The Bourbon Life

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The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 31 - Tripp Stimson, Chief Whiskey Scientist and Master Distiller - Barrell Craft Spirits Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

On this week's pour-heavy adventure, Big Chief sits down with Tripp Stimson, Chief Whiskey Scientist and Master Distiller at Barrell Craft Spirits — a trailblazer in blending, aging, and proofing some of the boldest expressions on the market.

They kick things off with Foundation, a single barrel bourbon that clocks in at 104.08 proof. It's a flavorful introduction to Barrell's blending philosophy — full of depth, balance, and character.

Next up? Batch 37 — a high-rye bourbon bottled at 111.38 proof, bursting with notes of kettle corn drizzled in hot honey. Sweet, spicy, and delightfully nostalgic, this one hits all the right notes. As the second half of the show opens, Big Chief doesn't hold back: he names it a contender for Whiskey of the Year.

To close things out, they sip on Decades — a 142.7 proof Canadian whiskey, made from 10 barrels aged from 20 to 30 years. It's powerful yet elegant, with each year adding a layer of richness to this rare blend.

Throughout the episode, Tripp shares the origin story of Barrell Craft Spirits, the brand's relentless pursuit of innovation, and how their recent production expansion is allowing them to meet growing demand while continuing to push boundaries.

This episode is for the bold, the curious, and anyone who believes great whiskey is a blend of art, science, and a little bit of rebellion.

Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, pour yourself a glass, and drink along with The Whiskey Trip. The road is always better with a bottle and a story.

The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 30 - Thomas Ingham, CEO & President, & Brett Luchesi, Master Distiller - Trinity River Distillery Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief rolls into Fort Worth, Texas, and steps inside a whiskey wonderland — the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of whiskey — known officially as Trinity River Distillery, home of Silver Star Spirits.

Joining him are Thomas Ingham, CEO and President, and Brett Luchesi, Master Distiller. Together, they discuss how they've breathed new life into this historic site — including one standout feature: their use of purified Texas rainwater, harvested on-site, to proof their whiskey. It's a sustainable, terroir-driven touch that gives each bottle a literal taste of Texas skies.

Built on 27 acres with over 250,000 square feet of warehouse space, this isn't just a distillery — it's a Texas whiskey empire. Housed inside the legendary Ranch Style Beans factory, built in 1911, this historic site has been transformed from a pantry icon into a cutting-edge whiskey destination, where old-school craftsmanship meets modern innovation.

Big Chief opens the episode with Silver Star 1849 Bourbon, a rich, bold pour that honors the founding year of Fort Worth. With notes that recall saddle leather, toasted oak, and frontier grit, it's a fitting tribute to Texas Rangers and the dusty trail towns of Lonesome Dove.

Next up is a special 100-proof fall release — a whiskey that surprises with bright orange marmalade sweetness, a silky, oily texture, and a subtle smokiness that settles in like a Texas campfire. It's a seasonal stunner designed for cooler nights and deeper conversations.

From there, the trio continues tasting their way through the Silver Star lineup throughout the episode. But one surprise pour stops Big Chief in his tracks — Devil's Grin Gin. Distilled with a bold blend of botanicals, including Texas mesquite beans, this gin delivers an earthy, slightly smoky twist that defies every expectation. It's Texas terroir in a glass — and even a devoted whiskey man has to tip his hat.

This episode is more than a whiskey tasting — it's a journey through legacy, innovation, and the spirit of Fort Worth. Pour a glass and ride along.

And remember — Big Chief don't sip what don't speak the truth. Silver Star's got a whole lot to say, and every drop tells the story loud and proud.

The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 29 - Rob & Amy Jones - The Rackhouse Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Saddle up, whiskey lovers—this episode of The Whiskey Trip takes us deep into bourbon country with a Texas twist. Big Chief rolls into The Rackhouse in The Colony, Texas, where the sunsets paint the sky in firelight, the steaks hit the grill with a sizzle that sings, and the whiskey flows like a backcountry river after spring rain.

