Tag / whiskey

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Toast the Finer Things in Life with 50 Percent Off this Iconic Huckberry Decanter

Best decanters for your favorite whiskey.

If ever you’ve stumbled across this Brooklyn style blog, you very well might know that I appreciate the finer things in life — as you perhaps might yourself, be it the expert cut of a stylish trucker jacket, the design of a perfect pair of leather boots or the rich aroma and flavor of a fine dram of whiskey (like this new release from WhistlePig, which I covered here at Maxim).

And as part of my many freelance writing pursuits, I’ve had the chance to travel far and wide to take in each of those delights — and when I’m back at home in Brooklyn (Hi, Mary!), I relish the chance to do the same, particularly when I can find what I cherish at the one-stop shop that is Huckberry.

Shop the best men’s gear and goods at Huckberry

While it’s tough to find space for my burgeoning boot collection, a suitable pour of whiskey is always close at hand — and it’s made all the better today (and the day after that, and the day after that!) by one of the best whiskey decanters on the market.

It’s the sort of thing that’s made even better by the fact that Huckberry has managed to develop and design the perfect decanter for your favorite whiskey: Yes, that’s right… one of the best online retailers for menswear and gear has again knocked it out of the park with a stylish decanter for some of the best whiskey on the market, and it’s on sale today via Whiskey Peaks and Huckberry.

For a limited time, you can now score 50 percent off the Whiskey Peaks Denali Decanter, a hand-blown, lead-free glass decanter fashioned with an exact topographic replica of Mt. Denali at its base. It’s a true Huckberry prize at its best, celebrating the great outdoors while toasting the delight of a fine dram of whiskey — with a neat design and durable build to match.

And yes, my friends, as part of the ever-well-stocked Huckberry Sale section, the Whiskey Peaks Denali Decanter is marked down to just $25 — a rare sight cheaper than some of the best bourbon on the market, am I right?

Shop the coolest home goods and more at Huckberry

Huckberry calls the Whiskey Peaks Denali Decanter a “handsome vessel,” one that boasts 54 ounces of capacity — in addition to its eye-catching overall build. For a brief time, find the Whiskey Peaks Denali Decanter on sale now at Huckberry, and add it to your bar cart ASAP while the savings last. Cheers to that, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Trek to Rabbit Hole Distillery & Huckberry Summer Menswear Classics

We’re launching into another action-packed Brooklyn summer weekend and getting back down to business after plenty of time on the road — join me, won’t you?

As you might have seen if you follow me on Instagram, and if you keep up with my many freelance writing pursuits, I spent the better part of last week in Louisville, Kentucky, the heart of American bourbon country and a place I’ve trekked to quite frequently this last handful of years as I cover spirits, gear and more for outlets like Maxim.

Follow my travels on Instagram

Of course, it goes without saying that this Brooklyn style blog keeps me plenty busy as well, as I scour the market for the best menswear essentials from tried-and-true brands — several of which I get to review and write about as I crisscross the country! More on that in the weeks ahead as my summer travel schedule ramps up.

Read more of my freelance work

The occasion for the trip was a rather special one – as tends to be the case when I head to the heartland of stellar bourbon, and one I’d had on my bucket list for some time now. I had the chance to visit Rabbit Hole Distillery alongside a group of fellow spirits pros and writers, not to mention distillery founder and bourbon innovator Kaveh Zamanian.

It’s among the finest whiskey I’ve had in some time (particularly the Boxergrain expression), although I’d also count Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farms — as seen below! — as another winning selection in my quest to taste the best bourbon on the planet.

He founded Rabbit Hole a little more than a decade ago after a career as a therapist, a fascinating pivot that lends itself nicely to experimentation and a sense of attention to detail. After humble beginnings building the distillery from the ground up, Rabbit Hole now makes some of the most innovative American whiskey out there, with an equally innovative distillery design to match (it’s situated in NuLu, a buzzed-about and up-and-coming neighborhood with plenty of character).

The distillery, now owned by Pernod Ricard, uses extremely distinct malting processes and mash bills to produce several whiskies exclusive to its distillery, situated not far from the excellent Hotel Genevieve — for now, let me say that if you find yourself in Bourbon Country, U.S.A, put Rabbit Hole Distillery at the top of your list to visit.

