Hops & Spirits Bar Conversations
Hops & Spirits
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No matter how you like it, grab your favorite drink and join us for a fun conversation. Bar Conversations features interviews musicians, personalities and entertainers as they talk about their careers, new projects coming and so much more. A new podcast is released every Tuesday.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
5 days ago
Colton James on his new EP, Land 4 Heroes and staying busy
Country singer and songwriter Colton James join us (11:45 mark) to talk about his new EP America, writing personal songs like Ring on Her Finger, working with Jimmy Nichols and the late Kim Tribble, the Land 4 Heroes Lodge, RedSunset Entertainment, where his love of music came from and more. Plus, Becca Gardner, founder of NKD LDY, joins us (1:45 mark) for tasting notes to talk about non-alcoholic spirits.
For more on Colton James, visit https://coltonjames.com/ or find him on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Jan 24, 2023
The Gibson Brothers on their new album, family and a Steve Martin prank
Award-winning bluegrass group The Gibson Brothers, Eric and Leigh, join us (12:00 mark) to talk about their new album The Darkest Hour, how the group formed, what it's like playing with family, how they got into music, winning two IBMA Entertainer of the Year awards, being pranked by Steve Martin, their career and more. Plus, Erik Tennyson joins us (1:50 mark) for tasting notes to share some tips to making cocktails a little healthier in the new year.
For more on The Gibson Brothers, visit https://www.gibsonbrothers.com/ or find them on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Jan 17, 2023
Billy Wayne Davis on his new comedy special, sharing stories and his accent
Comedian Billy Wayne Davis joins us (12:02 mark) to talk about his new comedy special Testify, the best places he's traveled to, the toughest part of being on the road, opening for musicians, being on Conan, how his special came about, filming at the International Church of Cannabis, how true his stories he shares are, his accent and what's in store for 2023. Plus, Mark McLaughlin, co-founder of Old Line Spirits, joins us (1:50 mark) for tasting notes to explain what American Single Malt Whiskey is.
For more on Billy Wayne, visit https://www.bwdtour.com/ or find him on social media. To listen to the full interview with Mark, check out https://youtu.be/3eJz7---Qlc.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Jan 10, 2023
Bruce Buffer on Puncher's Chance, announcing and It's Time
Bruce Buffer, entrepreneur, announcer & entertainer, and Umberto Luchini of Wolf Spirit join us (13:50 mark) to talk about Puncher's Chance Bourbon, how Bruce got involved, Umberto's past success, launching Wolf Spirit Distillery, how Bruce came up with "It's Time" and got into announcing, the name behind the brand, their latest releases and so much more. Plus, Michael Barkin and James Cosma, co-founders of Sommarøy Spirits, join us (1:45 mark) for tasting notes to talk about lower ABV spirits.
For more on Bruce, visit https://brucebuffer.com/ or find him on social media. For more on Puncher's Chance Bourbon, visit https://puncherschancebourbon.com/. To listen to the full interview with Michael and James, check out https://youtu.be/M2Vu8L-GmSE.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Dec 20, 2022
Dariann Leigh on her latest single, growing up in Minnesota and her guitar collection
Country singer/songwriter Dariann Leigh joins us (16:45 mark) to talk about her latest single Jackson, growing up in Minnesota, moving to Nashville, whether she still gets to hunt, her Jackson Mini Doc series, her writing style, how she found her voice, picking up the guitar, her guitar collection, whether more new music is coming and what she's hopeful for in 2023. Plus, Chad Watson (aka MyDailyBourbon) joins us (1:45 mark) for tasting notes to ask the question: What bourbon would Santa drink?
For more on Dariann, visit https://www.dariannleigh.com/ or find her on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Dec 13, 2022
Jarrod Dickenson on his upcoming album, traveling with his wife and good whiskey
Americana artist Jarrod Dickenson joins us (9:15 mark) to talk about his new album Big Talk coming Feb. 3, his favorite whiskies, their home bar, the proper time to wear a hat, being able to travel with his wife, getting her to join him on stage, being able to make new music, how this album compares to his first albums, what else he's hoping for in 2023 and more. Plus, cicerone Kevin Patterson joins us (1:30 mark) to talk those out of season beers we all enjoy year round.
For more on Jarrod, visit https://jarroddickenson.com/ or find him on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Dec 6, 2022
The Runaway Grooms on their Jam Americana style, upcoming album and good beer
Adam Tobin and Zach Gilliam of the American/Jam/Roots Rock band The Runaway Grooms join us (10:10 mark) to talk about their favorite beers, their cold river plunge, how they all ended up in Colorado, what Jamericana is, their band name, how things have changed since their first album in 2020, being on the road constantly, their upcoming album This Road, their single Jenny, what's next and more. Plus, Cardenxe Sotol founder Luigi Ambrosi joins us (1:40 mark) to talk about the Mexican spirit Sotol.
For more on Everette, visit https://therunawaygrooms.com/ or find them on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Nov 29, 2022
Everette on their new album, Opry debut and Man of Constant Sorrow
Country duo Everette, Brent Rupard and Anthony Olympia, joins us (10:50 mark) to talk about their favorite drinks, how they became a duo, getting the name Everette, their new album Kings of the Dairy Queen Parking Lot Side B, how they ended up with the single Gonna Be A Problem, making their Grand Ole Opry debut, the reaction to their cover Man of Constant Sorrow, the impact of their wives and family, and more. Plus, chef Alison Settle joins us (1:35 mark) for Tasting Notes to talk sweets and drink pairings for the holidays.
For more on Everette, visit https://weareeverette.com/ or find them on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Nov 22, 2022
Hunter Hayes on new music, learning new instruments and good Scotch whisky
Grammy-nominated and multi-instrumentalist artist Hunter Hayes joins us (12:32 mark) to talk about his favorite drinks, his love of Scotch whisky, learning new instruments, how he's changed musically (or not) over the past decade, his road trip to California, latest singles from Red Sky, sharing this part of his musical journey, what's next and more. Plus, Chaunci King, founder of Royalty Spirits, joins us (1:34 mark) for Tasting Notes to talk about launching Royalty Spirits.
For more on Hunter Hayes, visit https://www.hunterhayes.com/ or find him on social media.
For more from our interview with Chaunci, check out the Extra Tasting Notes on Facebook and YouTube.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Nov 15, 2022
Flat River Band on being brothers, coming from a musical family and their latest album
Dennijo Sitze of the country trio the Flat River Band joins us to talk (9:30 mark) about playing together as brothers, growing up in a family band, having kids not into music, how the trio came to be, playing with the Gatlin Brothers, their latest album, making music for the front porch, what 2023 has in store and more. Plus, cicerone Kevin Patterson joins us (1:40 mark) for Tasting Notes to talk about pastry stouts and what to expect on tap this winter.
For more on the Flat River Band, visit https://www.flatriverband.com/ or find them on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Nov 8, 2022
Austin Snell on Excuse the Mess, his name and getting to Nashville
Country artist Austin Snell joins us (9:00 mark) to talk about his debut single Excuse the Mess, how his parents had to change his name, buying a guitar with his last $400, his adventurous journey to Nashville, ignoring the signs of that journey, finding his voice, writing music and more. Plus, chef Alison Settle joins us (1:30 mark) for Tasting Notes to talk Friendsgiving and Holiday Parties.
For more on Austin, visithttps://www.austinsnell.com/ or find him on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Nov 1, 2022
Grant Gilbert on potential collabs, growing up on the farm and how he got started
Country artist Grant Gilbert joins us (13-minute mark) to talk about growing up on a farm in Texas, getting into music, his first gig, the impact Texas Tech had on his career, meeting Josh Abbott, potential collaborations dropping soon, his latest single What's Stopping Us, being in the studio and more. Plus, Drunkwood creator John King joins us (1:45 mark) for Tasting Notes to talk bourbon barrels and woodworking.
For more on Grant, visit https://www.grantgilbertmusic.com/ or find him on social media.
For the full interview with John King, check out https://hopsspirits.com/2022/07/25/qa-with-drunkwood-creator-john-king/.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Oct 25, 2022
Brett Kissel on family, good drinks and how he got into music
Chart topping and award winning country artist Brett Kissel joins us (11:30 mark) to talk about the role family has played in his life, getting to travel with his kids, having his own vodka, his favorite drinks, growing up in Canada, his latest single Watch It, the collaboration with 98 Degrees, where his inspiration for a song comes from, being on stage, his next album (or is it albums?), getting back to Nashville and more. Plus, Leah Jean Shafer joins us (1:45 mark) for Tasting Notes to talk about creating UNspilt, the unspillable drink holder and being in nature.
For more on Brett, visit https://www.brettkissel.com/ or find him on social media.
To enjoy our full chat with Leah and how UNspilt came to be, visit https://hopsspirits.com/2022/07/24/chat-with-unspilt-creator-leah-jean-shafer/.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Oct 18, 2022
Jordan Rowe on his latest single, finding inspiration for songs and working with legends
Country artist and songwriter Jordan Rowe joins us (10:30 mark) to talk about his latest single 5:00 in the Country, growing up in Georgia, the move to Nashville, being a songwriter, song ideas that come in the shower, working with some legends on his album Bad Case of the Good Ole Boy, doing tailgate shows for Luke Combs, being on stage and more. Plus, Kevin Patterson joins us (1:45 mark) for Tasting Notes to talk bourbon barrel aged beers and what to expect.
For more on Jordan, visit https://www.jordanroweofficial.com/ or find him on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Neat & Mixed Reviews and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Oct 11, 2022
Logan Crosby on Claim to Fame, getting into music and first singles
Country artist and Claim to Fame runner up Logan Crosby joins us (4:30 mark) to talk about being on the TV show Claim to Fame, keeping his identity a secret, eating a scorpion, going viral on TikTok for a non-music video, his love of music, when he realized this was the path for him, his "Suits and Boots" attire, his first singles, what's next for him and more. Plus, we give you a preview (30 second mark) of our latest Hops & Spirits shows, including Neat & Mixed Reviews.
For more on Logan, find him on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Cocktail:30 videos, Neat & Mixed Reviews, and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Oct 4, 2022
Dallas Remington on Steal Your Dad, her biggest goal and playing metal
Country artist and songwriter Dallas Remington joins us (9:45 mark) to talk about her new single Steal Your Dad, being in the studio, the response to Uncommon Man, playing in a metal band, how she got into music, moving from Kentucky to Nashville, her biggest goals, her family, her love of Sun Drop and more. Plus, Alison Settle joins us (1:45 mark) for Tasting Notes to talk tailgate food and drink pairings.
For more on Dallas, visit https://www.dallasremington.com/ or find her on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Cocktail:30 videos, Neat & Mixed Reviews, and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Sep 27, 2022
Southerland on how they became a duo, new music and good whiskey
Country duo Southerland joins us (12-minute mark) as we wrap up Whiskey Weeks 2022 with a few good pours. Chris Rogers and Matt Chase talk about how they became a duo, trying to come up with a name (Palmetto Peaches anyone??), how they come up with songs, writing a song about their significant others, their latest singles, coming together as a duo, their favorite bourbons & craft beers, what's next and more. Plus, Chad Watson (aka MyDailyBourbon) joins us (1:40 mark) for Tasting Notes to talk about Going Beyond Kentucky as part of our Whiskey 101 series.
For more on Southerland, visit https://southerlandmusic.com/ or find them on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Cocktail:30 videos and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Sep 20, 2022
Manny Blu on country punk, bending the rules and good whiskey
Country punk artist Manny Blu joins for week three of Whiskey Weeks 2022. He talks (13-minute mark) about what country punk is, how he got into country music, always being a rule bender, overcoming challenges along the way, growing up in Canada, the move to Nashville, his latest single, making new music and what's next. Plus, Chad Watson (aka MyDailyBourbon) joins us (1:45 mark) for Tasting Notes to talk about Trying Craft Distillers as part of our Whiskey 101 series.
For more on Manny, visit https://mannyblumusic.com/ or find him on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Cocktail:30 videos and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Sep 13, 2022
Ian Munsick on importance of family, making new music and crazy fans
Country artist Ian Munsick joins for week two of Whiskey Weeks 2022. He talks (10-minute mark) about being a dad, having his wife as his manager, the role she played in his duet with Cody Johnson (Long Live Cowgirls), growing up in a musical family, giving back to Montana following the floods, his latest single More Than Me, being out on tour, his love of snack foods, what's next for him and more. Plus, Chad Watson (aka MyDailyBourbon) joins us (1:30 mark) for Tasting Notes to talk about Trying Rye Whiskey as part of our Whiskey 101 series.
