The Bourbon Life

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark flies solo to downtown Louisville to catch up with longtime friend Dan Callaway, Master Blender and Vice President of Product Development at Lofted Spirits, home to Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Distilling Co. It's a long-overdue reunion and there is plenty to talk about and taste.

Dan reflects on his journey from professional French horn player to master blender and explains why developing whiskey is a lot like performing in an orchestra: every component has a role, but the finished blend needs to be greater than the...

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief welcomes Todd Grube and Michael Higdon from The Houston Whiskey Social for a conversation about exceptional whiskey, the Houston whiskey community, and an upcoming event you won't want to miss!

We talk about the passion behind The Houston Whiskey Social, the friendships that whiskey creates, and what attendees can look forward to on November 14, 2026, at The Citadel in Houston, Texas.

And these gentlemen didn't show up empty-handed! We shared three incredible pours:

1990 Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon – A vintage treasure from t...

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 wo...

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...

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 tab...

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...

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 th...

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...

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...

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...

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 Me...

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

Taconi...

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...

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 a...

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...

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.

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 ta...

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...

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...

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.

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...

"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 tog...

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and Matt are joined by Diane Strong, Executive Director of Bourbon on the Banks, for a great conversation about the continued growth of the festival and what guests can expect when it returns to Frankfort on Saturday, October 3.

Diane talks about how Bourbon on the Banks has evolved since its beginning in 2019, why its relaxed atmosphere along the Kentucky River has become such an important part of its identity, and how the event continues to attract returning guests from across Kentucky and beyond. She also walks Mark and...

The Whiskey Trip heads deep into the Texas Hill Country this week for a stop in Hye, Texas, and a conversation with Samantha Olvera of Garrison Brothers Distillery.

Samantha takes Chief through her incredible 12-year journey with Garrison Brothers, from the earlier days of the distillery to watching it grow into one of the most recognized names in Texas whiskey. Along the way, they talk about the people behind the bottles, the hard work that happens when nobody is watching, and Samantha's genuine love and respect for the production crew she has worked beside for m...

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark travels to Louisville to sit down with Steve Smith, Founder of Uncle Boojie's Distilling Co., for a captivating conversation about family history, Kentucky heritage, and the role bourbon plays in connecting us to the stories that came before us.

Steve shares his own background as an entrepreneur, preservationist, and storyteller before diving into the remarkable history of his Howard family ancestors, whose distilling roots in Howardstown, Kentucky, date back to the late 1700s. He discusses the research that uncovered generations of family involvement in whiskey production and how...

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with Heather and Derek Latzel of Porchlight Distillery in Mason, Texas, one of the newest members of the Texas Whiskey Trail.

This episode isn't about finding a finished product. It's about remembering that everyone starts somewhere.

As the group shares pours of Porchlight's 95-proof Wheated Bourbon, they talk honestly about the challenges of building a craft distillery from the ground up. The whiskey is still young, but it already shows promising qualities and offers a glimpse of what's to come as th...

On this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and Matt welcome back two returning favorites and some of the most respected educators in the bourbon world: Peggy Noe Stevens and Heather Wibbels.

Peggy is the President of Peggy Noe Stevens & Associates, a Master Bourbon Taster, and a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. Heather, known throughout the bourbon community as Cocktail Contessa, is a whiskey educator, author, and former Managing Director of Bourbon Women.

Since their last appearances on the show, both Peggy and Heather have been busy educating, writing, speaking, and h...

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads to Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery in Spicewood, Texas, to sit down with CEO and President Jordan Watters. Jordan shares the story behind one of Texas' fastest-growing craft distilleries, the vision that built Iron Wolf, and why Texas whiskey continues to make its mark across the country.

The first half of the episode features Iron Wolf's High Rye Bourbon, where Big Chief and Jordan discuss the bold spice and balanced sweetness that define the pour. They then move to Iron Wolf's Rye Whiskey, comparing the two expressions w...

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark flies solo as host and welcomes back longtime friends and multi-time guests Barry and Tori Brinegar for a conversation that's been a long time coming—and one that finally lets Barry answer the question everyone has been asking: What's next?

The answer is Kentucky Bonded Spirits, a new venture created by Barry and Tori that will work alongside spirits brands in a consultative role, drawing on Barry's years of experience and relationships across the industry to help brands build their presence, navigate the marketplace, and create meaningful growth.

This week, Big Chief heads to the Texas Hill Country to visit Greg Standard, founder and owner of Standard Cooperage, the first full-scale cooperage in Texas. From towering white oak logs to finished barrels, Greg pulls back the curtain on one of the oldest and most important crafts in the whiskey industry.

Before the conversation begins, Big Chief takes listeners on a brief journey through the history of the barrel, from its origins with the ancient Celts and Romans to its evolution into the 53-gallon American Standard Barrel that has become the cornerstone of bourbon a...