As luck would have it, these spirits-focused trips — and even the many events I attended this past week as part of annual spirits extravaganza Bar Convent Brooklyn — are the perfect opportunity to test out the best summer menswear from companies like Huckberry.

Luckily, durable denim, rugged leather boots and breezy summer shirting prove mighty helpful when going from a distillery tour to a dinner at one of The ‘Ville’s finest establishments (allow me to recommend Bob’s Steak and Chop House at the Omni Hotel, plus Southern-meets-Japanese fusion establishment Enso).

What sort of gear do you bring to hit the road? Hopefully, this style blog proves helpful in those many pursuits, but as ever, you can expect two weekend style posts in the days ahead. Beating the heat in style, whether in Kentucky or back in Brooklyn, is the name of the game, my friends. In fact, might I suggest this stylish Billy Reid linen shirt or else a travel-ready Huckberry blazer to cement your next summer #OOTD?

Shop the best new gear at Huckberry

You can expect more where that came from in the days and weeks ahead — as ever, stay stylish, thanks for reading, thanks for following along and imbibing with me! Here’s to a Brooklyn summer weekend — cheers, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: An Austin Exploration with Bearface Whisky

Bearface Whisky review

In my many freelance writing pursuits — as you’ll see if you keep up with my Instagram — I get to trek across North America and occasionally, the globe in pursuit of all sorts of stories. Think menswear, watches and whiskey — yes, whiskey and more whiskey, indeed. It’s been a big focus of mine as of late, especially this fall as I trekked to Wisconsin with The Macallan (I’ve also written recently about the best American microbrews to try this fall, though!).

And this week, in addition to writing about, say, the best gear to buy from Filson, I also had the chance to put some of those pieces into action as I hopped a flight south to Texas (ATX, more specifically) as a guest of Canada’s Bearface Whisky. Bearface, briefly, ages its whisky in the elements in northern Canada, out among forests and fields and not in traditional rickhouses.

This gives it plenty of character well-suited to the wilds of ranch life outside Austin, and Rambling Rose Ranch was where I found myself this week tasting a suitable number of Bearface expressions (that’s Rambling Rose pictured above here).

Austin, with its downhome character (in certain pockets) and its deep Western roots proved a fitting tie-in for Bearface, hailing from western Canada and making some curious whisky (including one elementally aged using wild Matsutake, which I tried at a tasting dinner in Brooklyn last winter).

Learn more now about Bearface Whisky

It was yet another journey I’m thankful to get to experience in this freelance writing life, and it also included stops at Bearface-approved spots like the Firehouse Lounge and Midnight Cowboy. Other ATX favorites of mine include Zilker Brewing (as seen below) and Easy Tiger for a plentiful selection of outstanding local and regional beer.

With that being said, there’s more on the way from my Austin experience — horseback riding on a ranch and a longhorn tour (as you might have seen on my Instagram) tend to go nicely with whisky inspired by the wilderness.

On this front here at The Style Guide, it’s back to menswear in Brooklyn this weekend, starting with tomorrow’s very fall-centric Style Pick of the Week. I think you’ll find you could wear it quite easily to enjoy some standout spirits — that’s the M.O. here at your favorite Brooklyn style blog, after all. Cheers and as always, thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: It’s Your Last Day to Enter Huckberry’s Pappy Day Giveaway

Huckberry Pappy Van Winkle Giveaway

Some things in the world of menswear and spirits almost seem too good to be true, as we talk about often on the blog — take Huckberry’s 11th Annual Pappy Giveaway. That also means that a reminder or two is in order, especially today. Now, we talked earlier this month about the Huckberry Annual Pappy Giveaway, but here’s the catch: Today is your last day to enter this standout giveaway, and the process couldn’t be easier.

Learn more now at Huckberry

How does one enter to win a combined $15K of bourbon and cash ($12K in cold, hard cash and a bottle of some of the best bourbon on the market)?

Flint and Tinder waxed jacket review.

