In this episode of Neat & Mixed, we sit down with Lachlan Perks, brand manager and co-owner of Ghostwood Whiskey, to explore the story behind the Montana whiskey brand and its approach to whiskey. Lachlan shares how Ghostwood got its name, the cowboy values that shape the brand and the meaning behind its motto, “Go Beyond the Firelight.” We also discuss the story behind the bottle’s American white oak tree, sourced from the founder’s family ranch, and how Montana’s Western lifestyle influences the brand.

Lachlan breaks down Ghostwood’s flagship Premium 4-Grain Bourbon, made with corn, rye, red wheat and malted barley, along with its Chardonnay cask finished bourbon and Black Barrel Proof expression. We also talk about Ghostwood’s Double Gold wins at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the art of creating distinctive whiskey expressions, upcoming releases and where to find Ghostwood.

At the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, Neat & Mixed sits down with Angel’s Envy Whiskey Maker Owen Martin to talk about his journey to the brand, the art of blending, experimenting with whiskey finishes, and what’s next for Angel’s Envy.

We also taste two unique releases: Angel’s Envy Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Stout & Amburana Barrels and Cellar Collection Volume 6: Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Peach Brandy & Toasted Oak Barrels.

In this episode of Neat & Mixed, we talk with Colin Blake, co-creator and instructor of American Whiskey Scholar (AWS), about a new approach to American whiskey education. Colin, the former director of Moonshine University and current Vice President at Peggy Noe Stevens & Associates, explains what American Whiskey Scholars is, why the program was created, and how it aims to make whiskey knowledge functional rather than simply academic.

Colin breaks down the three levels of American Whiskey Scholars, from the history of American whiskey, raw materials, distillation and sensory evaluation in Level 1 to advanced topics including mash bill design, still design, fermentation and master taster training. He also explains the program’s standardized whiskey tasting protocol, the 30 key bottles students explore, who can benefit from AWS, and how the online, self-paced program works. Plus, we discuss the different backgrounds of the AWS creators, monthly office hours, corporate seminars and where American Whiskey Scholars could go next.