Happy Hour Playbook

Episode 23: The Dodger Heist, Million-Dollar Bounties, & Pendleton Pours

Welcome back to the Happy Hour Playbook! This week, we are officially rolling out our brand-new 5-Tier Rating System and putting it to the test with a pour of the 10-year-old Pendleton 1910 Bourbon.

Grab a glass because we need a stiff drink to process a wild week in sports and pop culture. We are breaking down the Los Angeles Dodgers' masterclass in exploiting financial loopholes to land Tarik Skubal, the return of NFL football, and the absolute chaos erupting in the trading card hobby over the Cooper Flagg 1-of-1 patch. Plus, we hit the summer box office and welcome Wes back from the Alaskan wilderness. Let’s pour 'em up and get into it!

• The Happy Hour Pour: We debut our new 5-Tier Rating System (From First Ballot to Draft Bust) and review the smooth, 90-proof Pendleton 1910 Bourbon.

• MLB Trade Deadline & The Dodger Heist: How LA secured Tigers ace Tarik Skubal without gutting their farm system. We dive deep into the bankruptcy carve-outs and deferral loopholes fueling their empire, track the rest of the league's desperation moves, and discuss the looming threat of a 2027 MLB lockout.

• NFL HOF Game & Blockbuster Extensions: Football is back! We recap the Carolina Panthers' thrilling walk-off win against the Cardinals and break down the massive, market-resetting summer extensions for stars like Darnell Wright, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jalen Carter.

• Topps Chrome NBA & The Great Bounty Wars: The 2025-26 Topps Chrome Update is here, and the hunt for the Cooper Flagg Debut Patch Auto has broken the internet. We debate the million-dollar cash bounties versus the Dallas Mavericks' unprecedented "1 of 1 for 32" season ticket and VIP package.

• The Summer Box Office: Wes gives his solo review of Christopher Nolan’s sprawling IMAX epic The Odyssey, before the guys team up to discuss Destin Daniel Cretton’s take on Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

• Wes’s Alaskan Adventure: Glaciers, wildlife, and cruise ship cuisine. Wes recaps his Royal Caribbean getaway and compares his freezing excursions to surviving Disney World in the summer.

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Episode Breakdown:

Episode Overview

In Episode 22 of The Happy Hour Playbook, Chris and Wes break down a massive week in sports and spirits. We pour a glass of critically acclaimed Texas-Kentucky-Tennessee whiskey, dissect Spain’s historic World Cup run, recap Ryan Fox’s thrilling major victory at Royal Birkdale, and look ahead to NFL training camps and NBA Summer League action.

* Happy Hour Pour: Milam & Greene Triple Cask Bourbon

* The Pour: A 94-proof blend marrying 2- to 3-year-old Texas bourbon, 3- to 4-year-old Kentucky bourbon, and 10-to-11-year-old Tennessee whiskey ($45–$50).

* Profile: Creamy and delicate with sweet vanilla, buttercream, honey, toffee, dark cherries, and a peppery oak finish.

* Verdict: Playoff Worthy 🏆 — A versatile, beautifully blended daily drinker that punches well above its age.

* The World Cup Finale

* Semi-Finals: Spain blanks France 2-0 at Dallas Stadium, while Argentina pulls off a dramatic 2-1 comeback over England in Atlanta behind late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez.

* The Final: Spain claims their second men's World Cup title, defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time thanks to a 106th-minute strike by Ferran Torres. Spain caps off an unbeaten run by setting a record—conceding only one goal across eight matches.

* The Open Championship

* The Champion: 39-year-old New Zealander Ryan Fox fires a third-round 62 and birdies four of his final six holes on Sunday to finish at 10-under-par, capturing the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale by a single stroke over Cameron Young.

* Notables: Cameron Young surges with a brilliant 64 to take second, while 54-hole leader Sam Burns slips to solo third at 8-under. Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood tie for fourth at 7-under.

* NFL Update

* Training Camps: Rookies report and veterans prepare to hit the field ahead of the August 6 Hall of Fame Game between the Cardinals and Panthers.

* Rumors & News: Aaron Donald trade-retirement buzz swirls around Los Angeles following the Rams' acquisition of Myles Garrett; Patrick Mahomes aims for a Week 1 return; Alvin Kamara restructures with New Orleans.

