The Bourbon Life

The Bourbon Life

The Bourbon Life is your source for all things Bourbon. Reviews | Events | Interviews | Lifestyle

  1. 19 HR AGO

    Season 7, Episode 11: Nikki King, Owner - Tannins & Proof Hospitality Consulting

    In this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt & Mark welcome special guest Nikki King, Owner of Tannins & Proof Hospitality Consulting, for a fun, flavorful, and hospitality-driven conversation that blends great bourbon with great cocktails and even better stories. Across three lively segments, Nikki shares her journey in the hospitality world, her passion for creating memorable guest experiences, and her thoughts on the ever-evolving bourbon and cocktail scene. The conversation dives into everything from cocktail creativity and hospitality trends to bourbon culture, entertaining at home, and what it really takes to create unforgettable experiences around great pours. Of course, no visit from Nikki would be complete without incredible drinks. During the episode, they enjoy a delicious Strawberry Mint Julep crafted by Nikki especially for the show, taste and review the new Very Olde St. Nick Immaculata from Preservation Distillery, and wrap things up with another Nikki creation — a fantastic plum-infused Cocchi di Torino Vermouth concoction that had everyone reaching for another sip. As always, the conversation is relaxed, entertaining, and full of laughs, honest pours, and plenty of bourbon passion. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast, bourbon lover, or someone who simply appreciates great hospitality, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Pour yourself something tasty, settle in, and enjoy this flavorful episode with Nikki King. This Episode is sponsored by District 7 and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

    1hr 30min
  2. The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 20 - Paul Dunning - 13th Century Whiskey

    3 DAYS AGO

    The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 20 - Paul Dunning - 13th Century Whiskey

    This week on The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief rides into the shadow of Pikes Peak to sit down with Paul Dunning from 13th Century Whiskey in beautiful Colorado Springs.   Paul has built something truly unique in the whiskey world — a brand where every bottle is part of the experience. Each handcrafted release features a blown glass figure inside, from copper stills and aging barrels to incredible wildlife designs, making these bottles true shelf pieces and instant conversation starters.   Crafted at the base of Pikes Peak, 13th Century Whiskey ages its spirits in small 30-gallon barrels, creating bold cask-strength pours packed with flavor while remaining remarkably smooth.   Big Chief kicks things off with the Reserve Rye at 143 proof — unfiltered and unapologetic. Dark caramel, black pepper, baking spice, and toasted oak explode from the glass before finishing with a long warming spice.   He then moves to the Reserve Bourbon at 142.2 proof to close out the first half. Vanilla bean, maple syrup, dark cherry, and caramelized sugar coat the palate with a rich oily mouthfeel that drinks far smoother than the proof suggests.   On the second half, Big Chief pours the Cigar Blend — a toasted barrel-finished bourbon at 141 proof — and immediately gets transported back to childhood campfires and s'mores. Toasted marshmallow, graham cracker, melted chocolate, espresso, and charred oak create one unforgettable pour.   To finish the ride, Big Chief pours their American Single Malt at 134.4 proof, which quickly became the star of the show. Honey, toasted malt, dark fruit, chocolate-covered raisins, and subtle smoke deliver a rich and balanced finish that refused to quit.   Throughout the episode, Paul shares the story behind building 13th Century Whiskey, the inspiration behind the unforgettable bottles, and the passion required to stand apart in today's whiskey world.   Take the Ride. Cheers.

    59 min
  3. 12 MAY

    The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 19 - Ms. Viv - The Heart Behind the Ride