The answer is a simple one, my friends. As you know from reading this blog, all you need to do is spend $75 or more at Huckberry between now and midnight Eastern time, and BOOM: You’re in the giveaway. The great thing is, it’s not that hard at all to find some of the best menswear and gear worth your while via Huckberry.

Shop the best men’s gear at Huckberry

That could make this an ideal time to upgrade your Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket, lace up some fresh Huckberry boots via Rhodes Footwear, or cozy up with a textured fall knit for the season ahead.

The ball is in your court (for now) via the final day of Huckberry’s 11th Annual Pappy Giveaway, so the choice is yours: The best bourbon and menswear await, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: Shop Huckberry’s Annual Pappy Van Winkle Giveaway Right Now For a Chance at $12K (And Rare Bourbon)

Huckberry Pappy Day 2024.

My friends, the time is now upon us once more. Or rather, if this caught you off guard, it’s time to hit the pause button and head over to Huckberry to shop a deal that only comes around once a year: The famed retailer is giving you (yes, you!… and me!) a shot at some serious cash and some ultra-serious bourbon.

Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Bourbon.

The maker of your favorite trucker jacket, the perfect pair of jeans and some of the best men’s boots on the market (among many other things, naturally) is bringing back its 11th Annual Pappy Day, a heck of a deal for lovers of rugged fall fashion and some of the best whiskey on the planet.

Learn more now at Huckberry

Here’s the deal: Now through September 26th, spend $75 on any U.S. order of the best menswear and gear from Huckberry, and get entered to win $12K in cash and a bottle of the covetable Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year.

How’s that for a standout deal on your new favorite fall menswear (and your new favorite bourbon)!? If you ask me, not much more needs to be said today, although might I recommend picking up a pair of the best men’s Chelsea boots or the iconic Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket?

Here’s wishing you all the best of luck, the best of shopping some new seasonal style favorites, and hopefully, a toast with the best bourbon on the market. We’ll see you all tomorrow, my friends — now, start that shopping spree.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Visit to NYC’s New Wonderland Bar & Labor Day Weekend Menswear Sales

Photo: Patrick Dolande/Courtesy of Wonderland NYC

My friends, welcome back to another edition of the Friday Read, where we (and by we, I mean me) cover a bit of everything under the sun these days, from menswear to spirits and occasionally, fine dining. Often, all three go together quite handily, as I’ve found out through my many freelance writing pursuits — and my coverage of spirits, food and drink over at Maxim.

Today, we’ll step away from typical menswear coverage towards something sure to whet your whistle, so to speak (for a dash of men’s style coverage, click that link).

Read my work for Maxim.com

My passion for spirits fortunately (and rather incredibly) opens up a great deal many doors, like the chance to imbibe and sip at some of the finest restaurants in New York City. That’s never a bad way to unwind ahead of a busy Labor Day weekend, and it’s often made all the better by the companionship of my blonde-haired sweetheart Mary, a lover of fine food and drink herself.

And that led me earlier this week to the immersive, whimsical and impressive Wonderland Bar NYC, a just-opened East Village experience that’s a step up from the more typical dive bars of the surrounding area.

Plan your visit to Wonderland Bar

For one, it boasts a menu helmed by Michelin starred chef Peter He — if you’ve been watching “The Bear” or following along with the restaurant industry at large, that’s a major deal. This new spin on a Sichuan gastropub lives up to the hype, and then some.

Wonderland Bar NYC review.
Photo: Patrick Dolande/Courtesy of Wonderland NYC

Its cocktails are theatrical in nature from start to finish, presentation very much included, and its food menu (divided into hot and cold plates) also adds some serious flair to the dining experience.

Just witness the flaming orb presentation of the incredible Shiso Leaf, boasting gin, shiso leaf, peach, ginger, syrup and lime in, well, an orb surrounded by a flaming garnish (you can see more on my Instagram, or at the top of the page, of course).

The New Fashioned, delivered in a smoking decanter and boasting a blend of truffle-oil-washed bourbon, simple syrup and bitters, also shines, while my personal favorite happened to be the blend of gin, ginger, cardamom, peach, passion fruit and lemon found in the All My Lovin’.

Mary also loved this option, and we both couldn’t get enough of the New Fashioned. There’s a nice divide between refreshing and crisp as well as savory, and all just so happen to pair nicely with Wonderland’s diverse food offering.

