Get an inside look at Blake's Beverage Company on this episode of Neat & Mixed Questions as we sit down with CEO Andrew Blake to explore the journey from a family farm to one of the largest independent cider companies in the country. Andrew shares how the Blake family’s agricultural roots have shaped the company’s culture, approach to innovation, and growth strategy as the brand has expanded from a regional favorite into a national beverage company.

We also discuss the changing beverage landscape, why cider and ready-to-drink categories continue to grow, and how Blake’s continues to develop new products while staying connected to its farming heritage. Andrew talks about consumer trends, product innovation, misconceptions about cider, recent collaborations, the company’s expanding portfolio, and the significance of celebrating both the 80-year milestone of the family farm and America’s 250th anniversary.

Get an inside look at McGillin's Olde Ale House, the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia, on this episode of Neat & Mixed Questions. We sit down with Irene Levy Baker to explore the remarkable history behind McGillin's and her book, Cheers to McGillin's: Philly's Oldest Tavern. From opening its doors in 1860, the same year Abraham Lincoln was elected president, to surviving the Civil War, Prohibition, fires, pandemics, and generations of change, we uncover the stories that have made McGillin's a Philadelphia institution for more than 165 years.

We also discuss the tavern's unique atmosphere, the rare continuity of being owned by just two families, and how it became woven into the fabric of Philadelphia's culture. Irene shares fascinating stories from the book, including hidden history, local traditions, ghost stories, celebrity visits, sports memories, and the moments that helped transform McGillin's from a neighborhood bar into one of America's most iconic historic taverns.

Get an inside look at Jefferson's Bourbon on this episode of Neat & Mixed Flight Night as we sit down with Master Blender Ale Ochoa to explore creativity, innovation, and the art of blending bourbon. We try Jefferson’s Very Small Batch, Jefferson’s Ocean Voyage 34, and Jefferson’s Reserve Cask Strength while discussing Ale’s journey into whiskey, the influence of mentor Rob Arnold, and what led her from Texas to Kentucky to join one of bourbon’s most innovative brands.

We also dive into the unique aging process behind the Ocean Voyage series, how ocean voyages influence flavor development, and the challenge of balancing traditional bourbon-making with boundary-pushing experimentation. Ale shares insights into blending, maturation, and the creative process behind developing new expressions, including surprises along the way and what’s next for Jefferson’s Bourbon.