In America, we’ve always idolized the rugged individual.

We've always romanticized the lives of the men and women that navigated the harshest of elements for some greater purpose. The pilgrims who crossed the Atlantic, the cowboys that expanded across the Wild West, and every adventurous man and woman that’s taken to the open road in search for adventure have often had one thing in common: a damn good jacket.

That trusted outer layer is vital to any properly-prepared explorer—to anyone that’s getting anything done—because your jacket can do it all.

That well-worn coat has a funny way of being able to be everything at once. It keeps you warm at night, protected from the wind in harsh conditions, and makes for a surprisingly good pillow for an impromptu sleeping arrangement.

At Iron and Resin, we’re in the business of making road-ready wear for the everyday man. And thus, we take particular care in crafting the best jacket for any lifestyle.

Scout Jacket

The scout has taken on many different forms throughout U.S. history. Indian allies to the colonists in 1634, frontiersmen like Daniel Boone in 1767, all the way to our fume-fueled asphalt shredders of today.

Our Scout Jacket borrows a lot from the ideals of traditional scout’s - weather-resistant, durable, and made for ranging, but that isn’t to say we haven’t kept comfort in mind.

The Scout embodies the timeless adage of being tough on the outside, but soft on the inside. It’s rough exterior remains unphased by inclement weather and the flannel lining makes sure you’re staying cozy as hell.

Corduroy Rambler

Midway Jacket

Mid·way adverb & adjective \ ˈmidˌwā,ˌmidˈwā \
in or toward the middle of something.

While this jacket may have been dreamed up in a sunny Southern California coastal town, you’ll be feeling more like a Himalayan mountaineer with it’s 100% sherpa fleece lining. And we call it the midway for a reason—the tough cotton bedford cord exterior keeps your threads just as durable as it is comfortable.

Sure, you may be be prepared for subzero weather when it’s only just below 50 outside. But who cares? The point is that you’re ready for an apocalyptic turn in the weather and you look damn good doing it.

But that’s not all

We know that there’s a rugged individual in all of us, and making sure we’ve got the jacket for every iteration means there’s a few more than the scout, rambler and midway. From nautically-inspired to Top Gun-esque outer layers, we’ve got the styles and materials to keep you prepared for the land, sea, and whatever comes in between. Check them out. 

Hi, my name is Thom and I'm the owner/co-founder of Iron & Resin. I love Ventura and it's surrounding communities. I've been here most of my life, raising a family and basing my business and brand here. The fires that have affected our communities have been unlike anything I've ever seen. This fire season will surely go down as one of the worst in our state's history.

Ventura is the kind of town that attracts makers and doers. Many of which have chosen to opt out of the hamster wheel 9-5 career in order to follow their own passions and seek out that magical balance of work and play that enriches the soul. 

Look, we know Californians can be a little spoiled when it comes to weather. Winter down south may feel like late-Spring back East, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t had to change our routines slightly.

The weather has dipped below 70 and that means we’re spending some more time indoors. You and your friends won’t have the benefit of that sweet smelling summer breeze while you're hanging around the kitchen—but don’t fear!

We’ve teamed up with Ethics Candles to help keep your bedrooms and dining nooks smelling fresh this season. On December 16th, we’ll be hosting a candle making workshop at our Ventura and Venice locations. 

You can pick up tickets for $25 dollars that will entitle you to 2 candles, each in a reusable Iron and Resin camp mug. Can’t wait to see you there!

Buy your tickets here!

Here at Iron & Resin, we take our denim pretty seriously. Handmade in the USA, reinforced with Dyneema® and Cordura® Nylon, they're built to last. From the dusty forest trails of the Eastern Sierras, the shadowed corners lingering on Highway 33, or the sandy beaches of the Southern California Coastline, it was a necessity to make a pair of durable denim.

Here at Iron & Resin, we take our denim pretty seriously. Handmade in the USA, reinforced with Dyneema® and Cordura® Nylon, they're built to last. From the dusty forest trails of the Eastern Sierras, the shadowed corners lingering on Highway 33, or the sandy beaches of the Southern California Coastline, it was a necessity to make a pair of durable denim.

Thom and Jackson cooked up a list of their favorite road trips for this California Fall season. We'll see you on the open road!

There are few drinks that conjure up such a strong image of masculinity as whiskey. Men like Mark Twain, George Washington, and Winston Churchill all enjoyed their share of the classic drink. To fully enjoy a good glass of whiskey, though, you’ll need to know some basics about the spirit. A man ought to always know what he’s drinking - and, when it comes to whiskey, the depth can quickly become intimidating.