For more on Ian, visit https://www.ianmunsick.com/ or find him on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Cocktail:30 videos and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Sep 6, 2022
Smith & Wesley on playing together as brothers, sharing stories & giving back
Country duo Smith & Wesley, brothers Todd and Scott Smith, joins us (11-minute mark) to kick off Whiskey Weeks 2022 and they take over hosting duties as we experienced some technical difficulties midway through. They also talk about how they came to play together professionally, how they came up with their name, the impact their parents had on them, how they write a song and pick songs for an album, why they had other writers on their latest album, giving back, what's next and they share some stories with us. Plus, Chad Watson (aka MyDailyBourbon) joins us (1 plus-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk about Bottled In Bond as part of our Whiskey 101 series.
For more on Smith & Wesley, visit https://www.smithandwesley.com/ or find them on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Cocktail:30 videos and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Aug 30, 2022
Emily Miller on her debut EP, love of classic country and gardening
Country artist/songwriter Emily Miller joins us (9-minute mark) to talk about her debut EP They Say, her hobby of gardening, growing up with classical music training, switching to country music, her love of classic country, learning from amazing teachers, and what's next. Plus, Jake Sulek joins us (1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk the Daisy/Margarita as part of our Cocktail 101 series.
For more on Emily, visit https://www.emilymillerofficial.com/ or find her on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Cocktail:30 videos and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Aug 23, 2022
We Banjo 3 on their new album, playing with family and blending genres
Fergal Scahill of the Ireland-based quartet We Banjo 3 joins us (9-minute mark) to talk about the group's new album Open the Road, how the sets of brothers get along, blending Irish and Americana styles, playing at Irish American festivals, how he plays the fiddle, being on social media and more. Plus, Jake Sulek joins us (1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk the Manhattan as part of our Cocktail 101 series.
For more on We Banjo 3, visit https://www.webanjo3.com/ or find them on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Cocktail:30 videos and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Aug 16, 2022
Dustin Herring on his new album, working on the farm and his songwriting approach
Country artist Dustin Herring joins us (8-minute mark) to talk about working on the farm, winning the County Showdown Songwriting Competition, moving to Nashville, growing up in south Alabama, getting back to his roots, his latest album Acquired Taste, playing with his friend Brandon Wright at the Blazer 88 Benefit and more. Plus, Jake Sulek joins us (1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk the Old Fashioned as part of our Cocktail 101 series.
For more on Dustin Herring, visit https://www.dustinherring.com/ or find him on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Cocktail:30 videos and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Aug 9, 2022
The Western Express on their debut album, Craigslist and dancehalls
Stephen Castillo and Phill Brush, of country band The Western Express, join us (9-minute mark) to talk about their debut album, meeting on Craigslist, their name, growing up in Texas, how they're a team, building out the band, working with rockabilly star John Evans, playing gigs and more. Plus, Jake Sulek joins us (2-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk The Sour recipe as part of our Cocktail 101 series.
For more on The Western Express, visit https://www.thewesternexpress.band/ or find them on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Cocktail:30 videos and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Aug 2, 2022
KINGSLEY on her latest album, being an entrepreneur and her love of music
Artist and entrepreneur KINGSLEY joins us (11-minute mark) to talk about her latest album, having a love for music at an early age, being part of a big family, becoming an entrepreneur, crafting lipstick to match her album's singles, making a cocktail book and more. Plus, Jake Sulek joins us (1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk cocktail basics as part of our Cocktail 101 series.
For more on KINGSLEY, visit https://www.iamkingsley.com/ or find her on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Give It A Try Taste Tests and the Hops & Spirits Kentucky podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Jul 26, 2022
Johnny Day on working in the oilfields, his wife's proposal and good beer
Country artist Johnny Day joins us (10-minute mark) to talk about working in the oilfields, growing up in Colorado, moving to Nashville fulltime, saying no to his wife's proposal, his favorite beers, working on new music, being on TikTok and more. Plus, Kevin Patterson joins us (1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk lagers as part of our Craft Beer 101 series.
For more on Johnny, visit https://www.johnnydayofficial.com/ or find him on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Give It A Try Taste Tests and the Hops & Spirits podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Jul 19, 2022
Lauren Balthrop on her single Piece of Shit, upcoming album and learning the fiddle
Singer/songwriter Lauren Balthrop joins us (10-minute mark) to talk about having fun on social media, learning the fiddle, pursing theater in New York City before turning to music, growing up in Alabama, going solo, her upcoming album, the single Piece of Shit and more. Plus, Kevin Patterson joins us (1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk sour/gose beers as part of our Craft Beer 101 series.
For more on Lauren, visit https://www.laurenbalthrop.com/ or find her on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Give It A Try Taste Tests and the Questions & Alcohol podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Jul 12, 2022
Bryan Ruby on his new single, playing baseball & his journey
Country artist and professional baseball player Bryan Ruby joins us (13-minute mark) to talk about playing baseball, balancing music and baseball, when he got into country music, his new single Left Field, upcoming EP, his organization Proud to Be in Baseball and more. Plus, Kevin Patterson joins us (1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk newer style IPAs as part of our Craft Beer 101 series.
For more on Bryan, visit https://www.bryanrubymusic.com/ or find him on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Give It A Try Taste Tests and the Questions & Alcohol podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Jul 5, 2022
Charlie Berry on being a dad, making new music and going solo
Country artist and songwriter Charlie Berry joins us (10-minute mark) to talk about what pushed him to start a solo career, making new music, being a dad, whether his daughter is a fan of his music, how his songwriting process goes, making TikToks, going from punk rock to country and more. Plus, Kevin Patterson, cicerone and national beer judge, joins us (1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk IPAs as part of our Craft Beer 101 series.
For more on Charlie, visit https://www.charlieberrymusic.com/ or find him on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Give It A Try Taste Tests and the Questions & Alcohol podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Jun 28, 2022
Clay Hollis on being in the studio, growing up in Texas & his journey into music
Country artist Clay Hollis joins us (13-minute mark) to talk about working on his next album, how this album differs from his previous efforts, growing up in Texas, his musical influences, being able to tour, whether he prefers cowboy hats or trucker hats and what's next. Plus, Jake Sulek joins us (1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk Mexican spirits on the fourth part of our Spirits 101 series.
For more on Clay, find him at https://www.clayhollis.com/ or on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Give It A Try Taste Tests and the Questions & Alcohol podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Jun 21, 2022
Blue Dogs on getting back into the studio, their career and their own beer
The Americana group Blue Dogs join us (11-minute mark) to talk music and beer. Band founder Bobby Houck (lead vocals) and Hank Futch (vocals/upright bass) chat with us about going into the studio for the first time in 16 years, why they made a new album, how growing up in South Carolina impacted their sound, their journey in the music industry, creating a beer with Holy City Brewing, and much more. Plus, Jake Sulek joins us (1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk rum on the third part of our Spirits 101 series.
For more on Blue Dogs, find them at https://www.bluedogs.com/home or on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Give It A Try Taste Tests and the Questions & Alcohol podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Jun 14, 2022
John Inghram on his debut solo album, Mountain Stage debut and his career
Songwriter and musician John Inghram joins us (11-minute mark) to talk about his debut solo album, making his Mountain Stage debut, how his solo music differs, his experience recording the album, how the album's cover art happened, his journey in the music industry, going on tour and what's next. Plus, Jake Sulek joins us (1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk brandy on the second part of our Spirits 101 series.
For more on John, find him on social media at https://www.facebook.com/johninghrammusic/ or https://www.instagram.com/inghram_bass/.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Give It A Try Taste Tests and the Questions & Alcohol podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Jun 7, 2022
Kel Adore on songwriting, move to LA and her new music
Singer/songwriter Kel Adore joins us (11-minute mark) to talk about getting into the music industry, modeling, her songwriting style, sharing personal experiences, her latest singles, moving to Los Angeles and more. Plus, Jake Sulek joins us (1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk gin and vodka as part of our Spirits 101 series.
For more on Kel, visit https://www.keladore.com/ or find her on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Give It A Try Taste Tests and the Questions & Alcohol podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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May 31, 2022
Dustin Collins on his upcoming album, growing up in Kentucky and bourbon
Country musician Dustin Collins joins us (7-minute mark) to talk about growing up in Kentucky, his love of bourbon, his love of the outdoors, his new single Workin' Man, his upcoming album, working with Buddy Cannon and Bill McDermott, getting on to tour again and more. Plus, 911Bourbon joins us (1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk about how to protect your photos from being stolen and how to report scammers.
For more on Dustin, find him on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Give It A Try Taste Tests and the Questions & Alcohol podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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May 24, 2022
Joey Greer on growing up in a musical family, his bus Ms. Frizzle and new music
Country musician Joey Greer joins us (8-minute mark) to talk about his old school bus Ms. Frizzle, his love of the outdoors, growing up in a musical family, dropping his debut album in early 2020, his single Outlaw Angel, his newest singles, being on stage and what's next. Plus, Chad Watson joins us (1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk about synthetic corks and what is the best type of cork to use.
For more on Joey, check out https://www.joeygreer.com/ or find him on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Give It A Try Taste Tests and the Questions & Alcohol podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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May 17, 2022
Jon Wolfe on Juan Lobo Tequila, his latest album and staying busy
Country artist Jon Wolfe joins us (9:30-mark) to talk about his tequila Juan Lobo Tequila, getting involved in the tequila industry, his many hobbies beyond music, going from a finance degree to the oil fields to the stage, his latest album Dos Corazones, what he loves about touring and more. Plus, Kevin Patterson, a Cicerone and National Beer Judge, joins us (1-minute for Tasting Notes to talk about craft beer and the perfect pairings for grilling season.
For more on Jon, check out https://www.jonwolfecountry.com/ or find him on social media. For more on Juan Lobo Tequila, check out https://juanlobotequila.com/ or find it on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Give It A Try Taste Tests and the Questions & Alcohol podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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May 10, 2022
Dane Louis on his OnlyFans Fan Club, growing up in Iowa & new music
Country artist Dane Louis joins us (7-minute mark) to talk about growing up in Iowa, moving to Nashville, his dog Otis, the OnlyFans Fan Club, a crazy photoshoot, his latest single Whiskey Wears Off, how he finds inspiration for writing and more. Plus, 911Bourbon joins us (1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk about how to spot a bourbon scam on social media and other red flags.
For more on Dane, check out https://danelouisofficial.com/ or find him on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Give It A Try Taste Tests and the Questions & Alcohol podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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May 3, 2022
Hudson Valley on new music, having fun and coming together as a band
Country rockers Hudson Valley join us (9-minute mark) to talk about their new single, having fun together, how they become this band, moving to Nashville, playing at Ole Red and more. Plus, Chad Watson joins us (1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk about bourbon prices, what folks can expect to pay and if we're approaching Scotch territory.
For more on Hudson Valley, check out https://www.hudsonvalleyband.com/ or find them on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Give It A Try Taste Tests and the Questions & Alcohol podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Apr 26, 2022
Lane Smith on life as a bullfighter, getting into music and his latest single
Country musician Lane Smith joins us (around the 8-minute mark) to talk about his life as a bullfighter, how one gets into that career, switching to music, growing up in South Texas, getting married, his debut EP, latest single Ain't It Crazy and more. Plus, Jake Sulek joins us (around the 1-minute mark) for Tasting Notes to talk about the Mint Julep, tips on making a proper julep, how to put your spin on it and the history of the drink.
For more on Lane, check out https://www.lanesmithmusic.com/ or find him on social media.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, enjoy our Give It A Try Taste Tests and the Questions & Alcohol podcast, both available at hopsspirits.com.
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Apr 19, 2022
Nate Bergman on going solo, working with legends and his debut album
* Introduction to show
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Mikey, aka 911Bourbon on Instagram, talks about how we got into whiskey and how his page got its start (starts around the 1-minute mark)
Nate Bergman, who debut solo album Metaphysical Change comes out May 20, joins us around the 7-minute mark.
* What are you drinking?
* How are you able to pull off the mustache?
* What got you into music?
* You were part of Lionize for a long time, why go the solo right now?
* How does your solo music differ from Lionize?
* Who/what type of music did you grow up with or influenced you?
* You’ve been in the music industry a while, what’s your journey been like?
* What’s it been like working with legends in the game like the late Lee “Scratch Perry” and others
* As you write new material, are you pulling from experiences, have ideas? How does the writing process for you go?
* Working on your debut solo album, what was that like?
* You’ve got an amazing group o…
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Apr 12, 2022
Lucas Hoge on his new single, Hoge Wild and his career
* Introduction to show
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Chad Watson, aka MyDailyBourbon on Instagram and part of the Bourbon Life crew, talks about his month-long Blanton's challenge and what he learned from it (starts around the 1-minute mark)
Lucas Hoge, chart topping country artist and host of Sportsman Channel series GSM’s Hoge Wild, joins us around the 7-minute mark.
