Neat & Mixed from Hops & Spirits

Brandon and Jonathan are back exploring the Travel. Explore. Drink Bourbon mindset—where vacations, discovery, and trying new pours go hand in hand. In this episode, we dive into three releases that highlight unique mash bills, high proof character, and global finishing styles: the Louisiana Senator Bourbon: The Huey P. Long Release, the first in an 8–10 year vertical series bottled at 107 proof;...

We caught up with Jade Peterson of Trackside Distilling at this year’s Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown to sample their pours and talk about the launch of his new whiskey brand. Jade shares what pushed him to start Trackside Distilling, why he made the bold choice to use chocolate malt in the mash bill, and what's next for the brand.

We tried Potter Jane Distillery’s White Dog at this year’s Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown. As a brand-new distillery launching in 2025, Potter Jane brought some unique early pours to give bourbon fans a first look at what they’re building.

We caught up with Craig Beam of Jackson Purchase Distillery at this year’s Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown to talk about his return from retirement, how the distillery got its start, and the story behind their Batch #1 Full Proof Bourbon. Craig shares what brought him back into the industry, what makes Jackson Purchase’s approach unique, and what fans can expect next from the distillery.

We hit one of the busiest booths at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown to review a pour from Dark Arts Whiskey House.

We tried the Remington Reserve “Open Season” Bourbon from Log Still Distillery at this year's Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown.

We sit down with Zane Brammell, co-founder of New Era Whiskey, for a flight night featuring three Kentucky-inspired single barrels: Nature’s Crossing at Natural Bridge (115 proof), Dark Wonders at Mammoth Cave (113.8 proof), and Magic Moonbow at Cumberland Falls (115 proof). Zane shares how he fell in love with bourbon, launched his first single-barrel club in 2022, and how that passion grew into...

At the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, we chat with Zach and Zeb Hargis and master distiller Jacob Call to talk about the revival of Silk Velvet Whiskey. They share how the Hargis family brought Jacob on board, what inspired the return of this historic brand, what people can expect from the new Silk Velvet pours, and what’s next for the team

We sit down with Collin McConville, Head Distiller at Finger Lakes Distilling in New York, for a flight night featuring McKenzie Bourbon, McKenzie Rye, and McKenzie Pot Still Whiskey. Collin shares his path into distilling, what drew him to Finger Lakes, and how the NYS Farm Distillery Bill helped kickstart New York’s craft spirits scene. We dig into the region’s grain-to-glass approach, the patie...

It's a Flight Night with Dixon Dedman, American whiskey blender and founder of 2XO Whiskey, as we sip through the American Oak, Vinyl Blend, and Gem of Kentucky expressions. Dixon shares the story behind his family’s bourbon legacy—dating back to his great-great-grandfather, who founded Kentucky Owl in 1879—and how that heritage shaped his path from reviving Kentucky Owl to creating 2XO. We di...

We sit down with Selene Nestor, founder and CEO of Olta Whisky, to talk about how she’s redefining what it means to craft whiskey with a Mexican soul. Inspired by her daughter’s Mexican and Irish heritage, Olta blends tradition, innovation, and ancestral corn to create a whisky that honors both cultures. Selene shares how her background in hospitality and co-founding the Hispanic Restaurant Associ...

Songwriters in Paradise founder and singer-songwriter Patrick Davis talks about his incredible career writing songs for top country artists and how he turned a passion for music into Songwriters in Paradise. Patrick shares his journey from early influences to creating unforgettable songwriter experiences in Napa, Cabo, Healdsburg, the Bahamas—and now Bardstown, Kentucky. Plus, we dive into what ma...

Rick and Ricky Johnson of 15 STARS Bourbon join us for a Flight Night as we explore their brand-new First West lineup. We dive into the story behind how heirloom corn and history inspired the bottles, and what makes these pours stand out. From the First West Small Batch to the Toasted Oak and Extra Aged expressions, we sip through the lineup and hear firsthand how the Johnson family combined their...

Brandon and Jonathan are back on Neat & Mixed to talk about the fun of trying different styles of bourbon and what makes each pour unique. In this episode, we’re putting two bottles to the test. We’re sipping the Hard Truth American Odd Sweet Mash Bourbon Bottled-in-Bond (a Mellencamp Whiskey Co. collab featuring John Mellencamp’s artwork) and the Penelope Bourbon Cigar Sessions Chapter 1.

Brandon and Jonathan are back on Neat & Mixed after a summer break! In this episode, we catch up with some life updates, dive into why rye whiskey is one of our go-to pours, and taste two standout bottles. We’re sipping the Chicken Cock Ryeteous Blonde: Beer Barrel Finish and the 15 STARS Founders Reserve Fine-Aged Rye—comparing flavors, finish, and what makes each pour unique.

Eron Plevan, lead bartender at Tartan House, joins us to preview his premium event at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival — “What Goes Up? Whiskey Cocktails – Best Served Up.” He shares what attendees can expect from the add-on session, why whiskey cocktails served “up” are often the most expressive, and how he balances bold creativity with timeless classics. We also dive into Eron’s journey from Texas...

We sit down with Chris Blandford, Kroger’s Wine & Spirits Expert and co-host of Fork & Flask, to talk about all things Bourbon & Beyond — one of the country’s biggest music, food, and bourbon festivals. Chris shares how he got involved with the event, what it’s like to co-host Fork & Flask, and how the series brings musicians, chefs, and spirits together in a unique and flavorful w...

Join us for an inside look at Oaklore Distilling with co-founders Tom Bogan and Matt Simpkins, along with Jack Shute, VP of Sales and Commercial Operations. We hear the story of how a simple neighborhood friendship and walking kids to school sparked the launch of their distillery. Discover the challenges they faced navigating Charlotte and North Carolina laws, the story behind the name Oaklore, an...

Join us for Flight Night with Sagamore Spirit of Maryland and Clint “Spotty” Spotleson, their Global Advocacy & Engagement Manager. We taste three distinct rye whiskey expressions — Bottled in Bond Rye, Double Oak Rye, and Cask Strength Rye — while chatting with Spotty about Sagamore’s rich history, their focus on using Maryland-grown rye, the unique mashbills behind each expression, upcoming...

Join us for Flight Night with Rodrigo Bojórquez, founder and master distiller of Kilinga Bacanora. We sample three unique bacanora expressions — Silvestre, Blanco, and Reposado — while Rodrigo shares what makes bacanora special, how it differs from mezcal and tequila, the journey of bringing bacanora to the US market, and much more.

It's a Flight Night with Minden Mill (of Nevada) and master distiller Joe O’Sullivan. We try three expressions -- American Single Malt, Bourbon and Rye -- and chat with Joe about his passion for single malt, making estate-made whiskies, their unique barrel aging process, making an affordable pour, what's next and more.

We love the innovation and approaches that craft distillers take. Especially when they release something unexpected. Plus, we review the Monk's Road Rye, Kentucky Senator Bourbon John Edwards Release and Larrikin Rosewater.

Is there anything better than listening to some music and enjoying a few pours? We talk how drinks, especially bourbon, are meeting music these days in more ways. Plus, we review the Whiskey JYPSI Tribute Double Barreled Bourbon (from Eric Church and company) & Three Chord Allman Brothers Band Legacy Edition Bourbon.

It's Derby Season in Kentucky as the horses hit the track and the pour start flowing. Plus, we review the High N' Wicked Bourbon and Yellowstone Small Batch 107.

We've Got Questions for the Bourbon on the Banks crew on what new events are happening this year, what to expect at the event, ticket options, how Frankfort, Kentucky has grown and more.