The Mash Bill Podcast

Before Prohibition, Pennsylvania rye whiskey helped shape American whiskey culture through coal towns, frontier distillers, the Whiskey Rebellion, and the rise of Monongahela Rye. Today, a new generation is fighting to preserve that history. In this episode of The Mash Bill Podcast, I sit down with Max and Brendan of Ponfeigh Distillery to explore the revival of Pennsylvania rye whiskey and the de...

What happened to Pennsylvania rye whiskey and why was it once one of the most important whiskey styles in America? In this interview, I sit down with rye historian Sam Komlenic to explore the forgotten history of Pennsylvania rye, Monongahela rye whiskey, the rise of legendary brands like Old Overholt, and the role rye whiskey played in early American culture. Sam walks us through the origins of P...

The story behind American whiskey doesn’t start in Kentucky. It starts in places like Washington, Pennsylvania. In this episode of  The Mash Bill Podcast , Whitney Rye travels to Washington, PA to explore the deeper roots of American whiskey, sitting down with industry voices to uncover the craftsmanship, history, and innovation that shaped what we now know as bourbon and rye. From early distillat...

Step inside Oxmoor Farm, one of Kentucky’s most historic estates, founded in 1787 as a 2,000 acre land grant and home to the Bullitt family for over 230 years. In this full podcast episode, we dive into the remarkable stories that shaped this estate, from early Kentucky politics and the Civil War to the very laws that defined Bourbon as we know it today. Discover how Thomas Walker Bullitt helped s...

Step into the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, with host and Bardstown native Whitney Rye as she takes you behind the scenes of the 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. This special mash-up episode brings you the voices of festival attendees, Master Distillers, and Brand Founders, capturing the energy and excitement straight from the grounds. From the adrenaline of the iconic Barrel Relay to the prestige...

In this episode of The Mash Bill Podcast, Whitney Rye sits down inside Whiskey House in Elizabethtown, Kentucky with founder David Mandell. Together, they explore what it really takes to build a distillery and brand in today’s whiskey industry. From the science of culture and leadership to the role of data, technology, and innovation, Mandell shares how every decision shapes the future of whiskey...

Step inside one of Louisville's most iconic bourbon bars. In this episode of the Mash Bill Podcast, I sit down with Brian Downing, owner and general manager of The Silver Dollar in Louisville, Kentucky. From its beginning as a historic firehouse to its place today as a cornerstone of the city's bourbon scene, Brian shares the story of how this Clifton neighborhood favorite has evolved whil...

In this episode of The Mash Bill Podcast, we sit down with Master Distiller Stephen Beam of Limestone Branch Distillery, a name that resonates deeply in the world of Kentucky bourbon. As a descendant of both the Beam and Dant families, Stephen carries generations of whiskey-making heritage—while also forging his own path through the revival of the iconic Yellowstone Bourbon brand. We explore Steph...

In this episode of The Mash Bill Podcast, we sit down with legendary Master Distiller Steve Nally to explore his remarkable journey through more than five decades in the bourbon industry. From his early days at Maker’s Mark to helping build Bardstown Bourbon Company from the ground up, Steve’s story is one of legacy, resilience, and a true love for the craft. Together, we dive into the story behin...

Join us on  The Mash Bill Podcast  as we sit down with Jeff and Walter, CEO and COO of Whiskey Thief Distillery, at their beautiful Franklin County farm distillery. In this exclusive interview, we dive deep into their unique Farm to Flask philosophy, highlighting their hands-on bourbon production style and explaining why their bourbon is only available directly from them. With no distribution, the...

In this episode of The Mash Bill Podcast, I sit down with Will Woodington, National Brand Ambassador for Chicken Cock Whiskey, to talk about one of the oldest bourbon brands in America. From its deep roots in Prohibition-era history to its modern-day revival, we cover how Chicken Cock has stayed true to its legacy while finding fresh ways to connect with today’s drinkers. Will shares some of his f...