* NBA Update

* Summer League: The Golden State Warriors defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 94-90 in the Las Vegas championship game, led by 21 points and 10 rebounds from rookie Yaxel Lendeborg.

* Transactions: Free agency moratorium lifts, locking in Trae Young's four-year deal with Washington and Austin Reaves' maximum extension with the Lakers.

* Movie Review & Watchlist

* Review: Obsession & Odyssey

* Want to See: Avengers: Doomsday & Spider-Man

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Next Week: We're cracking open a new bottle and diving in some new topics. Don't miss it.

"Keep it real and keep it rolling."

Welcome back to Episode 21 of The Happy Hour Playbook! Grab a glass and pull up a chair as we dive into a massive week of international sports, summer league standouts, massive home runs, and the latest drops at the box office.

Here is what we are getting into this week:

• The Happy Hour Pour: We are pouring up Yellowstone Small Batch Aged 6 Years. This 107-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon packs a bold punch with heavy notes of cherry, caramel, and a warm rye spice. Tune in to find out if this bottle earns a "Playoff Worthy" 🏆 rating, or if it's getting relegated to the "Practice Squad" 🚫.

• World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals Recap: Extra-time thrillers and global powerhouses! We break down England and Argentina's nail-biting finishes and look ahead to the highly anticipated semi-final matchups: France vs. Spain and a historic clash between England and Argentina.

• NBA Summer League Check-In: The 2026 rookie class is lighting up Las Vegas. We recap the top picks and highlight massive scoring performances from AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson, and Morez Johnson Jr.

• 2026 MLB Home Run Derby: Jordan Walker makes St. Louis Cardinals history! We recap the dramatic final round at Citizens Bank Park where Walker out-slugged Kyle Schwarber to take the crown.

• Disney World Vacation: We take a quick detour from the sports world to share some stories and tips from a recent trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth.

• Cinema Scoops: We hit the theater to review a packed slate of recent releases, including Scary Movie 6, Obsession, Evil Dead Burn, Masters of the Universe, Backrooms, and Faces of Death.

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We'll see you next week when we crack open a new bottle and dive into some new topics. Don't miss it!

"Keep it real and keep it rolling."

Episode 20: Picks, Pitches, and Packs

Welcome back to Episode 20 of The Happy Hour Playbook! This week, the sports world is completely off its axis, and Chris and Wes have the perfect pour to help you digest all the chaos. From an earth-shattering blockbuster trade in the NBA to historic underdog stories on the world's biggest soccer stage, we are breaking it all down. Grab a glass, pull up a chair, and let’s get into it.

The Happy Hour Pour

We’re kicking things off with a heavy hitter: Nikka Whisky From The Barrel. Bottled at a bold 51.4% ABV, this award-winning Japanese blend marries over 100 batches of malt and grain whiskies. We walk through the rich, complex tasting notes and give it our official rating: Is it Playoff Worthy 🏆, a First Round Exit ❌, or headed to the Practice Squad 🚫?

2026 NBA Draft & A South Beach Blockbuster

The 2026 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center was an absolute blur of trades and strategy. We cover:

The Top 10: AJ Dybantsa going #1 to Washington and Utah upgrading their backcourt.

Draft Day Chaos: The Grizzlies hoarding second-round picks like currency and the Wolverines making Michigan school history with three top-12 selections.

Draft Grades: Breaking down the Dallas Mavericks' solid B+ class.

The Nuclear Bomb: Reacting to the historic blockbuster trade sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat for a massive haul of players and picks.

World Cup Group Stage Madness

The expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup format is delivering pure drama and heartbreak. We recap the biggest shocks of the Group Stage:

The Underdogs: Cape Verde’s magical debut run and Ecuador’s stunning 2-1 upset over four-time champion Germany.

The Heartbreak: Uruguay’s shocking early exit and Iran getting knocked out in the 96th minute by a match they weren't even playing in.

Round of 32 Preview: Looking ahead at the gauntlet of knockout matches, including a must-watch Team USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina showdown.

Ripping Cards Live

Sticking with the pitch, we wrap up the episode by tearing into a fresh box of Panini soccer cards to see what we can pull live on air.

