How to Drink Bourbon, Tequila and Other Spirits with the Drink Neat Guys

Benchmark 8 is the KING (arguably) of the bottom shelf. Now they are weighing into the big boy bourbon arena with BENCHMARK BARREL PROOF at 125 proof. If regular BM (a Buffalo Trace product) is good for the price, how does the high proof measure up? Find out with the Drink Neat Guys.

Last weekend, the Drink Neat Guys traveled to Columbus, Ohio to tour and sample Watershed Distillery. Wes, better know as @a.bourbon.dad on TikTok was our tour guide and agreed to sit down with us to discuss bourbon, Watershed and all things TikTok. It was a great conversation.

The long-awaited BOTTOM SHELF BOURBON episode is finally here. Listen as the Drink Neat Guys and a few friends explore the seedy, dark and often nasty underbelly of the bourbon aisle.

Join us as we sample Bulleit Rye, Kentucky Owl 11 Year Old Rye, Michtner’s Barrel Strength Rye and Minor Case Rye with our special guest Duck Nasty.

On this episode, we go south of the border (our border anyway) and sample some Chattanooga Whiskey Straight Bourbon at 91 proof and 111 proof. Same mash bills, but is the taste the same? Find out and thanks for listening. Don’t forget our friends at ABarAbove. Great barware for the craft cocktail connoisseur in your […]

Timmy arranges a blind tasting of four similar mash bills yielding surprisingly different results. Enjoy this episode, with two special guests, as we discuss the complexities and the taste of water chestnuts over glazed ham. ABarAbove Link

In downtown Lexington, KY there are several “new” distilleries. I say new because they haven’t been in business for eons like some of the bigger distilleries. We applaud these upstarts and want to celebrate them. The Drink Neat Guys went to tour Barrel House Distillery, the makers of Rockcastle Bourbon. Not everything goes as planned, … Continue reading "32: Barrel House and the Elkhorn Tavern"

Tesla launched its own brand of tequila. This episode is a cross-over with “The EV Diaries” podcast hosted by Ben about electric vehicles. If you’re EV curious, be sure to check it out. Ben discusses EV in small town America. It’s a fun ride. Be sure to check out ABarAbove for great barware and help … Continue reading "Special Episode: Teslaquila… Heck Yeah!"

So, screw you all of those people that said we wouldn’t last 3 episodes! In all seriousness, we started a year ago wanting to challenge you to “taste what’s in your glass” before deciding how you wanted to drink it. I know that is a subtle thing and may not seem important, but life is … Continue reading "IT’S OUR ANNIVERSARY!!!"

In this episode, we are sipping some rums and finding our beach. Summers over, but there’s always time for tiki drinks and good rum. A review of Bacardi Gold, Anejo Cuatro & Reserva Ocho in a Drink Neat Guys sorta way.

July 24th is National Tequila Day, but for the Drink Neat Guys, everyday is tequila day… except maybe for Timmy. We didn’t get together on the 24th, but we did the following day. Join us as we look at Manik Reposado, El Tesoro Reposado, Hussong’s Reposado and the surprising Kirkland Signature Anjeo from Costco. Tequila … Continue reading "30: National Tequila Day"

We are back together for the first time in forever and to celebrate, Tim breaks out Knob Creek 9, 12 and 15 year old. Video will soon be available on our YouTube channel.

Today, we take on The Rock’s tequila, TEREMANA. How does it rank compared to some of the other tequilas we prefer? And what does Timmy think? That’s the real question.

Today, in honor of the Kentucky Derby, we discuss the Mint Julep.

Tim shares a bargain bin find with a selection of Sierra Norte Whiskeys. Join us as we find out if it was a good decision or not.

We are notorious gin-bashers, but we are the Drink Neat Guys and we want to bring you our takes on “Other Spirits”. Gin is an “other spirit”, right? In all seriousness, we took this opportunity to expand our horizons and tried Bombay Dry Gin (86 proof), Castle and Key Restoration Gin (106 proof) and Ryan … Continue reading "25: First Ever Gin Episode"

In this episode, we look at the Sazerac and the Manhattan, both made with Bulleit Rye. Sazerac Peychaud Bitters Absinthe Sugar Cube 2 Oz Rye Whiskey Chill a rocks glass with ice water. In a mixing glass, combine 3-4 dashes of bitters and a sugar cube. Muddle then add whiskey and ice and stir. Discard … Continue reading "24 The Sazerac and The Manhattan"

We are continuing to practice social distancing while recording our podcast. Timmy did a bourbon drop so that we could try some new favorites. Watch as we sample Henry McKenna 10 Year Old, Pinhook Bourbon Country and Bulleit Blender’s Select. Check us out on YouTube.

Guys, we are dedicated to bringing you quality content. We are not going to let the Coronavirus hold us down. So, for your entertainment, we present drinking with buddies #HealthyAtHome style. Stay clean. Stay healthy.

What happens when you get the DNG WAGs together to discuss Irish whiskey? You are about to find out in this special edition episode.

Today, we get out of our comfort zone and start looking at a few Irish whiskeys. It’s something new for us and we are learning as we go, but we are always having a good time.

It may come as a shock, but the Drink Neat Guys enjoy cocktails as well as a nice spirit poured directly from the bottle into the glass and served as is.  Matt experienced on of the worst Margaritas ever in a local restaurant and that prompted a conversation about drink making.  As part of the … Continue reading "19: Worst Margarita Ever!"

