Hops & Spirits: Neat & Mixed

We tried the Remington Reserve “Open Season” Bourbon from Log Still Distillery at this year's Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown.

We sit down with Zane Brammell, co-founder of New Era Whiskey, for a flight night featuring three Kentucky-inspired single barrels: Nature’s Crossing at Natural Bridge (115 proof), Dark Wonders at Mammoth Cave (113.8 proof), and Magic Moonbow at Cumberland Falls (115 proof).

Zane shares how he fell in love with bourbon, launched his first single-barrel club in 2022, and how that passion grew into New Era Whiskey. We dig into why their releases are named after iconic Kentucky state parks and how the team brought these single barrels to market.

Plus, Zane walks us through the label designs, past drops like the Headline Series, what future releases might look like, and where whiskey fans can track down New Era bottles.

At the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, we chat with Zach and Zeb Hargis and master distiller Jacob Call to talk about the revival of Silk Velvet Whiskey. They share how the Hargis family brought Jacob on board, what inspired the return of this historic brand, what people can expect from the new Silk Velvet pours, and what’s next for the team

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.