In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out in The Bourbon Life Studio with Julian Jones, Co-Founder and Master Distiller, of West Fork Whiskey Co. located in Westfield, Indiana.

The guys talk with Julian about the decision that he, his brother, Blake, and their childhood friend, David McIntyre made to leave their professional careers to start an Indiana focused, grain to glass Distillery back in 2014, their West Fork Whiskey lineup that focuses on grain to glass production as well as their MGP-sourced Hamer Bourbon line, including Old Hamer and Hugh Hamer, which features a 99% corn, 1% malted barley mashbill, as well as what the future looks like for West Fork Whiskey Co. and the Hamer Bourbon line.

They also taste and review their Old Hamer Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey, their Hugh Hamer Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Rum Barrels, and their award-winning Hugh Hamer Double Oaked Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Three Chord Bourbon and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Check out our amazing sponsors online at:

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads deep into the heart of Houston, Texas, to shine a spotlight on a remarkable group reshaping the whiskey world: The Women’s Whiskey Society. He sits down with Founder Summer Sanford and member Stephanie Burleigh to uncover their inspiring mission to empower, educate, and celebrate women in the dynamic and complex realm of whiskey.

Since its founding in 2022, The Women’s Whiskey Society has become a force to be reckoned with, hosting over 30 events annually, all at an approachable cost. From distillery tours to exclusive barrel picks, these passionate women are embracing every facet of the whiskey experience and making it accessible to all.

The episode begins with the trio savoring High West Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Big Chief paints a vivid picture of its rich, earthy character, with well-balanced flavors of candy corn, honey nougat, and sweet cornbread biscuits—a sip that feels like home. They follow it up with High West Double Rye, a bold, spice-forward pour with notes of menthol, mint, eucalyptus, herbal tea, wildflower honey, and allspice. Big Chief even picks out a playful note of gummy bears, proving his palate doesn’t miss a thing.

As they dive into the second half, the ladies introduce Big Chief to High West Rendezvous Rye, a masterpiece of complexity. It bursts with flavors of raspberry jalapeño jelly on toasted brown bread, clove-infused orange slices, vanilla-poached dates, homemade applesauce with cinnamon sticks, and fried dough dusted in powdered sugar. Every sip reveals something new—this whiskey is a sensory journey.

The lineup continues with High West Campfire, a bold and smoky blend with notes of vanilla, salted caramel, toasted brioche, red berry compote, chai spices, orange zest, cedar, and pipe tobacco. The complexity of this pour evokes the feeling of sitting around a campfire, wrapped in a warm, smoky embrace.

To close out the show, Stephanie surprises everyone with a bottle of High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram—a rye whiskey like no other. Big Chief is floored by its decadent profile of rye toast with marmalade, cherry, dried fruit, herbs, tobacco, and toasted oak. It’s a symphony of flavors and the perfect note to end on.

This episode is a toast to the women who are redefining the whiskey community, proving that this spirit is for everyone. Cheers to The Women’s Whiskey Society and their dedication to spreading knowledge, passion, and love for whiskey. Here’s to another unforgettable adventure on The Whiskey Trip!

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, The Bourbon Life Crew reassembles in The Bourbon Life Studios for their 1st Episode of 2025.

The Crew members each make their bold predictions for the Bourbon industry for 2025, discuss some recent negative news about the state of the Bourbon industry as a whole, and dive into the recent Surgeon General warning regarding alcohol consumption and the impact that could have on the industry.

They also taste and review a 2022 Shenk’s, the Fall 2024 Old Fitzgerald Bottle in Bond 11 Year Old Bourbon, and Dancing Goat Distillery High Rye 8 Year Old Bourbon.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Three Chord Bourbon and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Check out our amazing sponsors online at:

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com