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Next Week: We're cracking open a new bottle and diving into fresh topics. Don't miss it.

"Keep it real and keep it rolling."

EPISODE 19: The Winner-Take-All, NBA Draft, and World Cup Fever

Welcome back to another round of The Happy Hour Playbook! Pour yourself something strong because we are diving headfirst into a massive week of championship baseball, high-stakes NBA draft lottery fallout, and early dominance on the pitch at the 2026 World Cup.

The Happy Hour Pour

We kick things off in the glass with a certified classic: Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bourbon. This Bottled-in-Bond, 100-proof staple from Buffalo Trace brings an incredibly syrupy mouthfeel packed with dark cherries, butterscotch, and baking spice. Is it worth the hunt? Tune in to find out why it earned our official Playoff Worthy 🏆 rating.

MCWS Finals – Winner Take All!

The 2026 Men's College World Series has come down to one final, dramatic game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Oklahoma Sooners. We break down how we got to a 1-1 deadlock:

Game 1: Oklahoma’s explosive 9-3 statement win.

Game 2: UNC fires back with a gutsy 6-2 victory, powered by freshman Caden Glauber's ice-cold relief.

The Finale: Who takes home the national championship tonight?

NBA Draft Lottery & Prospect Breakdown

The ping-pong balls have settled, and the Washington Wizards have secured the No. 1 overall pick! We map out the top of the draft board:

Why AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer are undeniable, franchise-altering talents.

How the Clippers cashing in at No. 5 (via Indiana) completely accelerates their rebuild.

Our projected Top 10 mock draft, featuring a massive run on elite guard talent.

2026 World Cup Group Stage Heat

The world's biggest tournament is officially underway. We check the temperature of the group stage, including the USA, Mexico, and Germany punching their tickets to the Round of 32 with flawless 6-point starts, plus a preview of the massive Argentina vs. Austria clash.

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Next Week: We're cracking open a new bottle and diving in some new topics. Don't miss it.

"Keep it real and keep it rolling."

Episode 18: A 53-Year Drought Ends & A Texas-Sized Pour

Welcome back to The Happy Hour Playbook! Grab your glasses because Chris and Wes are pouring a high-octane Texas bourbon to get things started before breaking down a massive, history-making week in the sports world. It’s a packed playbook today, so let's pour a drink and get right into it!

In This Episode:

* The Happy Hour Pour: We kick things off with Devils River Whiskey Barrel Strength. It is a bold, high-rye Texas bourbon packing a fiery 117-proof punch. Find out if this value-priced bottle earns a Playoff Worthy 🏆 rating or gets cut to the Practice Squad 🚫.

* NBA Finals: The 53-year drought is finally over! The New York Knicks are officially NBA Champions after an absolute thriller of a series. We discuss their gritty comeback run, Jalen Brunson’s 45-point MVP masterclass, and what the future holds for Victor Wembanyama's young Spurs squad.

* NHL Stanley Cup Final: The Carolina Hurricanes are hoisting the Cup for the first time since 2006. We break down how they rallied from an early deficit to win the series lead over the Vegas Golden Knights.

* Men's College World Series: The action at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha is already electric. We recap the opening weekend fireworks, including huge statements from Oklahoma and Georgia, and preview the high-stakes elimination games.

* World Cup Action: The USMNT makes a dominant opening statement against Paraguay on home soil. Plus, we cover early tournament shockers (looking at you, Brazil and Australia) and preview today’s Matchday 4 slate, featuring games right here in our backyard in Texas.

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Keep it real and keep it rolling. See you next week with a new bottle and new topics!

Episode 17 of The Happy Hour Playbook is officially open for business! Chris and Wes return to break down an absolutely loaded sports calendar packed with historic playoff runs, jaw-dropping underdog chaos, and a top-shelf pour to tie it all together.

Here is what’s on tap for this episode:

The Happy Hour Pour: The guys travel to Jarnac, France, to crack open a bottle of Courvoisier VS Cognac. Find out if this vibrant, fruity blend is Playoff Worthy, a First Round Exit, or headed straight to the Practice Squad.

