The Bourbon Life

Latest Episodes:

Season 7, Episode 35: Zach Johnston, Chief Brand Officer and Sr. VP of International Sales - Blackwood Distilling Co. Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and Matt welcome back Zach Johnston, Chief Brand Officer and Senior Vice President of International Sales at Blackwood Distilling Co,, for a wide-ranging conversation about how the brand has grown and evolved since his last appearance on the show nearly two years ago.

Zach breaks down Blackwood's approach to whiskey, including its unique one-to-one rebarreling process using new toasted Kelvin barrels and the philosophy behind creating a more complete, rounded flavor profile without letting the secondary barrel overwhelm the whiskey. He also explains how the Toasted 105 line was developed to offer the same Blackwood character at a more approachable proof and price point while still delivering the depth and finish the brand is known for.

The conversation also explores Zach's path from restaurants, bars, travel, and spirits writing into the whiskey business, as well as Blackwood's expansion beyond Kentucky into additional U.S. markets. Zach discusses the realities of building an international sales strategy in a constantly changing trade environment and why identifying new opportunities and being willing to pivot have become essential for growing brands.

Closer to home, Zach talks about Blackwood's move into Lexington, including its bottle shop and tasting room, and the launch of the Blackwood Barrel Association. He explains how the program gives members access to special bottles, early releases, unique merchandise, and more personal tasting experiences while creating a stronger connection between the brand and its supporters.

Zach also gives Mark and Matt a look at what's coming next from Blackwood, including Fifty/50, a collaboration with Germany's Stork Club that combines German rye with Blackwood Toasted Barrel Strength Rye, and Country House, an upcoming 12-year, non-toasted bourbon release that marks a new direction for the brand.

And, of course, they taste and review three Blackwood expressions, including:

· Blackwood Toasted 105 Bourbon

· Blackwood Toasted 105 Rye

· Blackwood Toasted Rye Barrel Strength

It's a fun, informative conversation about toasted whiskey, thoughtful blending, building a premium brand, navigating a changing bourbon market, and what's ahead for Blackwood Distilling.

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 37 - Monica Wolf, CEO and Matt King, Director of Operations - The Blending House Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Whiskey Trip, O'l Big Chief sits down with Monica Wolf, CEO of The Blending House, and Matt King, Director of Operations, for a conversation about bourbon, family, craftsmanship, and legacy.

For Monica, bourbon is part of her family story. She's carrying forward the legacy of her father and a rich history in the bourbon industry, while continuing to put her own mark on that story. Matt's journey is different. He's building a legacy of his own, using his talents, hard work, and passion for bourbon to help shape what comes next at The Blending House.

On the first half, the trio kick off the Whiskey Trip with E.J. Curley Small Batch Bourbon before moving on to E.J. Curley Single Barrel Bourbon. As the glasses are passed around, Monica talks about her father, her family's history in bourbon, and what it means to carry that legacy forward while continuing to write her own chapter.

On the second half, Big Chief, Monica, and Matt keep the conversation rolling with Ten Runner Bourbon before finishing the trip with 31 Lengths Bourbon. Matt shares more about his journey and what it means to build a name and legacy of his own in an industry where history, tradition, relationships, and craftsmanship mean so much.

This week's giveaway is something special. One lucky winner will receive a bottle of E.J. Curley Single Barrel Bourbon, a The Whiskey Trip rocks glass, and an incredible custom copper bottle thief handcrafted by Matt King himself. It's a unique piece made by one of this week's guests and a perfect reminder of the craftsmanship behind this episode.

It's two different journeys coming together at The Blending House: Monica carrying forward a family legacy and Matt creating one of his own. Sometimes the Whiskey Trip is about honoring the legacy handed down to you. Sometimes it's about building one that others will remember.

Pour yourself something good and join O'l Big Chief, Monica Wolf, and Matt King for this week's episode of The Whiskey Trip.

Take the Ride.

Season 7, Episode 24: Zane Brammell, Founder - New Era Whiskey & Social Club Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

On this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast presented by VisitLEX, Mark sits down with first-time guest Zane Brammell, founder of New Era Whiskey & Social Club, for a fun conversation about how a Lexington barrel club grew into a whiskey brand built around single barrels, storytelling, and community.