In this powerful episode of  The Mash Bill Podcast , Whitney sits down with the four founders of  Four Branches Bourbon —each representing a different branch of the U.S. military. What began as a tribute to one fallen brother quickly grew into something far bigger: a mission to honor  all  who served. Their motto,  “Don’t drink to forget, sip to remember,” is more than a tagline—it’s a call to ref...

In this episode of  The Mash Bill Podcast , Whitney Rye sits down with the three visionary founders behind  Old Steelhouse Distillery —a once-abandoned industrial site now undergoing a remarkable revival. Located in the heart of bourbon country, Old Steelhouse is being carefully reimagined from the ground up using  original blueprints ,  historical archives , and a fierce commitment to preserving...

What do you get when you sit down with a bourbon legend? A masterclass in legacy, innovation, and storytelling. In this episode of The Mash Bill Podcast, host Whitney Rye sits down with Bill Samuels Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Maker’s Mark and one of the most influential figures in modern bourbon history. Together, they dive into the history of the Maker’s Mark brand, its unlikely rise in the 1950s...

In this exciting episode of  The Mash Bill Podcast , host Whitney Rye sits down with John Rempe, the visionary Master Distiller and Blender at Lux Row Distillers, to explore the fascinating journey behind his acclaimed Blood Oath bourbon series. Hear firsthand how John's innovative blending approach, combining rare bourbons of varying ages and unique finishes, has made Blood Oath one of bourbo...

Bourbon didn't disappear during Prohibition-it became the foundation of a criminal empire, fueling fortunes, betrayals, and a war fought in the shadows. Bootleggers seized loopholes, corrupt officials turned a blind eye, and whiskey flowed through underground networks guarded by those willing to kill for it. The government's war on liquor only made bourbon more powerful, shifting control from mobs...

Take a moment to tune into Whitney's knowledgeable bourbon insights on how Blade and Bow's story began with the founding of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery in 1935. A Louisville icon and home to the fathers of bourbon. Sit down, pour a glass, and enjoy! Want to take your bourbon game to the next level? Join Whitney for a tasting in Bardstown, KY – you might even bump into one of her amazin...

Enjoy some impeccable storytelling skills with Whitney as she brings us along for the ride of the epic story of Buffalo Trace and E.H. Taylor. Economic downturns, fires, prohibition and leadership in-fighting make this the story you can't miss. Pour yourself a glass, and lets get into it! Want to take your bourbon game to the next level? Join Whitney for a tasting in Bardstown, KY – you might even...

Thanks for the influx of messages from my supporters without which I wouldn't have thought to do this week's episode: My why! Why this all means so much to me, how I got where I am, and what fuels me to keep going (besides amazing Bourbons, of course). Also: thank you so much for all your messages and feedback! Especially you, Oz! Keep it coming. I love it reading, replying, and learning about you...

Happy New Year! We’re starting the year with a  spirited chat with Trevor Bowles, who’s gone from bartender to bourbon-loving connoisseur. 🥃 Together, we’re diving into the history of legendary cocktails like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned, plus tips for crafting  spirit-forward sips  that’ll wow your friends. Want to take your bourbon game to the next level? Join Whitney for a tasting in Bardst...

Happy holidays everyone! We hope it was magical and you got all your favorite bottles! This week, follow along as we chat with special guest Kenny (iykyk) about the Secondary Market during and after COVID. Get the tea on some stolen bottles and better understand why this market is one of the most stubborn ;) To take part in a tasting with Whitney (and maybe even catch on of her guests!) in Bardsto...

Welcome to The Mash Bill Podcast! Host Whitney Rye explores the world of bourbon, diving into its rich history, traditions, and unique flavors. This episode focuses on the evolution of single-barrel bourbon, a high-quality product gaining popularity in the last decade. Today we switch it up and cover a product instead of a brand: The creation and evolution of single-barrel bourbon! Listen in to th...

Let's explore the story behind Barton 1792 from its 1800s origins to its modern developments: fires, lawsuits, ownership changes - I'm going to spill all the tea - or rather, all the mash.