The Bourbon Playbook

🎤 ANNOUNCEMENT: This episode marks the end of Season 1! We’re shifting from weekly pours to monthly drops, seasoned with deeper dives, social surprises, and a few bonus pours along the way. It’s not goodbye. Just a refill break.We close Season 1 with Episode 35, and it's a barrel-aged banger: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon. From meeting the legendary Jimmy Russell at Wild Turkey to unpacking a pour that’s bold, spicy, and dripping with caramel swagger, this episode is a full-bodied salute to one of bourbon's true Godfathers.

Ben Holladay 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond is a Missouri-made bourbon with deep roots, bold flavor — and a comeback story that spans 160 years. This week, the guys head down to the basement to discuss the "Stagecoach King," the limestone rickhouses of Weston, and why this sleeper bourbon continues to turn heads in the BiB world.Connect with the Bourbon Playbook at tbplaybook.com.

Join us as we reflect on our visit to the Heaven Hill Distillery and uncork one of the classiest bottled-in-bond bourbons in the game: Old Fitzgerald 7-Year.With its vintage decanter and rich wheated profile, this week's pour delivers caramel charm, cinnamon spice, and the fascinating legend of the man behind the juice: John E. Fitzgerald,Plus, some advice on how to transport your bourbon during times of extreme heat (spoiler alert, we learned the hard way).For more on The Bourbon Playbook Podcast, check out tbplaybook.com.

In this episode of The Bourbon Playbook, the guys cover their trip to the Willett Distillery, popping a precious bottle that screams top shelf.This week, we're talking Willett's Wheated 8 Year Purple Top. With its rich oak, cherry cola charm, and cinnamon-sweet punch, this bottle will be among the elite in any bourbon enthusiasts cabinet.In this episode:Why dining at The Bar at Willett is a must (and the signature dish you have to try) The history behind Willett's unique, smaller, family-run distilleryTasting notes breakdown: Is this a bourbon or a bakery?Essential 5 scale: Is Willett 8 Year P.J. Fleck approved?📲 Visit TBPlaybook.com for recipes, ratings, and our latest trail pours. 👀 Next week: A softer sip with angelic baking spice? Stay tuned…Clink responsibly. Cheers! 🥃

We continue our Bourbon Trail Series with a stop in Loretto, Kentucky—home of red wax, rolling hills, and some of the smoothest bourbon magic you’ll ever sip.In this episode, the guys dive into Maker’s Mark’s 2024 Wood Finishing Series: The Heart Release, a silky, high-proof wheated bourbon designed as a tribute to the unsung heroes behind every barrel.Join us as The Bourbon Playbook breaks down its visit to the Maker’s campus (yes, the black-fence roads and cold rickhouses were as dreamy as you imagine), swap blind tasting notes from the 2024 and 2025 Wood Finishing Series, and share why the Maker's Mark Distillery tour is a must for any bourbon enthusiast who's hitting the trail.***Support the pod by clicking subscribe, leaving a review and visiting tbplaybook.com.

Fresh off their trip to Bourbon Country, the guys break down their visit to the iconic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, sharing stories from the tour, the pours, and everything in between! In this week's episode:Top takeaways from the Trail, from Whiskey Row to LexingtonHow navigate Buffalo Trace's daily allocated bottle dropsWhat bourbons (and other spirits) to expect in Buffalo Trace's tasting room History, tasting notes and E5 ratings for the Bourbon of the Week: Eagle Rare 10 YearSubscribe, share the pod with a friend, and be sure to check back next week for Part II of our Bourbon Trail Playbook series!

On this week's minisode, the guys put their palates to the test with a blind tasting that brings bold flavors, wild guesses — and just a bit of humble pie.The lineup:Ben Holladay 7-Year Bottled-in-BondE.H. Taylor Single Barrel Bottled in BondBardstown Bottled in Bond Origin Series Which unbiased bottle rises to the top? Join the show and share your own blind tasting notes and experiences at tbplaybook.com.

Alright folks, pour one and buckle in — because this episode is all about bourbon bucket lists.We’re talkin’ about the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Not from the perspective of seasoned veterans…. but from two guys who’ve never done it and are finally making the trip.Yep — it’s happening. We’re headed to bourbon country. And we’re coming in hot with a game plan, a cooler, and just enough hearsay to sound like we know what we’re doing.Are we doing it right? Drop us a dram at tbplaybook.com, and we'll share your Bourbon Trail experiences on a future episode of the pod!

