The Bourbon Playbook

The Bourbon Playbook

by Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika

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 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.

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 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.

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 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

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 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.

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. 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.

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 episodes every Tuesday, and be sure to drop the guys a dram at tbplaybook.com.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 overnight.

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