We are kicking of 2020 with a bang and what better way to start a new year than tequila and an open mind. The Drink Neat Guys had planned an episode looking at three really good tequilas, but Matt opened up the liquor cabinet and it became a memorable night. Join us as we continue … Continue reading "18: Timmy Likes Tequila???"

What do you get when you combine a 116 year old hotel, tequila and The Drink Neat Guys? Impromptu flight. Join us as we try El Major Extra Anejo , Pura Vida Reposado and Casamigos Anejo (Yes, George Clooney’s Tequila). Recorded on location at the Black Horse Tavern inside the historic (1803) Golden Lamb Hotel … Continue reading "17: The Golden Lamb"

Today we change it up trying three very different rums at very different proof points. Plantation Overproof OFTD, John Watling’s Buena Vista Rum and Bumbu. There’s something here for everyone Rum; it’s not just for breakfast anymore.

Sometimes the stuff we record just is too short to stand alone. Here are two nuggets for your enjoyment.

This episode started out with sampling Evan Williams White Label Bottled in Bond and quickly turned in to a discussion on young bourbons and branding. I’m sure we are going to alienate some brands, but the bottom line is drink what you like. We are just three guys with three opinions. We want to hear … Continue reading "14: Evan and the Young Guns"

This is the last of the Walt Disney World Resort recordings. Matt and Ben tried Starr African Rum at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Dawa Bar in Harambe Village. You should give this light rum a try if you can find it.

This is last episode from La Cava del Tequila at Epcot. We sampled some Maestro Tequilero Anjeo. I think we have found the tequila for bourbon drinkers. Taste what’s in your glass before you mix it in your drink. Please, leave us a review and don’t let your friends drink alone. Thanks for listening

When we last left our heroes, Matt and Ben were deep inside Disney’s Cave of Wonders (La Cava del Tequila at Epcot’s Mexican Pavilion). After a highly enjoyable flight, something unfamiliar arose from off of the menu, challenging the duo to sample the sweet nectar of the blue agave. Join us as we explore, a … Continue reading "11: M-m-m-my Tahona"

I’m not talking about the one in Aladdin. I am speaking of La Cava del Tequila at Epcot in the Mexico Pavilion. Boasting a menu of over 200 tequilas, top-shelf cocktails and Mexican wine and beer, it is a not-to-be-missed stop for us Drink Neat Guys (except Timmy. Timmy hates tequila). Continuing our Walt Disney … Continue reading "10: Disney’s Cave of Wonders"

In this episode, we wrap up our “investigation” of Bulleit products with our analysis of Bulleit Barrel Strength. Who knew high-proof could be this enjoyable? Strap on your headphones and be prepared to be hugged to your knees. We want to hear from you. Email us or find us on social media, now including FaceBook … Continue reading "9: Staring Down The Barrel"

In this episode, the guys look to mix some Bulleit Rye and Bulleit Bourbon in to the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. Of course, true to form we taste it before we put it in our drink and discover something interesting once it’s mixed. We used a basic recipe: “Palatable” Old Fashioned Cocktail 2 Oz Whiskey … Continue reading "8: Good Ol’ Fashioned Mess"

On our second installment from the Polite Pig at Disney Springs, we decided to take flight- specifically the Florida Flight featuring Timber Creek Florida Single Malt Whiskey, St. Augustine Florida Straight Bourbon and Palm Ridge Reserve. This isn’t the end of the WDW episodes, but next time, we get back in the studio with Timmy … Continue reading "Episode 7: When Pigs Fly"

Disney needs a bourbon bar. (Whisper) Really? (Whisper) Right around the corner, seriously? (Whisper) You’re joking! Welcome to the second installment of our WDW trip. I used to know about as much as a non-insider could know about Walt Disney World but I’ve been away a few years and things have changed. Disney is always … Continue reading "Episode 6: This Little Piggy Went to Market"

Matt and Ben are on location at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. There are certain brands and bottles here that you just can find at home, wherever home may be, and we wanted to capture some of the magic. In this short episode, we try Tom Sims 6 Year Old Bourbon and some Whistlepig … Continue reading "Episode 5: Whistlepig in Paradise"

Welcome to the basics of blue agave. In this episode, the guys discuss the similarity and differences found in tequila and how important maturity, just as most things, becomes in a tequila. Grab a bottle and taste for yourself; there is fruit, pepper and other flavors in every sip. Compare the same brand’s blanco and … Continue reading "Episode 4: Tequila 101"

In today’s episode, we discuss age statements; their disappearance and reemergence. The question is whether or not age statements matter or is it just a gimmick to drive up prices? Guys, thanks for listening. This is just a fun project for us. Even though we appreciate “premium” bottles of bourbon and tequila, we also recognize … Continue reading "Episode 3: God Bless the Hipsters and the Two Things They Got Right."

Tim is a certified Bourbon Steward from the Stave and Thief Society.  In this episode he talks about his experience before we get off on a nosing tangent.  Hope you enjoy the show. Be sure to drop us a comment, leave a rating, follow us on social and, above all, remember to taste what’s in … Continue reading "Episode 2: Cricket Bats and Not-So-Secret Societies"

Salutations and introductions. Meet the Drink Neat Guys; Timmy, Matt and Ben talk about their experience and motivations behind the How to Drink Bourbon, Tequila and Other Spirits message. Hope you enjoy be sure to drop us a comment and remember to taste what’s in your glass before you put it in your drink. Take … Continue reading "Episode 1: Timmy Hates Tequila"