Hops & Spirits: Neat & Mixed

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.