The Bourbon Life

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The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 43 - Luis Martinez, Founder - Whiskey Valor Foundation Oct 27, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief welcomes Luis Martinez, founder of the Whiskey Valor Foundation, for a powerful conversation about service, sacrifice, brotherhood, and the healing power of the whiskey community.

As a retired military veteran himself, Big Chief understands that the bonds forged through military service don't disappear when the uniform comes off. Sometimes, the toughest battles begin after the mission is over.

Luis joins Big Chief on the ride to share the story behind Whiskey Valor Foundation, what inspired him to create the organization, and how he's working to make a difference in the lives of veterans.

First Half – Brotherhood and Blue Bolt

Big Chief and Luis kick off the journey with both men pouring Blue Bolt 107.

With whiskey in their glasses, the conversation turns to Luis's military background, his passion for helping fellow veterans, and the inspiration behind Whiskey Valor Foundation.

The two veterans discuss the importance of camaraderie, finding purpose after service, and how the whiskey community can bring people together from all walks of life.

Second Half – Whiskey with a Purpose

In the second half, Luis reaches for another Blue Bolt Single Barrel, while Big Chief pours a Milam & Greene Liberty.

As the pours change, the conversation digs deeper into the mission of Whiskey Valor Foundation, the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life, and the importance of having a community that stands behind those who have served.

Big Chief and Luis also explore how whiskey can be more than just a drink. It can be a bridge between strangers, a way to build lasting friendships, and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

This episode reminds us that service doesn't end when the uniform comes off. Sometimes, it simply takes on a new mission.

At The Whiskey Trip, we believe in being a rising tide that lifts all boats, and organizations like Whiskey Valor Foundation remind us why giving back matters.

So grab your favorite pour, pull up a chair, and join Big Chief and Luis Martinez for a ride filled with whiskey, brotherhood, and purpose.

Because the best whiskey stories aren't always about what's in the glass. Sometimes, they're about the people sitting across from us.

Be a Rising Tide.

Honor Those Who Serve.

Take the Ride.

Follow The Whiskey Trip:

www.thewhiskeytrip.com

Season 7, Episode 39: James Gerard, Brand Ambassador - Barrel House Distilling Co. Oct 23, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and Matt welcome James Gerard of Barrel House Distilling Company to the studio for a long-overdue conversation about one of Lexington's pioneering craft distilleries, its remarkable history, and an exciting new chapter in Cynthiana, Kentucky.

James shares his journey from growing up in Lexington and becoming a licensed real estate agent at just 17 to spending decades in property management and construction in Florida. After returning home, he joined the family-connected distillery and discovered an opportunity to introduce more whiskey drinkers to a brand that had spent years quietly making spirits in Lexington's Distillery District.

The conversation turns to Barrel House's beginnings in 2008, when craft distilling in Kentucky looked very different. James explains the family fishing trip that helped spark the idea, the origins of the Barrel House name, and the company's role in the early revival of Lexington's historic distilling neighborhood. He also talks about the distillery's commitment to traditional production, Kentucky grains, small batches, and pot stills—and why those choices make a difference in the glass.

Then James takes Mark and Matt inside Barrel House's expansion into Cynthiana. With production space in Lexington stretched to its limits, the company is building its next chapter in Harrison County, a community with its own rich distilling past. James discusses plans to move production to the new location while keeping Lexington as the home base, along with tours and a smaller Elkhorn Tavern experience for visitors.

Along the way, they dig into a custom toasted-barrel selection program, the limited releases that whiskey fans chase, and even the family history behind Barrel House's Devil John Moonshine. And, of course, there's plenty of bourbon to taste and review!

The three pours featured in this episode:

Barrel House Select Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon – a limited monthly release

Barrel House Custom Toasted Barrel "Buttered Biscuit" Bourbon – Liquor Barn barrel pick

Rock Castle Bourbon, Batch 22 – limited-release wheated bourbon

From the early days of Lexington's Distillery District to the future of craft distilling in Cynthiana, this episode is packed with local history, whiskey stories, great pours, and plenty of laughs.

