Claim OwnershipNeat & Mixed from Hops & Spirits
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Whether you like it neat, mixed or in a cocktail, we're talking all things bourbon (and bourbon adjacent). We sample a variety of expressions on our Flight Nights with different brands and ask plenty of questions about events, brands and so much more on our We've Got Questions series. Find more Neat & Mixed at hopsspirits.com.
188 Episodes
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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 patience behind their 4+ year aging process, and how McKenzie balances American tradition with Irish inspiration.Plus, Collin gives us a taste of what’s next for Finger Lakes Distilling, from new projects to what visitors can expect at the distillery itself.
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 dive into the art of blending and the signature “Two Times Oak” process that defines every 2XO release. Dixon breaks down the creativity behind his Icon and Oak Series, why he loves experimenting with French, Hungarian, and Mizunara oak finishes, and how each bottle balances innovation with deep Kentucky tradition.
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 Association led her to launch Olta, why she chose whisky over tequila or mezcal, and how double distillation and barrel history shape Olta’s distinctive flavor. We also discuss the all-female farming and distilling team in Michoacán, Olta’s recent bronze medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and what’s next for the brand—including upcoming 4-year and 7-year releases.
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 makes Songwriters in Paradise Bardstown unique, from the carefully curated lineup and intimate performances to the bourbon flowing throughout the weekend. Patrick gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how SIP experiences come together, what fans can expect this year, and why Bardstown is the perfect setting for songwriters and bourbon lovers alike.
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 two businesses—popcorn and bourbon—into something truly unique. Plus, we talk availability, future releases, and what fans can expect next from First West.Plus, Rick and Ricky talk about what pours will be available at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, including a new 15 STARS release.
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 to Kentucky, his process for building cocktail menus, and how he’s worked with everything from local ingredients to liquid nitrogen behind the bar. He shares tips for home cocktail makers, what makes Tartan House a standout in Louisville’s bourbon scene, and how he answers the classic request: “Surprise me.”🥃 For those attending the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, premium event add-ons are still available — don’t miss your chance to experience Eron’s approach to whiskey, cocktails, and elevated flavor.
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 way. He reflects on memorable moments from past years, interviewing artists over a few pours, and what it’s like to see music stars step into the bourbon and food world onstage.Plus, we dig into the festival experience itself — from top-shelf tastings to local culinary creations — and Chris shares his favorite part of it all.
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, and their unique approach to bourbon making. Learn about their latest release, the Oaklore Four Grain Bourbon, and their impactful Angel Barrel program supporting local nonprofits.Plus, find out about their other spirits, what to expect when visiting the distillery, where to buy their products, and what exciting plans lie ahead for Oaklore.
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 new releases, and much more.
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.
So how much can a barrel finish a whiskey? We find out with a trip to Washington. Plus, we review the Woodinville Rye Whiskey and Woodinville Rye Whiskey finished in Port Casks.
There's plenty of reasons why you should go visit Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, for their spring and/or fall meet. Plus, we review the Wheel Horse Double Oak Bourbon, Never Say Die Bourbon and Never Say Die Rye.
It's a Flight Night with The Perfect Fifth's Canongate and founder/CEO Karl Schoen. We try three of their Canongate single barrel expressions -- 11YO, 14YO and 15YO -- and chat with them about how they source their barrels, why they finish aging the barrels in Scotland, future releases, making a home in Kentucky and more.
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