Neat & Mixed from Hops & Spirits

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...

We’re joined by Dan Callaway, Master Blender and Vice President of Product Development at Lofted Spirits, for a Flight Night exploring four different pours — Bardstown Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Bardstown Bourbon Rye, Bardstown Bourbon High Wheat, and Green River Full Proof. Dan shares his unique journey from professional musician and certified sommelier to leading product development for...

We’re joined by Eric Boggs and Alex Coats, owners of Goodfellas Pizzeria and Wiseguy Lounge, for a Flight Night that blends New York–style pizza and bourbon. We explore their path into the restaurant business, why New York–style pizza became the foundation of Goodfellas, and how bourbon naturally became part of the brand’s identity as they expanded across multiple states. We also dive into the cre...

We try Three Chord Bourbon Volume 2 by breaking down two (of their four) releases that showcase the brand’s refreshed look and music-driven storytelling. Dropped in summer 2025, Volume 2 marks a new chapter for Three Chord, pairing bold finishes with artist collaborations that tie bourbon and music together. We dive into Flipside Triple Wood, a blend of 4-7 year old bourbons aged in new charred Am...

We explore what it means to support your favorite brands, even during moments like Dry January, by taking a closer look at three unique bourbons — Tradewater Single Barrel, Sagamore High Rye Bourbon and Copper & Cask Cigar Blend. We review the Tradewater Kentucky Straight Bourbon Single Barrel, a find by Brandon on the shelves. We also dive into Sagamore High Rye Bourbon, the brand’s first str...

We explore where New England craft meets Kentucky bourbon with a deep dive into Wheel Horse Whiskey’s latest releases — Barrel Proof and Baltic Porter Beer Barrel Finish. We break down the brand’s first-ever barrel proof small batch, a 5-year Kentucky Straight Bourbon bottled at 112.6 proof, offered at an approachable $40 MSRP. We also dig into Wheel Horse’s innovative Baltic Porter Beer Barrel Fi...

In this episode, Andrew Varga—founder of the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction and Celebration and co-owner of J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery—dives deep into the vision behind one of the most ambitious bourbon weekends in Kentucky. Set for Fe 13-15 in Louisville, the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction and Celebration is designed as a multi-day experience rather than a traditional festival, bringing tog...

In this episode, Pete Marino, President of Lofted Spirits, shares an inside look at his unconventional career path—from PR and consulting to Molson Coors and ultimately leading one of the most influential operations in American whiskey. Pete talks candidly about what surprised him most when he entered the whiskey world, how he balances building brands like Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River...