In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, presented by Liquor Barn, Mark is flying solo and hanging out in Bardstown, Kentucky at the original home of Jim Beam with James B. Beam Distilling Co. 8th generation Master Distiller, Freddie Noe, talking about all things country ham.

Mark and Freddie talk about the history of curing meats like country ham and the similarity of curing ham and distilling grains into whiskey, the Noe family history of curing country ham and his grandfather, Booker’s, love of curing country ham, and the different ways that people enjoy their country ham including prosciutto style which is how Mark and Freddie enjoy it on this episode.

During the Episode they sip on a Booker’s Batch No. C90-K-28 that Mark picked up a few years ago and they enjoy it with some 19-month old prosciutto style country ham that Freddie and his dad, Fred, cured and smoked themselves in their home smokehouse.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by Liquor Barn and is also sponsored by Penelope Bourbon, Limestone Farms Bourbon, Regard Law Group, Old Dominick, Three Chord Bourbon, James E. Pepper Distillery, and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at:

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief takes his larger-than-life presence to the mountains to uncover the magic of Woody Creek Distillers. And he’s not alone—he’s joined by none other than William “Bill” H. Macy—Hollywood legend turned whiskey man—alongside the brilliant Mixologist, Sean Kenyon.

Bill dives deep, telling the Big Man how he stumbled into the world of Woody Creek, sharing his favorite whiskey cocktail, singing a tune (yes, you read that right), and even giving us a sneak peek into his future acting projects. Meanwhile, Sean serves up some serious whiskey wisdom, proving that when it comes to Woody Creek’s craft, he’s the man with the plan—and the perfect pour.

The trio kicks things off with Woody Creek Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a 70% corn, 15% rye, and 15% malted barley masterpiece. One sip in, and it’s like biting into a fig cookie with a side of tart apple—complex, rich, and downright delicious.

Then, things take a turn for the spicy as they tackle Woody Creek’s 100% Rye Whiskey. Think orange spice candy meets fresh-baked raisin bread, a flavor that instantly transports you back to sneaking sweets from Grandma’s candy dish—except this time, no one’s stopping you.

This episode is all about how a hobby can turn into an obsession—and for Bill Macy, whiskey is the real deal. So, grab a glass, kick back, and join us for another wild, whiskey-filled adventure on The Whiskey Trip. Cheers!

In this REMIX Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out with Mike Sherman, Vice President, of Vendome Copper & Brass Works in Louisville, Kentucky. This Episode originally aired as Episode 208 on February 2, 2024.

The guys talk with Mike about his background and his decision at a fairly young age to join the family business, the rich history of the Vendome brand which was started in the early 1900’s by Mike’s great-grandfather, and the incredible growth of the company over the past 25 years and what the future looks like for Vendome.

They also taste and review three expressions – all of which are made using Vendome stills – including Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Bourbon, Sugarlands Distilling Co. Roaming Man Tennessee Rye Whiskey Batch 12, and Old Forester 1920.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Liquor Barn, Limestone Farms, Porch Kitchen & Bar, Bluegrass Distillers, The Stave Restaurant, Three Chord Bourbon, and District 7 Social.

Check out our amazing sponsors online at:

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief raises a glass and his voice in honor of a fellow veteran, Preston “Papa Whiskey” Wall from Frontline Heroes Outdoors (FHO)—an organization that’s changing lives one adventure at a time.

Papa Whiskey shares the incredible mission of FHO: bringing healing, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose to military personnel, veterans, law enforcement, first responders, and their families. Through the power of the great outdoors—and yes, the unifying spirit of whiskey—FHO creates experiences that remind these heroes they are never alone.

To kick things off, Big Chief and Papa Whiskey dive into pours of Penelope Toasted Barrel picks—special selections that have not only delighted palates but also helped raise crucial funds for FHO’s mission. And the journey doesn’t stop there! In the second half, they savor outstanding whiskey from Milam & Greene, a distillery that understands the importance of supporting those who serve.

This episode reignited Big Chief’s passion for using his platform to amplify the voices of veterans and first responders—men and women who have given everything and deserve a community that gives back.

So pour yourself a glass, settle in, and ride along for an episode that’s more than just whiskey—it’s about brotherhood, resilience, and the power of lifting each other up. Cheers to the heroes!

In this Episode of the Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and his special Co-Host, Chad, spend some time hanging out in The Bourbon Life Studios with Brian Luftman, Co-Founder, of Never Say Die.