This week on The Bourbon Playbook, we suit up for a sip that brings refinement without the roar—Basil Hayden 10 Year. It’s the bottle that shows up to the tailgate in a blazer, and we’re diving deep into whether that 80-proof polish hides enough oak and spice to win over even the proof chasers.Plus:🥃 Whiskey history: Featuring Meredith Basil Hayden Sr.—bourbon’s original rye rebel.📝 Tasting notes: Our honest verdict on whether Basil Hayden 10 Year is a daily dram or just Derby-day decor.📈 Bourbon Reviews: Is BH10 hype or hogwash?🎧 For more on the show, check out tbplaybook.com.

On Episode 26 of The Bourbon Playbook, we crack open the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Batch Proof (2023) and give it the full Playbook treatment. It’s bold, it’s rare—and it might just slap harder than your uncle at a family cookout.In this episode of the pod, we unpack:What makes Batch Proof different from your average small batch labelNBA MVP race, media blind spots, and whether voters are even paying attentionIs it worth $150? Real reviews tells if this batch is hype (or hogwash).Bourbon story time: How master distiller Chris Morris and rising star Elizabeth McCall put this fiery brown juice on the mapMORE: Visit tbplaybook.com to learn more about the show, support the cause and connect with the hosts.

In Episode 25 of The Bourbon Playbook, we’re sipping something bold: Chestnut Farms Single Barrel at a fiery 125 proof. It’s barrel strength, hard to find, and wrapped in mystery—no farm, no age statement, just big Barton 1792 flavor and Total Wine exclusivity.We also pour this week's drams out to the 151st Kentucky Derby, where every horse was a descendant of the GOAT—Secretariat. Does bourbon and the Derby go hand and hand? Join us for fun facts, banter and takes on this year's Derby winner who won't be chasing the Triple Crown.Subscribe, leave us a review and drop us a note by visiting tbplaybook.com.

This week, we're pouring Blend No. 40—aka Traveller Whiskey—a smooth, award-winning collab from Buffalo Trace and Grammy-winner Chris Stapleton. But is it just a celebrity cash-in or a legit daily dram? We break it down with tasting notes, awards cred, and whether this 90-proof blend hits the right notes,Before the pour, we riff on Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft slide, Mel Kiper's meltdown, and more! Join the conversation by visiting tbplaybook.com.

This week, we dive into the story of Barrell Craft Spirits, where a tech entrepreneur turned a barrel tasting into a bourbon empire. No stills, No chill filtering. No distilling whatsoever. Just bold, high-proof blends sourced from over 65 distilleries worldwide.Join us we cover Barrell’s playbook, their new $2.4 million rickhouse, and taste a cherry-loaded single barrel pick that borders on precious.Connect with the hosts! tbplaybook.com

In this week's episode, the guys pour a bold Memphis-born bourbon with blues in its soul. From its high-rye mash bill to its wild backstory — including a warehouse collapse that turned into a fan-favorite release — the guys explore why this $30 bottle is punching way above its weight class.Hosts Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika cover Blue Note Juke Joint, pour one out to Rory McIlroy's gut-wrenching Masters win, and reveal why this small batch bourbon has been raking in national awards.

In this week’s pour, we’re diving deep into the story of a modern bourbon powerhouse: Bardstown Bourbon Company. What started as a contract distillery quietly crafting premium bourbon for over 30 other brands has transformed into one of the most innovative and transparent producers in the game.We rewind to 2014 to trace Bardstown’s bold mission to become the “Napa Valley of Bourbon,” unpack the unique DNA behind their Origin Series High Wheat Bourbon, and break down why this six-year, wheated gem is earning rave reviews at just over $50 a bottle.For more about the Bourbon Playbook Podcast, visit tbplaybook.com.

In this week's edition of The Bourbon Playbook, the guys explore the unique connection between the beer- and whiskey-making process, and uncover a famous Midwest brewery famous for turning its famous stout into a legendary pour of brown juice!Join hosts Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika for new episodes every Tuesday, and be sure to drop the guys a dram at tbplaybook.com.

On this week's episode of the pod, the guys put a highly sought-after toasted barrel bourbon under the microscope. It’s got the accolades, the cult following and a flavor profile that promises toasted marshmallow heaven… but does it deliver?Hosts Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika break down the history, the hype, and the hot takes from the internet—because not every unicorn bottle is a golden pour.Check us out and drop us a dram at tbplaybook.com.

This week, join us as we dive into a bourbon that carries the name of a true American firebrand. From frontier distillers to tax revolts, hosts Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika uncover the story of a man who stood against the system, only to become a legend in the process. But does the bourbon named in his honor live up to the hype?The guys break down the origins of this cask-strength pour, explore its mysterious sourcing, and put it to the test on the Essential 5 (E5) Scale. Is this bourbon Hype or Hogwash? Pour a glass and join Mike and Ryan as they sip, debate, and decide! 🥃🔥For more and to support the pod, visit tbplaybook.com.

