Season 7, Episode 19: Steve Smith, Founder - Uncle Boojie's Distilling Co.

On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark travels to Louisville to sit down with Steve Smith, Founder of Uncle Boojie's Distilling Co., for a captivating conversation about family history, Kentucky heritage, and the role bourbon plays in connecting us to the stories that came before us. Steve shares his own background as an entrepreneur, preservationist, and storyteller before diving into the remarkable history of his Howard family ancestors, whose distilling roots in Howardstown, Kentucky, date back to the late 1700s. He discusses the research that uncovered generations of family involvement in whiskey production and how that discovery ultimately inspired the creation of Uncle Boojie's Distilling Co. The conversation also explores the origins of Uncle Boojie's, the story behind the company's namesake, and Steve's vision for creating something far greater than a bourbon brand. Through the concept of "Porchlight Hospitality," Steve explains how Uncle Boojie's seeks to create meaningful experiences that bring people together through bourbon, storytelling, and genuine Kentucky hospitality. Mark and Steve also discuss the importance of preserving family history, the fascinating ways our individual stories intersect with one another, and how bourbon serves as a thread that weaves throughout Kentucky's shared history and culture. Steve shares his passion for helping visitors discover not only his family's story, but also connections to their own histories and the larger story of Kentucky itself. The conversation concludes with a look at Uncle Boojie's Homeplace, one of the newest destinations on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, and what guests can expect when they visit the unique Louisville experience. Along the way, they enjoy three exceptional pours: • Lana – 9-Year-Old Double Oaked Single Barrel Bourbon • Ivy – 7-Year-Old Single Barrel Rye • Prohibition-Style Bourbon – Yet to be released Whether you're fascinated by bourbon history, passionate about genealogy and family heritage, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind the people and brands shaping Kentucky whiskey today, this episode offers a thoughtful and entertaining look at how bourbon, history, and human connection continue to intertwine across generations. Be sure to pour yourself a great glass, sit back, and join us for another great episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast. The Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is presented by Pappy & Co., District 7 Social, and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.