Trying new bourbon releases is one of the most fun parts of being a whiskey fan—and in this Neat & Mixed episode, we dive into why the chase is worth it. From limited drops to distillery-only bottles, we explore what makes hunting down new releases exciting and how it keeps the bourbon experience fresh.

Along the way, we try two pours: Bardstown Bourbon Distillery Reserve Series Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish, a unique distillery-only release finished in rare Garryana oak from the Pacific Northwest, and Rare Character Rye Whiskey 2026 Batch No. 1.

We talk about what draws us to new releases, how scarcity and innovation play a role, and whether these bottles actually live up to the hype.

Join us for a Neat & Mixed Flight Night with Clinton Dugan, co-founder and master blender at Shortbarrel, as we taste through three pours: Shortbarrel Four Grain, Shortbarrel Toasted Small Batch, and Shortbarrel Rye 101.

Clinton shares how his journey into bourbon began, the story behind Shortbarrel’s founding—including a chance barrel pick in Louisville with Adam and Patrick—and how the brand got its name. We dive into the making of their flagship four-grain bourbon, the inspiration behind secondary aging in Georgia for the Toasted Small Batch, and how acquiring Old Fourth Distillery in Atlanta changed things.

We also explore Shortbarrel’s limited editions, from the Bees Knees Honey Barrel Finish to the Sapquatch Maple Cask Finish, plus a look at expansion plans, future releases, and what’s next.

We sit down with Brian Helton, VP of TKO Flight Club and co-founder of the Kentucky Bourby, to break down what’s ahead for the 5th annual event in 2026.

Brian shares how his journey into bourbon led to launching Kentucky Bourby, how the event has grown since its early days, and what makes it stand out—from a strong lineup of distilleries to live music, raffles, and an online bottle auction. We also dive into the atmosphere attendees can expect and why the event continues to sell out year after year.

Most importantly, we discuss the mission behind Kentucky Bourby and how every ticket directly supports the work of TKO Flight Club in helping those living with Parkinson’s. Also, for those who want to go, use BOURBYMIXED for 25% off tickets!

Celebrity-backed bourbon brands are everywhere right now—but are they actually any good? We put that question to the test by tasting two high-profile releases: Row 94 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, created by country superstar Dierks Bentley in partnership with Green River Distilling Co., and Brothers Bond Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, founded by actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley.

We break down Row 94’s Kentucky roots, including its 4+ year age statement and mash bill featuring Kentucky-grown corn, rye, and malted barley, and whether it delivers at its $50+ price point. We also dive into Brothers Bond Bottled-in-Bond, a 7-year, 100-proof release sourced from MGP with a high-rye mash bill—and discuss how it stacks up in today’s crowded bourbon market.

Get an inside look at Bourbon on the Banks 2026, happening this October in Frankfort. We chat with Diane Strong and Rene True to preview this year’s upgrades, including the new Special Access Ticket experience, expanded educational sessions with Bourbon Women, and what folks can expect during the event.

We also dive into how attendee feedback shaped this year’s festival, what to expect from the full weekend of events, and the unique atmosphere of Frankfort during the celebration. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, this is your ultimate guide to Bourbon on the Banks 2026—tickets are on sale now, and they’re going fast!

We’re joined by Damon Thayer and Andre Regard, the co-founders of Kentucky Senator Bourbon, for this Flight Night to taste through three expressions: Kentucky Senator Release 6: John Edwards, Louisiana Senator Release 1: Huey Long, and Kentucky Senator Release 7: Jim Bunning Liquor Barn Single Barrel.

Damon and Andre explain how they discovered the Kentucky Senator name and why tying each release to historic political figures became the foundation of the brand. They also discuss their decision to enter the bourbon world as a non-distilling producer (NDP), why the whiskey is released in batch expressions bottled at 107 proof, and how sourcing quality barrels has evolved since their earliest releases.

We also dive into how they choose which historical figures to feature on each bottle, the introduction of their first cask-strength single barrels, and new retail partnerships—including a special release benefiting the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Plus, we look at what’s ahead for Kentucky Senator Bourbon, including potential expansion into new states and future releases.

We’re joined by Jason Brauner, co-founder and master blender of Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey, for a Neat & Mixed Flight Night where we taste through four expressions from the brand: Signature Double Oak, Four Grain Double Oak, Bottled-in-Bond, and Fred Minnick’s Club Marzipan Single Barrel Pick.

Jason shares how his journey into bourbon led to opening Bourbons Bistro and how a barrel pick with Judy Hollis Jones helped spark the idea that eventually became Buzzard’s Roost. We also discuss the origin of the brand’s name and why the company chose to focus on a distinctive double-oak finishing process across many of its releases.

Along the way, Jason talks about sourcing whiskey from multiple partners, keeping Buzzard’s Roost approachable on price, launching their downtown Louisville tasting room, and so much more.

We chat with McCauley Williams, co-founder and CEO of Duck Club Bourbon, for an inside look at building a modern whiskey brand in a competitive market. McCauley shares his path into the spirits industry, the experiences that shaped his approach to brand-building, and how the idea for Duck Club evolved from concept to fast-growing label. He also discusses how his partnership with Riley Green came together and why it made sense for the vision behind the brand.The conversation dives into Duck Club’s strategy of blending premium 5-to-8 year sourced bourbon with strong value, the philosophy behind sourcing and maintaining consistency, and why outdoor culture and conservation were built into the brand’s foundation from day one. McCauley also talks about standing out in a crowded bourbon landscape, lessons learned from early growth and what’s next for Duck Club—including future expressions and where fans can find bottles.