The Bourbon Life

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Season 7, Episode 1: Ashley Barnes, Co-Founder & Master Blender - The Blending House Jan 11, 2026

Show notes

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark spend some time in The Bourbon Life Studios hanging out with one of their favorite people in the Bourbon industry, the wonderful Ashley Barnes, Co-Founder & Master Blender, from The Blending House. Ashley was previously a guest on Episodes 144 and 249.

The guys talk with Ashley about how she got started in the industry and the incredible experience that she has gained in that time, the creation of The Spirits Group and how that led to the creation of The Blending House and all of the services that they provide to their clients, as well as a great discussion on the artistic and scientific sides of blending Bourbon.

Ashley mixed things up on the guys a little bit on this Episode by blinding them on 3 different bottles – quizzing them about the tasting notes, the mashbill, the age, and a lot of other factors and then hits them with a BIG surprise to wrap it all up. You'll have to check out the Episode to find out more.

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 1 - Randy Stamey, Distiller - SharpTop Distilling Company Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads into the North Georgia mountains to sit down with distiller Randy Stamey at SharpTop Distilling Company in Jasper. The conversation explores SharpTop's Appalachian roots, hands-on approach to distilling, and the careful balance between honoring traditional mountain spirits and building a modern Georgia whiskey program grounded in patience and purpose.

Jasper itself is woven deeply into the story. Long before legal distilling returned to the region, these hills carried a strong moonshine tradition, with families quietly running corn liquor through the mountains during Prohibition and the decades that followed. The area is also known for its historic marble mines, which helped define the local economy and supplied stone used in notable buildings across the country. Today, SharpTop Distilling sits squarely in the middle of that history, located between the old jail and the county courthouse, a powerful reminder of how an outlaw tradition has come full circle into a respected, legal craft.

The tasting begins with Honest Man's Friend & Protector Moonshine, a corn whiskey made from a 100 percent corn mashbill. The pour delivers classic Southern character with notes of hot buttered popcorn and a subtle hint of caramel, keeping the grain front and center and showcasing the clean, honest profile of a true mountain-style corn whiskey.

Next, the glasses move to Connahaynee Reserve Barrel Aged Whiskey, built on the same 100 percent corn mashbill but transformed through time in the barrel. The aging brings added depth, oak influence, and structure, highlighting the natural progression from still to barrel while preserving the sweetness and simplicity of the original corn-forward spirit.

In the second half of the episode, Randy introduces Sharptop Lawless McClain's Cut Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This bold expression carries a mashbill of 64 percent corn, 24 percent rye, and 12 percent malted barley, is aged more than four years, and is bottled at 100 proof. The higher rye content brings spice and backbone, balanced by corn sweetness and a maturity that reflects SharpTop's commitment to doing things the right way, not the fast way.

The episode closes with a look toward the future as Randy shares his excitement about a bourbon currently aging quietly in the rickhouse, one that is not yet ready for release but already showing serious promise. It is a fitting reminder that great whiskey is never rushed and that at SharpTop Distilling Company, goodness truly takes time. Pour a glass, settle in, and Take the Ride with Big Chief and Randy Stamey on The Whiskey Trip.

The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 52 - Big Chief and Little Feather - Whiskey & Distillery of the Year Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

On this week's episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief pulls up a chair with his brother Little Feather for a no-nonsense, end-of-year sit-down rooted in family, flavor, and hard-earned opinions. With a year of miles behind them and a table full of whiskey in front of them, the brothers look back on Big Chief's 2025 Whiskey Trail while taking on the challenge of naming Whiskey of the Year and Distillery of the Year. It is part reflection, part debate, filled with laughs, brotherly jabs, and a deep respect for the craft and the people behind it.

To strip away hype, labels, and reputation, the tasting is done completely blind, with all five whiskeys poured into plain mason jars. No fancy glassware and no branding, just whiskey. Each pour is judged on nose, palate, mouthfeel, finish, and balance, forcing every whiskey to stand on its own merits. The mason jars set an honest, humble tone and lead to a few surprises and some strong, unfiltered reactions.

As the tasting unfolds, Little Feather flips the mic and interviews Big Chief about the highs, lessons, and standout moments from the 2025 Whiskey Trip. Between sips, they talk road miles, distillery visits, and the people who made the journey matter. The conversation naturally turns forward, with Big Chief sharing what is already taking shape for 2026, including new regions, deeper dives into the craft, and a continued commitment to giving distillers a real voice.

The five whiskeys competing for Whiskey of the Year represent a wide range of styles from stops along the trail. The lineup includes Anita's Choice, a six-grain bourbon from Burnt Church Distillery; Reverence from 1845 Distilling Company; a bold Cask Strength Rye from Ponfeigh Distillery; Broken Halo Cask Strength from War Trail Distillery; and Batch 37 from Barrell Craft Spirits. With no labels to lean on, each whiskey earns praise or criticism based solely on what is in the jar.