* How often is your name said wrong?
* What are you drinking?
* So how was your recent trip to South Africa?
* How did you end up hosting a TV show on the Sportsman Channel?
* What’s the coolest or your favorite place you’ve gotten to visit?
* What is it that draws you to the outdoors? And sharing that with others?
* Growing up in small town in Nebraska, how did that impact your career? Both the music and the outdoorsman?
* Is it true that your hometown of 44 helped send you off to Nashville with $2,500?
* How did you end up in music? I know you started playing guitar at 17.
* You’re a…
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Mar 29, 2022
Payton Howie on her debut EP, giving up softball and being on stage at age 5
* Introduction to show
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Kevin Patterson, a Cicerone and National Beer Judge, talks about spring beers, how the styles change and what folks can expect on tap (starts around the 1-minute mark)
Payton Howie, country artist whose debut EP Young Blood is out now, joins us at the 8-minute mark.
* What's your favorite guilty pleasure non-alcoholic drink?
* So did this love of music start with a Carrie Underwood concert when you were 5?
* When did you know this is something that you saw as a career?
* You were pretty good at softball even earning a D2 scholarship, ever miss it?
* You grew up in California/Texas, how did that impact or influence you?
* How would you describe your music style?
* Who/what type of music did you grow up with or influenced you?
* The single Country before Me and what that song means to you?
* You released your debut EP Youngblood in February, what was that like?
* What's the story behind the name for the EP?…
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Mar 22, 2022
Hayden Coffman on social media, new single and pursuing a music career
* Introduction to show
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Jake Sulek talks about spring cocktails and some recipes to enjoy as the seasons change (starts around the 1-minute mark)
Hayden Coffman, country musician, joins us around the 7-minute mark.
* What are you drinking?
* What was your response to your girlfriend's reenactment?
* Do you ever get weird looks when recording Tik Tok videos to your songs in random places?
* I feel like you just want to have a good time and you’ve got a sense of humor
* What’s it like sharing things through Tik Tok and social media?
* How would you describe your music style?
* How did growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee impact your music or influence you?
* Who/what type of music did you grow up with or influenced you?
* Would you have been a baseball player if not going this route?
* When did you know this was something you wanted to pursue?
* About to release a new single Good Ol’ Boys, talk about that song
* Really love…
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Mar 15, 2022
Presley Tennant on her new single, being on The Voice and finding her sound
* Introduction to show
* Update on what's new at Hops & Spirits with our Taste Tests, Cocktail:30 videos and the Questions & Alcohol podcast.
Presley Tennant, singer/songwriter, joins us at the 3-minute mark.
* What’s a guilty pleasure nonalcoholic drink of yours?
* What’s something unique about you that folks might not know?
* What got you into music?
* How much did being on The Voice change things for you?
* How would you describe your style of music?
* Who/what type of music did you grow up with or influenced you?
* New single Gamble on You coming at the end of this month?
* You’ve released a few singles lately such as Heaven Sent Hell Bound, Half That Strong, Bite The Bullet, what drew you to those songs?
* What's it like writing from personal experiences?
* Being young, what’s it like to find your voice on songs?
* You’ve performed with some big names from Kelly Clarkson to Tim McGraw, what’s that like for you?
* Do you have any pre-show rit…
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Mar 11, 2022
Tasting Notes with Alcoholic Beverage Attorney Rachel Lawson
Alcoholic beverage attorney Rachel Lawson joins us for an extended Tasting Notes. She explains the Treasury's "Competition in the markets for Beer, Wine and Spirits Report" plus talks about what it means for the industry, potential impact and biggest takeaways.
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Mar 8, 2022
Tim Montana on making new music, life experiences and being true to himself
* Introduction to show
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Rachel Lawson, an alcoholic beverage lawyers, talks about the Treasury's report and its potential impact on the alcohol industry (starts around the 1-minute mark)
Tim Montana, singer and songwriter, joins us at the 8-minute mark.
* What are you drinking?
* I have to ask, how do you become friends with such an unique group of people (ZZ Top, Foo Fighters, Travis Pastrana)
* How much work goes into your beard?
* You share a lot of your life on social media, including your kids, what’s it like being a dad?
* You have a hot sauce company, love cooking, are you a foodie?
* Anything you can’t do?
* How would you describe your music style?
* How did growing up in Montana impact your music or influence you?
* Who/what type of music did you grow up with or influenced you?
* When did you know this was something you wanted to pursue?
* Where/what do you draw upon when writing/creating music?
* Just released a…
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Mar 1, 2022
Coyle Girelli on his new album, writing songs and growing up in England
* Introduction to show
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Kevin Patterson, a Cicerone and National Beer Judge, talks about the variety of barrel-aged beers and what to expect from each (starts around the 1-minute mark)
Coyle Girelli, multiplatinum musician, songwriter and composer, joins us at the 9-minute mark.
* What are you drinking?
* I’ve looked at your social media and your photos make you look very serious, do you smile and have fun?
* What would you be doing if you weren’t in music?
* Why did you launch your own label/agency in Honey Lemon Records?
* How would you describe your solo music style?
* How does your style differ from your bands Your Vegas and The Chevin?
* How did growing up in England impact your music or influence you?
* Who/what type of music did you grow up with or influenced you?
* When did you know this was something you wanted to pursue?
* You’re a writer/producer/composer, what’s it like working behind the scenes?
* You’ve…
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Feb 25, 2022
Tasting Notes with SIA Scotch's Carin Luna-Ostaseski
SIA Scotch founder Carin Luna-Ostaseski joins us at the 1-minute mark for an expanded Tasting Notes special. Carin talks about how she came to love Scotch, launching a Scotch brand, the challenges along the way, the Entrepreneurial Spirit Fund and its impact, what's next and more.
For more on SIA Scotch, check out https://www.siascotchwhisky.com/ or find them on social media. For more on the Entrepreneurial Spirit Fund, visit http://siascotchfund.helloalice.com/.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook page. Plus, our Give It A Try Highlights, Cocktail:30 videos and Q&A Videocast are all available at hopsspirits.com.
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Feb 22, 2022
Lord Nelson on their new album, hitting the road and their journey
* Introduction to show
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Carin Luna-Ostaseski, founder of SIA Scotch, talks about their Entrepreneurial Spirit Fund and giving back. (starts around the 1-minute mark)
Kai Crowe-Getty, vocals/guitar for the band Lord Nelson, joins us at the 7-minute mark.
* What are you drinking tonight?
* How would you describe the band’s style of music?
* Who/what type of music did you grow up with or influenced you?
* What got you into music?
* When did you decide to make this a career?
* Lord Nelson dropped its latest album Transmission in January, what do you want folks to take away from that album?
* You all went into this one with a plan of having a live, but studio feel. Why did you want that?
* This album also features three writers and vocalists with brothers Henry and Calloway Jones contributing. How did that come about?
* What’s it like for you in writing songs? Where do you pull from?
* How big of an impact does being based out of…
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Feb 15, 2022
Jacob Bryant on his new album, Opry debut and life outside of music
* Introduction to show
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Jake Sulek talks about cream liqueurs and how to use those in cocktails (starts around the 1-minute mark)
Country musician Jacob Bryant joins us at the 7-minute mark.
* What are you drinking tonight?
* How would you describe your music style?
* How did growing up in North Georgia impact your music or influence you?
* When did you know this was something you wanted to pursue?
* Just recently announced that you’ll be making your Opry debut, what does it mean to play on that stage?
* Who/what type of music did you grow up with or influenced you?
* It’s often said tragedy/experiences shape a person, can you talk about that and your music?
* Just released Bar Stool Preacher, what can folks expect on that?
* How did you decide on the name for the album?
* How does Bar Stool Preacher compare to Practice What I Preach?
* Going out on tour and what folks can expect
* Looking at your social media and reading…
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Feb 8, 2022
Hannah Anders on her love of music, bringing energy to the stage and her journey
* Introduction to show
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Chad Watson, aka MyDailyBourbon on Instagram and part of the Bourbon Life crew, talks about celebrity-backed spirits and what to be careful when buying (starts around the 1-minute mark)
Country musician Hannah Anders joins us at the 7-minute mark.
* What are you drinking tonight?
* How would you describe your style of music?
* Who/what type of music did you grow up with or influenced you?
* What got you into music?
* You’ve dropped Evolution early last year, what do you want folks to take away from that album?
* Is it weird to rerecord songs?
* I believe I read where the album was partly written by you and songwriters, how important is that balance to you?
* Writing songs and what you pull from?
* You bring energy and some fun to the stage, is that just your personality?
* Kerosene - The Miranda Lambert Tribute Show, can you talk about that?
* How different is a Kerosene show compared to Hannah Anders?…
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Feb 1, 2022
JD Shelburne on his latest album, growing up in Kentucky and how he got into music
* Introduction to show
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Chad Watson, aka MyDailyBourbon on Instagram and part of the Bourbon Life crew, talks about bottom shelf bourbons and why you shouldn't be scared to try them (starts around the 1-minute mark)
Country musician JD Shelburne joins us at the 7-minute mark.
* Having kids and coming back to visit the University of Kentucky
* What are you drinking?
* How would you describe your music style?
* Can you explain how you got into music and the impact of your grandmother’s passing?
* How important were those days of playing in an empty church sanctuary?
* Who/what type of music did you grow up with or influenced you?
* How big of an impact did Kentucky and your hometown of Taylorsville have on you?
* Your journey in music, how difficult was it for you to make that jump into this being a career?
* What pushed you to go full-time
* What’s it like for you to perform, because you’ve received honors for how often you…
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Jan 25, 2022
Flight Night X with Spiritless Kentucky 74
* Introduction to show/ no Tasting Notes this week.
Michael Toscano, former cocktail guru and Spiritless National Director of Trade Marketing, joins us from the start.
* Introduction of the panel
* What is Spiritless?
* FIRST UP: Spiritless Old Fashioned
* How were they able to get a nonalcoholic bourbon?
* How does it act/play like a bourbon?
* Lauren, Abbey and Lexie and Spiritless’ journey
* SECOND UP: Whiskey Sour
* Go Halfsies, what is that and why?
* Creating cocktails with Spiritless
* THIRD UP: Hot Toddy
* Why did you get involved with Spiritless?
* Expanding the brand and getting Spiritless out there?
* Working in the industry and going sober like?
* What's your favorite go-to cocktail to make?
* What's a cocktail you hated to make?
* What’s next for Spiritless?
For the recipes to the cocktails, visit https://hopsspirits.com/2022/01/25/flight-night-x-with-spiritless-kentucky-74/.
Don't forget to check out the video on our YouTube and Fac…
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Jan 18, 2022
Josh Gallagher on his new album, becoming a dad and how he got into music
* Introduction to show
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Jake Sulek, Beverage Director/Partner with The Professors LLC, talks how to be healthier with your drinks and tips for healthier cocktails (starts around the 1-minute mark) (starts around the 1-minute mark)
Country musician Josh Gallagher joins us at the 6-minute mark.
* What are you drinking?
* How would you describe your style of music?
* What got you into music?
* Who/what type of music did you grow up with or influenced you?
* Growing up in Pennsylvania, how did that impact your music/life?
* You’ve dropped two EPs, any album coming soon?
* When writing songs, do you pull from personal experiences or just have an idea?
* You run the gauntlet with clever/catchy songs like Them Cans to Boots Like Mine and These Hands, what draws you to each?
* I saw where you’re about to be a dad, are you ready?
* What’s some of the best/craziest advice you’ve received so far?
* What’s your journey as a music…
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Jan 11, 2022
The Wooks on their new album, their name and hitting the road
* Introduction to show
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Kevin Patterson, a Cicerone and National Beer Judge, talks about non-alcoholic beer and how it has changed in recent years. (starts around the 1-minute mark)
CJ Cain of The Wooks joins us at the 8-minute mark.
* What are you drinking?
* How would you describe the style of The Wooks
* How did the name come about?
* What got you into music?
* Who/what type of music did you grow up with or influenced you?
* What can folks expect on new album Flying High?
* I read where you wanted it to have a more live feeling, said bluegrass is getting more autotuned, what were you all shooting for?
* Does this differ from your first two albums?
* As you all write new material, what’s the like? Pulling from experiences, have ideas?
* Since you all started in 2014, how has the journey been?
* You all are going on tour for the new album, what can folks expect?
