lingering kiss of light smoke and spice.

Kiepersol isn’t just another Texas craft distillery—it’s a place of heritage, honor, and damn good whiskey. This was a ride Big Chief will never forget.

So pour yourself a glass, settle in, and join us for another unforgettable journey on The Whiskey Trip. Cheers!