The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 30 - Thomas Ingham, CEO & President, & Brett Luchesi, Master Distiller - Trinity River Distillery

In this episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief rolls into Fort Worth, Texas, and steps inside a whiskey wonderland — the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of whiskey — known officially as Trinity River Distillery, home of Silver Star Spirits.

Joining him are Thomas Ingham, CEO and President, and Brett Luchesi, Master Distiller. Together, they discuss how they’ve breathed new life into this historic site — including one standout feature: their use of purified Texas rainwater, harvested on-site, to proof their whiskey. It’s a sustainable, terroir-driven touch that gives each bottle a literal taste of Texas skies.

Built on 27 acres with over 250,000 square feet of warehouse space, this isn’t just a distillery — it’s a Texas whiskey empire. Housed inside the legendary Ranch Style Beans factory, built in 1911, this historic site has been transformed from a pantry icon into a cutting-edge whiskey destination, where old-school craftsmanship meets modern innovation.

Big Chief opens the episode with Silver Star 1849 Bourbon, a rich, bold pour that honors the founding year of Fort Worth. With notes that recall saddle leather, toasted oak, and frontier grit, it’s a fitting tribute to Texas Rangers and the dusty trail towns of Lonesome Dove.

Next up is a special 100-proof fall release — a whiskey that surprises with bright orange marmalade sweetness, a silky, oily texture, and a subtle smokiness that settles in like a Texas campfire. It’s a seasonal stunner designed for cooler nights and deeper conversations.

From there, the trio continues tasting their way through the Silver Star lineup throughout the episode. But one surprise pour stops Big Chief in his tracks — Devil’s Grin Gin. Distilled with a bold blend of botanicals, including Texas mesquite beans, this gin delivers an earthy, slightly smoky twist that defies every expectation. It’s Texas terroir in a glass — and even a devoted whiskey man has to tip his hat.

This episode is more than a whiskey tasting — it’s a journey through legacy, innovation, and the spirit of Fort Worth. Pour a glass and ride along.

And remember — Big Chief don’t sip what don’t speak the truth. Silver Star’s got a whole lot to say, and every drop tells the story loud and proud.