The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 34 - Jonathan Maisano, Founder & Owner - K.LUKE Whiskey Co.

This week, Big Chief heads to the Lowcountry to sit down with Burnt Church Distillery President Chris Crowe and Head Distiller Peter Thompson in Bluffton, South Carolina. Together, they dive into the traditions of Carolina grains and the bold vision behind one of the Southeast’s most exciting craft distilleries. The tasting kicks off with Johny Fever Small Batch, a four-grain whiskey that immediately caught the Big Man’s attention with its balance and character. From there, they raise the bar with Anita’s Choice, a six-grain whiskey layered with depth, complexity, and a flavor profile that demands respect. In the second half of the show, Big Chief pours a truly unique expression: Bluffton Whiskey, an American rice whiskey crafted with Carolina Gold rice. Its striking character is unlike anything else on the market. The journey ends with Palmer’s Stretch, a dark, rich, chocolaty rye whiskey that leaves a lasting impression on the palate and the soul. This episode is more than a tasting, it’s a celebration of Southern heritage, bold innovation, and the people who are shaping the future of whiskey in the Carolinas. And just like Burnt Church Distillery, Big Chief believes in the power of freedom of speech, the freedom to create, and the freedom to let your voice be heard. Whiskey tells a story and this week’s episode proves that when you have the courage to be creative, the stories only get stronger. So settle in, take the ride, and remember—whiskey is best enjoyed when you sip it slow and easy. Let the flavors tell their story, let the moment breathe, and let the journey be just as rich as the pour in your glass.

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out with Owner/Chef Ruth Osterman and Chef Jessica Faulhaber from La Bonne Vie in Lexington, KY. Chef Ruth was formerly a guest on Episode 231. They talk with Ruth and Jessica about their backgrounds and how they each ended up in the culinary world, how they go about selecting the dishes and the Bourbons for their food pairings, and their upcoming Stories of Appalachia: Chef’s Table Series Dinner with Bourbon Pairing on Friday, September 26th.   They also taste and review the new 2025 Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged, the new Batch 2 of Peerless Toasted Rye, and the soon to be released Phifer Pavitt Late Nite. They pair each of these expressions with delicious appetizers prepared by Chef Ruth and Chef Jessica. 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  

This week on The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief welcomes Caleb, the TX Whiskey Geek, for a conversation that celebrates the bold and innovative world of Texas Whiskey. In the first half of the show, Big Chief pours a glass of Still Austin Red Corn Bottled in Bond (100 proof) while Caleb enjoys Milam & Greene Provisions—born in Kentucky, finished under the bold Texas sun, and bottled at 96 proof. The two discuss flavor, craftsmanship, and the stories that make these pours stand out. In the second half, the proof rises as Big Chief sips on Ironroot Harbinger 115—the distillery’s flagship bourbon with a mashbill of Purple Corn, Bloody Butcher Corn, Flint Corn, non-GMO Yellow Dent Corn, and Rye. Caleb goes all in with Ironroot Hubris Straight Corn Whiskey (117.8 proof), crafted from a mashbill of Heirloom Purple Corn, Red Flint Corn, and non-GMO Yellow Dent Corn. Together they explore how Ironroot honors heritage grains while pushing the boundaries of Texas whiskey innovation. Beyond the bottles, Caleb shares his passion for the Texas Whiskey Trail. From his weekly travels to festivals and events, he supports the distilleries, highlights the people behind the spirits, and brings the community together through his voice and storytelling. If you’ve ever wanted a guide to navigating Texas whiskey, this episode delivers the insight, energy, and authenticity that only a true whiskey geek can provide. And like every good pour, the ride doesn’t end when the glass is empty—it continues with the people, the places, and the stories that make The Whiskey Trip worth taking.

