STRAIGHT UP

Everything of interest to the modern bourbon lover.

Life essentials

Couple wearing North Face fleeces

5 Cozy Fleeces to Keep the Winter Chill Away

Couple wearing North Face fleeces

A crispness in the air, perhaps a fire or two in the hearth — it’s definitely fleece season. But whether you’re still keeping close to home or venturing out on the trails, there’s no excuse not to look sharp while feeling comfy.

Here are five fleeces that combine fashion with function.

How to Split Firewood the Right Way

Whether you’re heating exclusively with wood or just revving up the occasional blaze in the fireplace, there comes a time when you’ll need to split a few too-large, unwieldy logs, or make use of those cut up stumps your friend just thoughtfully dumped in your backyard.

Avocado Toast for brunch

4 Easy Ways to Host the Ultimate Brunch

Avocado Toast for brunch

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’re on notice: Brunch now rules as the most popular meal of the week.

What used to be a Sunday morning-after hangover cure has fanned out to overtake Saturday and, in some enlightened places, Fridays, too. In fact, it has morphed into a new social experience entirely unto itself.

10 Must-See Black-and-White Movies to Up Your Cinema Literacy

Quick, what’s the last movie you saw that was in black and white? (And by black and white, we mean pre-1960s black and white, Roma doesn’t count.) That’s what we thought.

What Wins in Poker

Poker is a gentleman’s — or woman’s — game, so you’re probably not going to need to put a six-shooter on the table like in an old Western movie. But just so no misunderstandings arise, especially if you’re playing in your first friendly low-stakes game, it does help to know which hands beat other hands, as well as a few other handy tips. Like the fact that Ezra Brooks bourbon makes a great wingman.

Kentucky Derby

Win-Place-Show: Here’s How to Lay Down a Derby Bet

Kentucky Derby

In the topsy-turvy world of COVID-19, the 2020 Triple Crown of horse racing — the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes — has been turned on its head. The traditional last leg of the three, the Belmont Stakes, was run first on June 20. And the Derby is now being held on September 5, and the Preakness Stakes on October 3.

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.

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.