Here, we meet the heartbeat of the place—Rob and Amy Jones, a husband-and-wife duo who've built more than a bar. They've built a destination. A whiskey sanctuary. A spot where stories are shared, glasses are raised, and strangers become kin.

First Pour: Old Forester King Ranch

They start the show with a nod to Texas grit and cowboy legacy—Old Forester King Ranch. Mesquite charcoal-filtered, this pour is bold as a bull ride and smooth as a fiddle tune. Sweet dark chocolate and tobacco saddle up with leather and toasted oak, finishing long and strong. It's a tribute to the ranchers who work the land, raise the beef, and keep the Lone Star proud.

Second Pour: Garrison Brothers BALMORHEA

In the second half, Big Chief and the Joneses uncork a Texas legend—Garrison Brothers Balmorhea. Double-oaked and damn near divine, this whiskey is rich, velvety, and unapologetically Texan. Think caramel, honey, toasted pecans, and a kiss of vanilla. Big Chief calls it "bourbon candy in a bottle"—and he ain't wrong.

Why This Ain't Just Another Bar

The Rackhouse isn't just a stop along the trail—it's the whole journey. With live blues drifting over the lake, a menu full of steaks seared to cowboy perfection, and a bourbon list that reads like a love letter to America's native spirit, this place feeds more than your appetite.

It feeds your soul.

Because like a good pour of whiskey, food made with love has a way of grounding you, of slowing down time. It brings people together around the fire, just like the stories we tell—and the ones we drink to.

So pour a glass, cut into that steak, and join Big Chief on another unforgettable ride.

This is The Whiskey Trip—and this leg of the journey is one hell of a ride.

The whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 28 - Bob Pettit, Owner & Miguel Perez, Distiller - 1845 Distilling Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

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.

Season 6, Episode 28: Denny Potter & Jane Bowie, Co-Founders - Potter Jane Distilling Co. Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out in The Bourbon Life Studios with two of their favorite guests, Denny Potter and Jane Bowie, Co-Founders of Potter Jane Distilling Co. Denny and Jane have been on the show numerous times but were on most recently guests on Episode 200.

The guys talk with Denny & Jane about the processes that they are implanting in their new distillery including their fermentation, distilling, and barrel entry proof processes; the challenges that they have faced in this current marketplace as a brand new distillery/brand; and also some of the different brands that they are contract distilling for, including our good friends at Kentucky Senator Bourbon.

They also taste and review some fresh off the still Wheated Bourbon Distillate distilled with a doubler and Rye Bourbon Distillate distilled with a thumper, some 3 month old Wheated Bourbon and Rye Bourbon, and a Old Stonegate 10-Year Old Bourbon from 1973.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Three Chord Bourbon and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at:

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 27 - Kevin Hemmingway - The Hemmingway Hideout Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief takes a break from the highways and settles into the cozy charm of The Hemmingway Hideout in Bridge City, Texas. It's the kind of spot where whiskey wisdom is shared over a well-loved bar top—and today, Big Chief is joined by none other than Kevin Hemmingway, a local aficionado with a deep love for finely crafted bourbon.

In the first half, they dive into a bottle of the Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Bottled-in-Bond from the iconic Heaven Hill Distillery. With a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley, this 100-proof wheated bourbon is a nod to tradition and time. On the nose, it opens with a fragrant bouquet of orange zest, wild strawberries, and sweet honeysuckle, inviting and bright with a soft floral touch.

The palate delivers a decadent wave of chocolate-covered strawberries, accented by hints of cherry Twizzlers and rounded out with a beautiful cinnamon spice that adds warmth and structure. It all comes together in a long, sticky, mouth-coating finish—the kind of finish that hugs the tongue and reminds you why Bottled-in-Bond is still a badge of honor. This is a buy all day long.

In the second half, Big Chief and Kevin Hemmingway explore something more experimental—the Woodford Reserve Distillery Series Tawny Port Finish. This rare release is a blend of Woodford's classic bourbon mash bill (72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley) and their rye mash bill (53% rye, 33% corn, 14% malted barley), all finished in rich tawny port casks and bottled at 90.4 proof. The nose is a wild ride of layered complexity: starting with a distinct kettle corn funk, then evolving into notes of grape zest, clove, nutmeg, licorice, and a bold wave of port-soaked fruit.

