This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief takes a break from the highways and settles into the cozy charm of The Hemmingway Hideout in Bridge City, Texas. It’s the kind of spot where whiskey wisdom is shared over a well-loved bar top—and today, Big Chief is joined by none other than Kevin Hemmingway, a local aficionado with a deep love for finely crafted bourbon.
In the first half, they dive into a bottle of the Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Bottled-in-Bond from the iconic Heaven Hill Distillery. With a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley, this 100-proof wheated bourbon is a nod to tradition and time. On the nose, it opens with a fragrant bouquet of orange zest, wild strawberries, and sweet honeysuckle, inviting and bright with a soft floral touch.
The palate delivers a decadent wave of chocolate-covered strawberries, accented by hints of cherry Twizzlers and rounded out with a beautiful cinnamon spice that adds warmth and structure. It all comes together in a long, sticky, mouth-coating finish—the kind of finish that hugs the tongue and reminds you why Bottled-in-Bond is still a badge of honor. This is a buy all day long.
In the second half, Big Chief and Kevin Hemmingway explore something more experimental—the Woodford Reserve Distillery Series Tawny Port Finish. This rare release is a blend of Woodford’s classic bourbon mash bill (72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley) and their rye mash bill (53% rye, 33% corn, 14% malted barley), all finished in rich tawny port casks and bottled at 90.4 proof. The nose is a wild ride of layered complexity: starting with a distinct kettle corn funk, then evolving into notes of grape zest, clove, nutmeg, licorice, and a bold wave of port-soaked fruit.
On the palate, the port influence shines through with dark fruit, toasted oak, and silky tannins, all balanced by a gentle nuttiness that adds earthy depth. The sip closes with a dry, medium-length finish, offering just enough restraint to keep you curious. This one’s a try-before-you-buy. The flavor’s there—but it would be an easy buy if it came in at a higher proof point.
Whether you crave bonded heritage or port-finished innovation, this episode serves up both with flavor and Texas flair.
Pour a glass, take a seat, and enjoy the ride on The Whiskey Trip.
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