The Friday Read: Heading West with Stranahan’s Whiskey

Stranahan's American Single Malt.

My friends, thanks for passing through The Style Guide as we launch headfirst into another winter weekend. We’re past the hustle and bustle of the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, but the pursuit is still a fast one when it comes to shopping for the best gifts for men (and for everyone on your list). I’ll have two new product recommendations of my own coming up this weekend, but I’m focused first and foremost on yet another whiskey-focused freelance writing trip.

If you follow me on Instagram or keep up with my many freelance writing pursuits, you’ll see I’ve had the exciting post-pandemic opportunity to dive headfirst into the industry, writing about everything from luxury Scotch to the best American bourbon and more. It’s a passion of mine alongside covering essentials like the best leather boots and the best men’s flannel shirts, of course.

And that passion extends to covering distilleries both old and new, traditional and innovative, like Stranahan’s American Single Malt Whiskey. That’s where this coming weekend will find me, as I trek to cold and snowy Denver for what should prove an epic weekend: It’s the annual release of the ultra-exclusive, distillery-only Stranahan’s Snowflake Whiskey, accompanied by a festival and lots of fanfare (and yes, great whiskey all around). To say I’m excited is likely an understatement!

I’m also excited to spend time with Stranahan’s first-ever Head Blender, Justin Aden — the whiskey veteran just so happens to be a fellow graduate of my beloved Michigan State University, and that’s about as cool as it gets, if you ask me.

In the meantime, I’ll be bundled up with some of the best winter menswear in tow, and I’ll be sharing full details over on my Instagram. How’s that for a winter weekend? Stay warm, stay stylish and we’ll see you for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week. Thanks as always, my friends!

The Friday Read: Denver, The National & The Best Denim to Buy Now

The perfect layer to get ready for a September weekend.

Alright, folks — we’re going to get into the Huckberry x Howler Brothers collaboration as seen above later on in this article, but it’s the spirit of that type of gear that’s important here. It’s the first weekend after Labor Day, and maybe you’re back in the office, dreaming of your next getaway — the Huckberry x Howler Brothers North Coast Collection can help you do that. But more on that collection of the best new men’s gear in a second. Let’s go back to the spirit of adventure: That applies particularly for me this weekend, as I’m hitting the road to Denver (a new locale for me!) to once again take in a lifechanging show by my favorite band, The National. This group of indie rock heroes have given me more than a few highlights of my entire year (and my life!) these past few months.

That includes the release of their incredible new album and short film, “I Am Easy To Find,” back in May, but it really kicked off all the way back in April in New York City with a special, pre-album release show at Beacon Theater. This wonderful night of soulful, expansive indie rock was actually just captured via the new documentary, “The National: I Am Easy to Find, Live from New York’s Beacon Theatre” — I simply can’t stop listening or watching. From there, well, the hits have kept coming — I’ve had the chance to live out my dreams, heading everywhere from Los Angeles to Madrid and all the way back to Brooklyn to see this iconic band (all the while dressed in style, of course!). I feel very lucky, to say the least! And I positively can’t wait for two shows at the new Mission Ballroom!


I’ve heard stellar things about Denver across the years as well, from the city’s excellent craft beer scene to its easily accessible outdoor culture and atmosphere, and I really can’t wait to explore the city. Planned stops include spots like Crema Coffeehouse and Ratio Beerworks, naturally, along with the humble (but tasty-looking!) confines of Butcher Block Cafe. I’ll be bringing along favorites like my Flint and Tinder Light Wash Jeans and of course, a new Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt — you can check out all the music & craft beer fun on my Instagram, naturally. So, that’s what’s on tap for me this weekend — how about you? Start things off the right way with another edition of The Friday Read. Cheers!

  • It’s hard to top affordable men’s denim, right? Especially when that denim happens to be from Jomers — the best men’s denim on the market comes courtesy of the brand’s work with White Oak Cone Mills, former purveyors of truly excellent indigo cotton fabric made into some seriously excellent jeans. And on the Jomers front, you can check out my coverage at The Manual here.
  • Speaking of early fall and rugged outdoor adventure, it was a true treat to cover the Huckberry x Howler Brothers North Coast Collection over at GearMoose — it’s some of the most outdoor-ready gear you can get your hands on, and it all comes courtesy of a lauded online retailer and the stellar Howler Brothers brand. Now, let’s get out there.
  • It’s crucial that you start prepping for fall as early as possible — and seeing as it’s September, that time is now … right now. If you didn’t catch it last month, I’m going to point you toward my roundup of the best new men’s gear for the season. Happy shopping!

I’m going to serve up one last item for the weekend before I take off (literally, in this case!). There are still plenty of breezy nights to be had out there, and in that case, you’re going to need this rugged Faherty Brand poncho for the occasion. It’s one of the best men’s jackets for that last camping trip or a breezy day near the water. That’s all I’ve got today, folks! Enjoy the weekend.