Neat & Mixed from Hops & Spirits

In this episode of Neat & Mixed, we sit down with Lachlan Perks, brand manager and co-owner of Ghostwood Whiskey, to explore the story behind the Montana whiskey brand and its approach to whiskey. Lachlan shares how Ghostwood got its name, the cowboy values that shape the brand and the meaning behind its motto, “Go Beyond the Firelight.” We also discuss the story behind the bottle’s American w...

At the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, Neat & Mixed sits down with Angel’s Envy Whiskey Maker Owen Martin to talk about his journey to the brand, the art of blending, experimenting with whiskey finishes, and what’s next for Angel’s Envy. We also taste two unique releases: Angel’s Envy Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Stout & Amburana Barrels and Cellar Collection Volume 6: Stra...

In this episode of Neat & Mixed, we talk with Colin Blake, co-creator and instructor of American Whiskey Scholar (AWS), about a new approach to American whiskey education. Colin, the former director of Moonshine University and current Vice President at Peggy Noe Stevens & Associates, explains what American Whiskey Scholars is, why the program was created, and how it aims to make whiskey kn...

Jeptha Creed Distillery co-founder and master distiller Joyce Nethery joins Neat & Mixed to talk about the Kentucky distillery’s first decade and the story behind its 10th Anniversary Bourbon. Joyce shares how Jeptha Creed’s use of heirloom corn has shaped its whiskey, why the distillery brought nine of its heirloom corn varietals together for a Solera-aged bourbon, and what the special releas...

At the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, we catch up with Maker's Mark Master Distiller Blake Layfield to talk about innovation, how that works at Marker's Mark and more.

Larrikin’s new Australian Series is here, and Neat & Mixed is tasting all three. Exclusively available at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival this weekend, this limited collection was created from just six barrels of 11-year-old Old Elk bourbon. The same cask-strength bourbon — 51% corn, 15% rye, and 34% malted barley — gets three distinctly different finishes: Manuka Honey (Friday), Golden Wattle (...

Get an inside look at Blake's Beverage Company on this episode of Neat & Mixed Questions as we sit down with CEO Andrew Blake to explore the journey from a family farm to one of the largest independent cider companies in the country. Andrew shares how the Blake family’s agricultural roots have shaped the company’s culture, approach to innovation, and growth strategy as the brand has expand...

Get an inside look at McGillin's Olde Ale House, the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia, on this episode of Neat & Mixed Questions. We sit down with Irene Levy Baker to explore the remarkable history behind McGillin's and her book, Cheers to McGillin's: Philly's Oldest Tavern. From opening its doors in 1860, the same year Abraham Lincoln was elected president,...

Get an inside look at Jefferson's Bourbon on this episode of Neat & Mixed Flight Night as we sit down with Master Blender Ale Ochoa to explore creativity, innovation, and the art of blending bourbon. We try Jefferson’s Very Small Batch, Jefferson’s Ocean Voyage 34, and Jefferson’s Reserve Cask Strength while discussing Ale’s journey into whiskey, the influence of mentor Rob Arnold, and wha...

Get an inside look at Hard Truth Distilling Co. on this episode of Neat & Mixed Flight Night as we sit down with Bryan Smith to explore the distillery’s growth, whiskey-making philosophy, and the evolution of Indiana craft bourbon and rye. We sample Hard Truth’s 7-Year Bourbon, 7-Year Wheated Bourbon, and 7-Year Sweet Mash Rye while discussing Bryan’s path from beer and wine into distilling, t...

Get an inside look at Olde Raleigh Distillery on this episode of Neat & Mixed Questions as we sit down with founder & master blender Brandon McCraney to discuss the journey from idea to award-winning distillery. Brandon shares how his military background helped shape his approach to building a whiskey brand from scratch, overcoming setbacks during the launch process, and creating a distill...

Get an inside look at National Bourbon Week 2026 in Bardstown. On this episode of Neat & Mixed Questions, we sit down with Sam Lacy to talk about the continued growth of National Bourbon Week heading into year three, how the event has evolved since its launch, and why it has become a true community-wide celebration that goes far beyond the distilleries. We also discuss the role of the Bourbon...

We sit down with Matt Gandolfo, Master Taster at Rabbit Hole Distillery, to taste through Dareringer Single Barrel, Raceking Limited Release, and Boxergrail Rye Whiskey—breaking down each pour, the unique mash bills behind them, and what makes Rabbit Hole’s approach stand out in today’s whiskey landscape. Matt shares how he got into whiskey, what led him to Rabbit Hole, and what his role as Master...