This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Bluegrass Distillers, District 7 Social, and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 42 - Big Chief's 500th Episode Oct 20, 2026

Show notes

This week, we're celebrating a milestone that's been years in the making. 500 podcast episodes with Ol' Big Chief behind the microphone!

That's right, folks! This isn't the 500th episode of The Whiskey Trip. It's Big Chief's 500th podcast episode across his journey with The Bourbon Road and The Whiskey Trip. Five hundred conversations, countless friendships, incredible whiskeys, and enough stories to fill a lifetime.

And who better to help celebrate this milestone than the woman who's been riding shotgun through it all? Ms. Viv!

This week, the tables are turned as Ms. Viv takes over the questioning and puts Big Chief in the hot seat. From his earliest days behind the microphone to the people, places, and pours that shaped his journey, nothing is off-limits.

Expect plenty of laughter, a few surprises, heartfelt memories, and maybe even a story or two Big Chief wasn't planning on telling!

First Half – Weller Antique 107

Big Chief and Ms. Viv kick off the celebration with W.L. Weller Antique 107, a wheated Kentucky straight bourbon that's become a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.

As they sip, Ms. Viv takes Big Chief back to where it all began. They revisit the early days of podcasting, the challenges along the way, and the friendships that turned a passion for whiskey into something much bigger.

Second Half – Jimmy's Bourbon 10 Year

For the second half, they raise a glass of Jimmy's Bourbon 10 Year as the conversation turns toward the lessons learned over 500 episodes, unforgettable moments, and what the future holds for Big Chief and The Whiskey Trip.

Ms. Viv keeps the questions coming, including a special Quick Fire Round that puts Big Chief on the spot!

But this episode is about more than bourbon or microphones. It's about the people who have made the journey worthwhile.

From the distillers and industry legends to the everyday whiskey lovers who have welcomed Big Chief into their homes, bars, and lives, every single one has helped shape this incredible ride.

Five hundred episodes. Thousands of pours. Countless friendships. One incredible journey.

Big Chief wants to thank every guest who has shared a story, every listener who has tuned in, and every friend who has supported him along the way.

Because at the end of the day, whiskey is what brings us together, but friendship is what keeps us coming back.

And remember, folks, Be a Rising Tide. Lift others up, celebrate their successes, and never forget the people who helped you along the way.

Here's to the next 500!

Cheers, and remember… TAKE THE RIDE!

Season 7, Episode 38: Freddie Noe, 8th Generation Master Distiller - The James B. Beam Distilling Co. Oct 16, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark heads to the James B. Beam Distilling Co. campus in Clermont, Kentucky, for a special one-on-one conversation with his good friend Freddie Noe, eighth-generation Master Distiller. With Matt away competing in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Mark and Freddie settle into Beam's new content creator lounge to catch up, share some laughs, and enjoy three memorable whiskeys.

Freddie reflects on how his responsibilities have evolved since becoming Master Distiller at the Fred B. Noe Craft Distillery and what it means to put his own fingerprints on more than 230 years of Beam family history. He talks about working alongside his dad, Fred Noe, the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into improving whiskey quality, and the importance of making time for family amid a busy travel schedule.

The conversation also explores Freddie's approach to blending and the story behind Little Book Chapter 10, All the Wiser, including its connection to earlier chapters and the use of sherry-cask finishing. Freddie shares how he thinks about creating a whiskey experience from nose to finish, and he offers a look at the family history woven into Little Book The Infinite.

Next, Freddie takes Mark inside the creation of the 2026 Booker's The Reserves Rye. He explains how apple brandy casks and a carefully restrained touch of cinnamon connect this release to his grandfather Booker Noe's homemade A.B.C. Wassail tradition and why preserving those personal stories matters just as much as pushing the boundaries of flavor.

Mark and Freddie also discuss the 2026 production pause at the main Clermont distillery, the upgrades behind the decision, and the continued operations at the Fred B. Noe Craft Distillery and the Booker Noe facility. They wrap up with Freddie's experience at the Monaco Grand Prix, Jim Beam's partnership with Cadillac Formula 1, and Mark's excitement about the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin.