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark is joined by Leah and Quint Pottinger, owners of Affinity Farms, for a fascinating conversation about the critical role agriculture plays in creating exceptional bourbon.

Quint shares the remarkable history of his family's farm, which dates back to the late 1700s, making him a ninth-generation farmer. Together, Leah and Quint discuss their individual backgrounds, how they found themselves working together on the farm, and their commitment to preserving both the land and their family's legacy for generations to come.

The conversation also explores the cutting-edge technology...

This week on The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief welcomes the incredible women of Whiskey Wenches Spirits Society for a conversation filled with history, friendship, and exceptional spirits.

Founder Amanda Engelhorn, Brittni, and the remarkable Eleanor, born in 1933, the same year Prohibition came to an end, join the ride to share their stories, their love of whiskey, and the community they've built through Whiskey Wenches Spirits Society.

Together, they take a deep dive into the mission of Whiskey Wenches Spirits Society, discussing the welcoming space it has created for women to le...

Kyle Lloyd joins The Bourbon Life Podcast for an in-depth conversation about his journey through the world of whiskey and the path that ultimately led him to Preservation Distillery.

This week, Mark sits down with Kyle to explore his background and education, his time working at Michter's, and the experiences that helped shape his approach to whiskey before joining the team at Preservation Distillery.

The conversation then turns to the fascinating history of Preservation Distillery and its owner, Marci Palatella. Kyle shares the story behind the distillery, Marci's incredible background and long history in the...

This week, Big Chief sits down with McCauley Williams of Duck Club Bourbon to talk about one of the fastest-growing names in American whiskey and the philosophy behind the brand.

Although Riley Green is a part owner, Duck Club Bourbon was never intended to be a celebrity bourbon. From day one, the mission has been simple: create bourbon for the outdoorsman. It's built around hunting camps, duck blinds, campfires, and time spent with family and friends—not hype, inflated prices, or chasing trends. It's honest whiskey made for people who appreciate the outdoors and a wel...

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief welcomes Allisa Henley, Master Distiller at AJ Bond Distillery, for a conversation rooted in Tennessee whiskey tradition, craftsmanship, and the people who helped shape one of America's great whiskey legacies.

Throughout the episode, they sip on AJ Bond's New Tennessee Whiskey, bottled at 95 proof. The whiskey opens with inviting aromas of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and warm baking spices. On the palate, Big Chief picked up distinctive notes of fresh kettle corn, roasted peanuts, and rich dark caramel, creating a sweet-and-savory combination that keeps you coming back f...

Ashley Barnes is back for her fourth appearance on The Bourbon Life Podcast, and as always, she brings plenty of insight, honesty, and exceptional whiskey along for the ride.

Matt and Mark catch up with Ashley to discuss her recent departure from The Spirits Group and her exciting new chapter as an independent blending consultant, while continuing her role as Master Blender for The Blending House. Ashley shares what this transition means for her career, the opportunities it creates, and why she's more excited than ever about the future of whiskey.

The conversation then turns...

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief welcomes Hemal Patel and Joe Godfrey of Patel Bourbon for a conversation about friendship, craftsmanship, and the journey of building a premium whiskey brand. Patel Bourbon was founded on the idea that great whiskey should be more than just something you drink. It should be something that brings people together, sparks conversation, and creates lasting memories.

We kicked off the first half with Patel's Bespoke Straight Wheat Whiskey, an 8 year, 3 month old single barrel bottled at 115 proof. Soft wheat sweetness, honey, and light oak with a smooth, w...

In this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark welcome back fan-favorite guest David Mandell, Co-Founder and CEO of Whiskey House of Kentucky, for his fourth appearance on the show. Joining him for the first time is Ryan Poe, Distillery Senior Manager and Head of Innovation at Whiskey House of Kentucky, making not only his Bourbon Life debut, but his very first podcast appearance.

The conversation begins with Ryan sharing his background and the journey that ultimately led him to Whiskey House, where innovation isn't just a buzzword - it's a core part of the...

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with Cody Stys from The Vaults at The Stanley Hotel, a one-of-a-kind whiskey destination located beneath one of Colorado's most famous historic hotels.

The conversation begins with the rich history of the Stanley Hotel, which opened in 1909 and has become a landmark in the Rocky Mountains. The hotel is perhaps best known for inspiring Stephen King's novel The Shining. During a stay at the hotel in the 1970s, King found himself nearly alone in the massive property as it prepared to close for the season. T...

In this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark sit down with Reece Sims, Founder of Flavor Camp and a judge for the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), for a fascinating conversation about flavor, spirits evaluation, and one of the most respected competitions in the world of whiskey.

The conversation begins with Reece sharing her unique journey into the world of sensory analysis, education, and spirits, and how that path ultimately led her to create Flavor Camp, an innovative program designed to help people better understand flavor and develop their tasting skills. She also...