The Bourbon Life

01:20:39

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 40 - Kevin...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/10/06

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with Kevin LeBlanc — The Bourbon Gator, one of the rising voices in the whiskey community. Kevin is a Southeast Texas whiskey enthusiast and content creator who's building a following by keeping whiskey fun, approachable, and all about community. We talk about how The Bourbon Gator got started, his journey into whiskey, creating content, and where he hopes to take the brand next. On this week's ride: Kevin pours Chickenduck Wheated Bourbon (94

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01:27:06

Season 7 , Episode 36: Owen Martin, Master Distiller...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/10/02

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and Matt welcome back Owen Martin, Master Distiller at Angel's Envy, for his second appearance on the show and a wide-ranging conversation about how both Owen and the brand have evolved since his last visit in 2024. Owen catches listeners up on his journey at Angel's Envy and talks about becoming more comfortable in the role nearly four years in. He explains why he increasingly thinks of himself as a "whiskey maker" rather than simply a distiller,

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01:40:28

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 39 - Dude Poole,...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/09/29

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with his good friend Dude Poole, author of The Men Who Made American Bourbon: Bourbon Barons Volume 1, host of The Bourbon Hunters Podcast, and a certified Executive Bourbon Steward. This isn't your typical interview. It's two buddies sitting down with a couple of great pours and talking about bourbon, history, podcasting, and the friendships that come along with this crazy whiskey journey. Dude shares what pushed him to become an author and the

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01:13:39

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 38 - Paul...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/09/22

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads north to New York's Hudson Valley to sit down with Paul Coughlin, founder of Taconic Distillery. Paul shares how Taconic got its start, what it's been like building a family-owned distillery in New York, and the story behind the American Foxhound that has become such a recognizable part of the brand. And you know Big Chief isn't making this trip without drinking some whiskey. First Half Taconic Bottled in Bond Bourbon – 100 Proof Taconic

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01:23:31

Season 7, Episode 35: Zach Johnston, Chief Brand...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/09/18

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and Matt welcome back Zach Johnston, Chief Brand Officer and Senior Vice President of International Sales at Blackwood Distilling Co,, for a wide-ranging conversation about how the brand has grown and evolved since his last appearance on the show nearly two years ago. Zach breaks down Blackwood's approach to whiskey, including its unique one-to-one rebarreling process using new toasted Kelvin barrels and the philosophy behind creating a more

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01:21:31

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 37 - Monica...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/09/15

This week on The Whiskey Trip, O'l Big Chief sits down with Monica Wolf, CEO of The Blending House, and Matt King, Director of Operations, for a conversation about bourbon, family, craftsmanship, and legacy. For Monica, bourbon is part of her family story. She's carrying forward the legacy of her father and a rich history in the bourbon industry, while continuing to put her own mark on that story. Matt's journey is different. He's building a legacy of his own, using his talents, hard work, and

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01:15:53

Season 7, Episode 24: Zane Brammell, Founder - New...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/09/11

On this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast presented by VisitLEX, Mark sits down with first-time guest Zane Brammell, founder of New Era Whiskey & Social Club, for a fun conversation about how a Lexington barrel club grew into a whiskey brand built around single barrels, storytelling, and community. Zane shares his path from working in healthcare and through the COVID years to discovering bourbon through time spent with his stepfather. That interest quickly turned into a passion for barrel picks

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01:27:51

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 36 - Caryn...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/09/08

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads to Owensboro, Kentucky, for a conversation with Caryn Wells, National Brand Ambassador for Green River Distilling Company. Green River has a story stretching back to 1885, and Caryn joins Big Chief to talk about the history, resilience and revival of this historic Kentucky whiskey brand. They explore the significance of DSP-KY-10, Green River's place in Owensboro whiskey history, and how the brand is building on that legacy today. Of course, no

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01:24:21

Season 7, Episode 23: Damon Thayer & Andre Regard,...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/09/04

On this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast presented by VisitLEX, Damon Thayer and Andre Regard, co-founders of Kentucky Senator Bourbon, return to the show for another fun conversation about the continued growth of the brand, their newest releases, and what's ahead. Damon and Andre catch Mark up on some big changes for Kentucky Senator Bourbon, including moving much of their storage and bottling operations to Bardstown Bourbon Company, launching an online store that can ship to 46 states, and

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01:33:18

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 35 - Nicholas...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/09/01

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with his good friend Nicholas Alphonso, founder of Guardian Coins. They were friends long before Guardian Coins became a sponsor of the show, and this episode is about that friendship, Nicholas's story, the meaning behind Guardian Coins, and honoring those who serve. Nicholas is also a newer whiskey drinker, so Big Chief takes him on a six-pour whiskey ride. First Half: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon & Dancing