In this episode of Neat & Mixed, we sit down with food writer, restaurant critic and author Allyson Reedy to talk about her latest book, Beach Cocktails — a vibrant collection of drinks inspired by coastal bars and destinations. Allyson shares how her background in food writing and cookbook creation shaped her approach to Beach Cocktails, along with what it was like collaborating with bartende...

We preview the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival with President and COO Randy Prasse, taking place September 10-13 in Bardstown. We talk through the festival’s 35-year evolution and how it has grown into one of the premier bourbon events in the country, drawing more than 60 distilleries to Bardstown. Randy shares what’s changing behind the scenes to improve the guest experience, plus why exclusive bo...

In this episode of Neat & Mixed, we get funky with two unique whiskey pours and break down our thoughts on Buzzard’s Roost Cigar Blend Bourbon and Olta Mexican Corn Whisky. First up, we dive into Buzzard’s Roost Cigar Blend Bourbon, a 6-year-old, 105-proof bourbon featuring a 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley mash bill. Then, we review Olta Mexican Corn Whisky, a distinctive 3-year-old Mexic...

We sit down with Pete Barger of Southern Distilling Company and taste through Southern Star Paragon Cask Strength, Southern Star Bourbon Finished in Zinfandel Casks, and Southern Star Double Rye—breaking down each pour and the thinking behind the lineup. Pete shares how he and his wife Vienna launched the distillery, why sourcing grains locally matters, and how their focus on regenerative agricult...

Trying new bourbon releases is one of the most fun parts of being a whiskey fan—and in this Neat & Mixed episode, we dive into why the chase is worth it. From limited drops to distillery-only bottles, we explore what makes hunting down new releases exciting and how it keeps the bourbon experience fresh. Along the way, we try two pours: Bardstown Bourbon Distillery Reserve Series Cascadia Garry...

Join us for a Neat & Mixed Flight Night with Clinton Dugan, co-founder and master blender at Shortbarrel, as we taste through three pours: Shortbarrel Four Grain, Shortbarrel Toasted Small Batch, and Shortbarrel Rye 101. Clinton shares how his journey into bourbon began, the story behind Shortbarrel’s founding—including a chance barrel pick in Louisville with Adam and Patrick—and how the brand...

We sit down with Brian Helton, VP of TKO Flight Club and co-founder of the Kentucky Bourby, to break down what’s ahead for the 5th annual event in 2026. Brian shares how his journey into bourbon led to launching Kentucky Bourby, how the event has grown since its early days, and what makes it stand out—from a strong lineup of distilleries to live music, raffles, and an online bottle auction. We als...

Celebrity-backed bourbon brands are everywhere right now—but are they actually any good? We put that question to the test by tasting two high-profile releases: Row 94 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, created by country superstar Dierks Bentley in partnership with Green River Distilling Co., and Brothers Bond Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, founded by actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley. We break down Row 94...

Get an inside look at Bourbon on the Banks 2026, happening this October in Frankfort. We chat with Diane Strong and Rene True to preview this year’s upgrades, including the new Special Access Ticket experience, expanded educational sessions with Bourbon Women, and what folks can expect during the event. We also dive into how attendee feedback shaped this year’s festival, what to expect from the fu...

We’re joined by Damon Thayer and Andre Regard, the co-founders of Kentucky Senator Bourbon, for this Flight Night to taste through three expressions: Kentucky Senator Release 6: John Edwards, Louisiana Senator Release 1: Huey Long, and Kentucky Senator Release 7: Jim Bunning Liquor Barn Single Barrel. Damon and Andre explain how they discovered the Kentucky Senator name and why tying each release...

We’re joined by Jason Brauner, co-founder and master blender of Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey, for a Neat & Mixed Flight Night where we taste through four expressions from the brand: Signature Double Oak, Four Grain Double Oak, Bottled-in-Bond, and Fred Minnick’s Club Marzipan Single Barrel Pick. Jason shares how his journey into bourbon led to opening Bourbons Bistro and how a barrel pick with Judy...

We chat with McCauley Williams, co-founder and CEO of Duck Club Bourbon, for an inside look at building a modern whiskey brand in a competitive market. McCauley shares his path into the spirits industry, the experiences that shaped his approach to brand-building, and how the idea for Duck Club evolved from concept to fast-growing label. He also discusses how his partnership with Riley Green came t...