* Is there a favorite venue or place you all have played/gone…
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Dec 21, 2021
The Nashvillains on their debut album, how they came together and enjoying a good drink
* Introduction to show
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Kevin Patterson, a Cicerone and National Beer Judge, talks about 2021 trends in craft beer and what to expect in 2022 (starts around the 1-minute mark)
Troy Johnson, Brett Boyett, and Scott Lindsey of The Nashvillains join us us at the 9-minute mark.
* What are you drinking?
* How did you all come together?
* Did you know of one another prior?
* The name, The Nashvillains, how did that come about?
* As fans of a variety of genres, how would you describe your music?
* What can folks expect on your debut album Tumbling down?
* Blending genres and working with a variety of folks
* What got you all into music?
* What music did you grow up on?
* Troy, writing songs for Keith Urban, The Chicks, Trace Adkins and more, what’s that like?
* Brett, being a music producer for TV, film and recording artists, how was that?
* Scott, you’ve had your on charting single, but have also written for a diverse group,…
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Dec 14, 2021
Taylor Austin Dye on good whiskey, country music and Kentucky
* Introduction to show
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Jake Sulek, Beverage Director/Partner with The Professors LLC, talks how to make and enjoy eggnog plus some Christmas/New Year's cocktails (starts around the 1-minute mark)
Taylor Austin Dye, Kentucky native and country artist, joins us at the 7-minute mark.
* What are you drinking tonight?
* I think I saw you on social media enjoying a drink while recording
* How would you describe your style of music?
* What got you into music?
* Who/what type of music did you grow up with or influenced you?
* Growing up in Kentucky and its impact?
* Seemed like you were destined to be in Nashville though
* When writing songs, do you pull from personal experiences or just have an idea?
* Do you ever look back at songs you wrote and go what was I thinking?
* You’re on the road a lot, how is that?
* What’s your favorite part of performing?
* What’s the coolest place you’ve gotten to go?
* Your fans, the Ride…
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Dec 7, 2021
Flight Night IX with Dragon's Milk
* Introduction to show/ no Tasting Notes this week.
Dominique Bergquist, Brand Manager for Dragon's Milk, joins us for Flight Night IX at the 1-minute mark.
* Introduction of the panel
* FIRST UP: Dragon’s Milk White
* Creating new variations of Dragon's Milk
* When did it gain its own identity?
* SECOND UP: Dragon’s Milk
* How did Dragon's Milk get started
* How the name came about
* THIRD UP: Dragon’s Milk Reserve #3 Salted Caramel
* Keeping folks excited about new releases
* What comes first, the beer or the bourbon? Or the barrel?
* FOURTH UP: Beer Barrel Bourbon
* Age of the bourbon and new releases coming?
* Other types of Dragon's Milk Reserve releases?
* Reserve release everywhere? How much?
* Time stamp on the beer and how long do they last?
* Beer barrel finishes
* What's next or coming up?
Don't forget to check out the video on our YouTube and Facebook pages. Plus, our Give It A Try Highlights pour every Monday and our Cocktail:30 v…
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Nov 30, 2021
Creed Fisher on country music, new albums and doing it his way
* Introduction to show
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Kevin Patterson, a Cicerone and National Beer Judge, talks what to expect with winter beers and how the shelves change after the holidays (starts around the 1-minute mark)
Creed Fisher, Outlaw Country artist and a true Texan, joins us at the 8-minute mark.
* What are you drinking? And is that your typical go-to?
* How would you describe your style of music?
* Is your real name, Creed Fisher?
* What’s in the name of the album?
* What can folks expect on your new album Whiskey and the Dog?
* How do you draw on past experiences when creating music?
* What got you into music?
* I was reading about the little blue house and how that kind of got you to where you are now or kicked started things, can you explain that?
* When writing songs, do you pull from personal experiences or just have an idea?
* Do you ever have to stress over creating new material?
* Playing in front of crowds?
* What music did you gr…
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Nov 23, 2021
Fred Minnick on bourbon, bourbon history and Repeal Day
* Introduction to show/Happy Thanksgiving
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Chad Watson, aka MyDailyBourbon on Instagram and part of the Bourbon Life crew, talks about the dos, don'ts and what to do when buying bourbon/whiskey as a gift (starts around the 1-minute mark)
Fred Minnick, best selling author, bourbon curator, taster and host of The Fred Minnick Show, joins us at the 9-minute mark.
* What are you drinking tonight?
* How did you become this bourbon man?
* How has the bourbon world changed over the past decade plus?
* Is there anything else besides bourbon and whiskey in your house? Beer? Other spirits?
* You’re a writer and write for multiple magazines, founded Bourbon + magazine, what is it about writing that draws you in?
* You’ve written several best sellers, what have been your favorite ones? Or are they like kids and all of them?
* Bringing/shining the spotlight on women in whiskey
* You’ve interviewed a variety of celebrities, whats the like?…
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Nov 16, 2021
Boxing legend Christy Martin on her career and her biggest fight (out of the ring)
* Introduction to the new format, what to expect and upcoming guests
* On this week's "Tasting Notes", Jake Sulek, Beverage Director/Partner with The Professors LLC, talks about drink and food pairings for the holiday season (starts around the 2-minute mark)
Christy Salters-Martin, hall of fame boxer, promoter and domestic violence awareness advocate, joins us at 7-minute mark.
* What are we drinking tonight? (Blood Oath Pact No 7 from LuxRow and Deep Eddy Vodka)
* What's your go-to drink?
* What was it like growing up in small town West Virginia?
* As an athlete, what sports did you play growing up?
* You played basketball at Concord, but eventually became this badass boxer, what were you like on the court? Or off? Was that the Wyoming County upbringing?
* How did you get entered into that Toughman/Toughwoman Contest? Was it your idea?
* Did you ever think you’d become a professional boxer?
* The match on the Tyson undercard in 1996 against Deirdre Gogarty, how d…
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Oct 28, 2021
EP72: Flight Night VIII with Bespoken Spirits
The Flight Night kicks off at the 1-minute mark with Stu and Martin.
* Introduction of the panel
* FIRST UP: Special Batch
* Aging it in hours instead of years
* How did this come about?
* Data and using it?
* Finding the right profile
* SECOND UP: American Light Whiskey
* What’s in the name Bespoken?
* What do you all start with a white dog?
* How much science goes into Bespoken?
* THIRD UP: Straight Bourbon
* Batch variety or standard batch
* Winning awards
* How difficult is it where you’re not able to call these bourbons, even though they might be
* FOURTH UP: Rye Whiskey
* How did you to meet?
* What’s next for you all?
SHOW PARTNER: Check out Nose Your Bourbon social media and their website so you can train your nose to find the nuances in bourbon. Visit noseyourbourbon.com for the Original Nosing Kit, the expansion kit and more.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook pages. Plus, our Give It A Try Highlights pou…
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Oct 21, 2021
EP71: Paranormal releases and high proof vodka with Harridan Vodka's Bridgette Taylor
Bridgette Taylor, founder of Harridan Vodka, joins us at the 1-minute mark.
* Tell us about yourself
* How did you come up with the name Harridan, which means “bossy, belligerent, old woman”?
* Handcrafted vodka and partnering with Myer Farm and Joe Myer
* Sourcing ingredients that are local to you all
* Why go with a high-proof vodka at 88 proof? You even want it to be sipped?
* What was the process for finding that unique flavor?
* The bottle is hand blown and made from recycled glass, how important was that and then coming up with the design?
* Harridan Vodka Paranormal Reserve limited edition bottles: the Villisca Axe Murder House, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, and the Farm on Round Top Road.
* Why go the route of limited or more fun releases?
* Launching a vodka during the early days of COVID-19 and while you were finishing business school?
* Getting your brand into stores, did you have pushback?
* I know you got into mixology during the pandemic…
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Oct 14, 2021
EP70: Mixology and murder with author Kierra Sondereker
Kierra Sondereker, author of Mixology and Murder, joins us at the 1-minute mark.
* Tell us about yourself
* How did you come up with the idea for a book like this? Did it start with conversations with you sister and enjoying a cocktail?
* Who might this book be for? True crime lover? Cocktail lover? All the above?
* How much research went into this book?
* Was it difficult pairing a cocktail to an event or person?
* How did you come up with the cocktails spin?
* Why did the JonBenet Ramsey case stick out to you so much?
* What were some of the most interesting true crime story you found for this book? That you might not of known of prior?
* What was the most fun cocktail to create? Or one/two you keep making?
* What are some of your favorite true crime shows/podcasts?
* With your interests in true crime and then doing this book, how has that changed you?
* Where can folks find the book?
SHOW PARTNER: Check out Nose Your Bourbon social media and their website s…
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Oct 7, 2021
Episode 69: Diversifying breweries, brand extensions, unique partnerships and using social media on Craft Beer Roundtable #5
It's our fifth Craft Beer Roundtable and our panel includes: Jonathan Greene, host of Hops & Spirits; Bryan Roth, editor and writer at Good Beer Hunting and director of the North American Guild of Beer Writers; and Doug Veliky, chief strategy office for Revolution Brewing and founder of BeerCrunchers.com.
* Panel introduction
* Big breweries are diversifying with ready-to-drink cocktails and seltzer brands, but what show local/smaller craft breweries do? Or do they need to do anything?
* Brand refreshers and brand extensions
* Are unique partnerships becoming more of a thing? (https://www.goodbeerhunting.com/sightlines/2021/7/16/boston-beer-beam-suntory-team-up-to-blur-alcohol-category-lines)
* How can breweries engage better through social media and keep up with new social media?
SHOW PARTNER: Check out Nose Your Bourbon social media and their website so you can train your nose to find the nuances in bourbon. Visit noseyourbourbon.com for the Original Nosing Kit, the expan…
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Sep 30, 2021
Episode 68: Touring distilleries and creating memories with the Kentucky Bourbon Boys
The crew from Kentucky Bourbon Boys tours joins us at the 1-minute mark as Whiskey Weeks 2021 concludes.
* Tell us about yourselves and how you got into bourbon?
* Did this idea start with you Laura and trip with family/friends?
* What did you have to study/learn to be able to give a tour?
* Talk about your tours for a little bit and what you offer?
* How customizable are the tours?
* Do you have to stay in a certain area for the tours?
* What’s some dos and don’ts for tours that people need to remember?
* Tips for folks planning a trip on the bourbon trail/Kentucky distilleries
* What are some memorable moments/stories each of you can share?
* How has the pandemic changed things for you all
* What are the most popular request of distilleries to visit?
* If people want to know more about your tours and what you offer and how to book where would they do it?
SHOW PARTNER: Check out Nose Your Bourbon social media and their website so you can train your nose t…
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Sep 23, 2021
Episode 67: Bourbon, sustainability and sourcing locally with Great Lakes' Guy Rehorst
Guy Rehorst, founder of Great Lakes Distillery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, joins us at the 1-minute mark as Whiskey Weeks 2021 continues.
* Trying their Still & Oak Straight Bourbon
* How difficult was it launch a distillery in Wisconsin in 2004?
* What drew you to the business as you were the founder of a high tech manufacturer previously?
* Did the idea really come to you when you were out at a restaurant?
* Changing laws to allow tastings/have a tasting room in Wisconsin
* You were a founding member of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) Craft Distillers Advisory Council and a member of the DISCUS Science Committee, why was the important?
* Sourcing locally from Wisconsin/region
* How does it help to be able to work with growers/know the growers
* Crafting a pumpkin spirit
* Sustainability is big thing with you all to the point you do small batch
* You all have a unique empty bottle buy back program
* Balancing a variety of distilled spi…
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Sep 16, 2021
Episode 66: Flight Night VII with Stellum Spirits & Barrell Seagrass
Will Schragis, Chief Sales Officer & Chief Product Innovation Officer for Barrell Craft Spirits/Stellum Spirits, joins us for Flight Night VII.
* Introduction of the panel
* FIRST UP: Stellum Bourbon
* How do you blend these consistently
* Why did you all decide to launch Stellum Spirits
* How does Stellum differ from Barrell?
* SECOND UP: Stellum Rye
* Fruit-forwardness in all your products
* THIRD UP: Barrell Seagrass
* How did you all come up with Seagrass?
* Building these special releases
* Why go the higher proof route?
* Why go with only a few consistent releases like Seagrass and Batch releases for others?
* What’s next for both brands?
SHOW PARTNER: Check out Nose Your Bourbon social media and etsy so you can train your nose to find the nuances in bourbon. Visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/NoseYourBourbon or noseyourbourbon.com.
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook pages. Plus, our Give It A Try Highlights pour every Mond…
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Sep 9, 2021
Episode 65: Bourbon, food and barrel picks with Chef Ouita Michel
Chef Ouita Michel joins us at the 1-minute mark as Whiskey Weeks 2021 continues.
