Hops & Spirits: Bar Conversations

Jeff Evans, CEO/co-founder of Mean Mule Distilling Co from Kansas City, joins us to talk about making agave spirits in America, how it differs from tequila, how they got their start, sharing where the name comes from, building the path for others to produce agave spirits in the US, what's next and so much more.

Ryan Lang, co-founder/head distiller of Middle West Spirits in Columbus, Ohio, joins us to talk about the impact grain selection has on whiskey. Ryan talks about what grain to glass means, how they selected their grains, how the weather impacts the grain, adding grains to the mash, using grains for other spirits and more.

We learn about both hops and spirits this week with cocktails and beers. Jake Sulek, beverage director at West Main Crafting Co in Lexington, Ky., talks about crafting cocktails for the summer, bars opening up again, cocktail recipes for all of us to try at home and more. Plus, Kevin Patterson, a Cicerone and National Beer Judge, joins us to talk about summer beers, how hop varieties have changed beers, breweries worth checking out and more.

Have you ever wondered how to start a whiskey/bourbon collection? Chad Watson, better known as MyDailyBourbon on Instagram, gives you the best practices to do just that. Learn what are good bottles to start with, what to avoid, why you should enjoy your bottles and more.

Rod Cegelski, co-owner of SLO Brew, and Koby Collins, one of the brewermasters, join us to talk about building innovative brands, creating unique products, brewing a variety of styles, taco chips in beer, benefits of being a brewery and distillery, what's next and so much more!

It's a bourbon Flight Night as we enjoy a four varieties of Breckenridge Distillery and talk with owner/founder Bryan Nolt. The crew for flight night includes: D. or the @vabourbonhunter on Instagram; and A, @influensky on Instagram. We enjoy their Bourbon Whiskey, PX Cask Finish, Rum Cask Finish and High Blend Proof.

Ben Williams, owner/co-founder of Highway Vodka, joins us to talk about using hemp seed in vodka, how charity plays an important role, working with family, navigating the legal side, what's next and more.

Learn about some cool products for the home bar this week with Eddie Simeon of Hella Cocktail Co. and Draft Top's Sean Kelly. Eddie, co-founder and CMO for Hella, talks about how Hella Cocktail got its start, making their products in small batches, their product line, how they got their name and more. Sean, co-founder and executive beer drinker of Draft Top, chats about what the Draft Top is, how they came to produce it, the advantages of taking the top off, being on Shark Tank and more. Also, Eddie gives listeners a great discount code for Hella Cocktail.

We are Under the Influence of Beer this roundtable as Master Cicerone Neil Witte and BeerCrunchers.com founder Doug Veliky join us. We hit on a variety of topics, including seltzers taking over taps at the bar, production declining in 2020 a trend, concept bars exploding and the importance of packaging (and augmented reality?).

It's a bourbon Flight Night as we enjoy a few varieties of Chicken Cock and talk with legend and master distiller Gregg Snyder. The crew for flight night includes: D. or the @vabourbonhunter on Instagram; Chris, or @Jefftherabb1t on Instagram; and A, @influensky on Instagram. Plus, we chat with Gaston Martinez, CEO and co-founder of IZO Spirits, who talks about Cinco de Mayo, Mexican spirits and more.