Hops & Spirits: Neat & Mixed

We welcome in Bryan Smith (2:45 mark), master distiller for Hard Truth Distillery in Nashville, Indiana, for our Q&A and second stop on the Road Trip Series 2023. He talks about how trips to Evansville (IN) helped prepare him for his role, growing up in a culinary family, finding his way to Hard Truth, why they do a sweet mash and how it differs from sour mash, the praise they've received recently, upcoming releases, what to expect when visiting and more.

What's Pouring Kentucky (0:30 mark): Marigold Catering is expanding with The House of Marigold restaurant in Louisville while Oldham Brewing is changing its name to Inside Job Brewing and moving to Old Louisville. Dewey's Pizza is officially open inside Braxton Brewery's Covington taproom. Plus Sam Fore is among five finalists for the James Beard Best Chef: Southeast award — and the only chef representing Kentucky on the list. TastingTable has named Lexington's Bluegrass Tavern as one of the 15 best bourbon bars in the U.S.

Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Bar Conversations podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com. 

We welcome in Melissa Rift (2:45 mark), Master Taster for Old Forester, for our Q&A. She talks about her role as master taster, how she got into the business, starting as a tour guide, what drew her to Old Forester, sharing its history, putting her touches on new releases, being a brand ambassador, sharing a fun history story and more.

What's Pouring Kentucky (0:30 mark): Thursday Night Live returns to downtown Lexington on April 6 while the Urban Bourbon Trail has added new stops in Louisville. Ramsey's Diner in Lexington honored by Southern Living and two Louisville mixologists take home awards at the Rose Julep Cocktail Competition. Plus, Blue Run Spirits shows off images from its future distillery campus in Georgetown.

Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Bar Conversations podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com. 

We welcome in Toa Green (2:50 mark), owner of Crank & Boom and BoBi Cones, for our Q&A. She talks about why she got into the restaurant industry, starting Thai Orchid Cafe with her husband, buying a $60 ice cream maker for desserts, when Crank & Boom took off, finding their original location in the Distillery District, having a boozy option, sourcing ingredients, launching the soft serve BoBi Cones, starting a podcast and more!

What's Pouring Kentucky (0:30 mark): Night Kitty Karaoke Bar opens up in Lexington along with Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint while Lexington Diner says goodbye. Castle & Key releases new seasonal gin offerings plus Atrium Brewing's second Louisville locations opens its doors and Kyros Brewing is set to open up in the Portland neighborhood.

Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Bar Conversations podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com. 

We welcome in Amine Karaoud (2:45 mark), co-founder of Old Louisville Whiskey Co, for our Q&A. He talks about why he and his wife launched Old Louisville Whiskey, what led them to owning Red Castle Liquors previously, selling off investments to launch the whiskey brand, being patient as they bought barrels, their bottle and label, their release strategy, opening a tasting room and more. 

What's Pouring Kentucky (0:30 mark): The Nulu Bock and Wurst Fest returns March 25 while Crave Taco Week takes over Lexington March 20-26. The Brickey Café & Play set for Newport on the Levee plus congratulations goes out to Louisville’s Bourbons Bistro, which was named Bar of the Year by American Whisky Magazine for the second year in a row.

Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Bar Conversations podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com. 

We welcome in Morgan Hancock (2:45 mark), founder of the nonprofit Bourbon With Heart, for our Q&A. She talks about how Bourbon with Heart got its start, showcasing art and artists of all kind, the nonprofit's ultimate goal, their current exhibit Barrels of Heart at the Frazier Museum through March 30,  how the 20 artists selected for it, their next event Bow Tied Together, getting businesses and brands interested, future events and more.

What's Pouring Kentucky (0:20 mark): Congratulations to Chef Ouita Michel for being named a global culinary ambassador for the Diplomatic Culinary Partnership. Elizabeth McCall was recently named Woodford Reserve’s Master Distillery, succeeding Chris Morris, who will assume the role of Master Distiller Emeritus. Lady Remoulade has closed in Lexington while Chimera Brewing closed in Louisville and V-Grits is moving to Logan Street Market. Pivot Brewing's Louisville taproom has its grand opening March 10 and Bardstown Road’s latest eatery, Nostalgic Cocktail House + Restaurant, is throwing it back with upscale versions of childhood favorites as part of The Bellwether hotel.

Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Bar Conversations podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.

We welcome in Darrin Wilson (3:05 mark), co-founder of Northwood Cider (Greater Cincinnati), for our Q&A and Road Trip Series. He talks about how Northwood Cider came to be, why they chose cider, how a student helped him find their location, being part of the community, their approach to cider, being experimental, places to visit nearby and more.

What's Pouring Kentucky (0:30 mark): Braxton's Garage Beer is now its own company while Bluegrass Distillers officially has broken ground on its new facility at the historic Elkwood Farm property in Midway. Against The Grain's Smokehouse is no more as its name is now the Against the Grain Public House and will serve burgers, hot dogs, wraps and more. ATG is also partnering with Monk's Road for the 2nd annual Burgoo Bash: a Pro-Am cook-off in March.

Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Bar Conversations podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.

We welcome in Shaylyn Gammon (3:05 mark), Blue Run Spirits Whiskey Director, for our Q&A. She talks how she got into the whiskey industry, having a degree in food science, working with a variety of industry legends, what led to her moving from Campari to Blue Run Spirits, what a whiskey director does, what folks can expect from Blue Run, upcoming releases, their new distillery and more.

What's Pouring Kentucky (0:30 mark): Two Central Kentucky chefs have been named semifinalists in the 2023 James Bears Awards Best Chef: Southeast while Bourbon with Heart recently launched a first-of-its-kind art exhibition, Barrels of Heart, at the Frazier History Museum through March 30. Also, Craft Tap & Grill is now open in the former Mellow Mushroom in Lexington and Juniper’s, the Northern Kentucky’s first gin and tapas bar, recently opened in Covington.

Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Bar Conversations podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.

We welcome in Joyce and Autumn Nethery (2:45 mark) from Jeptha Creed Distillery for our Q&A. They talk about what pushed the family to launch the distillery, the struggle to find a name, working together, how Autumn got into the marketing/sales side, Joyce's love of science, their Red White & Blue Bourbon, using heirloom corn grown on their farm and more. 

What's Pouring Kentucky (0:30 mark): Good Belly plans to open up shop in Louisville while Red Top Hotdogs becomes The Keswick. Plus, Ford's Garage opens in Florence and Braxton Brewing adds another taproom. Par6 Social in Lexington announces an opening date and Desperados is coming to the Distillery District.

Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Bar Conversations podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.