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. Ashley shares what this transition means for her career, the opportunities it creates, and why she's more excited than ever about the future of whiskey.

The conversation then turns to one of the most anticipated bourbon releases of the year—Jacob Spears Bourbon. Named in honor of one of Kentucky's earliest distillers, the whiskey was distilled by Bourbon Hall of Famer Jim Rutledge and blended by Ashley. Matt and Mark even have the unique opportunity to taste and weigh in on two different small batch blend variations before discussing the final direction of the brand, along with a standout single barrel expression.

Ashley also previews the upcoming Grand Slam Bourbon Fest, taking place August 27 at League Stadium in Huntingburg, Indiana, where bourbon and baseball come together to celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with an unforgettable day of great whiskey, great history, and great fun.

And, of course, no episode of The Bourbon Life would be complete without a lineup of incredible pours. This week, the crew tastes and reviews:
• 2015 Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition (a release Ashley helped blend alongside Jim Rutledge during their time at Four Roses)
• Two Jacob Spears Bourbon Small Batch blend variations
• Jacob Spears Bourbon Single Barrel
• Two Worlds Whiskey Alliance

Whether you're interested in the art of blending, the story behind an exciting new bourbon brand, or simply enjoy hearing from one of the industry's most respected blenders, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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

0 0

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 conversation begins with Ryan sharing his background and the journey that ultimately led him to Whiskey House, where innovation isn't just a buzzword - it's a core part of the company's DNA. David and Ryan discuss how Whiskey House's unique approach to contract distilling and product development allows them to tackle projects that many distilleries simply can't, while also navigating the challenges facing today's whiskey market.
The discussion then turns to one of the most exciting and ambitious spirits projects to hit the market in recent years: SHANG Whiskey. David and Ryan take listeners behind the scenes of this groundbreaking collaboration between Maritime Brands, True Essence Foods, Guìzhōu Guótái Shùzhì Liquor Group, Whiskey House, and The Blending House. They explore the rich history of Jiang Xiang Baijiu in China, the remarkably complex process used to produce it, and how that centuries-old tradition became the foundation for an entirely new whiskey category.

Listeners will also get an inside look at the creation of SHANG East + West, a first-of-its-kind whiskey that blends American red sorghum whiskey developed by Whiskey House with Jiang Xiang Baijiu, creating a truly unique expression that bridges Eastern and Western distilling traditions.

And, of course, no episode of The Bourbon Life would be complete without a tasting. Matt, Mark, David, and Ryan sip and review three exceptional pours, including E.H. Taylor Single Barrel in honor of Ryan's time at Buffalo Trace, along with the brand-new SHANG Dan Yu Whiskey and SHANG East + West Whiskey.

Whether you're fascinated by innovation, curious about the future of whiskey, or simply looking to learn about one of the most unique spirits projects ever brought to market, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at creativity, collaboration, and category creation in the whiskey world.

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

4 2

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 sensory analysis, education, and spirits, and how that path ultimately led her to create Flavor Camp, an innovative program designed to help people better understand flavor and develop their tasting skills. She also discusses how her passion for sensory evaluation opened the door to becoming an IWSC judge and what it means to be selected for such an esteemed role.

Across three segments, Reece pulls back the curtain on the IWSC, explaining its global reputation, the rigorous judging process, and what a typical day looks like for judges tasked with evaluating some of the finest spirits from around the world. She also shares her personal approach to judging, how she strives for objectivity, and what separates truly exceptional spirits from the rest of the field.

Of course, no Bourbon Life episode would be complete without a tasting. In a fun and entertaining twist, Matt and Mark put Reece's palate to the test with a blind tasting featuring three whiskies that recently earned the coveted Gold Outstanding designation at the IWSC North American Spirits Competition held in Kentucky. Did one of the competition's own judges identify the award-winning pours?

You'll have to tune in to find out.

Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast, an aspiring taster, or simply curious about how the world's best spirits are judged, this episode offers an engaging behind-the-scenes look at the art and science of tasting.

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

2 0

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 experiences, and her thoughts on the ever-evolving bourbon and cocktail scene. The conversation dives into everything from cocktail creativity and hospitality trends to bourbon culture, entertaining at home, and what it really takes to create unforgettable experiences around great pours.

Of course, no visit from Nikki would be complete without incredible drinks. During the episode, they enjoy a delicious Strawberry Mint Julep crafted by Nikki especially for the show, taste and review the new Very Olde St. Nick Immaculata from Preservation Distillery, and wrap things up with another Nikki creation — a fantastic plum-infused Cocchi di Torino Vermouth concoction that had everyone reaching for another sip.

