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.

In this week's episode, the guys toast to some bourbon history. With roots tracing back to Prohibition, this bourbon honors the resilience of whiskey-making during tough times. From its high-proof kick to its rich, spicy flavor profile, this week's Bourbon of the Week captures the essence of history in every sip. Join us for a fun conversation on life, laughs and, of course, sweet tasting notes.

In this week's episode:

4:30 — Personal Pours of the Week

20:00 — Bourbon of the Week

21:00 — Bourbon History

30:00 — Tasting Notes

35:00 — Aging / Mash Bill

37:00 — E5 Scale rating

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.

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.

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

In this week's episode of The Bourbon Playbook, Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika introduce the Essential 5 Scale, a fun way to categorize your favorite bourbons and ensure you have the right bottles for every occasion. Zika then attempts to put lightweight Ryan in a bodybag with a bold, full proof Bourbon of the Week that packs a serious a punch.

In this episode:

01;32 — Personal Pours of the Week

12:20 — Bourbon of the Week

15:00 — Introducing the E5 Scale

22:20 — History

23:53 — Popping the bottle

27:20 — Tasting notes

31:25 — What makes this full proof bourbon unique

Support the pod:

Spread the word, leave a 5-star review and subscribe on your favorite platform! Connect with the guys by emailing thebasementbuzz@gmail.com. We'll feature your bourbon questions on a future episode!

In this week's episode of The Bourbon Playbook, Ryan O'Leary and Mike Zika discuss why small batch bourbons are worth the hype! The guys sip on a Bourbon of the Week that could quickly become a favorite for those seeking a refined sip with some rich history.

In this episode:

1:28 — What typically goes down at a bourbon meet up

7:45 — Bourbon pours of the week

17:48 — The Art of Small Batch Bourbon

20:40 — Bourbon of the Week History

26:02 — Tasting notes

31:09 — Zika's hat gets O'Leary all hot and bothered