Whiskey is an incredibly diverse and opinionated beverage, so don’t take any of this as an all-inclusive guide. One of the greatest things about immersing yourself in the whiskey culture is the sheer range of variances available. If there’s any theme to this guide, it should be one of exploration and experimentation.

With that being said, here’s a basic overview of our favorite chest-hair-endowing spirit.

WHISKEY TERMS

Whiskey - Made in Ireland or the United States.

Whisky - Made in Canada, Scotland, or Japan.

Cask Strength - Bottled straight from the barrel. The distiller didn’t add water to bring the whiskey down to a set proof. Not only does it have a higher ABV content, cask strength whiskeys tend to be richer and more full in flavor. Add a few drops of water to open up flavor profiles.

Age - The number listed as a whiskey’s age refers to the youngest whiskey in the bottle, not the average age.

Finishing - ‘Finishing’ refers to whiskeys that have already been aged, which are then aged a second time in a different type of cask, producing different flavor profiles.

Sourcing - Sourcing refers to companies that buy whiskey that’s made elsewhere and then bottle and label it under their own brand.

Mash Bill - This is the ratio of grains used in a whiskey. Bourbon has to have a mash bill with a minimum of 51% corn. Single malt Scotch has a 100% malted barley mash bill.

Sour Mash - Sour mash is a process that involves using spent mash from a previous round of fermentation to start the next batch’s fermentation.

NAS - “No Age Statement” whiskeys are becoming more and more commonplace in the market. Don’t dismiss NAS whiskey for poorer quality, though.

AMERICAN WHISKEY

While we’re known for our bourbon, American whiskey is far more than a single style.

Bourbon - Bourbon contains a minimum of 51% corn, is American-made, and is aged in charred, new oak barrels. The key trait of exclusively being aged in new oak barrels is the main reason why those same barrels tend to be used for Scotch aging later on down the road. Some people believe that bourbon has to be made in Kentucky to be bourbon…. But, this is untrue. Bourbon can be made anywhere in the U.S.

Tennessee Whiskey - Tennessee whiskey is another American-made staple. While it’s a variant on bourbon, Tennessee whiskey is it’s own style. While meeting all of the requirements of bourbon, laws require that it be made in the State of Tennessee while also going through an extra charcoal filtering process called the “Lincoln County Process.” Ever had Jack Daniel’s? That’s Tennessee whiskey.

Rye - American Rye has to be made with a minimum of 51% rye, by law. American Rye whiskey is made in charred, new oak barrels just like bourbon.

SCOTCH

If you can’t help but mentally pronounce “Scotch” in Sean Connery’s accent, you’re already onto the point of origin of some of our favorite whiskies. It’s mandated that scotch come from Scotland, where it must be aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels. The majority of modern scotch tends to be aged in used bourbon barrels and other casks (like sherry, for example). Scotch is also usually distilled twice.

Single Grain - This type of scotch must be made at a single distillery, but usually incorporates additional mash grains further than just malted barley. Single grain whisky runs on the rare side of things since most is usually used in blends.

Single Malt - Single Malt scotch is made solely from malted barley, and solely from a single distillery.

Blended Grain - This is a blend of two (or more) single grain whiskies from separate distilleries. Just like the single grain, this is also a fairly rare category of scotch.

Blended Malt - Blended malt whiskies are blends of two or more single malt scotch whiskies from separate distilleries.

Blended Scotch - Take a blend of one or more single malts with one or more single grains and you’ve got a Blended scotch. You’ll find that the majority of all the scotch sold around the world tends to be blended.

Regions - Just like Tennessee Whiskey is made in a specific region of the U.S., scotches are also made in different regions around the country. Here are the 6 regions deserving of mention: Islay, Highlands, Campbeltown, Lowlands, Speyside, and the Islands. Each region has different flavors and aromas that are unique to their specific distilleries.

IRISH WHISKEY

It’s a no brainer where this special whiskey is hailed from. Just like scotch, Irish whiskey has a three year aging minimum. That’s about as far as the similarities go, though.

Most Irish whiskeys are triple distilled, and enzymes can also be added to convert starches to sugars before fermentation. Unlike the previous styles of whiskey, though, Irish whiskey is far more lax in their classification.

Blended Whiskey - Distillers must use the word “blended” for any whiskey containing two or more separately distilled whiskeys. The majority of Irish whiskey is blended.

Single Pot Still - This is a type of Irish whiskey made at a single distillery from a pot still, using a mix of unmalted and malted barley.

