In this REMIX Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, presented by Liquor Barn, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out with Graham McTavish, Founder & President, of McTavish Spirits. This Episode orginally aired on July 19, 2024.

The guys talk with Graham about his remarkable career as an actor and how his secret love for Bourbon that began over 20 years ago led him to start McTavish Spirits, the designation of “celebrity whiskey” that has been slapped on some celebrity endorsed brands and how Graham stays actively involved with McTavish Spirits to avoid that moniker being applied to his whiskies, as well as what the future looks like for McTavish Spirits.

They also taste and review McTavish Spirits’ “The Keeper” Kentucky Straight Rye and “The Warchief” Bottled in Bond Bourbon.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by Liquor Barn and is also sponsored by Penelope Bourbon, Limestone Farms Bourbon, Pappy & Co., Old Dominick, The Stave Restaurant, 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:

www.liquorbarn.com

www.penelopebourbon.com

www.limestonefarms.com

www.pappyco.com

www.olddominick.com

www.thestavekentucky.com

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.jamesepepper.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

This week, Big Chief takes listeners to Fort Worth, Texas, to visit Blackland Distillery. He sits down with Master Distiller Ezra Cox to dive into their innovative approach to distilling, including the use of the modern iStill technology from the Netherlands.

Ezra shares how he combines advanced technology with brewing techniques, including the use of unconventional grains like triticale, a wheat-rye hybrid sourced from the Blackland Prairie of Texas—the inspiration for the distillery’s name. This unique approach gives Blackland’s whiskey its distinct terroir and character.

The episode begins with a tasting of Blackland Prairie Gold Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, featuring a mash bill of 80% yellow corn and 20% triticale. At 100 proof, it delivers bold, complex flavors with a subtle, smooth finish. Next, Big Chief samples the 100% Triticale Texas Straight Whiskey at single-barrel cask strength. Not yet released but slated for 2025, this whiskey leaves Big Chief amazed, declaring it a contender for his Whiskey of the Year.

In the second half, Ezra offers a special treat: a cask-strength Rye Whiskey with a mash bill of 80% rye and 20% triticale. Big Chief picks up notes of root beer candy, herbal mint spice, deep caramel, and dark fruits, all leading to a long, satisfying finish. They then explore the Blackland Texas Pecan Brown Sugar Bourbon, a 70-proof flavored whiskey that balances the woody richness of pecans with sweet molasses, vanilla, and oak. Perfect as a dessert whiskey, its broad appeal makes it a standout.

The episode wraps with Blackland Texpresso Whiskey, a 70-proof spirit combining Texas whiskey with coffee, pecans, and brown sugar. Big Chief calls it a game-changer, ideal for sipping neat or crafting the ultimate espresso martini with just a splash of espresso.

This episode celebrates the evolution of distilling through modern technology and innovative grain use. Cheers to another unforgettable journey on The Whiskey Trip!

In this REMIX Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast presented by Liquor Barn, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out with Dr. Pat Heist, Chief Scientific Officer, Co-Founder, & Co-Owner, of Wilderness Trail Distillery, in Danville, Kentucky. This Episode originally aired on March 28, 2024.

The guys talk with Pat about his impressive background that led him to start Wilderness Trail with his friend, and Co-Founder, Shane Baker, the incredible growth that the brand has experienced since its inception in 2012, and the recent buyout by Campari and the impact that will have on the Wilderness Trail brand moving forward.

They also taste and review the Wilderness Trail Trail Mix which includes single barrel expressions of their wheated Bourbon, their high Rye Bourbon, and their Rye whiskey.

This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by Liquor Barn and is also sponsored by Penelope Bourbon, Limestone Farms, James E. Pepper Distillery, Bluegrass Distillers, The Stave Restaurant, Three Chord Bourbon, Pappy & Company, The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co., and Keeper’s Heart.

Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at:

www.liquorbarn.com

www.penelopebourbon.com

www.limestonefarms.com

www.jamesepepper.com

www.bluegrassdistillers.com

www.thestavekentucky.com

www.threechordbourbon.com

www.pappyco.com

www.visitthekitchentable.com

www.keepersheartwhiskey.com