Zane shares his path from working in healthcare and through the COVID years to discovering bourbon through time spent with his stepfather. That interest quickly turned into a passion for barrel picks and eventually a local barrel club that grew from a few hundred members to nearly 3,000 before inspiring him to take the next step and create New Era.

They dig into the story behind the brand, including the newspaper-inspired labels, the headline concept, and Zane's love of physical media and creative storytelling. Zane also explains the principles behind New Era's whiskey program: sourcing whiskey at a minimum of eight years old, bottling at cask strength, and keeping every release single barrel. He also talks about the hands-on approach to selecting barrels and why making the barrel-pick experience fun and personal is such an important part of the brand.

The conversation also turns to the newly opened New Era Distillery and Social Club in Lexington. Zane talks about the community-first vision behind the space, the strong turnout for the grand opening, and how Social Club members receive specially selected monthly bottles while also having a place to gather, taste, and connect. He also shares how the Social Club gives New Era another way to use its labels to tell meaningful personal stories.

Mark and Zane also look ahead to continued growth for New Era, including plans to expand into additional states in 2027 while continuing to work with retailers, clubs, and groups on unique single-barrel selections.

And, of course, they taste and review three different New Era single-barrel picks, including:

· New Era 1st & Market Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 8 Year

· New Era Warriors Rise for Princess Nyla Rye – 14 Year

· New Era Midnight Flight Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 19 Year

It's a wide-ranging conversation about finding community through bourbon, building a brand from the ground up, creating memorable single-barrel experiences, and giving every bottle a story worth telling.

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

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 36 - Caryn Wells, National Brand Ambassador - Green River Distilling Co. Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads to Owensboro, Kentucky, for a conversation with Caryn Wells, National Brand Ambassador for Green River Distilling Company.

Green River has a story stretching back to 1885, and Caryn joins Big Chief to talk about the history, resilience and revival of this historic Kentucky whiskey brand. They explore the significance of DSP-KY-10, Green River's place in Owensboro whiskey history, and how the brand is building on that legacy today.

Of course, no Whiskey Trip is complete without taking a ride through the lineup.

First Half:

• Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon

• Green River Kentucky Straight Rye

• Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon

Second Half:

• Green River Full Proof Wheated Bourbon

• Green River Distillery Select Toasted Double Oak

• Green River Honey Finished Bourbon

Along the way, Caryn and Big Chief talk mash bills, proof, flavor profiles, the historic distillery and what makes Green River whiskey stand out. Caryn also shares some of her own story, including her passion for beekeeping, which makes that final Honey Finished Bourbon pour even more fitting.

It's a conversation about Kentucky bourbon history, great whiskey and the people carrying the Green River name forward.

Six pours. Two halves. One historic Kentucky distillery.

Pour yourself something good and Take the Ride with The Whiskey Trip!

Season 7, Episode 23: Damon Thayer & Andre Regard, Co-Founders - Kentucky Senator Bourbon Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

On this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast presented by VisitLEX, Damon Thayer and Andre Regard, co-founders of Kentucky Senator Bourbon, return to the show for another fun conversation about the continued growth of the brand, their newest releases, and what's ahead.

Damon and Andre catch Mark up on some big changes for Kentucky Senator Bourbon, including moving much of their storage and bottling operations to Bardstown Bourbon Company, launching an online store that can ship to 46 states, and continuing to expand their presence at bourbon festivals and events.

They also talk about their deliberate approach to growing the brand, an inventory that now includes more than 700 barrels aging at four Kentucky distilleries, and why they remain committed to producing traditional, age-stated Kentucky bourbon.

The guys also dive into the stories behind two of their recent releases. Damon shares the personal connection behind the 8.5-year-old Jim Bunning release, honoring his longtime political mentor and the former U.S. Senator who helped establish September as National Bourbon Heritage Month. Andre talks about taking Kentucky Senator Bourbon back to his Louisiana roots with the 8-year-old Huey P. Long Louisiana Senator release and their plans to follow it with Rose Long and Russell Long releases, creating a unique three-bottle family vertical.