And, of course, there's whiskey! This episode features three special pours, including a particularly meaningful bottle Mark finally opens after more than six years:

Little Book Chapter 10 – All the Wiser

Booker's The Reserves 2026 Rye – Finished in Apple Brandy Casks and Infused with Cinnamon

2020 Knob Creek BHG Restaurants Single Barrel "Three Mooseketeers" – Mark's first-ever barrel pick, selected in 2019

From a milestone Little Book release and a family-inspired rye to a nearly 15-year-old Knob Creek barrel pick, it's a conversation full of Beam family stories, honest whiskey talk, and plenty of laughs between friends.

This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by The 1933 Society, Bluegrass Distillers, District 7 Social, and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 41 - Denny Potter, Master Distiller - Potter Jane Distilling Co. Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief welcomes back Master Distiller Denny Potter of Potter Jane Distillery for the third installment in a series following Denny and Jane's incredible journey through the world of Kentucky bourbon.

From their days at the legendary Maker's Mark Distillery to stepping out on their own and building Potter Jane Distillery, this story is about more than making whiskey. It's about taking everything you've learned, trusting your instincts, and having the courage to build something with your own name on it.

Over the course of these three conversations, Big Chief has followed Denny and Jane's evolution from working at one of Kentucky's most iconic heritage distilleries to creating their own brand and shaping their own future in American whiskey.

In the first half, Big Chief and Denny get a glimpse into the future of Potter Jane, sipping two 18-month-old bourbon samples straight from their developing whiskey program.

First up is their Wheated Bourbon, featuring a mash bill of 64% corn, 23% wheat, and 13% malted barley. This young whiskey offers an early look at the flavor profile Denny and Jane are developing for their distillery.

Next, they explore their Rye Bourbon, crafted with 64% corn, 23% rye, and 13% malted barley. With the same corn and malted barley percentages, swapping wheat for rye gives the guys an opportunity to explore how the secondary grain influences the character of the whiskey.

In the second half, things get interesting as Denny and Big Chief pour Big Vat Liar, a sourced six-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in oak casks.

And here's where the story gets good!

Big Vat Liar takes its name from a promise Denny and Jane made about something they said they would never do. Sometimes the whiskey business has a way of making you eat your own words, and this bottle embraces that reality with a little humor and a whole lot of bourbon.

Throughout the episode, Denny shares another chapter in the Potter Jane story, giving listeners a look at the challenges, decisions, and excitement that come with leaving an established distillery behind to build something entirely your own.

This episode is about heritage, friendship, taking chances, and chasing a dream. It's a reminder that even after years of making some of the world's most recognizable bourbon, there's always another chapter waiting to be written.

So pour yourself something good, settle in, and join Big Chief and Denny Potter for another unforgettable ride through Kentucky bourbon country.

Because the best stories aren't always about where you've been. Sometimes they're about where you're headed.

Like the episode, subscribe to The Whiskey Trip, and share it with a friend who loves great bourbon and the people behind it.

The Whiskey Trip – Take the Ride!

Be a Rising Tide.

Season 7, Episode 37: The Bourbon Life Crew - Unscripted & Unfiltered Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark welcomes Stacy and Philip back to the Bourbon Life Studios for another entertaining Crew Episode. With Matt in Hawaii preparing for the Ironman World Championship in Kona and Chad unable to join the fun, the three settle in around the table to catch up on what's happening in the bourbon world, share a few laughs, and taste three exciting new whiskey releases.

The Crew kicks things off with a look back at Bourbon Heritage Month and the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. They discuss the festival's continued growth, the changing atmosphere surrounding limited bottle releases, and whether the increasing presence of social media influencers is taking attention away from the brands, people, and traditions that make bourbon special. The conversation also turns to declining bourbon sales, increasingly available allocated bottles, rising prices, and whether consumers are finally becoming more selective about where they spend their whiskey dollars.

The Crew also discusses the recent fire at the historic Old Crow Distillery property, home to Glenns Creek Distilling, and the importance of preserving Kentucky's bourbon heritage. They explore the challenges facing distilleries in today's market, including international trade issues, growing whiskey inventories, and the increasing popularity of innovative barrel finishes as established brands look for new ways to capture consumers' attention.

