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The Bourbon Playbook

The Bourbon Playbook

By: Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika
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About this listen

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. Grab your glass and join the conversation with new episodes every Tuesday!

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, and let’s make some memories one sip at a time on The Bourbon Playbook!

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Episodes
  • Chestnut Farms Barrel Strength: Our 125-proof Derby Day Pour
    May 13 2025

    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.

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    52 mins
  • Traveller Blend No. 40: Is the Chris Stapleton-Buffalo Trace collab worth the hype?
    May 6 2025

    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.

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    43 mins
  • The Barrell Playbook: Inside Bourbon’s Blending Powerhouse
    Apr 29 2025

    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

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    51 mins
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