The Bourbon Life

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

The Bourbon Life is a arts podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts The Bourbon Life, a arts show with 100 episodes published.

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  Episode #39

  The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 39 - Dude Poole, Author - The Men Who Made American Bourbon: Bourbon Barons Vol. 1

  Sep 28, 20261h 40mS4

  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 work that went into researching and writing The Men Who Made American Bourbon: Bourbon Barons Volume 1 . He and Big Chief dig into some of the men and stories found throughout the book and how these bourbon barons helped shape an industry that would become part of American history. There's also plenty of history between these two. Dude is the man responsible for Big Chief's infamous "Bourbon Bullshitter" T-shirt, and Big Chief has made the trip over to The Bourbon Hunters Podcast before. Big Chief also congratulates Dude and the Bourbon Hunters crew on an incredible milestone—500 episodes behind the microphones. For the first half, Big Chief pours Weller Antique 107, while Dude reaches for a Crittenden Wheated Bourbon. They talk about what's in their glasses while diving deeper into Dude's bourbon journey, the podcast, his research, and how the idea of writing a book about the men behind American bourbon became a reality. For the second half, they get on the same page and both sip on Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C921. With a big barrel-proof bourbon in the glass, the conversation continues into bourbon history, writing, podcasting, and the people they've met along the way. From being guests on each other's shows to the Bourbon Bullshitter T-shirt, 500 episodes of The Bourbon Hunters, and now Dude becoming a published bourbon author, there's plenty to talk about on this ride. At its heart, this episode is about more than what's in the glass. It's about preserving bourbon history, telling the stories of the people who built the industry, and the friendships that are made along the whiskey journey. Pour yourself something good and join Big Chief and Dude Poole for another trip through American whiskey history. Take the Ride.

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  Episode #38

  The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 38 - Paul Coughlin, Founder - Taconic Distillery

  Sep 21, 20261h 14mS4

  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 Founder's Straight Rye – 90 Proof Second Half Taconic Double Barrel Maple Bourbon – 90 Proof Taconic Distiller's Select Bourbon – 6 Years Old, 134 Proof The ride starts with Bottled in Bond and rye before moving into the Maple Bourbon and finishing BIG with that 134-proof Distiller's Select. Along the way, Paul and Big Chief talk whiskey, family, the Taconic story, and what it takes to build a distillery while staying true to your roots. And don't forget about this week's Taconic giveaway! Head over to The Whiskey Trip social media pages for all the details and get entered before time runs out. Grab a glass, pour yourself something good, and come hang out with Big Chief and Paul. Cheers! Take the Ride!

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  Episode #35

  Season 7, Episode 35: Zach Johnston, Chief Brand Officer and Sr. VP of International Sales - Blackwood Distilling Co.

  Sep 17, 20261h 24mS7

  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 complete, rounded flavor profile without letting the secondary barrel overwhelm the whiskey. He also explains how the Toasted 105 line was developed to offer the same Blackwood character at a more approachable proof and price point while still delivering the depth and finish the brand is known for. The conversation also explores Zach's path from restaurants, bars, travel, and spirits writing into the whiskey business, as well as Blackwood's expansion beyond Kentucky into additional U.S. markets. Zach discusses the realities of building an international sales strategy in a constantly changing trade environment and why identifying new opportunities and being willing to pivot have become essential for growing brands. Closer to home, Zach talks about Blackwood's move into Lexington, including its bottle shop and tasting room, and the launch of the Blackwood Barrel Association. He explains how the program gives members access to special bottles, early releases, unique merchandise, and more personal tasting experiences while creating a stronger connection between the brand and its supporters. Zach also gives Mark and Matt a look at what's coming next from Blackwood, including Fifty/50, a collaboration with Germany's Stork Club that combines German rye with Blackwood Toasted Barrel Strength Rye, and Country House, an upcoming 12-year, non-toasted bourbon release that marks a new direction for the brand. And, of course, they taste and review three Blackwood expressions, including: · Blackwood Toasted 105 Bourbon · Blackwood Toasted 105 Rye · Blackwood Toasted Rye Barrel Strength It's a fun, informative conversation about toasted whiskey, thoughtful blending, building a premium brand, navigating a changing bourbon market, and what's ahead for Blackwood Distilling. This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by VisitLEX and sponsored by Bluegrass Distillers, District 7 Social, and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

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  Episode #37

  The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 37 - Monica Wolf, CEO and Matt King, Director of Operations - The Blending House

  Sep 14, 20261h 22mS4

  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 passion for bourbon to help shape what comes next at The Blending House. On the first half, the trio kick off the Whiskey Trip with E.J. Curley Small Batch Bourbon before moving on to E.J. Curley Single Barrel Bourbon. As the glasses are passed around, Monica talks about her father, her family's history in bourbon, and what it means to carry that legacy forward while continuing to write her own chapter. On the second half, Big Chief, Monica, and Matt keep the conversation rolling with Ten Runner Bourbon before finishing the trip with 31 Lengths Bourbon. Matt shares more about his journey and what it means to build a name and legacy of his own in an industry where history, tradition, relationships, and craftsmanship mean so much. This week's giveaway is something special. One lucky winner will receive a bottle of E.J. Curley Single Barrel Bourbon, a The Whiskey Trip rocks glass, and an incredible custom copper bottle thief handcrafted by Matt King himself. It's a unique piece made by one of this week's guests and a perfect reminder of the craftsmanship behind this episode. It's two different journeys coming together at The Blending House: Monica carrying forward a family legacy and Matt creating one of his own. Sometimes the Whiskey Trip is about honoring the legacy handed down to you. Sometimes it's about building one that others will remember. Pour yourself something good and join O'l Big Chief, Monica Wolf, and Matt King for this week's episode of The Whiskey Trip. Take the Ride.

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  Episode #24

  Season 7, Episode 24: Zane Brammell, Founder - New Era Whiskey & Social Club

  Sep 11, 20261h 16mS7

  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 and eventually a local barrel club that grew from a few hundred members to nearly 3,000 before inspiring him to take the next step and create New Era. They dig into the story behind the brand, including the newspaper-inspired labels, the headline concept, and Zane's love of physical media and creative storytelling. Zane also explains the principles behind New Era's whiskey program: sourcing whiskey at a minimum of eight years old, bottling at cask strength, and keeping every release single barrel. He also talks about the hands-on approach to selecting barrels and why making the barrel-pick experience fun and personal is such an important part of the brand. The conversation also turns to the newly opened New Era Distillery and Social Club in Lexington. Zane talks about the community-first vision behind the space, the strong turnout for the grand opening, and how Social Club members receive specially selected monthly bottles while also having a place to gather, taste, and connect. He also shares how the Social Club gives New Era another way to use its labels to tell meaningful personal stories. Mark and Zane also look ahead to continued growth for New Era, including plans to expand into additional states in 2027 while continuing to work with retailers, clubs, and groups on unique single-barrel selections. And, of course, they taste and review three different New Era single-barrel picks, including: · New Era 1st & Market Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 8 Year · New Era Warriors Rise for Princess Nyla Rye – 14 Year · New Era Midnight Flight Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 19 Year It's a wide-ranging conversation about finding community through bourbon, building a brand from the ground up, creating memorable single-barrel experiences, and giving every bottle a story worth telling. This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by VisitLEX and sponsored by Bluegrass Distillers, District 7 Social, The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co., and Hotel Distil.

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