The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 31 - Tripp Stimson, Chief Whiskey Scientist and Master Distiller - Barrell Craft Spirits

On this week’s pour-heavy adventure, Big Chief sits down with Tripp Stimson, Chief Whiskey Scientist and Master Distiller at Barrell Craft Spirits — a trailblazer in blending, aging, and proofing some of the boldest expressions on the market.

They kick things off with Foundation, a single barrel bourbon that clocks in at 104.08 proof. It’s a flavorful introduction to Barrell’s blending philosophy — full of depth, balance, and character.

Next up? Batch 37 — a high-rye bourbon bottled at 111.38 proof, bursting with notes of kettle corn drizzled in hot honey. Sweet, spicy, and delightfully nostalgic, this one hits all the right notes. As the second half of the show opens, Big Chief doesn’t hold back: he names it a contender for Whiskey of the Year.

To close things out, they sip on Decades — a 142.7 proof Canadian whiskey, made from 10 barrels aged from 20 to 30 years. It’s powerful yet elegant, with each year adding a layer of richness to this rare blend.

Throughout the episode, Tripp shares the origin story of Barrell Craft Spirits, the brand’s relentless pursuit of innovation, and how their recent production expansion is allowing them to meet growing demand while continuing to push boundaries.

This episode is for the bold, the curious, and anyone who believes great whiskey is a blend of art, science, and a little bit of rebellion.

Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, pour yourself a glass, and drink along with The Whiskey Trip. The road is always better with a bottle and a story.