The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 5 - Bernie Lubbers, The Whiskey Professor - Heaven Hill Distillery

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief takes listeners to the bourbon capital of the world—Bardstown, Kentucky—for an unforgettable conversation with his good friend Bernie Lubbers, the National Brand Ambassador for Heaven Hill Distillery and the man known far and wide as The Whiskey Professor. Bernie’s journey into whiskey is as fascinating as the spirits he represents. After 20 years on the comedy stage, fate led him down a different path—one paved with barrels, tradition, and the rich history of America’s native spirit. For the past two decades, he has traveled the world, first for Jim Beam and now for Heaven Hill, preaching the gospel of great bourbon. His love for Bottled-in-Bond whiskey runs deep, a passion passed down from his father, and today, he stands as one of its greatest advocates. Chief and Bernie kick things off with a pour of the legendary Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond 6-Year—a beloved, now-discontinued gem that bourbon lovers still mourn. They then move on to JW Dant, another Bottled-in-Bond treasure that deserves a spot on every whiskey drinker’s shelf. As they dive deeper, they sip on Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond 7-Year, a whiskey bursting with rich peanut brittle sweetness and a beautifully balanced finish. The second half of the show is nothing short of spectacular. Chief and Bernie savor the bold, oak-forward character of Henry McKenna 10-Year Bottled-in-Bond, a whiskey layered with sharp spice, honey, and warmth. And then, the moment of the night—Old Fitzgerald 19-Year Bottled-in-Bond, a rare and luxurious pour that whiskey enthusiasts dream about. Just when Chief thinks the ride couldn’t get any better, Bernie drops a bombshell: Heaven Hill is set to release an Old Fitzgerald 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond, available nationwide.  This episode isn’t just about whiskey; it’s about passion, legacy, and the art of storytelling. Bernie Lubbers isn’t just an ambassador—he’s a master of his craft, a true whiskey evangelist who lives and breathes the spirit of Bottled-in-Bond. So pour yourself a glass, settle in, and join us for another incredible ride on The Whiskey Trip. Cheers!