On the palate, the port influence shines through with dark fruit, toasted oak, and silky tannins, all balanced by a gentle nuttiness that adds earthy depth. The sip closes with a dry, medium-length finish, offering just enough restraint to keep you curious. This one's a try-before-you-buy. The flavor's there—but it would be an easy buy if it came in at a higher proof point.

Whether you crave bonded heritage or port-finished innovation, this episode serves up both with flavor and Texas flair.

Pour a glass, take a seat, and enjoy the ride on The Whiskey Trip.

Season 6, Episode 27: REMIX - Jason Betts, Consumer Relations Manager - The James B. Beam Distilling Co. Jul 06, 2025

Show notes

In this REMIX Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and his special co-host, Stacey, spend some time hanging out on location at The Kitchen Table at The James B. Beam Distilling Co. with Jason Betts, Consumer Relations Manager, for The James B. Beam Distilling Co. This Episode originally aired on June 14, 2024 as Episode 227.

Mark & Stacey talk with Jason about his extensive background and how that experience led him to Beam 9 years ago as well as what his job as Consumer Relations Manager entails, the creation of their incredible on-site restaurant, The Kitchen Table at The James B. Beam Distilling Co., and the awesome events that they host there, and all of the different tours and experiences that guests can have at The James B. Beam Distilling Co.

They also taste and review the just released Golden Origins Corn Whiskey, which is part of the Hardin's Creek Series, the soon-to-be-released Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye, and the recently released Little Book Ch. 8: Path Not Taken.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Three Chord Bourbon and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at:

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 26 - Matt Ray & Gregg Trishe - The Sazerac House Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads down to the legendary streets of New Orleans for a visit to the heart of one of the most iconic names in American whiskey, The Sazerac House.

In the first half of the episode, Big Chief sits down with Matt Ray and Gregg Trishe, two key players behind the scenes at Sazerac, and they open a bottle of something truly special: the new Eagle Rare 12-Year Expression. They dive into what makes this age-stated bourbon stand out, how it builds on the legacy of the original Eagle Rare 10, and the barrel magic that comes with a couple extra years of patience.

As the glasses empty and the stories flow, the conversation shifts to marketing, storytelling, and the power of place, how Sazerac weaves together heritage, history, and branding into a spirit that's not just sipped, but experienced.

In the second half, the crew pops the cork on the highly anticipated 1792 Pinot Noir Finish, a bold new expression from Barton 1792 that blends rich fruit notes with classic bourbon character. It's a deep, flavorful pour that sparks discussion about finishing barrels, innovation in the Sazerac family, and where the whiskey world is heading.

Big Chief and the team also discuss:

• The recent flood at Buffalo Trace and what it means for the warehouses and future stock.

• What new expressions are quietly aging in the rickhouses.

• How the Sazerac family continues to balance tradition and experimentation—from Kentucky to New Orleans and beyond.

This episode is a deep pour of insight, flavor, and Southern charm. Whether you're a fan of historic brands or just love discovering what's next in whiskey, this one's for you.

🥃 Pour a glass, tune in, and ride along as Big Chief takes you straight into the belly of the whiskey beast, with laughs, stories, and a few damn fine drams.

And as always—thank you for taking the ride with us. Whether you're listening from the back porch, the rickhouse, or the road, we're glad to have you on this journey through America's whiskey trail.

Cheers from The Whiskey Trip!

Season 6, Episode 26: The Bourbon Life Crew - Unscripted & Unfiltered Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Stacey, Philip, and Mark (3/5 of The Bourbon Life Crew) spend some time hanging out together in The Bourbon Life Studios enjoying some great pours and great conversation.

They talk about the different events that were held as part of the recent National Bourbon Week in Bardstown, several different new distillery openings here in Kentucky this month, and whether or not people are still hunting bottles like they used to.

They also taste and review Knob Creek 7-Year Year Rye, the brand new Michter's 10-Year Rye, and a Total Wine Knob Creek 7-Year Rye.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Three Chord Bourbon and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at:

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

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