They also look ahead at the new Thoroughbred Legacy Series, a single-barrel program inspired by Damon and Andre's longtime connections to Kentucky's horse industry, and reflect on just how far Kentucky Senator Bourbon has come since its first release in 2021.

To bring things full circle, they revisit that original 15-year-old Alben W. Barkley Bourbon and the unforgettable story of transporting the whiskey across Lexington during an ice storm so they could get their first bottles into commerce.

And, of course, they taste and review three different Kentucky Senator Bourbon expressions, including:

• Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning Bourbon – 8.5 Year • Louisiana Senator Huey P. Long Bourbon – 8 Year • Kentucky Senator Alben W. Barkley Bourbon – 15 Year

It's a wide-ranging conversation about bourbon, history, storytelling, thoughtful growth, Kentucky's horse industry, and building a whiskey brand one bottle and one relationship at a time.

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

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 35 - Nicholas Alphonso, Founder - Guardian Coins Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with his good friend Nicholas Alphonso, founder of Guardian Coins.

They were friends long before Guardian Coins became a sponsor of the show, and this episode is about that friendship, Nicholas's story, the meaning behind Guardian Coins, and honoring those who serve.

Nicholas is also a newer whiskey drinker, so Big Chief takes him on a six-pour whiskey ride.

First Half: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon & Dancing Goat Swiss Misters

Second Half: Giant Texas Cask Strength Honey, Iron Wolf HotScotch & Blackland Texpresso Whiskey

There are plenty of stories, laughs, a Quick Fire Round, and a special Guardian Coins giveaway tied to the episode.

"The greatest things we carry through life aren't coins in our pockets or whiskey in our glasses. They're the friendships forged along the way and the stories we leave behind."

To service. To Guardian Coins. To The Whiskey Trip. But most importantly… to friendship.

Take the Ride.

Season 7, Episode 22: Denny Potter & Jane Bowie, Co-Founders - Potter Jane Distilling Co. Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

On this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast presented by The 1933 Society, Denny Potter and Jane Bowie, co-founders of Potter Jane Distilling Company, return for another fun and candid conversation about building their distillery, changing course, and what comes next for Potter Jane.

Mark and Matt catch up with Denny and Jane about the launch of Big Vat Liar, the sourced Kentucky bourbon that playfully acknowledges their earlier declaration that Potter Jane would never source whiskey. They explain why they changed their minds, the story behind the tongue-in-cheek name and launch, and how Jane's vatting process uses custom large-format oak casks, oxidation, time, and blending to create additional depth and complexity.

The conversation also turns to Potter Jane's own whiskey, including a taste of 16-month-old wheated bourbon from some of their earliest production. Denny and Jane discuss what they're learning as the barrels mature, the importance of mouthfeel and flavor development, and their evolving plans for future Potter Jane releases as they work toward older, fully mature whiskey.

And, of course, they taste and review three different expressions, including:

· Potter Jane Big Vat Liar (Batch 3)

· Potter Jane 16-Month-Old Wheated Bourbon

· 1973 Old Stone Gate Kentucky Straight Bourbon

It's a wide-ranging conversation about sourcing, blending, patience, experimentation, and the realities of creating a distillery and whiskey portfolio with a long-term, generational vision.

This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by The 1933 Society and sponsored by Pappy & Co., District 7 Social, The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co., and Hotel Distil.

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 34 - Thomas & Nicholas Maas - Dancing Goat Distillery Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with Thomas and Nicholas Maas of Dancing Goat Distillery for a conversation about family, legacy and three generations of whiskey knowledge.

"Family isn't just the blood that runs through your veins. It's the people who stand beside you, share the hard miles, celebrate the good ones, and never let you ride alone."

Big Chief, The Whiskey Trip

In the first half, Big Chief pours Stillman's Sonder 10 Year Straight Bourbon and the Stillman's Sonder 10 Year American Single Malt.

And that first pour raises a big question:

Could this bourbon be a Whiskey of the Year contender for The Whiskey Trip?

