Warren Bobrow brought this article to my attention recently. It’s a good bit of knowledge, and I learned a little myself seeing as how I’ve had a couple of arguments over the true history and place of origin of some of our favorite spirits. Here’s the introduction, click below to read the entire article.

“We got in a fight over Tennessee…” - Johnny Cash

Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey & Rye
Born in the USA Whiskies

Among the first settlers who brought their whiskey making traditions to the US were the Scotch-Irish of Western

Pennsylvania. Although whiskey was produced throughout the colonies (George Washington was among the

noted whiskey producers of the time), these settlers of Pennsylvania are where bourbon’s roots began. To help

finance the revolution, the Continental Congress put a tax on whiskey production. So incensed were the settlers of

Western Pennsylvania that they refused to pay. To restore order in the ensuing “Whiskey Rebellion” of 1791,

Washington was forced to send the army to quell the uprising. To avoid further troubles with the tough and

stubborn Scotch-Irish settlers, Washington made a settlement with them, giving incentives for those who would

move to Kentucky. The significance of this is that while the earliest whiskies were made primarily from rye, this

was about to change with their move and “Bourbon” would be born.

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The guys from The Hill-Side, who make some incredible ties, handkerchiefs, and many more accessories, have started Hickoree’s Hard Goods. A  mercantile of sorts with everything you could ever want…besides the dream girl, porsche, and stretch of land.

I’ll be posting some great articles from the vault up here as they come along, also check out the lads at The Pop Up Flea this weekend for all you New Yorkers, the stock is going fast. Support some home grown companies!

I got a little nervous when I first heard about Oi Polloi, which is my favorite store I’ve never been to, doing a collaboration with the classic outerwear kings, Gloverall. Most collaborations these days just don’t do the original and the newcomer much justice. However, I was very pleased to see that the folks at Oi Polloi didn’t touch the outer appearance of the garments. They did however add a nice touch of color to the inner linings which will come off quite nice. I’ve personally been looking for a Duffle Coat replacement, and Gloverall and Oi Polloi seems like a match made in heaven.

I’m sure these two interesting gents have a few stories.

Here’s one from Rin Tanaka’s better books. The Harley Davidson issue accompanies his large range of My Freedamn books displaying American styles ranging from the 20th Century Bikers to Surfers. This page showing two great, classic leather and wool jackets. What I’d do!

The Rig-Out II is coming soon, and I was fortunate to receive a teaser. This new issue will have some heavy hitters like Daiki Suzuki (of Woolrich Woolen Mills and Engineered Garments) and The Special’s Felix Hall Esq’s son taking part. Besides all that dross, if you remember even half of the first edition, you’ll be as excited as I am.

Brooklyn’s best mens store, Smith + Butler, is carrying the hard to find Post O’Alls. Taking one of the spots as only two NY stores in the market. Unis, Filson, Barbour, Belstaff, Levi’s, Pendleton, Pointer Brand, and The Hillside among others also on the racks.

All around talented and interesting guy, Max Schaff of 4Q Conditioning, has been doing a lot lately. Between this video and a couple on VBS.TV, it shows a lot of his history and day-to-day. Natas, Oakland, and Panheads!

The wonderful people at Levi’s gave me a peek at what they have coming up for us all next Spring. On the men’s side, there are a couple of new models and specifications that they tinkered with, but by-and-large about the same garments we’ve loved growing up. The women’s options were a bit larger with a huge seersucker/striped feel going on. My favorite of the men’s samples available had to be the khaki trousers and the denim jackets. One aspect which I can’t say I remember seeing in denim vests or jackets before had to be the pleated front which I’m way into since seeing. All in all, a fine showing!