* What’s harder? Running a kitchen, owning a restaurant or writing a book?
* You were a political science major, debate team member (second woman to win a national debate championship in 1986), how did you become a chef?
* Why did you decide to do a book and a cookbook now?
* How did “Just a Few Miles South” come together? Why did you decide to use recipes from your restaurants?
* What’s it like sharing your love of food with others?
* Did you ever believe you’d own multiple restaurants?
* How do you balance having restaurants that are different from each other (seafood, comfort food, bourbon bar, etc.)?
* Balancing everything and being able to run a restaurant during the pandemic
* What role does food play in everyday life? I feel like your restaurants have that neighborhood feel and also you want to be a good neighbor
* Beer, bourbon and wine play a role at your restaurants…
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Sep 2, 2021
Episode 64: 2 o'clock chuggz and popping bottles with Dan Kidd
Dan Kidd, better known as Heavy Bourbon, joins us at the 1-minute mark to kick off Whiskey Weeks 2021.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION (Icebreaker): What’s your favorite non-alcoholic beverage?
* What’s in the name Heavy Bourbon?
* How did Two O’Clock Chuggz start and why?
* What’s the weirdest chug you’ve done? Most expensive?
* Like to have a good time, talk to me about some of the parodies you’ve done? My Bourbon; Pokemon Gotta Chug Them All; The Bourbon Bunch
* Turning all of this into actual bourbon in a bottle with Krogman’s
* And now you’ve got a second release out and a third in progress?
* Is there ever a bad time to chug? Even after a race?
* In your everyday life, you’re pretty active dude. I think I’ve seen mountain biking, triathlons?
* And how short of shorts did you were during the triathlon man…
* You also have the Chug line of merchandise
* Did you ever think all of this would happen?
* What’s the coolest thing to come from all o…
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Aug 26, 2021
Episode 63: Fall beers and fall cocktails with Kevin Patterson and Jake Sulek
Kevin Patterson, a Cicerone and National Beer Judge, he’s also the manager of the Beer Trappe Craft Beer Store and Bar in Lexington, Kentucky, joins us at the start of the show.
* What can people expect with fall beers?
* Last year, we talked Oktoberfests and Marzens, can you give a reminder on those styles for folks?
* What trends are you seeing with fall beers? Hazy and sours still sticking around?
* And are people buying traditional or spins on the Oktoberfest?
* Any other styles we can expect to see more of on draught? Saisons, dark lagers/ales?
* For your store, how do you balance the fall releases but it’s still hot out?
* What are some breweries or beers people should be on the lookout for?
* Scott Hand and his legacy and impact on Kentucky beer
Jake Sulek, Beverage Director at West Main Crafting Co in Lexington, Kentucky, joins us at the 22-minute mark.
* With fall nearing, what are some things folks should expect to see with seasonal cocktails?
* You…
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Aug 19, 2021
Episode 62: Building a company during the pandemic with Wolf Spirit's Umberto Luchini
Wolf Spirit founder/proprietor Umberto Luchini joins us for a great conversation.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: Would you rather go to the mountains or the beach?
* How did you come to start your own spirits company?
* How have you been able to grow so quickly, especially considering recent COVID hardships?
* What’s in the name Wolf Spirit?
* Converting a laundromat into a distillery?
* Blood x Sweat x Tears Vodka
* Mr. Pickels and partnering with animal rescue
* Bottle designs and logo work really stand out on the shelf, how important is that for you all?
* Punchers Chance Kentucky Straight Bourbon
* Other brands
* What’s next for you all
Remember to check out the videos on YouTube and Facebook. Also, leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast players!
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Aug 12, 2021
Episode 61: Hockey and tequila with Chris Chelios
Chris Chelios, co-founder El Bandido Yankee Tequila and Hockey Hall of Famer, joins us for a great conversation.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION (Icebreaker): If you could only root for professional teams from one city, what city would that be?
* How did you get into the tequila business?
* How different has this been than being in the hospitality industry?
* What’s in the name El Bandido Yankee?
* How did you all come to work with Master Distiller Karina Rojo?
* Why go the all-natural, additive free route?
* You all oxygenate the tequila to get its signature finish, why?
* Live bold, share generously line
* Giving back to the region in Mexico where this is produced?
* How did you find your partner?
* Explain the two tequilas and how they differ
* What was it like playing in the NHL?
* Winning the Stanley Cup three times
* What moments stand out in your hockey career?
* What’s harder, playing in the NHL or the business world?
* What’s next for El Bandido Yan…
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Aug 5, 2021
Episode 60: Under the Influence of Craft Beer Roundtable #4
It's our fourth Under the Influence Roundtable Series and our focus is craft beer. Panel includes: Jonathan Greene, host of Hops & Spirits; Bryan Roth, editor and writer at Good Beer Hunting and director of the North American Guild of Beer Writers; Neil Witte, Master Cicerone, and Owner/Founder of TapStar and Craft Quality Solutions; Doug Veliky, chief strategy office for Revolution Brewing and founder of BeerCrunchers.com; and Lindsay Hayes, Cicerone and beertender.
* Panel introduction
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: Is there a beer you’d pull a “Pappygate” (the Netflix Heist) for?
* Would you buy an NFT of beer? (STORY: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-future-of-wine-collecting-is-nfts-301285915.html)
* Will Seltzerys become a thing? Or
* Do you see the big boys going on a buy spree again?
* Craft breweries and food; better to have a consistent restaurant or food truck occasionally?
Don't forget to watch the video of each episode on our Facebook and YouTube pag…
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Jul 29, 2021
Episode 59: Flight Night VI with Traverse City Whiskey's Chris Fredrickson
Chris Fredrickson, co-founder of Traverse City Whiskey Co., joins us for Flight Night VI.
* Introduction of the panel
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION (Icebreaker): What’s your favorite summer time activity?
* FIRST UP: Cab Franc - 100% straight rye whiskey aged for more than five years and finished for an additional nine months in Cabernet Franc barrels from an artisan Northern Michigan Winery
* How did you all get started?
* What was the original plan and how has that changed?
* Where do you get your whiskey?
* SECOND UP: Sherry Cask - high-rye bourbon aged for more than five years and finished for an additional nine months in Pedro Ximenez Sherry Barrels that were hand built in the Jerez Region of Southern Spain.
* How did you come up with the proof?
* Finding the patents and family history in distilling
* THIRD UP: Port - five-year aged straight bourbon whiskey finished for an additional nine months in massive 300L ruby port wine barrels
* Releasing these?
* Expansio…
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Jul 22, 2021
Episode 58: Bourbon, whiskey and moonshine with Ole Smoky's Robert Hall
Robert Hall, CEO, Ole Smoky Distillery, joins us at the 1-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION (Icebreaker): What’s your favorite non-alcoholic beverage?
* How did you become part of Ole Smoky?
* Why did you all start with Moonshine?
* Launching James Ownby Reserve Tennessee Bourbon
* Making flavored whiskey?
* Have you always been making whiskey?
* And has it been used in the flavored whiskey?
* Did the Davy Crockett Whiskey and distillery purchase play a role in this?
* Will more whiskey releases happen?
* Ole Smoky not part of main name of Owbby
* Price points on your whiskies and moonshine
* How do you come up with your flavored releases?
* Wildest release that worked
* Being the most visited distillery in the US
* Opening multiple distillery locations in Tennessee
* Expanding your facilities to keep up with demand?
* What’s next for you all?
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook pages.
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Jul 15, 2021
Episode 57: Changing alcohol laws and what it means with policy expert Jarrett Dieterle
Jarrett Dieterle, alcohol policy expert with R Street, joins us at the 1-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION (Icebreaker): Are you a go on vacation or a staycation type person?
* So you do policy work but for the beverage world?
* The biggest news seems to be the EU dispute being settled and some relief for export/imports in the alcohol world
* To-go cocktails and the push for that following the pandemic 10min mark
* Concerns make people hesitant on these changes?
* Indiana example of how one industry can influence another
* States having to adapt to the push for internet sales and the changing world
* Licensing for the alcohol world and how crazy that is (years for a distiller to get going, several licenses for a restaurant or tasting room to operate)
* In Kentucky, we recently saw breweries get a break to do some limited self distribution, how important are laws like that?
* What are some other interesting law issues or policy changes you all are focusing on
* Yo…
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Jul 8, 2021
Episode 56: Getting creative with Connor Query and Carrie Johnson
Connor Query, artist/graphic designer (@CMQuery_Art on Instagram), and Carrie Johnson, trash crafter extraordinaire (@nerdbabesco on Instagram), join us at the 1-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION (Icebreaker): Did you do ever take any easy class (underwater basketweaving type) in school?
* For both, did you always enjoy being creative?
* Connor, you do a little bit of every thing, can you talk about all your work?
* Carrie, you and your team do a lot of recycling/reusing materials, what all do you make?
* For both, did you ever imagine you’d be in the adult beverage world?
* Connor, for the graphic design/brewery marketing, what goes into that for you when designing cans or other materials? How do you all come up the signs with those designs for the beers?
* Carrie, how do you go about picking bottles or materials to use?
* Carrie, what’s your favorite thing to create?
* Connor, whats your favorite thing to make?
* Do you asking for it or go looking for trash t…
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Jul 1, 2021
Episode 55: Making agave spirits with Mean Mule's Jeff Evans
Jeff Evans, CEO/co-founder of Mean Mule Distilling Co from Kansas City, joins us at the 1-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION (Icebreaker): Have you always enjoyed learning or has that changed over time?
* What drew you to launching a spirits company?
* How was it learning to distill on a homemade still in a garage?
* How did you all come up with the name Mean Mule?
* What’s American Agave Spirits?
* How close is it to Tequila?
* Where does your agave come from and what do you use?
* Was it difficult to find an agave farmer?
* Did you try other agaves or go for the Weber Blue Agave from the beginning?
* How do you all distill your spirits? Use a still like other distillers?
* Silver American Agave Spirit, won gold at the San Francisco
* Gold American Agave Spirit
* Heritage American Agave Spirit
* Flavor profiles for each?
* What can folks expect if they get to visit Mean Mule?
* Cocktails and education
* What’s next for you all?
Don't forget to ch…
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Jun 24, 2021
Episode 54: Grains and their impact on whiskey with Middle West Spirits' Ryan Lang
Ryan Lang, co-founder and head distiller of Middle West Spirits in Columbus, Ohio, joins at the 1-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION (Icebreaker): Did you do any extracurricular activities in school? (i.e. clubs, athletics, chorus)
* What’s new at Middle West?
* Being able to do more single barrels and group/store picks
* What is grain to glass? You all do it and regionally.
* Let’s talk about grains and deciding what to use
* How does where the grains come from effect things? Does it matter?
* How did you all go about picking the soft red winter wheat?
* Once you pick the grains, what happens next?
* Does the type of grain or grains used effect the process?
* How you add the grains to the mash matter?
* How does the process finish from there?
* What happens to the used grains?
* Grains for your variety of products, gin, vodka and whiskies?
* The Boilermaker Series
* Experimenting and being able to get creative
* Always learning and picking things up…
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Jun 17, 2021
Episode 53: Summer cocktails and summer beers with Jake Sulek and Kevin Patterson
Jake Sulek, Beverage Director at West Main Crafting Co in Lexington, Kentucky, joins us at the 1-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: Did you bring your lunch or pack a lunch for school?
* What’s your favorite part about being a bartender these days?
* With summer here, what are some things folks should expect to see with seasonal cocktails?
* One or two cocktail at home recipes (single make)
* Large batch cocktail folks can make (for gatherings)
* what to watch out for in rum
* Is there any ingredient that might sound like summer that people should might not want to use?
* If people want to substitute an ingredient/switch out, is there a best practice for that in cocktails?
* Any other tips for folks this summer?
Kevin Patterson, a Cicerone, National Beer Judge and the manager of the Beer Trappe Craft Beer Store and Bar in Lexington, Kentucky, joins us at the 17-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: Did you pack your lunch or get lunch at school?
* What can peopl…
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Jun 10, 2021
Episode 52: How to start a whiskey collection with MyDailyBourbon's Chad Watson
Chad Watson, better known as My Daily Bourbon on Instagram, joins at the 1-minute mark to talk about building your whiskey collection.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION (Icebreaker): What was your worst subject in school or class you hated?
* How/why did you start the MyDailyBourbon Instagram?
* What’s your bourbon journey been like? Always love it?
* What’s one of the coolest/best parts about being in the bourbon world?
* Starting a whiskey collection, rule 1?
* Some good bottles to start with?
* Finding your taste?
* Store picks, what are those?
* Trade bottles?
* Enjoy the bottles?
* Anything to avoid doing?
* Final thoughts
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook pages.