    This week on The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief pulls back the curtain and introduces listeners to the woman behind the ride — Ms. Viv.   For years, she's been the quiet strength behind the microphone, the steady hand through the miles, and the heart that helped keep this journey moving forward. From long road trips and whiskey festivals to distillery visits and late-night recordings, Ms. Viv has stood beside Big Chief with unconditional love and support while embracing the whiskey life every step of the way. Along the journey, she became more than just a supporter — she became a true Whiskey Trippin' Woman.   On the first half, they sip on Giant Texas Distillery's Cask Strength Honey Cask from Houston, Texas, as Viv shares stories from years of traveling whiskey country together. From meeting incredible people to seeing firsthand how whiskey brings folks together, she opens up about life behind the scenes of The Whiskey Trip.   On the second half, they pour Maker's Mark Cask Strength and reflect on the ride they've built together — the sacrifices, the laughter, the memories, and the bond that turned a passion for whiskey into something much bigger than either of them imagined.   This episode is heartfelt, honest, and full of gratitude for the woman who has been there through it all.   The woman. The support. The soul. The Whiskey Trip wouldn't be the same without her.   Episode out now. Take the Ride. Cheers.

    1hr 12min
  4. The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 18 - Aaron & Gavin - The Noble Dram

    5 MAY

    The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 18 - Aaron & Gavin - The Noble Dram

    This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief rides into Houston, Texas to link up with the crew from The Noble Dram—a show that's built its reputation on exploring whiskey from around the world and delivering tasting notes that help you decide what's worth the chase.   Aaron and Gavin bring that global perspective, and this episode turns into a true collaboration—stories, insight, and pours that stretch from Georgia to Texas and beyond.   On the first half, Big Chief pours something special—Effie Jewel from Doc Brown Farm & Distillers. This limited run, four-year-old Georgia bourbon is crafted with heirloom Jimmy Red corn, then sent to the Texas Coast where six months of humidity and salt air shape it into a bold, one-of-a-kind pour.   Then on the second half, he shifts gears and opens up an 8-year-old cask strength Jimmy's from Kiepersol Distillery—and this one flat out delivers. It's loaded with a stunning rye spice that hits with authority, layered with that unmistakable horehound candy note that lingers and pulls you right back in for another sip.   But this ride isn't just about what's in the glass. The conversation drifts into hometown sports—loyalty, pride, and the teams that raised us—and rolls right into BBQ philosophy, where opinions run strong and tradition matters just as much as technique.   This episode is about more than whiskey—it's about culture, community, and the stories that come with every pour.   Take the Ride with Big Chief. Cheers.

    1hr 29min
  5. 1 MAY

    Season 7, Episode 10: The Bourbon Life Crew - Unscripted & Unfiltered

    In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and the Crew are back behind the mics for another laid-back Crew hang—just good bourbon, sharp takes, and the kind of unfiltered conversation that always seems to take on a life of its own. With Chad out this time, the dynamic shifts just enough to keep things interesting, and the Crew leans into it with plenty of laughs, industry insight, and a few moments that wander delightfully off script. Across three segments, the conversation covers some of the biggest headlines currently buzzing around the bourbon world. The Crew dives into the news of MGP Ingredients halting production for brands like Lux Row Distillers and Limestone Branch Distillery, unpacking what it could mean for sourced whiskey and the broader market. They also tackle the growing debate over whether single barrel picks are starting to lose their shine in an increasingly saturated space—offering some honest (and likely controversial) opinions along the way. And of course, there's plenty of discussion around the headline-grabbing rumor of Sazerac Company potentially making a massive move to acquire Brown‑Forman, and what a deal of that scale could mean for the future of the industry. On the tasting side, the Crew puts three bottles through their paces: the new Bardstown Bourbon Company Cascadia Garryana Oak Bourbon, Jim Beam Single Barrel Bourbon, and the highly anticipated 2026 release of Star Hill Farm Whiskey. As always, the reviews are candid, the palates are honest, and the reactions are exactly what you'd expect—ranging from pleasantly surprised to "let's talk about this…" It's another classic Crew Episode—relaxed, entertaining, and packed with bourbon knowledge, strong opinions, and just enough chaos to make you feel like you're right there at the table with them. This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by District 7 Social and The Kitchen Table at The James B. Beam Distilling Co.

