The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 48 - Thom & Kim Bard, Founders - The Bard Distillery

On this week's episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief takes listeners on a ride to the heart of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, where music, history, and whiskey all share the same soul. He sits down with Thom and Kim Bard, the founders of The Bard Distillery, inside their beautifully restored 1920s schoolhouse to talk about heritage, community pride, and the craftsmanship behind their exceptional lineup of spirits.

The first half of the show opens with a pour of Cinder & Smoke 10 Year, a bold and expressive bourbon that reflects the Bards' commitment to long aged, character driven whiskey. As they sip, Thom and Kim share the story behind the Cinder & Smoke series, the inspiration for its name, and how their small town roots and historic distillery shape the identity of everything they make. The conversation moves into the next pour, the Cinder & Smoke finished in Oloroso sherry barrels, a whiskey that deepens the experience with layers of dried fruit, rich oak, and soft smoke. Big Chief and the Bards explore how the sherry influence complements the base bourbon and why these types of finishes matter to them creatively.

The second half begins with something truly meaningful: "You Got Gold," their tribute whiskey honoring the legendary singer songwriter John Prine. Thom and Kim talk about their personal connection to Prine's work, the emotional weight behind creating a whiskey in his honor, and the care that went into crafting a bottle worthy of his legacy. The moment is heartfelt, a blend of memories, music, and the unmistakable Kentucky spirit that shaped both Prine's songwriting and the Bards' approach to distilling.

To wrap up the ride, they pour Muhlenberg Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, a spirit dedicated to the county they call home. Big Chief and the Bards discuss what Muhlenberg means to them, how the local community continues to support their journey, and why this bourbon stands as a living tribute to the people and pride of Western Kentucky. The conversation closes with reflections on the future of Bard Distillery, their hopes for growing their footprint without ever losing the authenticity that defines them, and the importance of family, music, and tradition in every drop they release.

By the end of the episode, listeners walk away not just with an appreciation for the whiskey, but with a deeper understanding of the heart and grit behind The Bard Distillery. Thom and Kim's passion, their commitment to their craft, and their dedication to their community make this ride one that truly captures the spirit of The Whiskey Trip, where every bottle has a story, and every story is worth the pour.