The Bourbon Playbook

By: Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika
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  • Summary

  • 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!
    RCO Audio LLC 2024
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Episodes
  • The Horse. The Myth. The Legend: Blanton's Single Barrel

    The Horse. The Myth. The Legend: Blanton's Single Barrel
    Jan 7 2025

    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 notes, and find out why Blanton’s is always dressed to impress!

    In this weeks episode:

    2:40 — Personal pours of the week

    26:15 — Bourbon of the Week

    30:50 — Bottle history

    36:00 — Blanton's famous horse and jokey

    43:00 — Tasting notes

    49:40 — E5 scale ratings

    Support the pod by leaving a 5-star review and subscribing on your favorite platform! Submit feedback to Mike and Ryan by emailing: thebasementbuzz@gmail.com.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Toasted Perfection: The Art of Double-Barrel Aged Bourbon

    Toasted Perfection: The Art of Double-Barrel Aged Bourbon
    Dec 31 2024

    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 craftsmanship. From its historical roots, to its award-winning modern profile, this bourbon is more than just a great pour — it's a game-changer.

    In this week's episode:

    4:00 — Personal Pours of the Week

    18:00 — Bourbon of the Week

    21:30 — Bottle History

    25:00 — The Double-Aging Process

    30:00 — Live Tasting Notes

    35:30 — The E5 Scale

    38:30 — Mash Bill Breakdown

    Support the pod by leaving a 5-star review and subscribing on your favorite platform! Submit feedback and connect with the hosts by emailing: thebasementbuzz@gmail.com.
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    40 mins
  • The Distiller Who Shaped Bourbon’s Future

    The Distiller Who Shaped Bourbon’s Future
    Dec 17 2024

    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 sweet notes.

    In this episode:

    2:00 — Personal Pours of the Week

    12:00 — Bourbon of the Week

    20:00 — History

    26:00 — Tasting notes

    32:00 — E5 Scale Rating

    40:00 — Small cube vs. large cube in bourbon glass
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    44 mins

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