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 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

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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

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

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

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 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.