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out with Michael Nanula, CEO, and Ari Sussman, Whiskey Maker, from Three Chord Bourbon. They talk with Michael and Ari about their respective backgrounds and how they each got into the Bourbon world, the rebranding that Three Chord has gone through recently and how they are tying together the world of Bourbon and the world of music, and what the future looks like for Three Chord. They also taste and review their new Flipside Triple Wood, their Strange Collab, their Riot Double Bonded Rye, and their Hard Pressed Tennessee Whiskey. 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  

On this week’s episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads back to Houston to sit down with Master Distiller Julian Giraldo and Brand Manager Mike Cosby of Giant Texas Distillers. Julian isn’t just any guest—he was the very first to appear on the show—so it was only fitting to bring him back to share another round of stories and pours. We start with Giant Texas’ standard 90-proof expression, then move into the University of Houston Cougars commemorative bottling with notes of kettle corn, toasted sugar, and just the right amount of spice. From there, the lineup takes off:     •    A five-year-old honey infused bourbon at 105.7 proof, crafted through a unique process of resting honey in a wet bourbon barrel for six months before finishing the whiskey for another eight.     •    A maple infused rye whiskey at 118 proof, aged in an empty maple rye whiskey barrel from Seldom Seen Farm, marrying decadent maple character with rye spice.     •    And finally, a Texas brandy made from Orange Muscat and Trebbiano grapes from the Panhandle, aged seven years in a toasted barrel and bottled at 117.3 proof—a perfect palate cleanser with notes of toasted marshmallow and bright citrus. Along the way, Julian and Mike share stories of traveling together, building a community of whiskey lovers, and carrying forward the true meaning of Tejas—“friendship.” Julian also offers a sneak peek at a future American Single Malt, showcasing the distillery’s range and diversity. This episode is a perfect mix of tradition, innovation, and Texas pride—just like Giant Texas itself. So pour yourself a glass, settle in, and come along for the ride on this stop of The Whiskey Trip.

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, The Bourbon Life Crew (minus Chad) spend some time hanging out together in The Bourbon Life Studios, sharing some great conversation and great pours. The Crew talk about the recent litigation involving Uncle Nearest and what that might mean for the brand and the owners moving forward, some of the newer Bourbon experiences that have opened in Louisville and how Lexington might be able to improve its overall Bourbon tourism, and this year’s Kentucky Bourbon Festival which is just one week away. They also taste and review the new 8-year old Beam Bowling Pin Bourbon, the 2025 Bomberger’s Declaration release from Michter’s, and a special, yet to be released expression from Dark Arts featuring a blend of 16-year old Buff Turkey (to be released at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival). 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  

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with the founder and owner of K.LUKE Whiskey Company, Jonathan Maisano. A master blender of epic proportions, Jonathan has carved out a reputation for crafting whiskeys that bring together bold innovation with timeless tradition. From his start in the wine and spirits world to building K.LUKE into one of the most respected independent blending houses, Jonathan’s story is a ride worth saddling up for. Together, Big Chief and Jonathan take listeners on a sip-through of the entire K.LUKE lineup:     •    Batch 12 Barrel Strength Bourbon (117.4 Proof) – Bursting with nostalgic flavors of corn pops, roasted peanuts, and a lively Dr Pepper spice that lingers on the finish.     •    Toasted Barrel Strength Bourbon (117 Proof) – A decadent pour reminiscent of Mississippi mudcake, layered with toasted marshmallow fluff, rich brownies with pecans, and drizzles of caramel.     •    Toasted Barrel Strength Rye (117 Proof) – A unique rye experience glowing with spiced orange marmalade, orange chocolate, and toasted marshmallow sweetness.     •    Specs Single Barrel (PX Sherry Finish, 116 Proof) – A Texas-exclusive gem finishing the lineup with luxurious notes of ripe peaches, toasted pecans, and root beer candy. As the pours flow, Jonathan shares how his philosophy of blending is equal parts art and obsession—balancing barrels, experimenting with finishes, and creating whiskeys that push boundaries while staying true to the soul of bourbon and rye. This episode is more than just a tasting—it’s a deep dive into how great whiskey is built, one barrel and one blend at a time. Saddle up, pour heavy, and ride along with Big Chief on The Whiskey Trip