The guys talk with Brian about his background as a trader in Chicago and how the connections that he made in that world eventually led him to the wonderful world of Bourbon, the incredible story behind the namesake of the brand, a horse named Never Say Die, and how a shot of Bourbon, the Epsom Derby, Queen Elizabeth, and The Beatles, all tie into the creation and story of the brand, and also Never Say Die’s unique process of shipping barrels of Kentucky Bourbon and Rye to England, via ocean passage, to continue aging and maturing in England.

They also taste and review Never Say Die’s Kentucky Straight Small Batch Bourbon, their Kentucky Straight Rye, and their Barrel Strength Kentucky 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

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief visits Frankfort, Kentucky, to sit down with Jeff and Cam Mattingly of J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery and Bourbon 30—where tradition is honored, craftsmanship is respected, and every bottle carries a legacy.

For nearly two centuries, the Mattingly family has played a vital role in shaping the bourbon industry, their expertise spanning nine whiskey operations and countless collaborations with some of the most respected names in the business. Jeff and his son Cam continue that tradition, refining the single barrel selection process into something truly remarkable. But their work extends beyond whiskey—they are committed to giving back, donating $10 from every bottle sold to veteran organizations across the country. Their dedication to honoring those who have served is a testament to their values and the deeper meaning behind their craft.

Big Chief begins the show with Bourbon 30 at 100 proof—a pour that carries rich, nutty character with a warm rye spice that lingers on the palate. He then moves to their core SKU at 116 proof, a whiskey layered with deep, dark fruit sweetness, balanced by a spice that stays with you long after the last sip.

The second half of the show is a tribute to those who have sacrificed for our nation. The 82nd Airborne expression, bottled at 128 proof, is bold and unwavering—much like the paratroopers it represents. Its spice and tobacco notes command respect, a reflection of the courage and grit required to serve in one of the most demanding units in the military. To close out, Big Chief raises a glass to another military tribute—The Combat Infantry Badge, Batch 6. At 135 proof, this light whiskey is powerful yet refined, with buttery richness, seasoned oak, honey, and a touch of smoke. The finish is long and meaningful, much like the service and dedication of those it honors.

This episode is more than just a whiskey tasting—it is a moment to recognize and respect the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. As a veteran, I extend my gratitude to the Mattingly family for their commitment to both bourbon and the brave individuals who defend our freedoms.

So pour a glass, take a moment to reflect, and join us for another meaningful journey on The Whiskey Trip. Cheers!

In this Episode of the Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt & Mark spend some time hanging out in The Bourbon Life Studios with their good friend and fellow Bourbon Life Crew Member, Chad. They were going to name the Episode “Three Guys and a Bottle” but after much deliberation realized that it might not be the best idea to do so.

The guys talk about the ratification of the new standard of identity for American Single Malt which became effective on January 19th and what that means for the whiskey industry in the US, whether the role of social media influencers and the amount of marketing in general for Bourbon have dropped off over the past few months and what that might signify overall for the Bourbon market, and the recent re-emergence of American Light Whiskey and the impact that category might have on the US whiskey market over the next few years.

They also taste and review High Peaks Distilling’s Cloudsplitter American Single Malt, a Huling Station Trolley Stop Series Madison Ave. Line 9-Year Old Wheat Whiskey, and a Pride of Indiana 10-Year Old Straight American 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 to northern Ohio to visit his good friend and the undisputed king of all things maple—Kevin Holy, founder of Seldom Seen Farm and now the visionary behind Seldom Seen Whiskey Company.

Kevin shares the story of his family’s bold new adventure into the world of distilling with Seldom Seen Whiskey Company—DSP-OH-20142. With years of experience aging maple syrup in bourbon barrels, he’s now taking that mastery and crafting his own finished spirits—blending tradition, passion, and a touch of maple magic.

As the conversation flows, so does the whiskey. Big Chief enjoys a Giant Texas Distillery Maple Finished Cask Strength Rye, while Kevin savors a Penelope Havana—both infused with the unique character of his maple syrup bourbon barrels. Each sip tells a story, rich with the essence of hard work, patience, and craftsmanship.

This episode is about more than whiskey—it’s about the relentless pursuit of a dream, the art of the American farmer, and the magic of turning nature’s sweetness into something unforgettable.

So pour yourself a glass, settle in, and join us for another unforgettable ride on The Whiskey Trip. Cheers!