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 only the Crew can deliver.

Across three segments, the conversation flows naturally (as it tends to do), mixing bourbon insights with plenty of laughs, strong opinions, and a few moments that probably went just a little off the rails—in the best way possible. It's the kind of episode that feels like you're sitting at the table with them, glass in hand. The guys talk about recent updates on the Bardstown Bourbon and Uncle Nearest litigation as well as the proposed merger between Brown Forman and Pernod Ricard.

They also taste and review a 2018 Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon , the brand new 2026 Michter's 10 Year Bourbon, and the brand new Rare Perfection 10 Year Bourbon from Preservation Distillery.

As always, the reviews are honest, the takes are unfiltered, and the conversation is exactly what you've come to expect from a Crew episode—relaxed, entertaining, and full of bourbon passion.

Pull up a chair, pour yourself something neat, and enjoy this fun, free-flowing episode with The Bourbon Life Crew.

This Episode is sponsored by District 7 and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

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 expression that tells the story of their land. With a mash bill of 66.6% corn, 11.4% winter rye, 10% soft white wheat, and 12% two row barley malted right there on site, this one carries the Frey fingerprint from seed to sip. At 90 proof, it drinks with a little more fire than expected, maybe that double distillation, maybe that dry Nevada air, but it settles in with notes of citrus, banana chips, caramel, white pepper, and toffee dancing across the palate.

Then the second half, and folks, this is where it gets serious.

The Freys introduce their upcoming April release, the inaugural Farm Strength 100% winter rye, aged 6 years and clocking in at a bold 124.52 proof. This one hits Big Chief right in the wheelhouse. We're talking horehound candy sweetness, black licorice spice, and baked apple pie dripping in caramel. It's layered, it's unapologetic, and it's already stepping into the ring as a contender for Big Chief's Whiskey of the Year.

But this episode goes beyond the glass.

It's about the grind, the land, the mindset.

Colby talks about dreaming up new ideas while riding a tractor through Nevada soil, proving innovation doesn't always come from a boardroom, sometimes it comes from the field. Ashley brings the balance, the business, and the backbone that keeps this operation pushing forward.

This is American farming meeting American whiskey at the highest level.

No shortcuts, no sourcing, just hard work, family roots, and a commitment to doing it right.

Saddle up and pour a glass, this is one hell of a ride.

Take the Ride with Big Chief, Cheers

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 Orleans, supplying some of the biggest names in American whiskey. Now that same family blood is back in the game, and you can feel it in every pour.

They open the show with Old Alker's Small Batch Blend at 100 proof. This is a front porch in the spring kind of whiskey… buttery, nutty, smooth as a slow jazz tune drifting through the French Quarter. Easy sipping, but full of character.

As the first half winds down, Big Chief and Kevin lean into a 7-year-old Single Barrel, also at 100 proof. This one dances a little. Bright summer fruits, a touch of citrus, then it settles into that sweet caramel popcorn ball note with a hint of toffee that lingers like the last note of a trumpet on Bourbon Street.

Then it's time to turn it up.

In the second half, they pour a 7-year-old Cask Strength Single Barrel at 114 proof. This pour is a straight-up baby candy bar in a glass… rich chocolate and caramel leading the charge, layered with flavor from front to back. It builds with hints of orange citrus spice that cut through the sweetness just enough to keep you coming back for another sip.

And it's damn good to see another craft distillery rising in New Orleans… adding to the story of a city that knows whiskey, respects it, and knows how to bring it to life with soul.

This episode isn't just about whiskey. It's about heritage, resilience, and bringing something back to life with purpose… the kind of story New Orleans was built on.

So grab a glass, turn up the music, and Take the Ride with Big Chief.

Cheers