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark is flying solo in the Bourbon Life Studios spending some time hanging out with his good friend, the President and COO of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Randy Prasse. This is Randy’s 4th appearance on the Podcast making him one of only 4 guests to ever appear on The Bourbon Life Podcast 4 times. Mark and Randy talk about this year’s upcoming 34th Annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival going on September 5th -7th in Bardstown, KY and all of the exciting changes attendees for this year’s event can expect, the incredible barrel picks that the Kentucky Bourbon Festival team has picked this year and how you can purchase your own bottles and maybe even win a collection of all of them too through this year’s raffle with tickets available onsite at the Festival, and they also look forward to next year’s Kentucky Bourbon Festival with a sneak peak of some things that you need to be on the lookout for. They also sip on Angel’s Envy during this Episode in honor of Angel’s Envy being this year’s featured distillery of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.   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

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with his great friend, the Bourbon Baroness – April Weller Cantrell. Together, they tackle one of the toughest conversations in whiskey today: the wave of distillery shutdowns, bankruptcies, and industry turmoil that has rattled the whiskey world over the past two years. From promising craft upstarts to iconic brands under pressure, the discussion pulls no punches while offering a clear-eyed look at where whiskey stands—and where it may be headed. April enjoys bold and beloved pours of Smokewagon and Four Roses Single Barrel Select, adding her sharp insight into how brands like these continue to endure and thrive. For the first half Big Chief pours The 2025 Birthday Bourbon, a 12-year-old sweet mash at 92 proof.  Aroma – Herbal tea and cardamom, kissed with raw oak, tropical fruits, and crisp green apple.  Taste – Silky layers of oak and vanilla, balanced with citrus sweetness and a touch of clove spice. Finish – Candied apple and burnt sugar, wrapped in leather and chai spice. For the second half he sips on the new  – The Eagle Rare 12 Year at 95 proof. Aroma – Toasted oak, dark cherries, leather, and honeyed vanilla with hints of tobacco, orange peel, and spice. Taste – Rich caramel, dried fruit, and cocoa balanced by vanilla, nutty oak, and subtle rye spice. Finish – Long and warming with dark chocolate, seasoned oak, and a touch of sweet tobacco. Big Chief and April dive deep into the realities of whiskey’s recent hardships—distilleries shuttering, brands consolidating, and shifting consumer demand. But it’s not all gloom. The two explore what these struggles mean for the future, the resilience still alive in the industry, and the lessons whiskey lovers can take away from past downturns. This episode is equal parts hard truth and hope, poured neat with passion and authenticity. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll walk away with a sharper understanding of whiskey’s challenges and the enduring spirit behind the dram. So pour a glass, sit back, and saddle up with The Whiskey Trip for one hell of a ride.

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief saddles up and rides into the Hemingway Hideout for a straight-shooting, cork-popping conversation with Kevin and Ken Hemingway — two brothers with a taste for bold pours and even bolder opinions. They are not marketing executives with polished taglines — they are full-blooded whiskey enthusiasts who live for the hunt, the crack of a fresh cork, and the kind of stories that only come after the second glass. Together, we tear into the wild world of whiskey marketing — the magazine spreads that make you dream, the in-store tastings that hook you, the whiskey festivals that drain your wallet (and fill your heart), and the podcasts that keep the conversation alive. The Hemingways share their unfiltered take on what works, what misses the mark, and how brands could better connect with the people who actually buy the bottles. All the while, we work our way through four powerhouse pours handpicked by the Pour Decisions Rickhouse group on Facebook:             •          Dettling – a bold Alabama bourbon making waves.             •          Augusta Ten Year – rich with patience and deep oak character.             •          Founders Eighteen Sixty-Seven – a heritage pour that nods to history.             •          The Blendery – proof that art and science can live in the same glass. Pour heavy, listen close, and take the trip — where every conversation is authentic, every pour is true, and the whiskey never lies.