When the dust settles, Whiskey of the Year goes to 1845 Preemption Reverence, a pour that rose above the rest when judged blind for its balance, depth, and character. Distillery of the Year honors go to Trinity River Distillery, recognized not only for its whiskey but for the full experience it delivers, from immersive tours to the renovation of its historic ranch-style bean factory, along with its Whiskey Kitchen and Bourbon Nursery.

Whether listeners agree with the final calls or not, this episode is about honoring the pours, the places, and the passion that keep American whiskey moving forward. Pour yourself something good, pull up a chair, and Take the Ride with Big Chief and Little Feather as they close out 2025 and set their sights on what is ahead.

The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 51 - Amy Brown & Paige Dockweiler, Co-Founders - Doc Brown Farm & Distillery Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

On this special holiday episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with Doc Brown Farm and Distillery founders Amy Brown and Paige Dockweiler for a conversation rooted in family, farming, and true grain to glass distilling. More than distillers, Amy and Paige are stewards of the land, driven by a shared determination to keep small scale farming alive at a time when doing things the right way is harder than ever.

The episode opens with Amy and Big Chief sipping on Effie Jewel, a deeply personal release from a January 2021 crop built on a mash bill of 75% Jimmy Red corn, 10% Abruzzi rye, 10% wheat, and 5% barley. Eight barrels were sent to Galveston in July 2024, where the Gulf Coast climate left its mark before returning home in April 2025 for extended aging. Bottled at 101 proof and limited to 1,900 bottles, Effie Jewel will be allocated across Texas, Georgia, and online, with a major direct to consumer release event at DOMA on February 8.

From there, the tasting moves to Southern Ember, followed by Day Swigger, which also serves as the base for both the Honey Expression and Hot Honey Expression. These pours highlight what sets Doc Brown apart. The honey and peppers come straight from the farm, just like the grain, reinforcing a farm first mindset where every ingredient has a story and a purpose.

Throughout the conversation, Amy and Paige open up about the grit it takes to keep farming viable. They discuss balancing unpredictable weather, rising costs, regulations, and the physical demands of working the land while building a spirits brand rooted in integrity. Their tenacity shows as they talk about preserving heirloom grains, protecting farmland, educating consumers, and proving that farming and distilling can still coexist without compromise.

In the second half of the episode, Paige joins Amy and Big Chief to sip on the Salted Caramel Bourbon Cream and Coffee Bourbon Cream. These rich, comforting pours are perfect for a cold holiday morning or a slow day spent relaxing with family.

We hope you have enjoyed the ride throughout 2025 on The Whiskey Trip Podcast. From Woodrow, Ms. Viv, and of course Ol' Big Chief, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Pour something good and take the ride.

Season 6, Episode 35: The Bourbon Life Crew - The 15 Blinds of Christmas Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, the entire Bourbon Life Crew gets together for their Christmas Spectacular and The 15 Blinds of Christmas.

The Crew discusses the current state of the Bourbon industry and what appears to be some potential hard times coming for some brands, the different bottles that they have each purchased (or haven't purchased this year), and they also make their individual predictions for the industry for 2026.

They also blind taste 3 different Bourbons/Ryes each for a grand total of 15 blind pours. Each Crew member gives his/her notes on each during each round and then tries to guess which pour they had. You'll have to listen in to see who did the best and who did the worst.

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 50 - Lee Kennedy, Master Distiller - Leiper's Fork Distillery Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

On this week's episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with old friend and master distiller Lee Kennedy of Leiper's Fork Distillery for a conversation rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and the future of American whiskey.

The episode opens with Big Chief sipping on Revenuers Reserve, a standout release from Leiper's Fork Distillery. This small batch blend of three 8 year old Tennessee whiskey barrels, bottled at 100 proof, pays tribute to the historic revenuers who once enforced whiskey taxes across Tennessee. It is a rich, mature pour that sets the tone for a deep dive into heritage distilling and the stories behind the still

As Big Chief works through four expressions from Leiper's Fork, Lee walks listeners through the early beginnings of the distillery, from the historic log cabin tasting room to the impressive post and beam still house that shelters their traditional copper pot still with an onion bulb and goose neck. It is a true nod to old world whiskey making.

To finish up the first half, Lee surprises the Big Man with a single barrel cask strength Tennessee whiskey, an uncut, full proof expression that showcases the raw character and depth Leiper's Fork is known for.

The second half of the episode shifts toward what is ahead for the distillery, including growth in Franklin and Nashville, expanding overseas, and how tariffs impact craft distilleries like Leiper's Fork. During the conversation, Big Chief pours up Leiper's Fork Rye, a whiskey with a cult following, thanks to its bold spice and unmistakable character.

