On this special holiday episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with Doc Brown Farm and Distillery founders Amy Brown and Paige Dockweiler for a conversation rooted in family, farming, and true grain to glass distilling. More than distillers, Amy and Paige are stewards of the land, driven by a shared determination to keep small scale farming alive at a time when doing things the right way is harder than ever.

The episode opens with Amy and Big Chief sipping on Effie Jewel, a deeply personal release from a January 2021 crop built on a mash bill of 75% Jimmy Red corn, 10% Abruzzi rye, 10% wheat, and 5% barley. Eight barrels were sent to Galveston in July 2024, where the Gulf Coast climate left its mark before returning home in April 2025 for extended aging. Bottled at 101 proof and limited to 1,900 bottles, Effie Jewel will be allocated across Texas, Georgia, and online, with a major direct to consumer release event at DOMA on February 8.

From there, the tasting moves to Southern Ember, followed by Day Swigger, which also serves as the base for both the Honey Expression and Hot Honey Expression. These pours highlight what sets Doc Brown apart. The honey and peppers come straight from the farm, just like the grain, reinforcing a farm first mindset where every ingredient has a story and a purpose.

Throughout the conversation, Amy and Paige open up about the grit it takes to keep farming viable. They discuss balancing unpredictable weather, rising costs, regulations, and the physical demands of working the land while building a spirits brand rooted in integrity. Their tenacity shows as they talk about preserving heirloom grains, protecting farmland, educating consumers, and proving that farming and distilling can still coexist without compromise.

In the second half of the episode, Paige joins Amy and Big Chief to sip on the Salted Caramel Bourbon Cream and Coffee Bourbon Cream. These rich, comforting pours are perfect for a cold holiday morning or a slow day spent relaxing with family.

We hope you have enjoyed the ride throughout 2025 on The Whiskey Trip Podcast. From Woodrow, Ms. Viv, and of course Ol' Big Chief, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Pour something good and take the ride.