The Bourbon Life

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

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

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

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

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

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.