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.

In this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and the crew are back in the studio for a laid-back, no-guest hang—just good bourbon, good stories, and plenty of unfiltered conversation. With Stacey and Chad out, the guys take full advantage of the opportunity to dive into a wide range of topics, from what's happening in the bourbon world right now to some classic behind-the-scenes banter that only the Crew can deliver.

Across three segments, the conversation flows naturally (as it tends to do), mixing bourbon insights with plenty of laughs, strong opinions, and a few moments that probably went just a little off the rails—in the best way possible. It's the kind of episode that feels like you're sitting at the table with them, glass in hand. The guys talk about recent updates on the Bardstown Bourbon and Uncle Nearest litigation as well as the proposed merger between Brown Forman and Pernod Ricard.

They also taste and review a 2018 Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon , the brand new 2026 Michter's 10 Year Bourbon, and the brand new Rare Perfection 10 Year Bourbon from Preservation Distillery.

As always, the reviews are honest, the takes are unfiltered, and the conversation is exactly what you've come to expect from a Crew episode—relaxed, entertaining, and full of bourbon passion.

Pull up a chair, pour yourself something neat, and enjoy this fun, free-flowing episode with The Bourbon Life Crew.

This Episode is sponsored by District 7 and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

This week, Big Chief heads out West to Fallon, Nevada and sits down with the heart and soul behind Frey Ranch Distillery, founders, farmers, and distillers, and husband and wife team, Colby Frey and Ashley Frey. This isn't just whiskey, this is dirt to glass, grown under big sky country and built with grit.

The ride kicks off with a pour of Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a true four grain expression that tells the story of their land. With a mash bill of 66.6% corn, 11.4% winter rye, 10% soft white wheat, and 12% two row barley malted right there on site, this one carries the Frey fingerprint from seed to sip. At 90 proof, it drinks with a little more fire than expected, maybe that double distillation, maybe that dry Nevada air, but it settles in with notes of citrus, banana chips, caramel, white pepper, and toffee dancing across the palate.

Then the second half, and folks, this is where it gets serious.

The Freys introduce their upcoming April release, the inaugural Farm Strength 100% winter rye, aged 6 years and clocking in at a bold 124.52 proof. This one hits Big Chief right in the wheelhouse. We're talking horehound candy sweetness, black licorice spice, and baked apple pie dripping in caramel. It's layered, it's unapologetic, and it's already stepping into the ring as a contender for Big Chief's Whiskey of the Year.

But this episode goes beyond the glass.

It's about the grind, the land, the mindset.

Colby talks about dreaming up new ideas while riding a tractor through Nevada soil, proving innovation doesn't always come from a boardroom, sometimes it comes from the field. Ashley brings the balance, the business, and the backbone that keeps this operation pushing forward.

This is American farming meeting American whiskey at the highest level.

No shortcuts, no sourcing, just hard work, family roots, and a commitment to doing it right.

Saddle up and pour a glass, this is one hell of a ride.

Take the Ride with Big Chief, Cheers

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief rolls into the rhythm, heat, and soul of New Orleans with Kevin Alker, owner and distiller of Old Alker Distillery. This one hits different… it's got history in its bones, music in its step, and whiskey that carries a family legacy back to life.

Long before Old Alker was filling bottles, the Alker name was moving wood… barrel staves flowing through New Orleans, supplying some of the biggest names in American whiskey. Now that same family blood is back in the game, and you can feel it in every pour.

They open the show with Old Alker's Small Batch Blend at 100 proof. This is a front porch in the spring kind of whiskey… buttery, nutty, smooth as a slow jazz tune drifting through the French Quarter. Easy sipping, but full of character.

As the first half winds down, Big Chief and Kevin lean into a 7-year-old Single Barrel, also at 100 proof. This one dances a little. Bright summer fruits, a touch of citrus, then it settles into that sweet caramel popcorn ball note with a hint of toffee that lingers like the last note of a trumpet on Bourbon Street.

