Épisodes

  • This Bourbon's So Money, It Doesn't Even Know It
    Mar 11 2025

    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.

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    49 min
  • The Lost Legacy of a Whiskey Trailblazer
    Mar 4 2025

    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 Week

    7:45 — O'Leary's Pour of the Week

    19:25 — Bourbon of the Week

    22:40 — Bourbon History

    33:00 — Tasting Notes

    42:40 — Aging and Mash Bill

    44:45 — E5 Scale Rating

    Support the pod by subscribing on your favorite platform, leaving a review and checking on tbplaybook.com!

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    51 min
  • The French Staves that Change the Game
    Feb 25 2025

    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 pours

    17:30 — Bourbon of the Week

    19:30 — History

    24:30 — Let's talk MGP (Midwest Grain Products)

    32:00 — Tasting Notes

    39:00 — E5 Scale Ratings

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    46 min
  • A Pour That Gives You Wings
    Feb 18 2025

    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 surprise

    16:50 — Bourbon of the Week / History

    27:00 — Tasting notes (double dram)

    36:35 — The E5 Scale

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    45 min
  • A Bourbon Love Story Too Good to be True
    Feb 11 2025

    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 week

    19:45 — Bourbon of the Week

    22:30 — History

    26:45 — Specifics on this week's double dram

    33:00 — Tasting notes

    44:15 — E5 Scale

    Connect with us via our website: TBPlaybook.com

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    50 min
  • A Whiskey That Walks the Bourbon Line
    Feb 4 2025

    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! 🥃

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    53 min
  • The Triple Trifecta, Battle of the Barrels
    Jan 28 2025

    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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    47 min
  • Turbo-Aged Bourbon in the Heat of Texas
    Jan 21 2025

    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 Week

    21:45 — Bourbon of the Week

    24:00 — History (Two Main Ways to Distill Bourbon)

    29:00 — Tasting Notes

    37:00 — E5 Scale

    Connect with us via our website: tbplaybook.com.

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    46 min