This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief takes a backroad ride to Lowey Crossing, Texas, where the hum of cicadas and the rustle of pecan leaves lead you straight to the heart of Texas whiskey—1845 Distilling.

Tucked beneath a sprawling pecan orchard, Big Chief sits down with owner Bob Pettit and distiller Miguel Perez, a father-in-law/son-in-law team turning Texas grain into liquid gold. With a German-built still, American oak barrels, and a bold vision, they’re blending heritage and innovation to craft whiskey that speaks with a Texas drawl and a world-class finish.

The episode starts strong with a 118-proof Rye Bourbon that hits like a Texas thunderclap. One sip in and Big Chief declares it might just be in the running for his Whiskey of the Year—an explosive opening pour that sets the tone.

Next, they pour their Wheated Bourbon, and the room goes silent. It’s rich, smooth, and downright seductive. Big Chief’s eyes light up, and there’s talk of a new title: #WheatedKingOfTexas. Is the crown shifting?

In the second half, things get downright artful with their Four Grain Bourbon. A perfect balance of corn, rye, wheat, and barley—this pour is a harmony of flavor. Big Chief calls it a “perfection pour,” where the sweet softness of wheat and the spice of rye meet in the middle to dance.

They close the show with a sneak peek of a future Bottled in Bond expression. Clocking in at 100 proof, it’s still in development—but already shows depth, structure, and an impressive viscosity that leaves Big Chief smiling. In fact, he’s so impressed, he says his friend Bernie Lubbers—the Bottled-in-Bond evangelist himself—would tip his hat to this one.

This episode is full of laughs, legacy, and some of the finest pours on the Texas whiskey trail. If you’re not sipping with us, you’re missing the story.

And as always, friends—it’s not just the whiskey, it’s the Ride. Saddle up and come along.