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Jun 3, 2021
Episode 51: Building innovative brands with SLO Brew's Rod Cegelski and Koby Collins
Rod Cegelski, co-owner of SLO Brew, and Koby Collins, one of the brewermasters, join us at the 2-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION (Icebreaker): Did you sit at the front of class or the back?
* Acquiring SLO Brewing with Hamish Marshall?
* How did you and Hamish meet?
* Koby, how did you get brought into this?
* Koby, how did you get into brewing?
* Launching Tio Rodrigo, Porch Pounder and SLO Stills? Why expand like that?
* Balancing brands and different types?
* Selling Cali-Squeeze?
* SLO Brew beers? And a taco beer?
* Being experimental?
* Trial and error with making beers on the big scale?
* Tio Rodrigo and making it?
* Koby, what’s it like being asked to make some many styles of brews?
* Being a brewery and distillery and the benefits?
* Rod and Hammer’s SLO Spirits, cut with the pacific?
* What’s your beer and whiskey journey been?
* What’s next for you all?
* What’s next for the brewing side?
* What can folks expect if they get t…
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May 27, 2021
Episode 50: Flight Night V with Breckenridge Distillery's Bryan Nolt
Bryan Nolt, owner/founder of Breckenridge Distillery in Colorado, joins us for Flight Night V.
* Introduction of the panel
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: With summer almost here, are you going to the pool or the river/lake?
* FIRST UP: Bourbon Whiskey
* Bryan, you’re still a practicing physician?
* What made you start a distillery?
* SECOND UP: PX Cask Finish
* Winning awards, not only for the bourbons, but your space and bar manager
* THIRD UP: Rum Cask Finish
* Your setup and distilling system
* Scotch club and how it impacted Breckenridge
* Selling the house to keep things going
* FOURTH UP: High Proof Blend
* Doing multiple finishes
* Does your love of art impact what you make?
* Taking risks
* Favorite bottle and distillery?
* What’s next for Breckenridge?
* What’s it like being creative?
Remember to check out the videos on YouTube and Facebook. Also, leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast players!
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May 20, 2021
Episode 49: Using hemp with Highway Vodka's Ben Williams
Ben Williams, owner/co-founder of Highway Vodka, joins us at the 1-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION (Icebreaker): Are you driving with the windows down during the summer or blasting the AC?
* How did you all start Highway Vodka?
* Homebrewing vodka? How does that work?
* Why go with a hemp seed vodka?
* How did you all come up with the name?
* What’s it like to be part of the the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative, a collaboration between Jack Daniel's and the Nearest Green Distillery. The program is designed to promote diversity and advance African-American leadership in the American spirits industry.
* Battling the legality and the process
* What does it mean to be the first fully Black-owned distillery in Texas
* Why is charity a big part of Highway and what role does that play?
* Winning awards (Highway Vodka was recently awarded the Denver international spirits competition gold medal)
* How is it working with family?
* Where is Highway Vodka availab…
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May 13, 2021
Episode 48: For the home bar with Hella Cocktail's Eddie Simeon and Draft Top's Sean Kelly
Eddie Simeon is the co-founder and CMO for Hella Cocktail Co. and he joins at the 1-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: If you’re grilling out, what’s on the grill?
* What is Hella Cocktail?
* How do you all meet and start the company?
* What’s in the name?
* Why did you all decide to make each product in small batches?
* Why do the Bitters & Soda? And the products you do?
* What’s your go to drink when out and about?
* What’s next for Hella Cocktail?
* Don't forget to use hellagood15 on their website, HellaCocktail.com for a great discount!
Sean Kelly is the co-founder and executive beer dinker of Draft Top, LCC. He helped to invent Draft Top, the world's first can opener designed specifically for beverage cans. He joins us at the 29-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: If you’re grilling out, what’s on the grill?
* What is draft top?
* Why did you all decide to create something like this?
* How does it work?
* Obviously there are advantages t…
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May 6, 2021
Episode 47: Under the Influence Roundtable 3
We kick off May with our third Under the Influence Roundtable Series and our focus is craft beer. Panel includes: Neil Witte, Master Cicerone, and Owner/Founder of TapStar and Craft Quality Solutions; and Doug Veliky, chief strategy office for Revolution Brewing and founder of BeerCrunchers.com. Plus some email ramblings from Bryan Roth, editor and writer at GoodBeerHunting and director of the North American Guild of Beer Writers.
* Panel introduction
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: What’s the best way to enjoy ice cream? Cone, waffle cone, cup or milkshake?
* Seltzers over taking craft beer on taps eventually?
* Small and independent beer production declined in 2020, is this a sign?
* Concept bars for craft beer (i.e. dog parks, Top Golf, etc.)
* Importance of packaging from the boxes to the cans (plus augmented reality coming??)
STORY ON AUGMENTED REALITY: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/augmented-reality-for-craft-beer-industry-packaging-to-follow-301261225.html
Don't…
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Apr 29, 2021
Episode 46: Flight Night IV with Chicken Cock Whiskey and IZO Spirits
We kick off Flight Night IV with Gregg Snyder, Chicken Cock master distiller, at the 1:30-mark.
* Introduction of the panel
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: Would you rather enjoy a drink on the porch/deck or at the bar?
* History of the Chicken Cock brand
* FIRST UP: Chicken Cock bourbon
* Consistency on releases
* What drew you to Chicken Cock and Grain & Barrel Spirits?
* What’s it like partnering with Bardstown Bourbon Company to to produce custom bourbon and whiskey for Chicken Cock?
* SECOND UP: Chicken Cock rye
* Working at Wild Turkey and launching Russell Reserve?
* What’s next for Chicken Cock?
Then we switch gears as we welcome Gaston Martinez, CEO/founder of IZO Spirits, at the hour plus mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: Would you rather enjoy a drink on the porch/deck or at the bar?
* How IZO Spirits got its start
* Expanding the spirits line?
* What is used in Mexican spirits?
* How do the Mexican spirits differ? How is tequila different from mezcal?…
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Apr 22, 2021
Episode 45: Party planning with Peggy Noe Stevens and Susan Reigler plus cocktails with Michael Toscano
Peggy Noe Stevens and Susan Reigler join us at the 1-minute mark. Peggy is the founder of the Bourbon Women Association, a master bourbon taster, president of Peggy Noe Stevens and Associates and a Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee. Susan Reigler is a former restaurant critic for the Louisville Courier-Journal, a current correspondent for Bourbon+ and American Whiskey magazines., and has authored or coauthored eight books on bourbon.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: If you weren’t allowed to drink bourbon any more, what would be your go to drink?
* How did you all come up with the idea for “Which Fork Do I Use with my Bourbon”?
* Breaking down how to throw a tasting/party throughout, is that from doing these types of events for years now?
* Variety of recipes for drinks and food too
* Pairing foods and drinks and the importance of this
* Throwing the Perfect Derby Party
* Good tips on decor and more for a party
* Peggy and her career
* Susan and her career
* What’s next f…
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Apr 15, 2021
Episode 44: Launching a brand with Kentucky Senator Bourbon's Damon Thayer
Damon Thayer, co-founder of Kentucky Senator Bourbon, joins us at the 1-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream
* How did you all start a bourbon company?
* Hard to launch?
* How did you all come up with the name?
* Why go the small batch route?
* Why be a NDP and not start up a distillery?
* First release, name and what’s in the bottler
* How has it been sourcing bourbon for releases?
* Batch releases?
* What was your bourbon journey like?
* Being an entrepreneur and any other projects?
* What’s next for you all?
Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and our Facebook pages.
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Apr 8, 2021
Episode 43: Developing new beers with Ballast Point's Aaron Justus and Chris Takecuchi
Aaron Justus, Ballast Point's director of research and development, and Chris Takecuchi, R&D Brewer for Ballast Point, join us at the 1-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: What’s your favorite snack food?
* What is an R&D Brewer? (4 min mark/ 6:15 mark good clip)
* Is it more than just drinking beer all day?
* The Brothers Gus, Let’s talk the Wee Gus
* Why try to make a clear beer this way?
* How do you guys come up with new beers? And do you literally do 150 different recipes at the R&D facility?
* How long can it take a beer to go from idea to market?
* What’s the feeling when one final hits the taps or even the stores?
* Let’s talk and try the other brother, Big Gus
* Why go away from the haze craze?
* What’s it like working for Ballast Point, celebrating 25 years and started from home brewers in San Diego? (37 mark)
* How did you all get into brewing?
* What’s next for Ballast Point?
You can also watch the episode on YouTube and Facebook.
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Apr 1, 2021
Episode 42: Still Austin Whiskey Co.'s Chris Seals and John Schrepel
Chris Seals, CEO of Still Austin, and John Schrepel, head distiller for Still Austin, join us at the 1-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: What did you want to be when you were growing up?
* For Chris, working with your father and others to launch Still Austin Whiskey Company
* For Chris, how did past experiences influence you and Still Austin
* For John, how did you end up in Texas as a New York guy?
* What is Nancy and why this one-of-a-kind 42 foot tall Scottish-made still?
* Why the process of slow water reduction while the barrels of bourbon mature? Few choose to do it this way.
* For John, what was it like transitioning from a colder region to adjusting to the Texas heat? And what does the Texas climate do to the aging?
* For Chris, sustainability is also a big part of the operations
* The labels on the The Musician and The Naturalist
* The Musician is finally out on the market and its aged at least two years
* The Naturalist, which is the first rye-based gi…
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Mar 25, 2021
Episode 41: Flight Night III with Braxton Brewing
Evan Rouse, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer for Braxton Brewing in Northern Kentucky (Greater Cincinnati area), joins the Flight Night beer crew.
* Intros
* BEER 1: Garage
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION (Icebreaker): What is the one thing you really miss that you didn’t think you would?
* How did Braxton get started?
* What is the name in reference to?
* Did you really tell your dad at 16 that you all would brew together?
* BEER 2: HopFit
* Different cans and the can design
* The Vive Brand and making seltzers back in 2018?
* Variety pack toolbox back in 2018
* Any style or type of beer you don’t make?
* BEER 3: Scooter
* How did you all end up with the Labs location and expand into Cincy?
* How is it working with family everyday?
* Being named to Forbes 30 under 30 for Food & Drink
* Bringing Covington back to life
* Scaling and remaking home brews?
* What’s next
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Mar 18, 2021
Episode 40: Spring cocktails and spring beers
Jake Sulek, beverage director at West Main Crafting Co in Lexington, Ky., joins at the 1-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: What was your favorite subject in school
* With spring nearing, what are some things folks should expect to see with seasonal cocktails?
* West Main Craft will be releasing their spring/summer menu, how long does it take you all to come up with that menu?
* One or two cocktail at home recipes (single make)
* Large batch cocktail folks can make (for gatherings)
* Is there any ingredient that might sound like spring that people should avoid using?
* Is there a good addition to have at the home bar?
Kevin Patterson, a Cicerone and National Beer Judge and manager of the Beer Trappe Craft Beer Store and Bar in Lexington, Kentucky, joins us at the 15-minute mark.
* What can people expect with spring beers?
* Is this when we start to see fruit beers that you can sit outside with?
* Is this when we'll see seasonal beers that'll be out for several mo…
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Mar 11, 2021
Guinness Open Gate Brewery's Ryan Wagner
Ryan Wagner, Guinness Open Gate Brewery National Ambassador and Certified Cicerone, joins us at the one-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: What was your favorite bar food?
* How would you describe the Open Gate Brewery?
* BEER 1: Galaxy IPA
* The Open Gate Brewery name
* BEER 2: Station at 601, a black IPA
* Station at 601’s name has a purpose
* BEER 3: See Us, a brown ale
* Special series that Open Gate has right now
* History of the site being a operating distillery up until the switch
* BEER 4: Blueberry Stout
* What can people expect at Open Gate?
* Baltimore Blonde is made there
* Ryan shares a Lexington, Ky. story
Also, learn about our Drinking Buddies Club and our latest monthly giveaway at 52-minute mark. We also discuss our Give It A Try: Sixty-Second Highlight Series.
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Mar 4, 2021
Under the Influence Roundtable 2
We kick off March with our second Under the Influence Roundtable Series and our focus is craft beer. Panel includes: Kindsey Bernhard, host of Boys are from Marzen, PorchDrinking.com writer, and bartender; Neil Witte, Master Cicerone, and Owner/Founder of TapStar and Craft Quality Solutions; Bryan Roth, editor and writer at GoodBeerHunting and director of the North American Guild of Beer Writers; and Doug Veliky, chief strategy office for Revolution Brewing and founder of BeerCrunchers.com.
* Panel introduction
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: Have you picked up a new hobby during the pandemic?