Ireland is home to the oldest licensed distillery in the world - Old Bushmills, which first opened in 1784. Ireland also is only home to 10 currently operating distilleries, seven of which have only opened up in the last decade.

CANADIAN WHISKY

Canadian whisky is strangely labeled as a “rye whisky,” even though it doesn’t even have to legally match the American minimum of 51% rye… or any rye, for that matter. Most Canadian whisky consists of a much higher percentage of corn than rye - the “rye whisky” bit just arises from the strong rye flavoring and profile.

Canadian whisky typically uses a blending of a very minute percentage of all rye whiskey to flavor a blend made from bourbon-styled whiskies and other grains. Canadian whisky does have to be aged for a minimum of three years, though, in a 700-liter wooden barrel.

JAPANESE WHISKY

Japanese whisky tends to be made in the same fashion as scotch. This is due to the origin of the Japanese branch of whiskies, which started back in the 1920’s after Masataka Taketsuru returned to Japan after studying distilling techniques in Scotland.

As such, Japanese whiskies consist of single malts and blended whiskies, just like scotch. However, they are not always similar in flavors. Where in Scotland a distillery may create a lone variety of single malt, in Japan it isn’t uncommon for a distillery to create a huge range of styles that use different still, profiles, and mash bills. These variances all add up to an increasingly popular style of whisky with a light and nuanced profile.

HOW TO DRINK YOUR WHISKEY

Drops of Water - This may seem trivial to a new whiskey drinker, but just a single drop of water can release a plethora of aromas and recognizable flavors for your palate. Take a straw, add a drop, swirl, taste, and repeat to your liking.

On the Rocks - We all want a chilling glass every once in awhile. Just be wary, though - adding ice to your spirit may dilute the whiskey past your liking. If you want the chill without the dilution, use a good pair of whiskey stones.

Whiskey Cocktails - If you don’t prefer the bold aromas and flavor profiles of whiskey neat, don’t be afraid to mess around with some classic cocktails. Rye whiskeys tend to be best for cocktail mixes because of their assertiveness and ability to hold strong in a mix. Check out a few recipes like the Gold Rush or the Hot Boulevardier.

Like we said at the get, Whiskey is as broad as it is bold. There are other places around the world that distill quality whiskey spirits, all with their own unique flavors and aromas. There are also plenty of other ways to drink your whiskey. We can’t cover them all - so, if you have some near and dear methods of consumption or different styles that you love, comment and let us know! We’re always down for an excuse to taste-test our favorite spirit.

The SURF STORY PROJECT is a collection of art and story from more than 200 of the surf culture’s most influential artists, writers, photographers and iconic figures spanning more than 50 years. Created and curated by artist Robb Havassy, the two massive books are almost 1000pages of art and more than 300 personal surf stories. Their art and stories are at the heart of one of the most influential, independent and creative cultures in modern time...one that is solely based on love and passion.

Come join us this Friday, November 10th from 6-10pm at the Iron & Resin Garage, Ventura for the Surf Story book release and featured art exhibit.

When you think of Red Wing’s, you think of a time when handmade was the standard. You think of strong, oiled leather. Soles that conform to your feet. The click of vibram heels on concrete. You think of a business that became the patriarch of all modern bootmakers today.

Talk to any mid-westerner, working man, or boot enthusiast and ask them,

“Who makes a damn good boot?”

9 times out 10, Red Wing will be the answer. And, for good reason; Red Wing’s have a long, reputable history of being the most dependable handmade boot in the marketplace.

So, we thought it more than worthy to look into that very history of America’s beloved shoe company.

The City of Red Wing

Founded in the 1850s in an area shared by Sioux Indians and American settlers alike, Red Wing, Minnesota shortly became the leading exporter of wheat in the entire U.S. This gave settlers the economic opportunities to start several successful ventures - one of which is the great shoe company named after the city itself.

The impact of having one of the most successful shoe companies in the U.S. be home to such a relatively small town has to be noted - Red Wing’s completely reshaped the economic structure of their small city with the sheer amount of jobs they offered local workers. This was a company that was creating more than 200,000 boots per year by hand, within the first 10 years alone. They were also the leading manufacturer for American soldier’s footwear during WWI.

They've only continued to grow from there, and we have to tip our hats to the company for continuing to stay true to their roots and to their people. Not many companies are able to feel homegrown while being one of the largest shoe retailers in the world.

But, for the company itself - how did it actually all begin?

It started with a need.