Then it's time to turn it up.

In the second half, they pour a 7-year-old Cask Strength Single Barrel at 114 proof. This pour is a straight-up baby candy bar in a glass… rich chocolate and caramel leading the charge, layered with flavor from front to back. It builds with hints of orange citrus spice that cut through the sweetness just enough to keep you coming back for another sip.

And it's damn good to see another craft distillery rising in New Orleans… adding to the story of a city that knows whiskey, respects it, and knows how to bring it to life with soul.

This episode isn't just about whiskey. It's about heritage, resilience, and bringing something back to life with purpose… the kind of story New Orleans was built on.

So grab a glass, turn up the music, and Take the Ride with Big Chief.

Cheers

On this episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with Anthony DeYoung from Three Chord Bourbon, a brand founded by legendary guitarist Neil Giraldo. Built on the rhythm of rock and roll and the craft of blending whiskey, Three Chord brings the energy of music into every bottle.

More than just a whiskey brand, Three Chord Bourbon is deeply connected to the music community and philanthropy. The company supports music education, independent artists, and nonprofit organizations, often partnering on charitable initiatives. From Giving Tuesday campaigns supporting Music Is Art to special releases benefiting organizations like the Johnny Strange Foundation, the brand uses whiskey as a platform to give back to the creative world that inspired it.

The ride begins with Flipside, a 90 proof Triple Wood bourbon that showcases layered maturation and depth. The added wood influence gives the whiskey complexity while remaining smooth and approachable to start the show.

To close out the first half, Big Chief and Anthony pour Strange Collaboration, a 99 proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in Pinot Noir barrels. The wine barrel finish brings a unique twist, introducing subtle fruit notes and soft tannins that complement the classic bourbon backbone.

The second half starts with Riot, a 100 proof Double Bonded Blend that delivers bold flavor and balance. Like a great rock song, it carries both intensity and harmony in every sip.

They finish the episode with U-Edited, a true rockstar of the lineup. This Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey is uncut, unfiltered, and bottled at 118 proof, delivering a powerful and full-bodied pour. After tasting it, Big Chief says the U-Edited is so impressive it could be a serious contender for his Whiskey of the Year.

From music and mash bills to blending and philanthropy, this episode dives deep into how Three Chord Bourbon merges the spirit of rock and roll with the art of whiskey.

Pour yourself a glass, turn the volume up, and Take the Ride with Big Chief on The Whiskey Trip.

This week on The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief takes the ride with Dina Coker, founder of Lythgoe Bourbon, and Steffani Scheurich, the brand's Master Blender. Together they dive into the story behind a bourbon brand that is bold, confident, and completely unapologetic—just like the woman who inspired it.

Lythgoe Bourbon draws its spirit from Gertrude "Cleo" Lythgoe, often called the Queen of the Bootleggers during Prohibition. Cleo was known for her fearless personality, sharp business mind, and refusal to play by anyone else's rules. That same unapologetic attitude lives inside every bottle of Lythgoe Bourbon today.

The episode begins with Pauline's Victory, an 8-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon bottled at 90 proof. Elegant and balanced, this pour sets the tone for the first half of the conversation. It's refined yet confident, delivering classic bourbon notes with a smooth character that invites you to slow down and appreciate the craft behind it. As the glasses empty, Dina and Steffani talk about building a brand that honors the rebellious spirit of Cleo Lythgoe while celebrating the women helping shape the modern whiskey world.

In the second half of the show, the crew pours the Founder's Collection, a 9-year-old four-grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon. With both rye and wheat in the mash bill, the whiskey creates a unique balance where sweet and spicy notes dance together in the glass. The wheat softens the edges while the rye brings the spice, creating a layered bourbon that highlights Steffani's artistry as a master blender.

It's a conversation about history, bold women in whiskey, and the unapologetic spirit that built this brand from the ground up.

Pour yourself a glass, sit back, and Take the Ride with Big Chief on this week's episode of The Whiskey Trip.