Photo: Patrick Dolande/Courtesy of Wonderland NYC

A selection of pleasantly spicy, savory bites complement these cocktails in expert fashion including the Chicken Skewers (a personal favorite) and the Peppercorn Squid, the most popular dish on the menu (and the favorite at our table).

But a true highlight, in rather astounding fashion, was the Kumamoto Oyster Ensemble, an oyster topped with uni and caviar. Yes, you read that right. If you love oysters, buckle up — while the serving size accounts for just one oyster, it’s absolutely astonishing.

The space itself, with a purple neon sign looking out over a ceiling adorned with greenery, is also eye-catching in its own right (especially if you dine in a booth styled like a bird cage). It’s a touch disco, a touch whimsical and truly wondrous.

Suffice to say, Wonderland delivers every step of the way: Presentation, flair, flavor and a seriously memorable atmosphere. It won’t be the last time you hear from me on this excellent new locale, so keep your eyes peeled for my byline.

Huckberry Labor Day Sale 2024.

Now, before I let you go — and before I let you start planning your next trip to the Big Apple, or at least your next night out in Manhattan, allow me to offer one menswear recommendation fit for a dive bar or a restaurant with Michelin cred. That, my friends, would be the chance to check out the Huckberry Labor Day Sale, where you can get an extra 15% off already on-sale gear at the lauded Huckberry Sale section.

It’s part of an action-packed slate of the best Labor Day menswear sales, including prime selections from brands like Todd Snyder and Taylor Stitch. And since it’s the last gasp of summer, it’s high time you added a few early fall selections to your cart, is it not? Cheers to the weekend, cheers to excellent food and drink, and cheers to excellent menswear close at hand all the while. Thanks, as ever, for reading!

by Beau H.

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!

Learn more at Stranahan’s

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!

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: You Can Spend $75 At Huckberry and (Maybe) Win $10K Of Pappy Van Winkle Whiskey

Huckberry x Pappy Van Winkle

My friends, here’s quite the way to start Monday. Surely, you know the excellent, rugged, functional and stylish menswear at Huckberry. The retailer offers up everything from the best waxed trucker jacket to the most stylish henleys for men, the best men’s blue jeans and much more.

Huckberry x Pappy Van Winkle 2023

And of course, Huckberry also appreciates a commitment to the outdoors, to adventure, to pursuits far afield — and the Austin and San Fran-based company also appreciates a nice touch of refreshment to go along with those pursuits.

Learn more now at Huckberry

I’m talking, of course, about some of the best whiskey on the planet via the likes of Pappy Van Winkle, the now-legendary distiller brought back to the mainstream by Buffalo Trace some years ago. Here’s the even better news for you lovers of whiskey and menswear.

If you spend $75 between now and September 26th — yes, more than 2 weeks to go! — you’ll be entered for the chance to win THREE bottles of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon. Oh, and you’ll also receive a cool $10K in cash.

Shop the Pappy Day giveaway now at Huckberry

Once again, with feeling: Spend $75 or more at Huckberry between now and September 26th, and be entered to win some of the best whiskey on the market, period. Oh, and the chance to also snag a very cool 10 GRAND in cash. How’s that for blending business with pleasure, ehh?

Wondering what to spend to get that entry started? Check out a few of my Huckberry reviews to discover the best, most rugged, most stylish gear around. Cheers to that, and good luck, my friends!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Shinola Runlate Watch, Filson x Indiana Jones & New American Single Malt

As I roll into another Pure Michigan weekend — following a couple momentous yet relaxing weeks in my home state — I’m both grateful for relaxing time spent on the shores of Lake Michigan, as well as the chance to keep up with my freelance writing pursuits all the same.

It’s the best of both worlds if you ask me, complete with both tranquil lakeshore views and cold beer (along with more than a few dispatches to add to my freelance writing portfolio). Fireworks, food, fun and … menswear? Sure thing. Fair warning: You’ll also want to keep scrolling today to read about a sharp new watch from Shinola.