Back in 1883, in the old town of Red Wing, Minnesota, a hard working man by the name of Charles Beckman became a shoe merchant with the help of a company called SB Foot. He opened his own retail store back then - called C. Beckman and Co. Vendor of Boots and Shoes - and went on to sell over 500,000 pairs of footwear in Red Wing, alone.

Handling all manners of footwear, Mr. Beckman discovered the need for a fine-crafted, handmade boot. From his experience with retail, he knew that working men needed a boot much more comfortable and durable than the ones already available.

So, he did what every great forward-minded entrepreneur does when they find a gap in the marketplace - he filled it. Charles Beckman, along with 14 other great investors, went on to found The Red Wing Shoe Company.

The original Red Wing boot was a beast of design; knee high, laced to the ankle, and secured with 4 buckles around the shins, the first Red Wing boot left nothing to be desired when it came to the high-quality workmanship and handmade crafting.

Every piece of leather was hand cut and stitched using the same Puritan sewing machines that are still used today. It was laborious at first; the employees of Red Wing worked hard, 10 hour days to crank out 110 pairs before closing time. But, word soon spread of the superior craftsmanship, and Red Wing boots became a highly sought-after brand for the working man.

Red Wing became the go-to for occupational footwear.

If you’ve ever walked into a Red Wing shop, you know how diverse their boot collection is. They seem to have a boot for every field, every activity, and every man. That respect and supply of quality footwear for men in different lines of work started back in 1920. Red Wing carved itself into the marketplace as the go-to for occupational footwear with their introduction of the Oil King Boot - designed to specifically handle the grit, slips, and hardships of the oil-field worker.

It wasn’t just for men, either.

In 1926, Red Wing released their first women’s boot, The Gloria. They didn’t skimp on their promise of delivering the highest quality boot possible, either. Take a look at the excerpt from their 1926 catalog:

“Ladies’ 15 inch soft and easy KHAKI ELK sport boot, patterned to fit perfectly. DURABLY BUILT, BUT LIGHT IN WEIGHT. Single sole welt. Flexible oak outer soles. Oak inner soles, heels and counters. Twill lined, moccasin vamp. Concealed box. Leg pocket for compact, mirror, etc. Special combination last. A, B and C widths.”

If that doesn’t speak to you about quality… We’re not sure what will.

Then, they went tactical… and trendy.

1932 saw the release of two of Red Wing’s most popular boots: The Billy Boot and The Marion.

The Billy Boot was an all-laced leather boot that feature a pocket at the top for men to carry and easily access their knives. They actually marketed it as “America’s Most Complete Line of Boy’s Boots.” Which goes to show the difference of culture back then! Here’s even more of a shocker: the boot only cost a whopping whole $7.00…. If only.

The Marion boot (known as No. 3961) set a now-over popularized trend for women’s footwear. You know the laceless, feminine boot that you could probably see on every walk you took down a major city? Almost like a rain boot of sorts? Well, Red Wing designed the original, and man was it a sturdy piece of handmade, trendsetting gold.

Red Wing then went on to design the notorious Irish Setter boot in 1952, right before they opened up their second factory right next to the first in 1964. Because, well…

Business was booming.

In 1987, Red Wing went on to acquire and save the very company that helped Mr. Beckman create that first retail store so long ago. Since then, Red Wing has gone back to it’s roots, producing their line of boots called The Heritage collection - a line that stays true to traditional design, handmade craftsmanship, and lifelong quality.

If you’re in the market for a pair of boots that will last your lifetime, you’re already looking in the right direction. Red Wing’s won’t just be your daily boots for the rest of your life and stay in good shape, though - they’ll only get more weathered, rustic, and comfortable as the time goes by.

“Red Wing Shoes… For people who work.”

Looking to lace up a pair of your own boots? You can check our InR's favorites in our Red Wing collection. 

Alright, we have something to fess up to: We’ve been doing a bit more than designing t-shirts and throwing weekend-long desert parties recently.

Our latest announcement has been a partnership long in the works that’ll be sure to have the old soul in all of us excited. On October 28th, we’ll be opening the doors of the Iron and Resin garage to welcome a live, solo acoustic performance from famed troubadour, The White Buffalo.

Jake Smith, the songwriter of over 5 studio albums from The White Buffalo, will be treating the Iron and Resin family to an exclusive performance of songs off of his 6th, critically acclaimed album. With multiple songs featured on Sons of Anarchy and a performance at Hooligan Hoedown V last year, Jake has made a dedicated fan base of the biking community.

His unique blend of Americana and rich storytelling around themes rooted in love, loss, outlaws and murder make for the timeless classics that we strive to create with our clothing and gear.