The Crew also tackles one of the most shocking stories to emerge from the bourbon industry in recent memory: the civil lawsuit involving Wes Henderson, co-founder of Angel's Envy and former CEO of True Story Whiskey and The Kentucky Castle. They discuss the disturbing allegations that Henderson secretly recorded family members and other guests in private settings, his subsequent removal as CEO, and reports of a federal investigation. Mark also reflects on his previous interviews and personal interactions with Henderson, while the Crew considers the potential legal consequences and broader fallout from the controversy, emphasizing that the allegations remain unproven and Henderson has denied them.

And, of course, the Crew tastes and reviews three new whiskey releases, including:

Bardstown Bourbon Company 2026 Discovery Series Garryana Finished Bourbon
Michter's 2026 Toasted Barrel Strength Rye
Booker's The Reserves 2026 Rye Finished in Apple Brandy Casks and Infused with Cinnamon

From the unique influence of Pacific Northwest Garryana oak to the rich, dessert-like character of Michter's toasted rye, and a special Booker's release inspired by a family tradition involving apple brandy and cinnamon, the Crew shares its impressions of three very different expressions.

It's another fun-filled Crew Episode featuring great whiskey, plenty of laughs, some spirited opinions, and an entertaining look at where the bourbon industry has been and where it might be headed next.

This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Repeal Oak-Fired Steakhouse, Bluegrass Distillers, District 7 Social, and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 40 - Kevin LeBlanc - The Bourbon Gator Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with Kevin LeBlanc — The Bourbon Gator, one of the rising voices in the whiskey community.

Kevin is a Southeast Texas whiskey enthusiast and content creator who's building a following by keeping whiskey fun, approachable, and all about community. We talk about how The Bourbon Gator got started, his journey into whiskey, creating content, and where he hopes to take the brand next.

On this week's ride:

Kevin pours Chickenduck Wheated Bourbon (94 Proof) and Garrison Brothers Señora, while Big Chief pours Bon Vāle Cask Strength American Single Malt from Distillerie Acadian and Milam & Greene Unabridged Volume 5.

We also hit Kevin with the Quick Fire Round, talk about the people doing great things in the whiskey community, and recognize this week's Rising Tide, Dan Henley.

Plus, we shine a light on Frontline Heroes Outdoors, Whiskey Valor, Hearts & Barrels, and Daxton's Heart Warriors.

Is The Bourbon Gator whiskey's next big voice? Jump in and Take the Ride with us.

Like the episode.

Drop a comment and tell us what you're drinking.

Subscribe to The Whiskey Trip for more conversations from across the whiskey world.

Take the Ride. Be a Rising Tide.

Season 7 , Episode 36: Owen Martin, Master Distiller - Angel's Envy Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and Matt welcome back Owen Martin, Master Distiller at Angel's Envy, for his second appearance on the show and a wide-ranging conversation about how both Owen and the brand have evolved since his last visit in 2024.

Owen catches listeners up on his journey at Angel's Envy and talks about becoming more comfortable in the role nearly four years in. He explains why he increasingly thinks of himself as a "whiskey maker" rather than simply a distiller, how getting his own releases into the market helped shape his confidence and creative direction, and why the dozens of projects currently resting in the warehouse are only beginning to reveal where he wants to take the brand.

The conversation also gets personal as Owen talks about life with a three-year-old and a new baby daughter, balancing family with production work, travel, and his role as one of the public faces of Angel's Envy. He shares how fatherhood has influenced the way he thinks about planning, legacy, and even introducing his daughters to the sensory side of food, aromas, and whiskey making.

On the whiskey side, Owen dives deep into his approach to finishing and blending. He explains why the core Angel's Envy expressions require stewardship while special releases give him room to push boundaries, experiment with longer finishing times, and borrow ideas from other corners of the beverage world. He also discusses why finishing will remain central to Angel's Envy while the brand continues exploring releases that may challenge what consumers expect from it.