As to my time in Pure Michigan: In between fun in the sun and sand, I wrote about another partnership near and dear to my heart. That’d be the stunning Filson x Indiana Jones capsule, as seen at the top of the page and covered by yours truly at Maxim.com. It’s a set of rugged, Indy-inspired gear made for the outdoor explorer, and you’d do well to shop Filson x Indiana Jones heading into your weekend.

By the way, the Filson Summer Sale continues to roll on, so you’ve got more than enough reason to shop the legendary Pacific Northwest outfitter.

Shop rugged Filson gear right now

As to the rest of your plans over the next three days, use my helpful picks below as a guide to shop and sip your way through breezy summer days. Cheers, my friends.

American Single Malt whiskey.
  • Here’s a nice sipper to guide you into the weekend. Back in May, Jim Beam (known more formally as the James B. Beam Distilling Co.) launched its first-ever American single malt whiskey, and I had the chance to taste Clermont Steep Single Malt in New York City as part of my spirits writing for Maxim.com. It’s crafted from American malted barley from Clermont, Kentucky, then distilled at a single distillery (the same approach taken across the pond for single malt Scotch). It was a wonderful night, and I’m here to say that the first foray by Jim Beam into this new category is a winner. Oh, and here’s the kicker: You can get yourself a bottle of Clermont Steep at Drizly right now.
Shinola Runlate Watch.
  • If you thought the Filson x Indiana Jones capsule was fun, how about this: Shinola turned one of its April Fool’s jokes into a real-life, limited-edition watch. Meet the Shinola Runlate, a clever play on that friend who’s always running, well, late (even if that friend happens to be you). The design of the classic Shinola Runwell gets an update via “Late” hour markers, instead of the modern Art Deco design of the OG watch. Plus, the Runlate features a crisp white dial and tan leather strap combo. It’s playful, it’s limited-edition and it comes on the heels of a wave of customer requests for this ultra-fun watch. Don’t be late: Only 100 units of the Shinola Runlate are available.
Get the Shinola Runlate ASAP
  • Let’s shift briefly from whiskey and watches to outdoor pursuits for summer days ahead. Just yesterday on the blog, I wrote about some of the best hybrid shorts to wear now: These Free Fly Breeze Shorts are ideal for trail hiking, quick training sessions, evenings around the bonfire… the list goes on. Dive right in via my Thursday Buy, and we’ll see you out there.
Shop Free Fly’s Breeze Shorts now

That’ll bring today’s Friday Read to a close, and I hope I’ve covered enough bases for everyone. Of course, there’s the chance to shop the best hybrid shorts from a trusted apparel brand, along with the fun-as-can-be Shinola Runlate watch and new American single malt whiskey. Check back tomorrow for my Style Pick of the Week, and in the meantime, cheers to summer and thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Weekend on the Road in Minneapolis

Folks, welcome back to another Friday Read, and another dispatch from the road by yours truly. I recently trekked up to Boston with Randolph Engineering, and I’ve also gone upstate in the past few months — and as luck would have it, I’m in hot pursuit of another story this weekend as part of my many freelance writing ventures! I’m in the lovely (and surprisingly warm!) city of Minneapolis this weekend, a trip that’s been in the works for some time now.

The reason for my visit? Among other restaurant and bar excursions in the city — and among my own personal exploration of music heritage in Minneapolis — I’m taking in the revamped, reopened Butcher and the Boar, a Minneapolis institution known for its smoked meats and of course, its extensive whiskey list. If you ask me, those are two of the best things in life, yet the rest of the trip should prove just as stellar (and delicious).

Also on the docket? A cold beer or two at Surly Brewing, plus a visit to the newly opened and much-hyped North Loop restaurant Demi. While I’m no gourmand (and not exactly a stellar cook!), I know what I love when it comes to dining (as I noted when I visited Reyna in NYC), and this trip should certainly fit the bill nicely. It’s a trip I’ve been anticipating for weeks, and it’ll be my first time in the Twin Cities in 9 years, no less!

Of course, I’ll have a full dispatch on the way for Maxim.com sooner rather than later, but you can keep up with all the fun on my Instagram in the meantime. And naturally, we’ll return to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow with my latest Style Pick of the Week. As always, thanks for reading and stay stylish!