PODCAST · leisure
The Bourbon Playbook
by Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika
Welcome to The Bourbon Playbook, the podcast where friends, family, and the smoothest of brown spirits come together for good conversation and great bourbon. Each episode, we dive deep into the world of whiskey, exploring a different bourbon of the week. From live sips and tasting notes to fascinating history and fun stories, we bring the distilling craft to life in the most relaxed way possible — just like kicking back with old friends in the basement. Whether you're a bourbon connoisseur or just looking to learn more, this show has something for everyone. Tune in for: Bourbon of the Week: A new bottle to explore every episode Live Sips: Real-time tastings and flavor breakdowns Whiskey Wisdom: Fun facts, history, and stories from the bourbon world Spirited banter: Engaging conversations on life, family and sports So pour yourself a dram
Episodes
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Season 1 finale! Jimmy Russell Wears the Flavor Crown
🎤 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:...
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The Stagecoach King: Ben Holladay’s Bottled-in-Bond Legacy
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…
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Old Fitzgerald: From Rickhouse Keys to Bourbon Legend
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...
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Not Your Average Wheater: Pouring Willett’s Purple Top Wonder
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…
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Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series: Why We Fell for The Heart Release
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...
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Buffalo Trace Distillery & Eagle Rare 10
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 Lexington How...
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Ben Holladay or E.H. Taylor? Our First Blind Taste Showdown
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-Bond E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Bottled in Bond Bardstown Bottled in Bond Origin Series Which...
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Trailheads & Tasting Rooms: Our Bourbon Trail 2025 Preview
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…
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Basil Hayden 10 Year: All Belt, No Bite?
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....
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Woodford Batch Proof: Unfiltered Elegance at 121.2 Proof
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...
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Chestnut Farms Barrel Strength: Our 125-proof Derby Day Pour
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…
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Traveller Blend No. 40: Is the Chris Stapleton-Buffalo Trace collab worth the hype?
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…
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The Barrell Playbook: Inside Bourbon’s Blending Powerhouse
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...
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Sippin' on Soul: The Rise of Blue Note Juke Joint
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...
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Bardstown Origin Series: The Next Weller Alternative?
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.…
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Here Be Dragons: The Bourbon that Breathes Fire
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…
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From Toasted Barrels Comes a Unicorn Bottle
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…
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The Bourbon Born from Rebellion
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...
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The Tony Soprano of Bourbon
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...
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This Bourbon's So Money, It Doesn't Even Know It
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...
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The Lost Legacy of a Whiskey Trailblazer
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....
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The French Staves that Change the Game
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…
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A Pour That Gives You Wings
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...
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A Bourbon Love Story Too Good to be True
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...
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A Whiskey That Walks the Bourbon Line
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…
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The Triple Trifecta, Battle of the Barrels
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?
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Turbo-Aged Bourbon in the Heat of Texas
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...
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From Flames to Fame: How an Iconic Bourbon was Born
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...
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The Horse. The Myth. The Legend: Blanton's Single Barrel
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…
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Toasted Perfection: The Art of Double-Barrel Aged Bourbon
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...
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The Distiller Who Shaped Bourbon’s Future
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...
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Tasting 125: An Elite Full Proof Bourbon Experience
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...
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Less is More: The Art of Small Batch Perfection
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...
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The Wildly Perfect Pour for Your Holiday Weekend
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!…
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100 Proof Heaven from Bourbon Capital of the World
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to The Bourbon Playbook, the podcast where friends, family, and the smoothest of brown spirits come together for good conversation and great bourbon. Each episode, we dive deep into the world of whiskey, exploring a different bourbon of the week. From live sips and tasting notes to fascinating history and fun stories, we bring the distilling craft to life in the most relaxed way possible — just like kicking back with old friends in the basement. Whether you're a bourbon connoisseur or just looking to learn more, this show has something for everyone.
Tune in for:
Bourbon of the Week: A new bottle to explore every episode
Live Sips: Real-time tastings and flavor breakdowns
Whiskey Wisdom: Fun facts, history, and stories from the bourbon world
Spirited banter: Engaging conversations on life, family and sports
So pour yourself a dram
HOSTED BY
Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Bourbon Playbook have?
The Bourbon Playbook currently has 35 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Bourbon Playbook about?
Welcome to The Bourbon Playbook, the podcast where friends, family, and the smoothest of brown spirits come together for good conversation and great bourbon. Each episode, we dive deep into the world of whiskey, exploring a different bourbon of the week. From live sips and tasting notes to...
How often does The Bourbon Playbook release new episodes?
The Bourbon Playbook has 35 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Bourbon Playbook?
You can listen to The Bourbon Playbook on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Bourbon Playbook?
The Bourbon Playbook is created and hosted by Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika.
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