* Breweries expanding by opening second/third locations or brewpubs
* More craft breweries going to 12 packs
* Are breweries and distilleries collaborating more beyond just providing barrels
* Boulevard Brewing
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Feb 25, 2021
Flight Night II with Urban Artifact
Scotty Hunter, co-owner/Head of Sales, from Urban Artifact in Cincinnati joins us for a Flight Night!
* Introduction of the panel
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION (Icebreaker): What is your most used emoji on your phone?
* How did Urban Artifact get started?
* FIRST UP: Spyglass, lemon-lime tart
* Why did you all decide to use real fruits?
* How did you all get the right formula for the sours?
* How much science goes into making the beer?
* How important is the pH level for sour beers?
* SECOND UP: Pinwheel, an orange gose
* How did you all end up in a historic church?
* Making fruit ales and sours
* Perfecting the taste
* THIRD UP: Gadget, midwest fruit tart
* Where is Urban Artifact available
* What’s next
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Feb 18, 2021
Making whiskey from beer with Foundry Distilling
Greg Biagi, Distiller/Production Manager, and Ben Pollack, assistant distiller, of Foundry Distilling in Iowa join us for Flavorful February at the 1-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION (Icebreaker): What’s your favorite candy?
* Overview/history of Foundry Distilling and founder Scott Bush
* The location is an unique building
* Taking an innovative approach at Foundry
* How are you flipping the process with beer and whiskey?
* How did collaborating with other distillers/brewers come about?
* How did you both get into the business?
* Did you both enjoy whiskey or bourbon from the start?
* What is the brewer-distiller alliance and how did that came about?
* Do you all make the recipe or do they send it to you?
* I tried the Midnight Ritual and it was a wild ride
* What breweries do you all work with this?
* What type of beer styles are you all receiving?
* How does the process work once you receive the beer?
* Has anyone taken you up on getting the barrels…
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Feb 11, 2021
How whiskey gets its flavor with Starlight's Christian and Blake Huber
Christian Huber and Blake Huber, generational distillers for Starlight Distillery in Indiana, along with James Wood, Brand and Sales Manager, join us for Flavorful February at the 1-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: Do you prefer the cold weather or warm?
* Background on Starlight and Huber Winery
* At what age did Christian get into distilling?
* How does the distilling process in general go?
* You all make a blackberry whiskey, how does that process differ?
* Using local products and a new liqueur dropping?
* How much does the barrel play a role in the flavor? And what type of barrels are their?
* How much does the charring play a role in the flavor? And are their different levels?
* You all do a double oaked version, how does double barreling work?
* How do single barrel picks for stores and groups go?
* Are you doing those picks virtually or on site?
* Blake joins the fun
* On finishing barrels, how does each give a different flavor?
* Have any ideas n…
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Feb 4, 2021
Creating wild beers with Mirror Twin's Derek DeFranco
Derek DeFranco, owner and head brewer of Mirror Twin Brewing in Lexington, Ky., joins us for the first of a fun lineup for Flavorful February at the 1-minute mark.
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: What’s your favorite pizza?
* How does making beer in general go?
* How much science goes into beer?
* How difficult is it to make fruit or sour ales?
* Do sours/fruit beers take longer to make?
* How did you all make a donut stout?
* Do you use those actual ingredients (i.e. cereal and cookies)?
* Is it always in the strainer bag or do you add things at different points of the brewing process?
* Does the strainer bag act like a tea bag then?
* What started the creative/wild beers?
* Is there any ingredient off limits?
* Do you all have any wild, crazy beers coming up?
* Do you feel like an artist when you get to come up with these creations?
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Jan 28, 2021
Under the Influence Roundtable 1
We close out January with our first Under the Influence Roundtable Series and our focus is craft beer. Panel includes: Kindsey Bernhard, host of Boys are from Marzen, PorchDrinking.com writer, and bartender; Neil Witte, Master Cicerone, and Owner/Founder of TapStar and Craft Quality Solutions; and Bryan Roth, editor and writer at GoodBeerHunting and director of the North American Guild of Beer Writers
* Panel introduction
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: What is your guilty pleasure reality TV show? (Icebreaker)
* Low-cal IPA/athletic beer craze
* Known quantities or creative styles
* Smoothie/slushy beers
* Changes from 2020 carry over (i.e. more breweries canning)
* Hope to see in 2021
* Final thoughts
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Jan 21, 2021
Flight Night I with Barrell Bourbon
Will Schragis, the national director for Barrell Craft Spirits, joins us for Flight Night I.
* Introduction of the panel
* ONE TOUGH QUESTION: What was your favorite subject in school
* How is Barrell Craft Spirits different than say the typical distillery?
* FIRST UP: Bourbon Batch 27, blend of bourbons from Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana, varying ages at 115.7 proof
* SECOND UP: Barrell Craft Spirits 15-year-old whiskey
* THIRD UP: Armida is a blend of three Straight Bourbon Whiskeys finished separately in Pear Brandy, Jamaican Rum, and Sicilian Amaro Casks.
* LAST UP: Dovetail is a been of Indiana whiskey finished in cabernet sauvignon casks and Tennessee bourbon finished in rum casks and port pipes.
* What are our favorites and thoughts?
* What does a national director do?
* What’s next for Barrell Craft Spirits?
Don't forget to watch the video of this episode on either YouTube or Facebook.
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Jan 14, 2021
Seedlip Spirits' Laura Lashley
Laura Lashley, the National Education Manager for Seedlip Spirits, joins us at the 1-minute mark.
* ICEBREAKER: Where is the favorite place you’ve lived?
* What is Seedlip Spirits?
* How did Ben Branson come up with Seedlip?
* How does the Seedlip distilling process differ from what one might expect?
* How difficult was it for folks to grasp the non-alcoholic spirits?
* What are the unique challenges for you all that “normal” distillers don’t face?
* How did you get into a career in drinks? Because you were head bartered and bar manager for on the bigger NYC bars, right?
* How fun is it to come up with cocktails and doing large scale cocktail events?
* What made you jump to the Seedslip team?
* As the National Education Manager, what do you do besides chat with folks like us?
* For those wondering, you all have three spirits right now — Grove 42, Spice 94 and Garden 108. Can you talk about each and what they bring?
* Are people shocked the first time…
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Jan 7, 2021
Athletic Brewing head brewer/co-founder John Walker
John Walker, co-founder and head brewer for Athletic Brewing, joins us at the 1-minute mark.
* What is Athletic Brewing?
* Did you know Bill Shufelt, founder, before or how did you all meet?
* Was the R&D phase a lot of home brewing?
* How difficult was it for folks to grasp the non-alcoholic craft brewery?
* Do you all make beer like other craft breweries or do you de-alcoholize the beer?
* What are the unique challenges in brewing N.A. beer that “normal” craft brewers don’t face?
* Why did you take the leap from a great brewpub in Santa Fe (where he was highly awarded) to take on the intellectual challenge of solving non-alcoholic beer.
* What drew you to get into brewing?
* Are people shocked the first time they have a real N.A. craft beer?
* How did the Aftershift IPA collaboration come together?
* How do you approach creating recognizable beer flavors and styles?
* You all must be doing something right with the success, right?
* Can folks expect an…
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Dec 31, 2020
Favorite moments from 2020 and a preview of 2021
Host Jonathan Greene kicks off the episode with what to expect with the podcast in 2021, including new segments, giveaways and more.
Our favorite clips start at about the 3-minute mark.
* Against The Grain co-founders Jerry Gnagy and Sam Cruz share why the started their own brewery
* Middle West Spirits co-founder/head distiller Ryan Lang shares his family's history of distilling (8-minute mark)
* Tim Luscher, owner of Sig Luscher Brewing, talks about a court case that involving Sig (11:30 mark)
* Wilderness Trail Bourbon co-owner/distiller Shane Baker shares how a rock band helped launch it all (15-minute mark)
* Matthew Cummings of Pretentious Glass & Beer discusses if he ever thought his business would be booming like it is today (19-minute mark)
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Dec 24, 2020
Beer trends and winter beers with Kevin Patterson
Kevin Patterson, a Cicerone and National Beer Judge and manager of the Beer Trappe Craft Beer Store and Bar in Lexington, Kentucky, joins us at the 3-minute mark.
* How how are things going?
* How has 2020 been for the bar and store?
* How has the pandemic effected bars and breweries?
* Let’s talk about beer trends, what are some styles you’ve seen grow over the past few years?
* What are some that may have died off or changed over the years?
* What about the low-cal IPA/athletic beer marketing?
* Do you think the industry has to pay more attention and get more creative for the long term?
* Do you think people will go back to the more creative styles or the known quantities?
* Looking ahead to 2021 and beyond, what styles might we see more of?
* For beers out now, the holidays are here and so are the Christmas Ales, what exactly can folks expect with those?
* How do breweries decide to name or release beers based on seasons?
* It’s officially winter now,…
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Dec 17, 2020
Abita Brewing brewmaster Mark Wilson plus cocktails with Jake Sulek
Mark Wilson, brewmaster of Abita Brewing, joins at the 1-minute mark.
* What would you be doing if you weren’t working as a brewer?
* How long have you been at Abita?
* How did you become brewmaster?
* What’s the story of how Abita was founded?
* What’s it like working for one of the larger independent breweries these days?
* What’s one of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the industry in your time?
* How difficult is to keep a variety of beers, but still make quality products?
* You all seem to have an interesting philosophy, why do you all do more lagers/pilsners than IPAs?
* How are you able to use those unique flavors from Louisiana and the region?
* How does your location drive the ingredients?
* How did the Harvest Series come about and what’s it like to work on those beers?
* What’s the new flagship beer that was released?
* It’s not just beer, but you all do soda and hard seltzer too?
* What’s next for Abita?
Jake Sulek, beverage…
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Dec 10, 2020
Traverse City Whiskey co-founder Chris Fredrickson plus Roger Huff of Gallant Fox Brewing
Chris Fredrickson, co-founder and distiller of Traverse City Whiskey Co., joins at the 1:20 mark.
* How did you get started? And was it with your friends?
* Had you ever distilled before? What were you doing previously?
* Finding family history in distilling?
* What was going on in your mind when you found the patents?
* What’s it like to continue on a family recipe/tradition?
* What was the plan when you all started Traverse City Whiskey?
* When did you all get to be the whiskey creators and how has that evolved over time?
* How does the new facility help with creation?
* How does the climate in Michigan effect the bourbon?
* How did you all come up with the Cherry Whiskey?
* Describe your Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
* How did the Barrel Proof edition come about?
* Your newest edition is the North Coast Rye, how did you go with that blend for it?
* The variety of expressions you create.
* How did you create the 3-pack of 200 mL bottles?
* What’s next…
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Dec 3, 2020
Bourbon & holiday food pairings plus author Jarrett Dieterle
Tim Knittel and Aften Locken of Distilled Living join us to talk about pairing holiday foods and bourbons. They also dish on holiday care packages and cocktails. And, Jarrett Dieterle, author of Give Me Liberty and Give Me A Drink!, talks about the policy side of the alcohol industry and the crazy laws that come with it.
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Nov 25, 2020
Bourbon Charity founder Brandon Hunt plus Chris Walters of Nose Your Bourbon
Brandon Hunt, founder of Bourbon Charity, joins us to talk about what Bourbon Charity is, how it was founded, sourcing bourbon, picking charities, events, Bourbon Hood and more. Also, Chris Walters, the creator of Nose Your Bourbon, talks about his nosing kits, how he got into bourbon and more.
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Nov 19, 2020
Nicole Austin talks Cascade Moon launch plus Josh Hurst from Pies & Pints
Nicole Austin, General Manager and distiller for Cascade Hollow Distilling in Tennessee, better known as the home for George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey, joins at the 1 minute mark.
* Was the Cascade Moon Whisky series what you couldn't talk about last time?
* The Cascade Moon is not part of the George Dickel brand?
* How much did you want to give back or channel the Cascade Pure Whiskey?
* How were you inspired by gose-style beers for this whiskey?
* How is this an approachable whiskey?
* How do you envision the releases of Cascade Moon going forward?
* What can people expect with these releases?
* Does this release take you back to your Kings County time?
* Was there any push back from your bosses on this release?
* Did the Bottle in Bond George Dickel release open doors to you being able to experiment?
* What's next for you and Cascade Hollow?
Josh Hurst, Director of Hospitality for Pies & Pints, joins us at the 19-minute mark. Pies & Pints is also part of our T…
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Nov 12, 2020
Sig Luscher Brewery co-owner Tim Luscher and brewmaster Dylan Greenwood
Joining us at the 1-minute mark is Sig Luscher Brewery co-owner Tim Luscher and brewmaster Dylan Greenwood.