Owen also takes Mark and Matt behind the scenes of two of Angel's Envy's newest experimental releases. He explains how the Distillery Series Stout & Amburana Finished Bourbon was built around a Mexican hot chocolate-inspired flavor profile, using first- and second-fill stout barrels with just a small amount of Amburana to create balance rather than overwhelm the whiskey. Then he reveals the new Cellar Collection Peach Brandy & Toasted Oak Finished Rye, including how an initially candy-like peach profile led the team to add toasted oak components and move the whiskey toward the peach cobbler character they were chasing.

And, of course, Mark and Matt taste and review three Angel's Envy expressions, including:

• Angel's Envy 2026 Cask Strength Rye

• Angel's Envy 2026 Distillery Series Stout & Amburana Finished Bourbon

• Angel's Envy 2026 Cellar Collection Peach Brandy & Toasted Oak Finished Rye

It's a fun and thoughtful conversation about family, creativity, blending, long-term whiskey making, challenging expectations, and Owen's evolving vision for the future of Angel's Envy.

This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by VisitLEX and sponsored by Bluegrass Distillers, District 7 Social, and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 39 - Dude Poole, Author - The Men Who Made American Bourbon: Bourbon Barons Vol. 1 Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with his good friend Dude Poole, author of The Men Who Made American Bourbon: Bourbon Barons Volume 1, host of The Bourbon Hunters Podcast, and a certified Executive Bourbon Steward.

This isn't your typical interview. It's two buddies sitting down with a couple of great pours and talking about bourbon, history, podcasting, and the friendships that come along with this crazy whiskey journey.

Dude shares what pushed him to become an author and the work that went into researching and writing The Men Who Made American Bourbon: Bourbon Barons Volume 1. He and Big Chief dig into some of the men and stories found throughout the book and how these bourbon barons helped shape an industry that would become part of American history.

There's also plenty of history between these two. Dude is the man responsible for Big Chief's infamous "Bourbon Bullshitter" T-shirt, and Big Chief has made the trip over to The Bourbon Hunters Podcast before. Big Chief also congratulates Dude and the Bourbon Hunters crew on an incredible milestone—500 episodes behind the microphones.

For the first half, Big Chief pours Weller Antique 107, while Dude reaches for a Crittenden Wheated Bourbon. They talk about what's in their glasses while diving deeper into Dude's bourbon journey, the podcast, his research, and how the idea of writing a book about the men behind American bourbon became a reality.

For the second half, they get on the same page and both sip on Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C921. With a big barrel-proof bourbon in the glass, the conversation continues into bourbon history, writing, podcasting, and the people they've met along the way.

From being guests on each other's shows to the Bourbon Bullshitter T-shirt, 500 episodes of The Bourbon Hunters, and now Dude becoming a published bourbon author, there's plenty to talk about on this ride.

At its heart, this episode is about more than what's in the glass. It's about preserving bourbon history, telling the stories of the people who built the industry, and the friendships that are made along the whiskey journey.

Pour yourself something good and join Big Chief and Dude Poole for another trip through American whiskey history.

Take the Ride.

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 38 - Paul Coughlin, Founder - Taconic Distillery Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads north to New York's Hudson Valley to sit down with Paul Coughlin, founder of Taconic Distillery.

Paul shares how Taconic got its start, what it's been like building a family-owned distillery in New York, and the story behind the American Foxhound that has become such a recognizable part of the brand.

And you know Big Chief isn't making this trip without drinking some whiskey.

First Half

Taconic Bottled in Bond Bourbon – 100 Proof

Taconic Founder's Straight Rye – 90 Proof

Second Half

Taconic Double Barrel Maple Bourbon – 90 Proof

Taconic Distiller's Select Bourbon – 6 Years Old, 134 Proof

The ride starts with Bottled in Bond and rye before moving into the Maple Bourbon and finishing BIG with that 134-proof Distiller's Select.

Along the way, Paul and Big Chief talk whiskey, family, the Taconic story, and what it takes to build a distillery while staying true to your roots.

And don't forget about this week's Taconic giveaway! Head over to The Whiskey Trip social media pages for all the details and get entered before time runs out.

Grab a glass, pour yourself something good, and come hang out with Big Chief and Paul.

Cheers! Take the Ride!

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