The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 50 - Lee Kennedy, Master Distiller - Leiper’s Fork Distillery

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.