Hops & Spirits: Bar Conversations

We have three amazing folks joining us so you can plan the perfect Kentucky Derby Party (or Bourbon Tasting event). Peggy Noe Stevens and Susan Reigler talk about their book “Which Fork Do I Use With My Bourbon”, tips for throwing the perfect party, their careers and so much more. Woodford Reserve NYC Ambassador Michael Toscano hops on to talk about Mint Juleps, how to make a classic Julep, a new spin on the Julep and how he comes up with unique recipes.

Damon Thayer, co-founder of Kentucky Senator Bourbon, joins us to talk about launching a bourbon, the history of the name, being a NDP producer, trying to source bourbon and what's next. Plus, we get the scoop on their next release plans!

Aaron Justus, Ballast Point's director of research and development, and Chris Takecuchi, R&D Brewer, join us to talk about the California-based brewery, the Brothers Gus release, how R&D works at a brewery, Ballast Point's history, how they got into the industry and more.

Chris Seals, CEO of Still Austin, and John Schrepel, head distiller, join us to talk about the Texas-based distillery, how they got started, their unique process for crafting spirits, how the Texas heat plays a role in the aging, what's next and so much more.

It's our third Flight Night as we enjoy three varieties from Braxton Brewing and talk with Evan Rouse, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer for Braxton. The crew for the craft beer flight night includes: Kindsey Bernhard from @boysarefrommarzen on Instagram; and Seth Hendrix from @onesipbeerreview on Instagram.

We have 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 spring, how they put together their lineup and tips for the at-home bartender. Plus, Kevin Patterson, a Cicerone and National Beer Judge, joins us to talk about spring beers, what styles will be on tap, breweries worth checking out and more.

Ryan Wagner, Guinness Open Gate Brewery National Ambassador and Certified Cicerone, joins us to talk about the Baltimore-based brewery, history of the location, making experimental beers, a unique series releasing now, what to expect when folks visit and more.

We are Under the Influence of Beer this roundtable as GoodBeerHunting.com's Bryan Roth, Master Cicerone Neil Witte, Boys are from Marzen host Kindsey Bernhard and BeerCrunchers.com founder Doug Veliky. We hit on a variety of topics, including breweries expanding with a second/third location, craft beer in 12 packs, breweries and distilleries collaborating more and Boulevard Brewing.

It's our second Flight Night as we enjoy three varieties from Urban Artifact craft brewery and talk with Scotty Hunter, co-owner/head of sales for Urban Artifact. The crew for the craft beer flight night includes: Kindsey Bernhard from @boysarefrommarzen on Instagram; and Derrick Young from @onesipbeerreview on Instagram.

Have you ever wondered what your favorite beer might taste like as a whiskey? Greg Biagi and Ben Pollack of Foundry Distilling explain just how that happens. Greg and Ben discuss how the Brewer-Distiller Alliance came to be, how the process works, what types of beers are typically used and where you can find it. Plus, they chat about their make your own whiskey program.