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 sum of its parts. He shares how his responsibilities have grown, why blending remains a team effort, and how Bardstown's expanding inventory of mature whiskey is opening new creative possibilities. The conversation explores two distinct approaches to Kentucky whiskey. At Bardstown Bourbon Company, innovation and collaboration drive ambitious blends and unusual barrel finishes. At Green River, the emphasis is on classic Kentucky bourbon, heritage, and exceptional value. Dan discusses Green River's revival, the influence of its distinctive clay-tile warehouses, and how his team preserves each brand's identity while also supporting custom-distilling partners. Mark and Dan also discuss the changing bourbon market, why Dan sees opportunities for whiskey drinkers as more barrels reach maturity, the growing importance of distillery experiences, and what might be ahead for both brands including a Green River Cold Brew project Dan says is targeted for early 2027. And, of course, there are three memorable pours, including an advance taste of two limited distillery releases: -          - Bardstown Bourbon Company Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish — 104 proof; a bourbon-and-rye blend finished for 32 months in Isle of Jura single malt casks. -          - Green River Distillery Select Clay Tile Blend Bourbon — 118 proof; an upcoming distillery/tasting-room release combining 21% and 16% rye mash bills aged in Green River's clay-tile warehouses. -         -  Bardstown Bourbon Company Oak Encore Distillery Reserve Bourbon — 115.2 proof; a limited blend featuring 18- and 19-year bourbon alongside double-barreled whiskey. From rare barrels and unexpected flavors to the people behind the whiskey, this episode is a fun look at where two Kentucky brands have been and where they're headed next. This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Bluegrass Distillers, District 7 Social, and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

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 the early days of one of bourbon's most recognizable brands.   1988 Wild Turkey 101 – An old-school Kentucky classic that takes us back to a legendary era of bourbon making.   Sagamore Spirit 10-Year Houston Bourbon Society Barrel Pick – A special selection representing the passion and dedication of Houston's whiskey community.   Along the way, we explore the stories behind these bottles, the importance of preserving whiskey history, and why events like The Houston Whiskey Social are about much more than what's in your glass.   Mark Your Calendar!   📅 Saturday, November 14, 2026   📍 The Citadel – Houston, Texas   🥃 The Houston Whiskey Social   Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just beginning your journey, this is an opportunity to connect with fellow whiskey lovers and celebrate the spirit that brings us together.   As Big Chief always says, great whiskey brings people to the table, but it's the friendships that keep them coming back.   Pour yourself something special and join us for another unforgettable ride!   The Whiskey Trip – Take the Ride with Big Chief!   Subscribe, like, and share on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

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 working to make a difference in the lives of veterans.   First Half – Brotherhood and Blue Bolt   Big Chief and Luis kick off the journey with both men pouring Blue Bolt 107.   With whiskey in their glasses, the conversation turns to Luis's military background, his passion for helping fellow veterans, and the inspiration behind Whiskey Valor Foundation.   The two veterans discuss the importance of camaraderie, finding purpose after service, and how the whiskey community can bring people together from all walks of life.   Second Half – Whiskey with a Purpose   In the second half, Luis reaches for another Blue Bolt Single Barrel, while Big Chief pours a Milam & Greene Liberty.   As the pours change, the conversation digs deeper into the mission of Whiskey Valor Foundation, the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life, and the importance of having a community that stands behind those who have served.   Big Chief and Luis also explore how whiskey can be more than just a drink. It can be a bridge between strangers, a way to build lasting friendships, and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.   This episode reminds us that service doesn't end when the uniform comes off. Sometimes, it simply takes on a new mission.   At The Whiskey Trip, we believe in being a rising tide that lifts all boats, and organizations like Whiskey Valor Foundation remind us why giving back matters.   So grab your favorite pour, pull up a chair, and join Big Chief and Luis Martinez for a ride filled with whiskey, brotherhood, and purpose.   Because the best whiskey stories aren't always about what's in the glass. Sometimes, they're about the people sitting across from us.   Be a Rising Tide.   Honor Those Who Serve.   Take the Ride.   Follow The Whiskey Trip: www.thewhiskeytrip.com

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 making spirits in Lexington's Distillery District. The conversation turns to Barrel House's beginnings in 2008, when craft distilling in Kentucky looked very different. James explains the family fishing trip that helped spark the idea, the origins of the Barrel House name, and the company's role in the early revival of Lexington's historic distilling neighborhood. He also talks about the distillery's commitment to traditional production, Kentucky grains, small batches, and pot stills—and why those choices make a difference in the glass. Then James takes Mark and Matt inside Barrel House's expansion into Cynthiana. With production space in Lexington stretched to its limits, the company is building its next chapter in Harrison County, a community with its own rich distilling past. James discusses plans to move production to the new location while keeping Lexington as the home base, along with tours and a smaller Elkhorn Tavern experience for visitors. Along the way, they dig into a custom toasted-barrel selection program, the limited releases that whiskey fans chase, and even the family history behind Barrel House's Devil John Moonshine. And, of course, there's plenty of bourbon to taste and review! The three pours featured in this episode: Barrel House Select Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon – a limited monthly release Barrel House Custom Toasted Barrel "Buttered Biscuit" Bourbon – Liquor Barn barrel pick Rock Castle Bourbon, Batch 22 – limited-release wheated bourbon From the early days of Lexington's Distillery District to the future of craft distilling in Cynthiana, this episode is packed with local history, whiskey stories, great pours, and plenty of laughs. This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Bluegrass Distillers, District 7 Social, and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

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 tables are turned as Ms. Viv takes over the questioning and puts Big Chief in the hot seat. From his earliest days behind the microphone to the people, places, and pours that shaped his journey, nothing is off-limits.   Expect plenty of laughter, a few surprises, heartfelt memories, and maybe even a story or two Big Chief wasn't planning on telling!   First Half – Weller Antique 107   Big Chief and Ms. Viv kick off the celebration with W.L. Weller Antique 107, a wheated Kentucky straight bourbon that's become a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.   As they sip, Ms. Viv takes Big Chief back to where it all began. They revisit the early days of podcasting, the challenges along the way, and the friendships that turned a passion for whiskey into something much bigger.   Second Half – Jimmy's Bourbon 10 Year   For the second half, they raise a glass of Jimmy's Bourbon 10 Year as the conversation turns toward the lessons learned over 500 episodes, unforgettable moments, and what the future holds for Big Chief and The Whiskey Trip.   Ms. Viv keeps the questions coming, including a special Quick Fire Round that puts Big Chief on the spot!   But this episode is about more than bourbon or microphones. It's about the people who have made the journey worthwhile.   From the distillers and industry legends to the everyday whiskey lovers who have welcomed Big Chief into their homes, bars, and lives, every single one has helped shape this incredible ride.   Five hundred episodes. Thousands of pours. Countless friendships. One incredible journey.   Big Chief wants to thank every guest who has shared a story, every listener who has tuned in, and every friend who has supported him along the way.   Because at the end of the day, whiskey is what brings us together, but friendship is what keeps us coming back.   And remember, folks, Be a Rising Tide. Lift others up, celebrate their successes, and never forget the people who helped you along the way.   Here's to the next 500!   Cheers, and remember… TAKE THE RIDE!