If you’re wondering why we’re here in today’s Friday Read at my daily menswear blog talking about the Kentucky Derby, well, keep on scrolling and welcome to the ride, my friends. Now, if you follow me on Instagram, you assuredly know it’s been quite the ride these past few weeks.

I took a quick hiatus from last week’s regular Friday Read, and from my daily writing duties at sites like Maxim, to head out to Las Vegas with the TAO Hospitality Group to review the stunning new TAO Dayclub — I previously visited the incredibly cool TAO Mohegan Sun property for Maxim, and this was another stellar trip opportunity! That brings me, of course, to the Kentucky Derby — quite literally, in fact. I’ll be onsite for a lifetime chance to check out the iconic Run for the Roses, and I’ll be there as part of my “day job,” believe it or not. Woodford Reserve might be the official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, but I’m attending to taste and visit HIRSCH Whiskey in Bardstown, Kentucky — along with Derby Day festivities, of course!

Naturally, you can get a taste of HIRSCH Whiskey sent to your door in the meantime via Drizly if you’d like to try out yet another Derby Day Whiskey, but in the meantime, I’ll have more insight for Maxim next week. All of which leads me into the rest of today’s Friday Read for your weekend perusal and shopping enjoyment. I’ll be suited up on Saturday, so be sure to follow along with my Instagram. Cheers!

• Now, Taylor Stitch menswear might not be the first thing on your mind as seersucker suits and the like take center stage this coming weekend. That being said, here’s your weekly (if not daily!) reminder to check out what the brand is doing, from substantial yet soft T-shirts to sturdy denim jackets and some of the coolest accessories you can shake a stick at — go give Taylor Stitch another look if you need a spring or summer refresh.

• Another area in which to focus on a spring or summer refresh? Your basics rotation, hence why I wrote all about the best men’s henleys over at SPY.com, featuring favorites from Buck Mason and many more. It’s a list of the best of the best, in my humble opinion, and I recommend you hop to it to add a new short-sleeve henley or three into your life.
• Here’s another style pick on a budget to get you thinking spring and summer upgrades. Over on the blog just earlier this week, I told you all about a great way to save on sneakers from Bespoke Post. The magic — and the deal — can be found within that post. Let’s get right to it and add to cart, my friends.

That’s going to wrap up today’s Friday Read, all in the name of enjoying the one and only Kentucky Derby — and of course, some finely crafted HIRSCH Whiskey. I can think of no better way to enjoy the weekend. We’ll see you out there and online, my friends!