The episode wraps with one final pour, a single barrel wheated bourbon, closing out the show with a soft, expressive whiskey that highlights Leiper's Fork's attention to grain, barrel selection, and balance.

To this day, Big Chief considers Leiper's Fork Distillery the perfect example of what a craft distillery should be, great whiskey, genuine warmth and hospitality, combined with timeless old school charm.

Pour a glass, settle in, and take the ride with Big Chief.

The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 49 - Laurie & Bernard Quandt, Distillers - War Trail Spirits Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Featuring Distillers Laurie & Bernard Quandt

On this week's episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads into the rugged granite country of Llano, Texas, to spend the day with distillers Laurie and Bernard Quandt of War Trail Spirits. Their passion for the Hill Country, their hands-on approach, and their embrace of modern distilling tools make this stop one of the most memorable rides of the season. War Trail Spirits stands out not just for its bold flavors but for its innovative setup — the Quandts use a modern iStill, a technologically advanced system that allows for precision, consistency, and creative freedom in crafting their spirits. It's whiskey with Texas soul, produced with next-generation equipment.

The tasting begins with War Trail's County Road 80 Proof Whiskey, an approachable opener that sets a friendly pace for the day. Big Chief immediately catches the Dr Pepper-like spice and sweetness, wrapped in soft vanilla and mellow grain character. It's smooth, flavorful, and the perfect way to begin exploring what War Trail is all about.

From there, the crew moves to Broken Halo 94 Proof, a six-barrel batch built from a mashbill of 80% corn and 20% rye. This whiskey brings Big Chief straight into nostalgia with notes of Cracker Jacks, kettle corn, and roasted peanuts, all lifted by a warm rye spice that gives it balance and personality. But the ride shifts into high gear when Big Chief opens the Broken Halo Barrel Strength, a powerhouse clocking in at 115 proof. This pour bursts with orange creamsicle, orange candy spice, and layered sweetness that earns immediate high praise — Big Chief calls it a real contender for Whiskey of the Year.

Laurie and Bernard then break out something from their experimental track: a corn, barley, and triticale whiskey bottled at 118 proof. This expression brings a bold Texas funk, followed by a dessert-driven finish of charred marshmallow, s'mores, and even a whisper of Mexican flan. It's wild, fun, and a perfect example of how War Trail uses the precision of the iStill to explore flavor in new ways without losing their Hill Country identity.

To close out the visit, the Quandts surprise Big Chief with a four-grain wheat whiskey at 97 proof. This pour immediately throws the big man a curveball — it bursts with botanical notes, so bright and aromatic that for a moment he wonders if he's sipping a barrel-aged gin. But the grain depth and oak character bring it back into whiskey territory, showing a level of complexity and creativity rarely found in young Texas craft spirits.

By the end of the trip, it's obvious that War Trail Spirits is one of the most innovative and exciting whiskey makers in Texas, blending frontier grit with modern distilling technology to craft spirits full of personality, texture, and Hill Country swagger. Laurie and Bernard Quandt are putting Llano on the whiskey map, one bold bottle at a time.

Take the Ride with Big Chief.

The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 48 - Thom & Kim Bard, Founders - The Bard Distillery Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

On this week's episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief takes listeners on a ride to the heart of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, where music, history, and whiskey all share the same soul. He sits down with Thom and Kim Bard, the founders of The Bard Distillery, inside their beautifully restored 1920s schoolhouse to talk about heritage, community pride, and the craftsmanship behind their exceptional lineup of spirits.

The first half of the show opens with a pour of Cinder & Smoke 10 Year, a bold and expressive bourbon that reflects the Bards' commitment to long aged, character driven whiskey. As they sip, Thom and Kim share the story behind the Cinder & Smoke series, the inspiration for its name, and how their small town roots and historic distillery shape the identity of everything they make. The conversation moves into the next pour, the Cinder & Smoke finished in Oloroso sherry barrels, a whiskey that deepens the experience with layers of dried fruit, rich oak, and soft smoke. Big Chief and the Bards explore how the sherry influence complements the base bourbon and why these types of finishes matter to them creatively.

The second half begins with something truly meaningful: "You Got Gold," their tribute whiskey honoring the legendary singer songwriter John Prine. Thom and Kim talk about their personal connection to Prine's work, the emotional weight behind creating a whiskey in his honor, and the care that went into crafting a bottle worthy of his legacy. The moment is heartfelt, a blend of memories, music, and the unmistakable Kentucky spirit that shaped both Prine's songwriting and the Bards' approach to distilling.