As always, the conversation is relaxed, entertaining, and full of laughs, honest pours, and plenty of bourbon passion. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, bourbon lover, or someone who simply appreciates great hospitality, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Pour yourself something tasty, settle in, and enjoy this flavorful episode with Nikki King.

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

4 0

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 guys lean into it with plenty of laughs, industry insight, and a few moments that wander delightfully off script.

Across three segments, the conversation covers some of the biggest headlines currently buzzing around the bourbon world. The crew dives into the news of MGP Ingredients halting production for brands like Lux Row Distillers and Limestone Branch Distillery, unpacking what it could mean for sourced whiskey and the broader market. They also tackle the growing debate over whether single barrel picks are starting to lose their shine in an increasingly saturated space—offering some honest (and likely controversial) opinions along the way. And of course, there’s plenty of discussion around the headline-grabbing rumor of Sazerac Company potentially making a massive move to acquire Brown Forman, and what a deal of that scale could mean for the future of the industry.

On the tasting side, the crew puts three bottles through their paces: the new Bardstown Bourbon Company Cascadia Garryana Oak Bourbon, Jim Beam Single Barrel Bourbon, and the highly anticipated 2026 release of Star Hill Farm Whiskey. As always, the reviews are candid, the palates are honest, and the reactions are exactly what you’d expect—ranging from pleasantly surprised to “let’s talk about this…”

It’s another classic Crew episode—relaxed, entertaining, and packed with bourbon knowledge, strong opinions, and just enough chaos to make you feel like you’re right there at the table with them.

This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by District 7 Social and The Kitchen Table at The James B. Beam Distilling Co.

4 0

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 backgrounds and how that led them both to the Bourbon world, the incredible history and story of the William Berkele Distillery and the Burnt Tavern of Garrard County, as well as what the future looks like for the brand and Distillery.

The conversation blends industry insight with plenty of laughs, behind-the-scenes perspective, and the kind of easygoing camaraderie that makes these episodes feel like you’re right there at the table.

They also taste and review the initial release from William Berkele Distillery, their flagship Burnt Tavern 7-Year Old Bourbon.

From thoughtful discussion about the history of the brand to honest reviews of what’s in the glass, this episode delivers a great mix of information and entertainment for bourbon fans of all levels.

Pull up a chair, pour yourself something good, and enjoy this episode with Bennett Clark and Royce Blevins.

This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by District 7 Social and The Kitchen Table at The James B. Beam Distilling Co.

2 1

In this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and the Crew 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 evolve an event as iconic as the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Randy shares insights into the vision for the Festival, how it continues to grow, and what bourbon fans can expect moving forward.

The conversation blends industry insight with plenty of laughs, behind-the-scenes perspective, and the kind of easygoing camaraderie that makes these episodes feel like you’re right there at the table.

As always, the Crew also tastes and reviews three outstanding pours from New Riff:
• New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon
• New Riff 8-Year-Old Bottled in Bond Bourbon
• New Riff 6-Year-Old Malted Rye

From thoughtful discussion about the evolution of bourbon culture to honest reviews of what’s in the glass, this episode delivers a great mix of information and entertainment for bourbon fans of all levels.

Pull up a chair, pour yourself something good, and enjoy this episode with The Bourbon Life Crew and Randy Prasse.

4 0

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.

2 2

In this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, the entire TBL Crew is back together for a laid-back but lively roundtable that feels like you’re hanging out in the studio with the guys. There’s no formal guest this week—just good bourbon, honest opinions, and the kind of unfiltered conversation that only happens when the crew gets together.

Across three segments, the guys catch up on what’s been happening in their bourbon worlds, share a few behind-the-scenes updates, and dive into some spirited discussion about current releases, hunting culture, secondary market madness, and what’s trending (and what probably shouldn’t be). As always, there’s plenty of laughter, a few hot takes, and the kind of camaraderie that makes these crew episodes fan favorites.

Of course, the pours are flowing and the reviews are honest. This episode features tastings of:
· Ten Runner Bourbon
· Willett Family Estate Small Batch Bourbon
· Rare Character TKO “The Sturgeon” Whiskey Caviar Barrel Pick Bourbon

From thoughtful commentary to good-natured ribbing, this one delivers classic TBL Crew energy. Pour yourself something neat, settle in, and enjoy a fun, free-flowing conversation with the guys.

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

2 0