This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief takes a break from the highways and settles into the cozy charm of The Hemmingway Hideout in Bridge City, Texas. It’s the kind of spot where whiskey wisdom is shared over a well-loved bar top—and today, Big Chief is joined by none other than Kevin Hemmingway, a local aficionado with a deep love for finely crafted bourbon.

In the first half, they dive into a bottle of the Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Bottled-in-Bond from the iconic Heaven Hill Distillery. With a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley, this 100-proof wheated bourbon is a nod to tradition and time. On the nose, it opens with a fragrant bouquet of orange zest, wild strawberries, and sweet honeysuckle, inviting and bright with a soft floral touch.

The palate delivers a decadent wave of chocolate-covered strawberries, accented by hints of cherry Twizzlers and rounded out with a beautiful cinnamon spice that adds warmth and structure. It all comes together in a long, sticky, mouth-coating finish—the kind of finish that hugs the tongue and reminds you why Bottled-in-Bond is still a badge of honor. This is a buy all day long.

In the second half, Big Chief and Kevin Hemmingway explore something more experimental—the Woodford Reserve Distillery Series Tawny Port Finish. This rare release is a blend of Woodford’s classic bourbon mash bill (72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley) and their rye mash bill (53% rye, 33% corn, 14% malted barley), all finished in rich tawny port casks and bottled at 90.4 proof. The nose is a wild ride of layered complexity: starting with a distinct kettle corn funk, then evolving into notes of grape zest, clove, nutmeg, licorice, and a bold wave of port-soaked fruit.

On the palate, the port influence shines through with dark fruit, toasted oak, and silky tannins, all balanced by a gentle nuttiness that adds earthy depth. The sip closes with a dry, medium-length finish, offering just enough restraint to keep you curious. This one’s a try-before-you-buy. The flavor’s there—but it would be an easy buy if it came in at a higher proof point.

Whether you crave bonded heritage or port-finished innovation, this episode serves up both with flavor and Texas flair.

Pour a glass, take a seat, and enjoy the ride on The Whiskey Trip.

In this REMIX Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and his special co-host, Stacey, spend some time hanging out on location at The Kitchen Table at The James B. Beam Distilling Co. with Jason Betts, Consumer Relations Manager, for The James B. Beam Distilling Co. This Episode originally aired on June 14, 2024 as Episode 227.

Mark & Stacey talk with Jason about his extensive background and how that experience led him to Beam 9 years ago as well as what his job as Consumer Relations Manager entails, the creation of their incredible on-site restaurant, The Kitchen Table at The James B. Beam Distilling Co., and the awesome events that they host there, and all of the different tours and experiences that guests can have at The James B. Beam Distilling Co.

They also taste and review the just released Golden Origins Corn Whiskey, which is part of the Hardin’s Creek Series, the soon-to-be-released Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye, and the recently released Little Book Ch. 8: Path Not Taken.

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 all of our amazing sponsors online at:

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com