Will you be there? 

Private show is SOLD OUT

We think you’ll want to be! This intimate performance will have all the makings of a good night with cold 805 beer from Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Straight Rye Whiskey from Slow & Low.

Due to limited space, we’ll be limiting attendance to the first 50 people to purchase The White Buffalo’s latest album from any of our Iron and Resin shops or our online store. Each attendee will be allowed one guest. You can find store locations here. Good luck and hope to see you there!

About The White Buffalo

Smith’s songs, and the White Buffalo’s recordings, have struck a responsive chord with a large and diverse fan base, and won praise from critics across the media spectrum. NPR’s All Songs Considered hailed Smith as an “amazing storyteller,” while a recent cover story in the Los Angeles Times’ Sunday entertainment section noted, “Smith’s baritone echoes with villains and misfits, drunks and philistines. It curls through loneliness, sets out on crooked highways. It is an American voice cured in recession, war and betrayal, a resonant map where the spectral bleeds into dreams. But in it, like mica in slate, is the glint of redemption, flashing just long enough to allow a man to keep a bead on whatever goodness might dwell in him.”

Born in Oregon and raised in Southern California, he moved to the Bay area from Huntington Beach to pursue college on an athletic scholarship. From the moment he learned his first three chords on a guitar he got in a pawn shop, Smith began writing songs, which came quick and easy, though he kept them to himself. “I don’t analyze them as much as other people do,” Smith insists. “I prefer the songs do the talking for me. I’ve always been isolated, outside the system, and done it on my own. If you’re writing stuff that’s real, emotional and you believe will resonate with people, that’s what you have to do.”

A family man with a wife and two kids, The White Buffalo has retained Jake Smith’s DIY approach. Driving thousands of miles to dozens of cities, the band is a hard working, no frills outfit. They load their own gear, sell their own merchandise and pack it all up at the end of the night. From Bonnaroo to the smallest local neighborhood bar, The White Buffalo delivers its signature sound as if each show was its last.

The White Buffalo x Iron & Resin Interview from Iron & Resin on Vimeo.

 

 

From misfits to the mildly-mannered, the crowd at this year’s Hooligan Hoedown came together for one helluva weekend, let us tell you. The rag-time, barbecue and brew campout that is our annual Hooligan Hoedown did a damn good job of living up to our ever-increasing expectations.

If you were one of the many to partake in some healthy hooliganism for a few nights, we want to sincerely thank you for contributing to an awesome weekend.

If you missed out this time around, that’s okay—we’re glad you’re here now. You can catch the recap and be sure to get Hooligan Hoedown VII on the calendar 300+ days in advance.

So what’s the Hooligan Hoedown?

Glad you asked! We’ve been rallying the troops, whether they be on two wheels or four, for an annual weekend of camping, music, barbecue, and beer in Bandit Town USA. We don’t think there’s a better way to enjoy the California Fall weather than a couple desert nights with friends, and the last few Hoedowns haven’t let us down.

Who’s all there?

You (hopefully), a few friends, us, our friends, their friends, and whoever else wants to ride out and hang under the Central California stars—we’ll take the lot of you. But seriously, there’s nothing we’re excited about more than the diversity and good vibes that everyone manages to uphold for a few days. Man or woman, biker or surfer, misfit or mildly mannered; whoever is up to hoedown is there.

We’ve seen this thing grow from our garage (literally) into a full-blown Bandit Town Hoedown and we have no one to thank but the people that make it what it is.

What else is there?

Aside from the hoedown attendees willing to let loose for a couple nights, we do have a few amazing sponsors that the event wouldn’t be the same without. They’re the type of contributors that make a memorable night slightly less memorable. We’re talking booze.

805 Firestone Walker, Slow & Low, Salt Point, Union Wine—these guys and gals contributed a crucial piece to the puzzle of any successful weekend. There’s no better way to meet new friends than over a few cold brews or a couple old fashioneds. Cheers to you.

 

But to be fair, there’s a bit more than just booze and people. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite brands that share a similar passion for rowdy nights in the desert. Red Wing, Yeti, and Arbor Skateboards are just a few of the familiar faces you’ve seen filling out the shelves of the InR stores and they came through to help support another successful Hoedown.

When’s the next one?

Next year! The Hooligan Hoedown’s lucky number 7th year will surely be another one for the record books. Want in? You’ll have to hang tight for a few months, but you can stay tuned by following us on social or sign up for our emails at the bottom of the page. Can’t wait to see you there!