The Bourbon Life

Kyle Lloyd joins The Bourbon Life Podcast for an in-depth conversation about his journey through the world of whiskey and the path that ultimately led him to Preservation Distillery. This week, Mark sits down with Kyle to explore his background and education, his time working at Michter's, and the experiences that helped shape his approach to whiskey before joining the team at Preservation Distill...

This week, Big Chief sits down with McCauley Williams of Duck Club Bourbon to talk about one of the fastest-growing names in American whiskey and the philosophy behind the brand.   Although Riley Green is a part owner, Duck Club Bourbon was never intended to be a celebrity bourbon. From day one, the mission has been simple: create bourbon for the outdoorsman. It's built around hunting camps, duck...

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief welcomes Allisa Henley, Master Distiller at AJ Bond Distillery, for a conversation rooted in Tennessee whiskey tradition, craftsmanship, and the people who helped shape one of America's great whiskey legacies.   Throughout the episode, they sip on AJ Bond's New Tennessee Whiskey, bottled at 95 proof. The whiskey opens with inviting aromas of caramel, vanill...

Ashley Barnes is back for her fourth appearance on The Bourbon Life Podcast , and as always, she brings plenty of insight, honesty, and exceptional whiskey along for the ride. Matt and Mark catch up with Ashley to discuss her recent departure from The Spirits Group and her exciting new chapter as an independent blending consultant, while continuing her role as Master Blender for The Blending House...

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief welcomes Hemal Patel and Joe Godfrey of Patel Bourbon for a conversation about friendship, craftsmanship, and the journey of building a premium whiskey brand. Patel Bourbon was founded on the idea that great whiskey should be more than just something you drink. It should be something that brings people together, sparks conversation, and creates lasting memo...

In this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark welcome back fan-favorite guest David Mandell, Co-Founder and CEO of Whiskey House of Kentucky, for his fourth appearance on the show. Joining him for the first time is Ryan Poe, Distillery Senior Manager and Head of Innovation at Whiskey House of Kentucky, making not only his Bourbon Life debut, but his very first podcast appearance. The...

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with Cody Stys from The Vaults at The Stanley Hotel, a one-of-a-kind whiskey destination located beneath one of Colorado's most famous historic hotels.   The conversation begins with the rich history of the Stanley Hotel, which opened in 1909 and has become a landmark in the Rocky Mountains. The hotel is perhaps best known for inspiring Stephen Ki...

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...

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...

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 craftsmanshi...

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...

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 experie...

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 incredib...

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...

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 stre...

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 f...

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...

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 spouse...

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...

This week, Big Chief takes you on a ride that doesn't just sip whiskey… it digs it straight out of the dirt and pours history into your glass. The show kicks off with a bold pour of Old Kernel from Ironclad Distillery Co. —a whiskey that sets the tone for what's ahead. Rich, rooted, and unapologetically tied to place, it's the perfect way to open a conversation about grain, heritage, and identity....

In this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and Matt sit down with Randy Prasse, President & COO of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, for a great conversation about one of the premier bourbon events in the world and what's ahead for the Festival. Across three segments, the guys dive into Randy's background, how he found his way into the bourbon industry, and what it takes to help lead and evolv...

Big Chief takes you deep into the heart of Texas whiskey country with Jake Clements , the man behind one of the most authentic gatherings in the Lone Star State—the Texas Whiskey Festival.   Set against the rugged, old west backdrop of Star Hill Ranch in Bee Cave , the 9th Annual Texas Whiskey Festival isn't just an event—it's a full-blown Texas whiskey family reunion. Weathered wood, dusty street...

In this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and the crew are back in the studio for a laid-back, no-guest hang—just good bourbon, good stories, and plenty of unfiltered conversation. With Stacey and Chad out, the guys take full advantage of the opportunity to dive into a wide range of topics, from what's happening in the bourbon world right now to some classic behind-the-scenes banter that o...

This week, Big Chief heads out West to Fallon, Nevada and sits down with the heart and soul behind Frey Ranch Distillery, founders, farmers, and distillers, and husband and wife team, Colby Frey and Ashley Frey. This isn't just whiskey, this is dirt to glass, grown under big sky country and built with grit. The ride kicks off with a pour of Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a true four grain ex...

This week on The Whiskey Trip , Big Chief rolls into the rhythm, heat, and soul of New Orleans with Kevin Alker, owner and distiller of Old Alker Distillery. This one hits different… it's got history in its bones, music in its step, and whiskey that carries a family legacy back to life. Long before Old Alker was filling bottles, the Alker name was moving wood… barrel staves flowing through New Orl...