The Bourbon Playbook Podcast By Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika cover art

The Bourbon Playbook

The Bourbon Playbook

By: Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika
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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.

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
  • Season 1 finale! Jimmy Russell Wears the Flavor Crown

    Season 1 finale! Jimmy Russell Wears the Flavor Crown
    Jul 22 2025

    🎤 ANNOUNCEMENT: This episode marks the end of Season 1! We’re shifting from weekly pours to monthly drops, seasoned with deeper dives, social surprises, and a few bonus pours along the way. It’s not goodbye. Just a refill break.

    We close Season 1 with Episode 35, and it's a barrel-aged banger: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon. From meeting the legendary Jimmy Russell at Wild Turkey to unpacking a pour that’s bold, spicy, and dripping with caramel swagger, this episode is a full-bodied salute to one of bourbon's true Godfathers.
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    59 mins
  • The Stagecoach King: Ben Holladay’s Bottled-in-Bond Legacy

    The Stagecoach King: Ben Holladay’s Bottled-in-Bond Legacy
    Jul 15 2025

    Ben Holladay 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond is a Missouri-made bourbon with deep roots, bold flavor — and a comeback story that spans 160 years.

    This week, the guys head down to the basement to discuss the "Stagecoach King," the limestone rickhouses of Weston, and why this sleeper bourbon continues to turn heads in the BiB world.

    Connect with the Bourbon Playbook at tbplaybook.com.
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    51 mins
  • Old Fitzgerald: From Rickhouse Keys to Bourbon Legend

    Old Fitzgerald: From Rickhouse Keys to Bourbon Legend
    Jul 8 2025

    Join us as we reflect on our visit to the Heaven Hill Distillery and uncork one of the classiest bottled-in-bond bourbons in the game: Old Fitzgerald 7-Year.

    With its vintage decanter and rich wheated profile, this week's pour delivers caramel charm, cinnamon spice, and the fascinating legend of the man behind the juice: John E. Fitzgerald,

    Plus, some advice on how to transport your bourbon during times of extreme heat (spoiler alert, we learned the hard way).

    For more on The Bourbon Playbook Podcast, check out tbplaybook.com.
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    40 mins
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