WCWS Dynasty in Texas: The Texas Longhorns pull off the ultimate resilience story, battling back from a bracket-opening loss to go back-to-back as NCAA National Champions in a sweep over Texas Tech.

NCAA Baseball Super Regionals: Pure underdog chaos. With top seeds UCLA and Georgia Tech sent packing early, West Virginia, Troy, and Ole Miss punch their tickets to Omaha while the Sunday slate sets up high-stakes drama.

Stanley Cup Finals Heart Attacks: The Vegas Golden Knights grab a 2-1 series lead over the Carolina Hurricanes after a double-overtime thriller in Game 3. Plus, breaking down Mitch Marner’s historic, record-shattering hat trick.

The Knicks Take Texas: The New York Knicks shock San Antonio, riding a 13-game playoff win streak to steal a 2-0 series lead on the road. Can Wembanyama and the Spurs fight back as the series shifts to a rocking Madison Square Garden?

Pop Culture Preview: A quick-hit look at highly anticipated movie projects, including Masters of the Universe, Supergirl, Odyssey, and Spider-Man.

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Episode 16: Hardware Hunting

Welcome back to The Happy Hour Playbook! Chris and Wes have officially scrubbed out of the OR and traded their sterile gowns for the mics. Championship season is here, and we've got an absolutely stacked show breaking down the biggest matchups in the sports world. Grab a glass and join us!

This Week's Happy Hour Pour

We are kicking things off with some Texas grit, sipping on Four Sixes Quahadi Tribute Whiskey. Bottled by the Sazerac Company and inspired by the historic Texas ranch, this highly approachable blend delivers sweet notes of caramel, butterscotch, and warm baking spices. Find out why this heavy-duty malt earned our First Round Exit 🏆 rating.

NBA Finals Preview: A 1999 Time Capsule

The basketball gods have spoken! We are breaking down the epic clash between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks. It's the arrival of the Victor Wembanyama era against a Knicks squad on an absolute historic tear. We discuss the key matchups, from Stephon Castle guarding Jalen Brunson to the physical toll New York's frontcourt might take on Wemby.

The Quest for the Stanley Cup

It’s an unstoppable force versus an immovable object as the Eastern Conference Champion Carolina Hurricanes face off against the Vegas Golden Knights. We look at Frederik Andersen's brick-wall performance in the crease, Mitch Marner's offensive clinic, and Rod Brind'Amour's chance to lift the Cup as a coach 20 years after doing it as Carolina's captain.

MLB Standings Check-In

We step up to the plate to separate the contenders from the pretenders. Wes airs his grievances about his Texas Rangers' recent grind, we check the pulse of the AL West, and we marvel at the sheer dominance and massive run differentials of the Braves and Dodgers in the National League.

NCAA Diamond Chaos

We wrap up the show looking at the pure drama and electric atmosphere of the Men's College Baseball Regionals and the elite talent on display at the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.

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Enjoying the show? Make sure to follow, subscribe, drop us a five-star rating, and share the playbook with a friend! Keep it real and keep it rolling.

Episode 15: Last Call for the Conference Finals & Pouring Up the Finals!

Grab a glass and settle in for Memorial Day Weekend! Chris and Wes are back to break down an absolutely chaotic slate of playoff action. Whether it’s a dogfight out West or a potential massacre in the East, this weekend’s games are going to give your heart a workout.

Here is what’s on tap for this week’s episode of The Happy Hour Playbook:

The Happy Hour Pour: JT Meleck Single Barrel Cask Strength

We’re kicking things off with a heavy-hitter: JT Meleck Cask Strength Single Barrel American Rice Whiskey. This 100% rice distillate drinks like a heavily-wheated bourbon with an exceptionally silky mouthfeel and a long, sweet, and fruity finish.

• ​Nose: Vanilla, white chocolate, caramel, and warm baking spices.
• ​Palate: Rich nougat, sweet cream, baked stone fruit, and subtle citrus.
• ​Price: $75 – $90

The Verdict: Did it earn Playoff Worthy 🏆, First Round Exit ❌, or Practice Squad 🚫 honors? Tune in to hear why both Chris and Wes are keeping this one on the top shelf.