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01:21:36

Season 7, Episode 22: Denny Potter & Jane Bowie,...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/08/28

On this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast presented by The 1933 Society, Denny Potter and Jane Bowie, co-founders of Potter Jane Distilling Company, return for another fun and candid conversation about building their distillery, changing course, and what comes next for Potter Jane. Mark and Matt catch up with Denny and Jane about the launch of Big Vat Liar, the sourced Kentucky bourbon that playfully acknowledges their earlier declaration that Potter Jane would never source whiskey. They explain

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02:01:42

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 34 - Thomas &...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/08/25

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with Thomas and Nicholas Maas of Dancing Goat Distillery for a conversation about family, legacy and three generations of whiskey knowledge. "Family isn't just the blood that runs through your veins. It's the people who stand beside you, share the hard miles, celebrate the good ones, and never let you ride alone." Big Chief, The Whiskey Trip In the first half, Big Chief pours Stillman's Sonder 10 Year Straight Bourbon and the Stillman's Sonder

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01:09:53

Season 7, Episode 21: John Wadell, Head...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/08/21

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast presented by Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse, Mark and Matt are joined by John Wadell, Head Taster, Blender, and Single Barrel Curator at Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., for a long-overdue return to the show. Recording from the Kentucky Peerless Suite at Hotel Distil in Louisville, John catches them up on how his role has evolved and reflects on his journey from the early days of Peerless to helping guide the whiskey the distillery is producing today. John

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01:35:44

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 33 - Brion...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/08/18

"Life's storms have a way of clearing the trail. Fair weather friends disappear when the rain starts falling, but the ones who ride beside you through the storm, that's your tribe." Big Chief This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with Brion Dalton and Jared Porritt, founders of Taking the Whiskey Ride, for a conversation about whiskey, friendship, loyalty, and giving back. The three start the ride with The Whiskey Trip Ironroot Republic Single Barrel Pick, the barrel that brought

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01:11:48

Season 7, Episode 20: Diane Strong, Executive...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/08/14

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and Matt are joined by Diane Strong, Executive Director of Bourbon on the Banks, for a great conversation about the continued growth of the festival and what guests can expect when it returns to Frankfort on Saturday, October 3. Diane talks about how Bourbon on the Banks has evolved since its beginning in 2019, why its relaxed atmosphere along the Kentucky River has become such an important part of its identity, and how the event continues to attract

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01:20:25

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 32 - Samantha...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/08/11

The Whiskey Trip heads deep into the Texas Hill Country this week for a stop in Hye, Texas, and a conversation with Samantha Olvera of Garrison Brothers Distillery. Samantha takes Chief through her incredible 12-year journey with Garrison Brothers, from the earlier days of the distillery to watching it grow into one of the most recognized names in Texas whiskey. Along the way, they talk about the people behind the bottles, the hard work that happens when nobody is watching, and Samantha's genuine

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01:32:58

Season 7, Episode 19: Steve Smith, Founder - Uncle...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/08/07

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark travels to Louisville to sit down with Steve Smith, Founder of Uncle Boojie's Distilling Co., for a captivating conversation about family history, Kentucky heritage, and the role bourbon plays in connecting us to the stories that came before us. Steve shares his own background as an entrepreneur, preservationist, and storyteller before diving into the remarkable history of his Howard family ancestors, whose distilling roots in Howardstown, Kentucky,

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01:16:06

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 31 - Heather &...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/08/04

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with Heather and Derek Latzel of Porchlight Distillery in Mason, Texas, one of the newest members of the Texas Whiskey Trail. This episode isn't about finding a finished product. It's about remembering that everyone starts somewhere. As the group shares pours of Porchlight's 95-proof Wheated Bourbon, they talk honestly about the challenges of building a craft distillery from the ground up. The whiskey is still young, but it already shows

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01:17:43

Season 7, Episode 18: Peggy Noe Stevens & Heather...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/07/31

On this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and Matt welcome back two returning favorites and some of the most respected educators in the bourbon world: Peggy Noe Stevens and Heather Wibbels. Peggy is the President of Peggy Noe Stevens & Associates, a Master Bourbon Taster, and a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. Heather, known throughout the bourbon community as Cocktail Contessa, is a whiskey educator, author, and former Managing Director of Bourbon Women. Since their last

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01:07:22

The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 30 - Jordan...

The Bourbon Life ·

2026/07/28

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads to Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery in Spicewood, Texas, to sit down with CEO and President Jordan Watters. Jordan shares the story behind one of Texas' fastest-growing craft distilleries, the vision that built Iron Wolf, and why Texas whiskey continues to make its mark across the country. The first half of the episode features Iron Wolf's High Rye Bourbon, where Big Chief and Jordan discuss the bold spice and balanced sweetness that define the pour. They

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