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The Bourbon Life is your source for all things Bourbon. Reviews | Events | Interviews | Lifestyle
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- Yesterday1h 31m
Season 7, Episode 12: Reece Sims, Judge - IWSC & Founder, Flavor Camp
In this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark sit down with Reece Sims, Founder of Flavor Camp and a judge for the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), for a fascinating conversation about flavor, spirits evaluation, and one of the most respected competitions in the world of whiskey. The conversation begins with Reece sharing her unique journey into the world of sensory analysis, education, and spirits, and how that path ultimately led her to create Flavor Camp, an innovative program designed to help people better understand flavor and develop their tasting skills. She also discusses how her passion for sensory evaluation opened the door to becoming an IWSC judge and what it means to be selected for such an esteemed role. Across three segments, Reece pulls back the curtain on the IWSC, explaining its global reputation, the rigorous judging process, and what a typical day looks like for judges tasked with evaluating some of the finest spirits from around the world. She also shares her personal approach to judging, how she strives for objectivity, and what separates truly exceptional spirits from the rest of the field. Of course, no Bourbon Life episode would be complete without a tasting. In a fun and entertaining twist, Matt and Mark put Reece's palate to the test with a blind tasting featuring three whiskies that recently earned the coveted Gold Outstanding designation at the IWSC North American Spirits Competition held in Kentucky. Did one of the competition's own judges identify the award-winning pours? You'll have to tune in to find out. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast, an aspiring taster, or simply curious about how the world's best spirits are judged, this episode offers an engaging behind-the-scenes look at the art and science of tasting. This Episode is sponsored by District 7 and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.
- 4 days ago1h 8m
The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 23 - Jason Pelle, Head Distiller - State 38 Distilling
This week on The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief rides into Golden, Colorado, to sit down with Jason Pelle, Head Distiller at State 38 Distilling. As a fellow veteran and former Navy Diver, Jason brings a story built on service, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities that now find their way into every bottle that leaves the distillery. On the first half of the show, the guys raise a glass of State 38 Straight Wheat Whiskey, where notes of honey, vanilla, and fresh baked bread create an inviting start to the ride. They then move to State 38 Bourbon Whiskey, delivering rich layers of caramel, toffee, baking spices, and oak that showcase the heart of Colorado craft whiskey. On the second half, the adventure continues with State 38 Straight Rye Whiskey, packed with black pepper, mint, and cinnamon spice. Then comes the moment listeners won't want to miss as Big Chief steps out onto the ledge and dives into State 38 Peat Smoked Whisky. What begins with campfire smoke unfolds into rich malt, dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and a newfound appreciation for a style of whiskey that often divides drinkers. Throughout the conversation, Jason shares his passion for the craft, the lessons learned through military service, and the pride that comes from creating spirits that bring people together around a shared story and a good pour. This episode is a reminder that great whiskey is more than grain and barrels—it's about the people behind it, the journeys they've traveled, and the legacy they leave in every glass. Pour yourself a dram, settle in, and Take the Ride.
- 1 weeks ago1h 34m
The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 22 - Patrick Miller, Founder & Distiller - Talnua Distillery
This week on The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief returns to Arvada, Colorado, for his third visit with Patrick Miller, founder and distiller of Talnua Distillery and a pioneer of American Single Pot Still Whiskey. Patrick shares updates on Talnua's continued growth and his mission to bring this historic Irish whiskey style into the American whiskey landscape while embracing Colorado craftsmanship and innovation. On the first half of the show, the guys sip Talnua's Bourbon Cask & Stave Series Bottled-in-Bond American Single Pot Still Whiskey, aged a minimum of four years in ex-bourbon casks with charred American white oak staves, followed by their American White Oak Cask Bottled-in-Bond expression, aged four years in first-fill charred American white oak casks. Both are bottled at 100 proof and showcase the rich, grain-forward character that defines Talnua. On the second half, they pour the Sherry Cask Bottled-in-Bond American Single Pot Still Whiskey before diving into the 2026 Olde Saint's Keep Special Release, a unique collaboration finished in six different casks sourced from fellow Colorado distilleries. The show closes with Talnua's newest Single Barrel selection for Bluegrass Lounge and Hazel's Beverage World, bottled at a robust 116.7 proof and aged in a former Elijah Craig barrel. From tradition to innovation, this episode highlights why Talnua remains one of the most unique and respected craft distilleries in America. Pour a glass and Take the Ride with Big Chief. Cheers.
- 2 weeks ago1h 14m
The Whiskey Trip - Season 4, Episode 21 - Craig Engelhorn - Spirit Hound Distilers
This week on The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief heads to Lyons, Colorado — the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park — to sit down with Craig Engelhorn from Spirit Hound Distillers for a ride through mountain whiskey culture and handcrafted American Single Malt. With a deep brewing background, Craig shares how his passion for grain and fermentation shaped Spirit Hound's whiskey program, along with the story behind the incredible still he hand crafted himself. On the first half, the guys sip Spirit Hound's American Single Malt with a touch of peated malt before diving into their Bottled in Bond Palo Cortado Finished American Single Malt loaded with dark fruit, roasted nuts, and an unforgettable horehound candy finish. The second half climbs even higher with the Colorado Honey Finished American Single Malt, where the honey enhances the whiskey without overpowering it. They finish the ride with a monster rye whiskey made from 70% rye and 30% malted barley bottled at a staggering 155.6 proof. Big, bold, spicy, and unapologetic just like the Rocky Mountains it calls home. Take the Ride with Big Chief. Cheers.
- 3 weeks ago1h 29m
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.
- 3 weeks ago59 min
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.
- May 12, 20261h 12m
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.
- May 5, 20261h 28m
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.
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