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Nov 5, 2020
Ryan Lang of Middle West Spirits plus the VaBourbonHunter
D. Brown, @vabourbonhunter on Instagram, joins at the 2-minute mark
* How did you become the vabourbonhunter?
* How big has your bourbon bar gotten now?
* Are you someone who opens most of your bottles or do you hold on to them?
* Is your wife a fan of bourbon or whiskey?
* How do you find some of your bottles?
* What’s your best or most excited about find?
* Is it difficult to find certain bottles in Virginia?
* What have you found out about the craft beer/bourbon community?
* How did the #vabourbonslide start? And have their been any mishaps?
* Where can people find you?
Ryan Lang, co-founder and head distiller of Middle West Spirits in Columbus, Ohio, joins at the 19-minute mark
* How have times changed since you all launched in 2010?
* What made you and your business partner Brady Konya decide to start a distillery?
* How did you and your business partner meet and come up with the business idea?
* Can you talk about your family history in distilling…
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Nov 2, 2020
Country artist Dustin Collins
Kentucky native and chart-topping country artist Dustin Collins joins us to talk about his new song "Stand for the Flag", how he writes songs, being a road warrior, working on a new album and more.
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Oct 29, 2020
Starlight Distillery's Christian Huber and James Wood
Christian Huber and James Wood from Huber’s Winery and Starlight Distilling, join at the 1:45 mark.
* How did the Huber wonderland with a farm, you-pick orchards, winery and distiller come to be?
* What’s it like being a true family business that has been here for generations?
* James, what’s it like to work for the Hubers?
* What’s it like balancing all the different businesses there?
* What was the process like to become a distillery in Indiana?
* Has it been a difficult journey?
* How has it been seeing Starlight to be recognized now?
* Does each of the Hubers have a specific type of whiskey they like when selecting barrels?
* How do your whiskies taste potentially older than their age?
* How do you do your double oaking process?
* At what age did you get into distilling Christian?
* Is there a time when people look at you and question how you do this at a young age?
* Are there any positions that you haven’t held Christian?
* Is there a challe…
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Oct 22, 2020
Chattanooga Whiskey co-founder/CEO Tim Piersant
Tim Piersant, co-founder/CEO of Chattanooga Whiskey, joins us at the 2 minute mark.
* Are you still rocking a mustache like the picture in Forbes?
* What made you go into whiskey?
* Did you expect the Vote Whiskey campaign back to take off like it did?
* Was there point where you thought it might not work out?
* Why were you upfront about sourcing your whiskey and then why retire the 1816 Series?
* Did you all go through 100 recipes to find the Whiskey 91 and Cask 111?
* What was it like winning awards for the new whiskeys you introduced?
* What’s next for Chattanooga Whiskey?
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Oct 15, 2020
Barrell Craft Spirits Tripp Stimson and cocktails with Michael Toscano
Michael Toscano, New York City Ambassador for Woodford Reserve, Michael joins us to talk cocktails and bartending at the 1:15 mark
* How did you get into bartending?
* How does one go from Indianapolis to New York City?
* What was it like working at Dante in NYC, which was recently named best bar in the world?
* What is the role of a brand ambassador?
* Helping out in NYC during early parts of the quarantine
* Are you still doing any bartending these days?
* For those at home, how can they craft a good cocktail?
* What might be a way to go fancy with cocktails for a party?
* What are a few good things to have in your home for a making cocktails?
Tripp Stimson, chief whiskey scientist and director of distillery operations for Barrell Craft Spirits, joins us at the 20 minute mark.
* With degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology, how was school?
* Did you ever think you’d get into the whiskey business?
* Were you a whiskey lover before getting into the bu…
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Oct 12, 2020
Singer/songwriter Justin Wells
Kentucky-based singer/songwriter Justin Wells, who recently released the United State, which is out now, joins at the 1:30 minute mark.
* How would you describe your style of music?
* What can folks expect on The United State?
* Why take that journey of a plan and have that type of idea for this album?
* The idea of going from birth to death on the songs?
* What’s it like to write songs about youthfulness then songs about getting older?
* How was it working with producer Duane Lundy and the team of musicians?
* Why were you unsure about releasing the album when you did?
* What’s it like getting to perform a show again?
* Was there any reason you didn’t do virtual shows during your down time?
* How did your upbringing the south mold you personally and musically?
* What drew you to music?
* Previous group Fifth on the Floor splitting
* First solo album Dawn of the Distance getting praise and a million streams
* Earning praise from Rolling Stone and othe…
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Oct 8, 2020
George Dickel Master Distiller Nicole Austin plus bourbon steward Tim Knittel
Tim Knittel, founder of Distilled Living, official bourbon steward of Churchill Downs, executive bourbon steward-in-residence at the Kentucky Castle and adjunct professor of bourbon studies at Midway University kicks off our chat at the 1:30 mark.
* Time for all your positions
* Have you always been a big bourbon fan or did you grow to love it?
* What is a bourbon steward and how did you become one?
* How has the bourbon industry changed over the years?
* How has public experience changed?
* Have virtual tastings benefited the industry?
* Getting touch with Distilled Living
Nicole Austin, General Manager and distiller for Cascade Hollow Distilling in Tennessee, better known as the home for George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey, joins at the 20 minute mark
* How does a Syracuse, NY, native end up in the distilling industry?
* Did you still talk to the bartender who pushed you towards distilling?
* Was engineering something you wanted to do when you grew up?
* What ma…
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Oct 5, 2020
Country duo Everette
* How would you describe your music? (1:00 minute mark)
* Naming of the album?
* What can folks expect on Side A?
* You all wrote or co-wrote all the songs on the entire project, both Side A and Side B. Did your personal experiences play a role in that.
* Sharing those personal experiences in songs, is it weird or different for you all?
* You even have a tribute to your wives “Love Me Like I Am”, how big of role have they played during your journey?
* You’re both from Kentucky, but you didn’t know each other growing up?
* Did you two meet when Brent needed a guitar lesson or a life lesson?
Six Pack of Questions
* Hops or Spirits? Beer, Bourbon, Whiskey?
* What drew you all to music?
* Who is the best looking?
* What would you be doing if you weren’t in music?
* What’s the coolest place you’ve gotten to go?
* What’s in the name, Everette?
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Oct 1, 2020
Adam Hall from Boulevard Brewing plus country duo Everette
We talk with Adam Hall, brand manager for Boulevard Brewing in Kansas City, on how founder John McDonald started the brewery, a very used European bottling line at the beginning, expanding at its original location, their Smokestack Series, getting into IPAs and what's next. (Chat with Adam starts around 11 min mark) Also, country duo Everette joins for a 6-Pack of Questions.
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Sep 28, 2020
Author/business owner Wesley Browne
Author Wesley Browne joins to chat about the release of his book Hillbilly Hustle. Wesley talks about how some real life events made it into the book, a late re-write that changed the book, being a businessman and lawyer full-time, what got him into writing and the coolest thing he's been able to do.
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Sep 24, 2020
Matthew Cummings of Pretentious Beer & Glass plus author Wesley Browne
Host Jonathan Greene talks with Matthew Cummings, owner/brewer/glassblower of Pretentious Beer and Pretentious Glass in Knoxville, TN, on how a drinking club pushed him toward glassware, starting a brewery, doing more experimental beers and what's next. (Chat with Matthew starts around 12 min mark) Also, author/businessman Wesley Browne joins for a 6-Pack of Questions.
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Sep 17, 2020
Big Timber Brewing head brewer Matt Kwasniewski plus Kenny Coleman of Bourbon Pursuit
Host Jonathan Greene talks with Matt Kwasniewski, head brewer and president of Big Timber Brewing in West Virginia, on how his time in Montana got him into home brewing, launching a brewery in Elkins, WV, being part of a young craft beer market, their beers and what's next. (Chat with Matt starts around 20 min mark) Also, Kenny Coleman of Bourbon Pursuit, joins for a 6-Pack of Questions.
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Sep 10, 2020
Wilderness Trail Bourbon co-owner/master distiller Shane Baker plus Girl Meets Beer
Host Jonathan Greene talks with Shane Baker, co-owner and master distiller of Wilderness Trail Distillery in Kentucky, on consulting in the industry first, launching WTD, starting with one barrel a day, how a band played a key role, growing fast and what's next. (Chat with Shane starts around 12 min mark) Also, Liz, girl_meets_beer_ on Instagram, joins for a 6-Pack of Questions.
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Sep 3, 2020
Fifty West Brewing’s Bobbly Slattery plus Chicago Craft Beer Guy
Host Jonathan Greene talks with Bobby Slattery, owner of Fifty West Brewing in Cincinnati, on how it all got started, building a campus of fun, small batch brewing, their Penny Lane VW Bus and what's next. (Chat with Bobby starts around 13 min mark) Also, Charlie the Chicago Craft Beer Guy joins for a 6-Pack of Questions.
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Aug 27, 2020
Four Roses Bourbon Master Distiller Brent Elliott plus Kindsey Bernhard
We talk with Brent Elliott, master distiller for Four Roses Bourbon, on how Four Roses got its name, being named Master Distiller of the Year, watching bourbon grow, differences of the brand's bourbons and what's next. (Chat with Brent starts around 17 min mark) Also, Boys are from Marzen host Kindsey Bernhard joins for a 6-Pack of Questions.
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Aug 20, 2020
Against the Grain co-founders Sam Cruz and Jerry Gnagy plus Alex Wilson
We talk with Sam Cruz and Jerry Gnagy, two of the co-founders of Against The Grain in Louisville, on how they launched ATG, their crazy can designs, naming beers, adding a second location and what's next. Also, former Major League pitcher Alex Wilson joins for a 6-Pack of Questions.
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Aug 13, 2020
Lessons in Beer with Kevin Patterson plus Adam Johnson from the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Host Jonathan Greene talks with Kevin Patterson, a Cicerone and National Beer Judge, on what beers are coming out in the fall and what exactly is an Oktoberfest beer. Also, Adam Johnson of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail joins to talk about how the trail was started, what visitors can expect, the Craft Experience Tour and what's next.
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Aug 6, 2020
Peter Weiss from Lexington Brewing & Town Branch Bourbon
Host Jonathan Greene talks with Peter Weiss, marketing manager for Lexington Brewing & Distilling in Kentucky. Peter talks how Lexington Brewing got started, their bourbon barrel flagships, launching Town Branch Bourbon, adding Hard Teas, and what's next.
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Jul 30, 2020
Country Boy co-founder DH
We talk with DH (aka Daniel Harrison), co-founder and brand manager, of Country Boy Brewing in Kentucky, which has locations in Lexington and Georgetown. DH talks about how Country Boy got its start, fun naming beers, expanding, what a new canning line means, what's next and more.
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Jul 23, 2020
Goodwood Brewing CEO Ted Mitzlaff
Host Jonathan Greene chats with Ted Mitzlaff, the CEO of Goodwood Brewing in Louisville. Ted talks about how Goodwood Brewing got its start, their unique brewing process (aging beer on wood), expanding to Frankfort, small batch craft spirits and what's next.
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Jul 16, 2020
Woodford Reserve master distiller Chris Morris
Host Jonathan Greene talks with Chris Morris, master distiller at Woodford Reserve in Kentucky. Chris is the second master distiller at Woodford and was there when it launched in the mid-90s. Chris talks about launching a bourbon, the unique history of Woodford's distillery site, changing things up in the bourbon industry and what's next.
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Jul 9, 2020
Fusion Brewing co-owner and head brewer Chris Paumi
Host Jonathan Greene chats with Chris Paumi of Fusion Brewing in Lexington. Chris, co-owner and head brewer, talks about how he got into brewing, how his experiences have shaped Fusion's beers, their location, their name and what's next.
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Jul 2, 2020
Ethereal Brewing co-founder Andrew Bishop
Host Jonathan Greene chats with Andrew Bishop, co-owner/founder of Ethereal Brewing in Lexington. Andrew talks about their unique path to opening, how they found their current home at the Pepper Campus, expanding to downtown Lexington, working on distribution and what's next.
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Jun 18, 2020
West Sixth Brewing co-owner Brady Barlow
Host Jonathan Greene talks with Brady Barlow, co-owner of West Sixth Brewing in Lexington. Brady talks about how West Sixth started, expanding to new locations, their beers, COVID-19 plans and what's next.
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Jun 12, 2020
Mirror Twin Brewing owner and head brewer Derek DeFranco
Host Jonathan Greene talks with Derek DeFranco, owner and head brewer of Mirror Twin. Derek talks how Mirror Twin got started, the name, the creative process of making their beers (including special releases), the new 723 building and what's next.
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