NBA Conference Finals: Heavyweights & Heartbreak

The West (Thunder vs. Spurs): Tied series 2-2 as they head into Game 5 tonight. Can the Thunder's depth continue to weather the storm, or is Victor Wembanyama about to completely take over with his back against the wall?

The East (Knicks vs. Cavs): New York is up 3-0, and Cleveland is unraveling. After handling the Pistons so cleanly last round, is there any pride left for the Cavs tomorrow night, or are the Knicks already packing their bags for the Finals?

NHL Conference Finals: Ice in the Desert & Stealing Momentum

The West (Golden Knights vs. Avalanche): Vegas is up 3-0 and heading home for Game 4. We discuss Colorado's struggles without Cale Makar anchoring the blue line, and if the Avs have any real chance to steal one tonight.

The East (Hurricanes vs. Canadiens): Carolina snatched a massive Game 2 OT win to tie the series 1-1. Now they have to carry that momentum into a hostile Montreal environment for Game 3.

The WNBA's Billion-Dollar Era

The WNBA is tipping off its 30th season, and the momentum is unreal. We break down the league's massive growth, including:

The groundbreaking 11-year, $2.2 billion media rights deal with NBC and Peacock.

The surging $250M expansion fees and the arrival of the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire this season, plus a look ahead to Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philly (2030).

Why the Dallas Wings—featuring All-Star Arike Ogunbowale and newcomer Paige Bueckers—are the team to watch in our own backyard.

Movie Reviews: The 2026 Blockbuster Slate

We close out the show with our thoughts on the latest theater drops. We are talking about the newly released Mortal Kombat II, the massive premiere of Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, what to expect from the upcoming Masters of the Universe reboot, and the rumored extra scenes in this fall's Avengers: Endgame theatrical re-release.

If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and let us know what we should pour up next week!

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Keep it real and keep it rolling.

EPISODE 14

Grab a glass and pull up a chair because Episode 14 of the Happy Hour Playbook is officially unlocked, and the playoff tension is running at an all-time high! Hosts Chris and Wes are breaking down a massive week in sports, high-stakes sports card flips, and premium whiskey.

Here is what’s on the menu for today's playbook:

• The Happy Hour Pour : We kick things off by cracking open Four Roses Small Batch Select. Clocking in at 104 proof, non-chill filtered, and utilizing a complex blend of the distillery's unique recipes, this $60 bottle is built for the big stage. Does it earn our coveted Playoff Worthy status, or is it headed for a First Round Exit?

• NBA Playoffs — WCF Clash of the Titans : The reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder face the San Antonio Spurs in what many are calling the real NBA Finals. Game 1 tips off just as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is crowned back-to-back league MVP over Victor Wembanyama. Can Wemby warp court geometry enough to counter OKC's perfect 8-0 postseason run?

• NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 7 : It's a winner-take-all, gritty showdown at Little Caesars Arena as the Cleveland Cavaliers invade Motor City to battle the top-seeded Detroit Pistons. We break down the FanDuel odds (+158 underdogs vs. -190 favorites), track the sharp betting data on the 205.5 point total, and debate how Duncan Robinson’s back injury will impact Cade Cunningham and Donovan Mitchell's clash. Plus, our official Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals predictions!

• NHL Playoffs — Western Conference Finals : The ice is heating up as the Presidents' Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche take on the Pacific Division champion Vegas Golden Knights. We discuss the unbelievable postseason run of Mitch Marner (18 points in 12 games!) alongside Jack Eichel, the wall that is Carter Hart in the crease, and whether Nathan MacKinnon's runaway train of an offense can be stopped.

• The Looming Boss & NHL Chaos : The perfect 8-0 Carolina Hurricanes are resting and waiting. Will they face the high-octane offense of Rasmus Dahlin and the Buffalo Sabres, or the resilient, youth-catalyzed Montreal Canadiens after their wild Game 7? We lay out every potential Stanley Cup Final matchup and predict who hoists the Cup.

• The Dallas Card Show : We wrap up the show with a trip to the card show! Chris hunts down some pristine PSA 10 graded Pokémon grails, while Wes puts on an absolute clinic—flipping 5 sports cards from his collection to walk out with a cool $2,000 profit.

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Enjoying the show? Make sure to hit that follow button, subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share the playbook with a friend!

Keep it real and keep it rolling.