This week, Big Chief takes you on a ride that doesn't just sip whiskey… it digs it straight out of the dirt and pours history into your glass.

The show kicks off with a bold pour of Old Kernel from Ironclad Distillery Co.—a whiskey that sets the tone for what's ahead. Rich, rooted, and unapologetically tied to place, it's the perfect way to open a conversation about grain, heritage, and identity.

Big Chief sits down with Shelley Sackier, who brings more than knowledge—she brings purpose. Her journey through whiskey has led her beyond barrels and into the soil of Virginia, chasing something deeper than flavor… chasing origin.

At the heart of this episode is the Virginia Heritage Grain Project, a movement focused on reviving the grains that built American whiskey as far back as 1620. This isn't about nostalgia—it's about rediscovery. About taking grains that were lost to time and putting them back where they belong… in the ground, in the mash, and in your glass.

But this project isn't a solo act.

Distillers across Virginia are stepping up to be part of something bigger:

• Mary Allison at Reservoir Distillery, leading the charge by turning heritage grains into living, breathing whiskey

• Owen King of Ironclad Distillery Co., pushing the idea that whiskey should reflect where it's grown, not just how it's made

Together, they're building a new path—pairing farmers and distillers, one grain at a time, to create true grain-to-glass whiskey rooted in Virginia soil.

Heritage corn

Heritage rye

Heritage wheat

Heritage barley

These aren't your high-yield, modern crops. These are grains selected for flavor, for character, for story. Pulled from seed banks, historic farms, and collections that predate modern agriculture, they bring something back to whiskey that's been missing… soul.

Standout grains like Seashore Black Rye are already proving what's possible—delivering bold, earthy, spice-driven profiles that hit different than anything coming off today's commodity grain market.

On the second half, Big Chief leans into the glass with a wheated whiskey from Reservoir Distillery—soft, layered, and full of depth—before stepping into bold territory with their Milk Stout Bourbon. A whiskey that pushes boundaries and shows exactly what happens when innovation meets tradition.

This episode isn't just about whiskey.

It's about where it comes from.

Who grows it.

Who fights to preserve it.

Because before the barrel…

Before the still…

There was the grain.

And Virginia is bringing it back.

Take the Ride with Big Chief. Cheers

In this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and Matt sit down with Randy Prasse, President & COO of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, for a great conversation about one of the premier bourbon events in the world and what's ahead for the Festival.

Across three segments, the guys dive into Randy's background, how he found his way into the bourbon industry, and what it takes to help lead and evolve an event as iconic as the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Randy shares insights into the vision for the Festival, how it continues to grow, and what bourbon fans can expect moving forward.

The conversation blends industry insight with plenty of laughs, behind-the-scenes perspective, and the kind of easygoing camaraderie that makes these episodes feel like you're right there at the table.

As always, they also taste and review three outstanding pours:

· New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon

· New Riff 8-Year-Old Bottled in Bond Bourbon

· New Riff 6-Year-Old Malted Rye

From thoughtful discussion about the evolution of bourbon culture to honest reviews of what's in the glass, this episode delivers a great mix of information and entertainment for bourbon fans of all levels.

Pull up a chair, pour yourself something good, and enjoy this episode with Randy Prasse.

Big Chief takes you deep into the heart of Texas whiskey country with Jake Clements, the man behind one of the most authentic gatherings in the Lone Star State—the Texas Whiskey Festival.

Set against the rugged, old west backdrop of Star Hill Ranch in Bee Cave, the 9th Annual Texas Whiskey Festival isn't just an event—it's a full-blown Texas whiskey family reunion. Weathered wood, dusty streets, and the spirit of independence set the tone as distillers and whiskey lovers come together for something real.

Jake and the big man sit down and talk about what it takes to build a festival that brings together the best of Texas. This isn't about flash—it's about shaking hands, hearing the stories, and tasting what the Texas heat and grit can truly create.

On this episode, they sip their way through a lineup that represents the backbone of Texas whiskey:

• Garrison Brothers bringing bold, unapologetic Texas bourbon

• Maverick Whiskey with deep roots and rich character

• Ranger Creek delivering balance and craftsmanship

• Andalusia Whiskey Co. pushing Texas single malt forward

• And rising names like Jimmy's Bourbon adding fresh fire to the scene

From grain to glass, this conversation is about more than whiskey—it's about community, legacy, and pride in what Texas is building.

And this year, it all means a little more.

The 9th Annual Texas Whiskey Festival proudly supports Frontline Heroes Outdoors, standing behind those who've served and sacrificed.

Come join us on April 18th at Star Hill Ranch and experience Texas whiskey the way it was meant to be—handshakes, stories, and a glass in your hand.

Get your tickets and learn more at: https://www.txwhiskeyfest.com

This episode is a ride through dust, oak, fire, and Texas soul.

Take the Ride with Big Chief. Cheers.