This week, we’re diving into the history of one of the most notorious figures in bourbon—and crime—history. Before Prohibition, he was a respected lawyer. During it, he became the “King of the Bootleggers,” controlling nearly a third of all illegal liquor in the U.S.His story is filled with fortune, betrayal, and even murder. And now, his legacy lives on in a high-proof bourbon that’s just as bold as his past. Join the guys as they break down the rise, fall and redemption of this whiskey legend — and, of course, give their takes on whether his namesake bourbon is worth the hype. Grab a glass, because this pour comes with one hell of a backstory! Support the pod: tbplaybook.com

This week on The Bourbon Playbook, the guys dive into a bourbon with deep Irish roots and Kentucky heritage—one that’s aged to perfection and wrapped in Bottled-in-Bond prestige. We’re talking about a whiskey that went from a $30 sleeper pick to an award-winning, must-have bottle practically overnight.

Some bottles are more than just bourbon — they’re stories poured into a glass. This week, the guys dive into a whiskey with a legacy so rich, it was almost lost in time. From a hidden pioneer in distilling history to one of the most awarded brands today, this pour is as bold as the man behind it.Join us as we celebrate Black History Month while uncovering the truth behind a master distiller’s forgotten influence, the technique that shaped an entire style of whiskey, and how one brand is making sure his name is never lost again (just maybe not the right one).In this week's episode:3:25 — Zika's Pour of the Week7:45 — O'Leary's Pour of the Week 19:25 — Bourbon of the Week22:40 — Bourbon History33:00 — Tasting Notes42:40 — Aging and Mash Bill44:45 — E5 Scale RatingSupport the pod by subscribing on your favorite platform, leaving a review and checking on tbplaybook.com!

Recognized for its award-winning French oak stave finishing process, this week's pour brings a sophisticated yet spicy profile to the table. Join hosts Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika as they explore a unique and rapidly growing brand in the Bourbon world.In this week's episode: 2:30 — Super Bowl pours17:30 — Bourbon of the Week 19:30 — History24:30 — Let's talk MGP (Midwest Grain Products)32:00 — Tasting Notes39:00 — E5 Scale Ratings

In this week's episode, learn about a bourbon made famous for its groundbreaking port cask finishing. Hosts Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika explore the science behind one of the most iconic brands in the bourbon game, all while giving first-hand tasting notes and rapping about life in general.In this week's episode:2:50 — Personal pour outs / Zika's birthday surprise16:50 — Bourbon of the Week / History27:00 — Tasting notes (double dram)36:35 — The E5 Scale

Some bourbons have history, some have mystery — and this one has both.This week, the guys are uncovering the truth behind a legendary whiskey brand with a love story so good, it might just be made up.In this week's episode:2:15 — Ryan's personal pour of the week 11:50 — Mike's personal pour of the week19:45 — Bourbon of the Week 22:30 — History 26:45 — Specifics on this week's double dram33:00 — Tasting notes 44:15 — E5 Scale Connect with us via our website: TBPlaybook.com

In this week's episode, the guys dive into a bottle that blurs the lines between categories, proving that labels don’t always tell the whole story. It’s bonded, bold, and brings a rich history that goes all the way back to one of the most legendary figures in American whiskey!Join hosts Mike Zika and Ryan O'Leary as they uncover the fascinating history behind the brand—including a mentor who shaped its legacy and a mysterious number that still sparks debate. Is this an underrated gem hiding in plain sight? Pour a glass and find out. Cheers! 🥃

This week on The Bourbon Playbook, the guys dive into a trio of standout bourbons that bring unique flavor profiles, high accolades, and plenty of conversation to the table. From tropical vibes to wheated classics, could there there be a precious pour in the bunch?

In this week’s “Double Dram” edition of The Bourbon Playbook, we’re spotlighting two standout bourbons from the Lone Star State. Crafted with 100% Texas-grown grains and aged in the blazing Texas heat, these bourbons deliver bold flavors and a truly unique character.And, of course, we dive into tasting notes for both bourbons—whether you’re looking for a silky, every day sipper or a bold, uncut cask strength experience, we’ve got you covered. Tune in for engaging banter, bourbon science made simple, and the perfect pours to add to your collection!In this week's episode:5:00 — Personal Pours of the Week21:45 — Bourbon of the Week24:00 — History (Two Main Ways to Distill Bourbon)29:00 — Tasting Notes37:00 — E5 ScaleConnect with us via our website: tbplaybook.com.

