STRAIGHT UP

Everything of interest to the modern bourbon lover.

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The Ezra Brooks Guide to Starting Your Own Whiskey Club

Groucho Marx famously said, “I wouldn’t want to belong to a club that would have me as a member” — but no one says no to whiskey.

Forming a club dedicated to whiskey is a fun way for you and your whiskey-loving friends to share your passion.

The Art of the Perfect Burger

While the Fourth of July may look a little different in 2020, there’s one thing that’s a given — the all-American burger is a staple for that day. As it stands, it’s the undisputed star of any summer grilling menu, and with a few simple steps, you can ensure you’re putting a perfect burger on everyone’s plate.

5 Ezra-Approved Swim Trunks for the Modern Gentleman

Despite the planet’s best efforts, summer is still on its way. It’s too soon to tell if you’ll be lounging poolside or kicking back in a backyard kiddie pool, but either way, you’re going to need a stylish pair of swim trunks in which to laze away the sunny days. Here are five that Ezra recommends.

A Modern Man’s Tutorial on How to Sew a Button

You’re just about to head out the door when a button pops off your shirt. Now what? Sure, you could just change shirts, but whether you take care of it now or later, knowing how to sew on a button is one of those essential life-skills that every man should know how to do. And sometimes, you just really want to wear that shirt.

3 Bourbon Cocktails for Spring Sipping

Warmer weather calls for friendly get-togethers — and lighter sippers. These three bourbon-infused cocktails are full of spring cheer and perfect for any gathering, from a backyard barbecue to a romantic date-night dinner. …

5 Stylish Ezra-Approved Sneakers Under $100

Many people maintain that you can judge a man by his shoes — but not every day calls for your classiest kicks.

The modern man needs a pair of sneakers that are effortlessly cool while still being kind on your feet — you’re running with a busy schedule, after all. And to help keep that budget in check, they should also be under $100. Here are five that Ezra recommends.

3 Bourbon-Themed Date Ideas to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

If you’re coupled up, then you can’t ignore Valentine’s Day. But avoid the pitfalls of a lazy date and plan something your bourbon-loving partner will actually look forward to doing (or consuming).

Here are three can’t-fail ideas for your bourbon babe.

Old Ezra 7 Makes Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 List

When we created Old Ezra 7, we knew it was something special. Although we’re not in it for the awards, we’d be lying if we said we weren’t proud that Whisky Advocate recognized Old Ezra 7 in its Top 20 Whiskies of 2019. In fact, it ranked No. 7 — a happy coincidence considering we age the Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey in new charred oak barrels for seven years.

French press coffee

5 Things in Life Worth the Extra Effort

French press coffee

In our high-speed, short-take, 140-character world, we’ve put cutting corners on a pedestal. We plunge in. Don’t read instructions. Make an early exit. Honestly, we’re lucky when we don’t wind up a winner of the Darwin Awards.

If you’ve read this far, you’ve probably figured out that we’re going to tell you take your foot off the pedal. We’re going to have the audacity to assert that, sometimes, easy isn’t always better. Even a guy like gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson knew that “anything worth doing is worth doing right.”

Omega Speedmaster 5

5 Ezra-Approved Men’s Watches for Any Situation

Omega Speedmaster 5

When it comes to watches, there’s no lack of choice, and men can covet a variety of watches for a variety of situations. It is our main form of jewelry, after all.

Styles are seemingly infinite, and prices range from dirt cheap to laughably off the charts. To wit: You can have a Patek Philippe 5016R Minute Repeater Tourbillion Perpetual Calendar Retrograde in rose gold on a black leather strap and a black dial for a neat $650,000.

We’ve come up with five excellent timepieces that work for different purposes and won’t require a bank loan to strap onto your wrist. Prices are approximate.