Alright folks, pour one and buckle in — because this episode is all about bourbon bucket lists.

We’re talkin’ about the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Not from the perspective of seasoned veterans…. but from two guys who’ve never done it and are finally making the trip.

Yep — it’s happening. We’re headed to bourbon country. And we’re coming in hot with a game plan, a cooler, and just enough hearsay to sound like we know what we’re doing.

Are we doing it right? Drop us a dram at tbplaybook.com, and we'll share your Bourbon Trail experiences on a future episode of the pod!

This week on The Bourbon Playbook, we suit up for a sip that brings refinement without the roar—Basil Hayden 10 Year. It’s the bottle that shows up to the tailgate in a blazer, and we’re diving deep into whether that 80-proof polish hides enough oak and spice to win over even the proof chasers.

Plus:

• 🥃 Whiskey history: Featuring Meredith Basil Hayden Sr.—bourbon’s original rye rebel.
• 📝 Tasting notes: Our honest verdict on whether Basil Hayden 10 Year is a daily dram or just Derby-day decor.
• 📈 Bourbon Reviews: Is BH10 hype or hogwash?

🎧 For more on the show, check out tbplaybook.com.

On Episode 26 of The Bourbon Playbook, we crack open the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Batch Proof (2023) and give it the full Playbook treatment. It’s bold, it’s rare—and it might just slap harder than your uncle at a family cookout.

In this episode of the pod, we unpack:

• What makes Batch Proof different from your average small batch label
• NBA MVP race, media blind spots, and whether voters are even paying attention
• Is it worth $150? Real reviews tells if this batch is hype (or hogwash).

• Bourbon story time: How master distiller Chris Morris and rising star Elizabeth McCall put this fiery brown juice on the map

MORE: Visit tbplaybook.com to learn more about the show, support the cause and connect with the hosts.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.