In the second half, the proof climbs with Swiss Misters Release 013, an 11 year rye finished in chocolate bitters barrels, followed by the Wiscy City Solo Cask, a 5 year straight rye bottled at 133.4 proof.

Along the way, Thomas and Nicholas share the Maas family story, the lessons passed down through three generations and how Nicholas is carrying that legacy forward at Dancing Goat.

Plus, we're giving away a bottle of Swiss Misters to one lucky listener!

Pour yourself something good and Take the Ride.

Season 7, Episode 21: John Wadell, Head Blender/Taster & Single Barrel Curator - Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast presented by Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse, Mark and Matt are joined by John Wadell, Head Taster, Blender, and Single Barrel Curator at Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., for a long-overdue return to the show. Recording from the Kentucky Peerless Suite at Hotel Distil in Louisville, John catches them up on how his role has evolved and reflects on his journey from the early days of Peerless to helping guide the whiskey the distillery is producing today.

John talks about the growth of his palate over the past decade, the collaborative tasting and blending process at Peerless, and how the team decides which barrels become batches, single barrels, or special releases. He also shares the fun behind naming Peerless single barrels, discusses the success of the High Rye Bourbon, and explains why the distillery's sweet mash process, non-chill filtration, and focus on mouthfeel remain such important parts of the Peerless identity.

The conversation also turns to a major milestone for the distillery: the release of Henry Kraver's 10-Year Bourbon. John shares what it was like tasting through roughly 200 barrels to select the final group for the release and why working with whiskey he remembers filling and rolling years ago made the experience especially meaningful. He also looks ahead to the 10-Year Rye planned for next year, the possibility of older age-stated releases and single barrels, and some intriguing older Double Oak barrels still aging in the Peerless inventory.

Along the way, Mark, Matt, and John taste and review "The Phoenix," a 108.5-proof Kentucky Peerless Double Barrel Rye Single Barrel selected for Repeal Steakhouse and Hotel Distil. They talk through its oak, rye spice, citrus, toffee, chocolate, coffee, and malty notes while John explains Peerless' unique approach to Double Oak whiskey—letting the palate, rather than a fixed timetable, determine when each barrel is ready.

It's a fun, wide-ranging conversation about whiskey, patience, blending, the evolution of Kentucky Peerless, and what comes next for one of Louisville's most distinctive family-owned distilleries. Pour yourself a great glass, sit back, and join us for another great episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast.

This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse and sponsored by Pappy & Co., District 7 Social, The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co., and Hotel Distil.

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 33 - Brion Dalton & Jared Porritt, Founders - Taking the Whiskey Ride Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

"Life's storms have a way of clearing the trail. Fair weather friends disappear when the rain starts falling, but the ones who ride beside you through the storm, that's your tribe."

Big Chief

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with Brion Dalton and Jared Porritt, founders of Taking the Whiskey Ride, for a conversation about whiskey, friendship, loyalty, and giving back.

The three start the ride with The Whiskey Trip Ironroot Republic Single Barrel Pick, the barrel that brought the three of them together. What started with a shared love of whiskey grew into a friendship and eventually something much bigger.

Brion and Jared share the story behind the creation of Taking the Whiskey Ride, why they wanted to support The Whiskey Trip, and how the whiskey community has become about far more than what's in the glass.

In the second half, everyone takes a different road.

Big Chief sips on The Whiskey Trip Frey Ranch Single Barrel Pick, a unique 100% wheat whiskey.

Brion pours a J.T. Meleck.

Jared breaks out an 18 Year Cooper & Cask.

With whiskey in their glasses, the guys look toward the future. They talk about upcoming barrel picks, what's next for Taking the Whiskey Ride, growing the community, and most importantly, finding ways to give back and help others.

This episode is about more than whiskey. It's about the people who show up when the weather turns, the friendships forged along the ride, and recognizing the people who have become your tribe.

Sometimes the whiskey brings you together. The friendship is what keeps you riding.

Pour yourself something good and Take the Ride with Big Chief, Brion, and Jared on this week's episode of The Whiskey Trip.

Cheers!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected