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.

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, the entire Bourbon Life Crew gets together for their Christmas Spectacular and The 15 Blinds of Christmas.

The Crew discusses the current state of the Bourbon industry and what appears to be some potential hard times coming for some brands, the different bottles that they have each purchased (or haven't purchased this year), and they also make their individual predictions for the industry for 2026.

They also blind taste 3 different Bourbons/Ryes each for a grand total of 15 blind pours. Each Crew member gives his/her notes on each during each round and then tries to guess which pour they had. You'll have to listen in to see who did the best and who did the worst.

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 sits down with old friend and master distiller Lee Kennedy of Leiper's Fork Distillery for a conversation rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and the future of American whiskey.

The episode opens with Big Chief sipping on Revenuers Reserve, a standout release from Leiper's Fork Distillery. This small batch blend of three 8 year old Tennessee whiskey barrels, bottled at 100 proof, pays tribute to the historic revenuers who once enforced whiskey taxes across Tennessee. It is a rich, mature pour that sets the tone for a deep dive into heritage distilling and the stories behind the still

As Big Chief works through four expressions from Leiper's Fork, Lee walks listeners through the early beginnings of the distillery, from the historic log cabin tasting room to the impressive post and beam still house that shelters their traditional copper pot still with an onion bulb and goose neck. It is a true nod to old world whiskey making.

To finish up the first half, Lee surprises the Big Man with a single barrel cask strength Tennessee whiskey, an uncut, full proof expression that showcases the raw character and depth Leiper's Fork is known for.

The second half of the episode shifts toward what is ahead for the distillery, including growth in Franklin and Nashville, expanding overseas, and how tariffs impact craft distilleries like Leiper's Fork. During the conversation, Big Chief pours up Leiper's Fork Rye, a whiskey with a cult following, thanks to its bold spice and unmistakable character.

The episode wraps with one final pour, a single barrel wheated bourbon, closing out the show with a soft, expressive whiskey that highlights Leiper's Fork's attention to grain, barrel selection, and balance.

To this day, Big Chief considers Leiper's Fork Distillery the perfect example of what a craft distillery should be, great whiskey, genuine warmth and hospitality, combined with timeless old school charm.

Pour a glass, settle in, and take the ride with Big Chief.