To wrap up the ride, they pour Muhlenberg Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, a spirit dedicated to the county they call home. Big Chief and the Bards discuss what Muhlenberg means to them, how the local community continues to support their journey, and why this bourbon stands as a living tribute to the people and pride of Western Kentucky. The conversation closes with reflections on the future of Bard Distillery, their hopes for growing their footprint without ever losing the authenticity that defines them, and the importance of family, music, and tradition in every drop they release.

By the end of the episode, listeners walk away not just with an appreciation for the whiskey, but with a deeper understanding of the heart and grit behind The Bard Distillery. Thom and Kim's passion, their commitment to their craft, and their dedication to their community make this ride one that truly captures the spirit of The Whiskey Trip, where every bottle has a story, and every story is worth the pour.

The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 47 - Christopher Burk, Owner & Head Distiller - Cathedral Ledge Distillery Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

On this week's episode of The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief takes listeners on a ride to North Conway, New Hampshire, to visit Cathedral Ledge Distillery and sit down with owner and head distiller Christopher Burk. Set against the backdrop of the White Mountains, Cathedral Ledge is known for its certified-organic spirits, its respect for the land, and the clean, hands-on approach Christopher and his wife, Kara, bring to every bottle.

In the first half of the conversation, Big Chief and Christopher talk about the distillery's foundation through their Organic Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Organic Straight Rye Whiskey. Christopher explains how these spirits helped shape the identity of Cathedral Ledge and how his engineering background and commitment to quality guide each step of the process.

In the second half, the focus shifts to their Bottle in Bond Wheated Bourbon and their Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey. Christopher shares how New Hampshire's climate influences his aging philosophy and how these two expressions reflect the distillery's growth and future direction.

Throughout the episode, one thing remains clear: Cathedral Ledge is built on intention and integrity. All of their spirits are certified gluten-free, a testament to their clean production methods and dedication to transparency. Big Chief closes the ride reflecting on how the land, the craft, and Christopher's passion come together to create a distillery with a story as bold as its whiskey.

The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 45 - Whiskey Reviews with Kevin Hemmingway Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief steps into one of the most impressive private whiskey sanctuaries in Texas, Kevin Hemingway's Hemingway House of Bourbon. Built on passion, hospitality, and a deep love for the spirit, Kevin's space is a living museum of rare bottles, Texas standouts, and stories collected over years of sharing pours with friends. Surrounded by this curated treasure trove, Big Chief and Kevin sit down for a four pour journey that explores the past, present, and future of American whiskey.

They open the evening with Milam & Greene Provisions, a new 80 proof blend combining Texas pot still whiskey with Kentucky and Tennessee bourbon. It is light, approachable, and intentionally crafted to welcome new whiskey drinkers while still offering nuance for seasoned palates. Big Chief and Kevin break down how the Texas component adds warmth and character and why this bottle will likely find a permanent place on entry level whiskey shelves.

The second pour brings the heat with Wild Turkey Master's Keep Beacon, the 2025 release from the iconic Lawrenceburg distillery. This limited edition blends 16 year and 10 year Kentucky straight bourbons and comes in at a bold 118 proof. With rich oak, leather, seasoned rickhouse funk, caramelized citrus, and a long, classic Wild Turkey finish, Beacon showcases everything fans love about Master's Keep. Kevin and Big Chief reflect on how Beacon fits into the series and why this release is already generating so much anticipation.

In the second half, they dive into a Texas standout, 1845 Distillery's Preemption rye based bourbon. Made with Yellow Corn, Elbon Rye, and Malted Barley, this bold whiskey ages for five years before being double oaked in lightly charred and toasted barrels. Bottled at 115.4 proof, it delivers a powerful blend of Texas rye spice, deep sweetness, and toasted barrel richness. Big Chief and Kevin talk about 1845's rising profile and why Preemption represents the next chapter of Texas distilling.

To close out the night, they finish with something truly unique, Dark Arts Ripple Rye. This is a Straight Rye Whiskey finished in maple syrup barrels and treated with toasted amburana oak staves. Distilled in Indiana, aged 7.5 years, and bottled at 110.74 proof, this pour brings an otherworldly profile with maple sweetness, rye bite, exotic amburana spice, and a long warming finish unlike anything else on the table. Big Chief and Kevin dig into why Ripple Rye is gaining such a cult following and how finishing techniques like this are pushing modern rye whiskey forward.

Throughout the episode, Big Chief and Kevin share stories, compare regions, debate aging philosophies, and celebrate the kind of friendship that forms when great whiskey is poured with intention. Inside Hemingway House of Bourbon, surrounded by its history and heart, this episode reflects everything The Whiskey Trip stands for: community, curiosity, and chasing down the next great pour.

Wherever you are listening from, whether it is your truck cab, a back porch, or the bar top of your favorite local, this one invites you to slow down, sip deep, and enjoy the ride. Take the Ride with Big Chief.

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