Feb 3, 2026
Big Chief takes the ride to Henderson Kentucky and sits down with Zach Hargis and Master Distiller Jacob Call for a deep and honest conversation about the resurrection of Silk Velvet Whiskey, a storied Kentucky label with roots that stretch back well over a century.
Silk Velvet was once a household name, known for its smooth character and dependable quality during an era when whiskey was as much about trust as it was flavor. Born in Henderson and carried through generations, the brand survived shifting tastes, industry consolidation, and long stretches of dormancy. What Zach and Master Distiller Jacob Call are doing today is not a reinvention for trend’s sake. It is a careful revival that honors the legacy while applying modern discipline, transparency, and thoughtful blending to bring Silk Velvet back the right way.
In the first half of the show, the glasses are filled with Silk Velvet Small Batch at 107 proof. Big Chief does not just sip. He pours a second glass because it hits everything he loves. Built from a blend of two mash bills, this whiskey delivers a rich sweetness up front, a silky mouthfeel, and a lingering tingle of spice that hangs on just long enough to demand another taste. It is bold, balanced, and classic without feeling dated.
The second half steps into the Silk Velvet Single Barrel, also bottled at 107 proof and aged seven years. The mash bill of 75 percent corn, 21 percent rye, and 4 percent malted barley shows its depth immediately. Floral notes rise from the glass, followed by a beautifully balanced wave of spice and sweetness that confirms the patience spent in the barrel. It is expressive, confident, and unmistakably Silk Velvet.
This episode is about more than what is in the glass. It is about honoring history, respecting the craft, and proving that some names are worth bringing back with care and conviction. Pour yourself something worthy and take the ride with Big Chief.