In this week's episode, the guys toast to some bourbon history. With roots tracing back to Prohibition, this bourbon honors the resilience of whiskey-making during tough times. From its high-proof kick to its rich, spicy flavor profile, this week's Bourbon of the Week captures the essence of history in every sip. Join us for a fun conversation on life, laughs and, of course, sweet tasting notes.In this week's episode:4:30 — Personal Pours of the Week20:00 — Bourbon of the Week21:00 — Bourbon History30:00 — Tasting Notes35:00 — Aging / Mash Bill37:00 — E5 Scale rating

Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika kick-off the new year by spotlighting on a true bourbon icon: Blanton’s Single Barrel. The guys dive into the bourbon's rich history, from surviving Prohibition, to modern-day accolades, to its signature horse-and-jokey stopper. Tune in, discover sone sweet tasting notes, and find out why Blanton’s is always dressed to impress!In this weeks episode: 2:40 — Personal pours of the week26:15 — Bourbon of the Week30:50 — Bottle history36:00 — Blanton's famous horse and jokey43:00 — Tasting notes49:40 — E5 scale ratingsSupport the pod by leaving a 5-star review and subscribing on your favorite platform! Submit feedback to Mike and Ryan by emailing: [email protected].

In this episode of The Bourbon Playbook, Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika explore the art of double-barrel aging and the rich history behind one of the most unique bourbons on the market. With layers of toasted oak, caramel, and dark chocolate, this week's bottle is a testament to innovation and craftsmanship. From its historical roots, to its award-winning modern profile, this bourbon is more than just a great pour — it's a game-changer.In this week's episode: 4:00 — Personal Pours of the Week18:00 — Bourbon of the Week21:30 — Bottle History25:00 — The Double-Aging Process30:00 — Live Tasting Notes35:30 — The E5 Scale38:30 — Mash Bill BreakdownSupport the pod by leaving a 5-star review and subscribing on your favorite platform! Submit feedback and connect with the hosts by emailing: [email protected].

In this week's episode of the Bourbon Playbook, Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika cover a special pour from the E.H. Taylor Jr. collection. The Colonel is a pivotal figure in the bourbon industry that every enthusiast should know, and the guys discuss his story while sharing laughs and sipping on some sweet notes.In this episode:2:00 — Personal Pours of the Week12:00 — Bourbon of the Week20:00 — History26:00 — Tasting notes32:00 — E5 Scale Rating40:00 — Small cube vs. large cube in bourbon glass

In this week's episode of The Bourbon Playbook, Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika introduce the Essential 5 Scale, a fun way to categorize your favorite bourbons and ensure you have the right bottles for every occasion. Zika then attempts to put lightweight Ryan in a bodybag with a bold, full proof Bourbon of the Week that packs a serious a punch.In this episode:01;32 — Personal Pours of the Week12:20 — Bourbon of the Week15:00 — Introducing the E5 Scale22:20 — History23:53 — Popping the bottle27:20 — Tasting notes31:25 — What makes this full proof bourbon uniqueSupport the pod:Spread the word, leave a 5-star review and subscribe on your favorite platform! Connect with the guys by emailing [email protected]. We'll feature your bourbon questions on a future episode!

In this week's episode of The Bourbon Playbook, Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika discuss why small batch bourbons are worth the hype! The guys sip on a Bourbon of the Week that could quickly become a favorite for those seeking a refined sip with some rich history.In this episode: 1:28 — What typically goes down at a bourbon meet up7:45 — Bourbon pours of the week 17:48 — The Art of Small Batch Bourbon20:40 — Bourbon of the Week History26:02 — Tasting notes31:09 — Zika's hat gets O'Leary all hot and bothered

On this week's episode, Mike and Ryan crack open and enjoy the perfect bottle for a long Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends. Join the guys for some sips and banter, and support the pod by spreading the word, leaving a review and hitting that subscribe button on your favorite platform!In this week's episode:2:30 — What made the guys need a bourbon this week10:30 — Bourbon of the Week19:00 — History21:00 — Tasting notes25:15 — How to "open up" an new bottle of bourbonSupport the pod by spreading the word, leaving a 5-star review and hitting that subscribe button on your favorite platform! Submit feedback and connect with the hosts by emailing [email protected].

Welcome to the premiere episode of The Bourbon Playbook! Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika swap stories on life, sports and of course, the sweet brown juice. Join the guys as they crack open a heavenly bottle of 100 proof gold to kick-off the show, while covering the bourbon's history, tasting notes and more! In this week's episode:0:00 — Prologue: Whiskey vs. Bourbon explained4:40 — Welcome to the show11:30 — Bourbon of the Week12:30 — What is this miniature looking glass?17:00 — History20:00 — The Kentucky Chew24:00 — Tasting notes31:00 — That one time Ryan asked a question to Bill Belichick on TV