    1hr 18min
  6. The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 17 - Mark Rucker, The Bourbon Life

    28 APR

    The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 17 - Mark Rucker, The Bourbon Life

    This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief takes a ride with Mark Rucker from the The Bourbon Life Podcast—a show built on one simple truth: bourbon isn't just something you drink… it's a journey you live.   This episode is all about the conversation.   Big Chief puts Mark in the hot seat—digging into how The Bourbon Life got its start, the road it's taken, and the people and moments that shaped it along the way. It's real talk about podcasting, passion, and staying authentic in a world where bourbon just keeps getting bigger.   And yeah… the pours are flowing.   Big Chief lines up:   Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled-in-Bond Russell's Reserve 10 Year Bourbon Knob Creek 10 Year Blender's Cut — one that might just be creeping into Big Chief's Whiskey of the Year conversation   Mark brings his own fire:   Eagle Rare Store Pick Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled-in-Bond Knob Creek 12 Year Bourbon 120 Proof   But this ride isn't about breaking down tasting notes—it's about the questions, the stories, and the perspective from both sides of the mic.   From bourbon culture and hype to where things are headed next, Big Chief keeps it honest and keeps it moving—pulling out the kind of conversation you only get when two guys who live this stuff sit down and let it ride.   Because at the end of the day… it's not about the bottle. It's about the story behind it.   Take the Ride with Big Chief. Cheers

    1hr 15min
  7. The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 16 - Preston Wall, Frontline Heroes Outdoors

    21 APR

    The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 16 - Preston Wall, Frontline Heroes Outdoors

    This week on The Whiskey Trip podcast, Big Chief sits down with Preston Wall for a ride that goes beyond the glass, diving into service, sacrifice, and the power of real connection. Frontline Heroes Outdoors (FHO) is a Texas-born 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting active duty military, veterans, law enforcement, and first responders—along with their families, with a strong focus on spouses of deployed members and Gold Star Families. Through outdoor adventures and shared experiences, FHO creates a space where camaraderie is rebuilt, purpose is rediscovered, and no one has to carry the weight alone.  On the first half, Big Chief pours a 12-year Old Charter Oak French Oak while Preston shares how it all began. Aged in rare French Oak, this bourbon delivers rich sweetness, subtle oak influence, and a silky, refined texture that sets the tone for a powerful story of mission and impact.  On the second half, Big Chief cracks into the new Blender's Edition 01 from Knob Creek, the first in a limited series focused on the art of blending. This release brings bold notes of dark vanilla, honey, and rich spice. At 10 years old, 106 proof, and priced at $39.99, it raises the question of whether Jim Beam is signaling a shift—bringing real value back to the shelf.  Preston also sips on one of FHO's barrel picks from Southern Spirits Collective, highlighting a key part of their mission. These hand-selected barrels aren't just great whiskey—they're tied directly to giving back. Each pick helps support the heroes and families FHO serves, turning every pour into something bigger than the glass. It's whiskey with purpose, building community one bottle at a time.  This episode is about more than great whiskey. It's about honoring those who serve, building something meaningful, and supporting a mission that truly matters. Take the Ride with Big Chief. Cheers

    1hr 13min
  8. 17 APR

    Season 7, Episode 9: Bennett Clark, President, and Royce Blevins, Lead Founder - Burnt Tavern Bourbon

    In this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and the Matt sit down with Bennett Clark, President, and Royce Blevins, Lead Founder, of Burnt Tavern Bourbon from William Berkele Distillery, for a great conversation centered around some amazing Kentucky history and a new brand bringing that history back to life. Across three segments, the guys dive into Bennett and Royce's respective and unique backgrounds and how that led them both to the Bourbon world, the incredible history and story of the William Berkele Distillery and the Burnt Tavern of Garrard County, as well as what the future looks like for the brand and Distillery. 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. They also taste and review the initial release from William Berkele Distillery, their flagship Burnt Tavern 7-Year Old Bourbon. From thoughtful discussion about the history of the brand 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 Bennett Clark and Royce Blevins. This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by District 7 Social and The Kitchen Table at The James B. Beam Distilling Co.

    1hr 22min

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The Bourbon Life is your source for all things Bourbon. Reviews | Events | Interviews | Lifestyle

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