If there are any Stranger Things fans looking to get into the exciting world of home ownership, a very interesting house just went on the market. Located in Fayetteville, Georgia, the Byers’ family home featured in the hit Netflix series is available for sale. For the first three seasons, Joyce, Jonathan, and Will Byers lived in the house, which saw its fair of action as the Hawkins gang battled a Demogorgon in the epic Season 1 finale. And, now, you can live in it for the current asking price of only $300,000.
Now, if that seems low, you’re going to want to think about the events of the show. On top of the production staging a messy Demogorgon fight inside the house complete with smoke bombs, fire and a spiked bat, Joyce (Winona Ryder) also took an axe to the wall when she wasn’t tearing the place apart while attempting to communicate with Will in the Upside Down.
Oh, and also, fans keep stopping by practically everyday. That, too. Via CNET:
The single-story home sits snug in a wooded area. The Zillow listing include images of the exterior and interior alongside the same pictures with an eerie pink tint… and some creepy figures looming about. “Don’t get stuck in the upside-down though,” the listing says. “This home does need a full rehab.”
According to the listing, fans continue to show up “almost daily” to get a peek at the home of Will, Joyce and Jonathan. “The owners had to put up a driveway barricade and private property signs just to keep people from trespassing,” the listing says.
That being said, $300,000 for a house that’s been beat to hell by a Netflix production for three whole seasons is not… that bad? Have you seen real estate prices lately? Sheesh.
Based on a recent revelation from The New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman, the correct answer is: part of the team of aides who are paid to follow the former president around his golf course and read him tweets or any other online stories that are pro-Trump (which clearly takes some serious online excavation skills).
As Mediaite reports, Haberman spoke with multiple sources who confirmed that Trump is partly powered by positive reinforcement — like a puppy you’re attempting to potty train. She did not offer much more in the way of details, including just how many aides are forced to endure this kind of humiliation. But given Trump’s obsessive need for constant validation, the news was hardly shocking.
As Trump has been out of office over the last 20 mos,a rotating cast of aides has been tasked with following him around the golf course at the club he’s at and giving him positive reinforcement from Twitter and wherever else they find it on the web, per ppl told of the practice.
As Mediaite noted, Puck reporter Tara Palmeri replied to Haberman’s tweet, noting how similar the story sounded to one she had written for Politico way back in 2017.
Reminds me of this story I wrote early on into his term about aides feeding him a diet of positive news https://t.co/FSv0E2aHUa
In the article, Palmeri spoke with six former Trump team members who claimed that there was a very big push to keep the then-president off of Twitter and instead “ensure that his personal media consumption includes a steady stream of praise. And when no such praise was to be found, staff would turn to friendly outlets to drum some up — and make sure it made its way to Trump’s desk.”
Reservation Dogs, FX’s often very funny drama following Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma, has been renewed for a third season. Ahead of its season two finale next week, Deadline reports that the critically-acclaimed series will get another season. But moving forward, Reservation Dogs will be a Hulu exclusive.
The series, from creators Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi premiered on Hulu under the FX on Hulu brand (whatever this means) in 2021. The series has an all-Native writing team, hires Native directors, and has an almost entirely Indigenous cast and crew. The second season premiered, also on FX on Hulu, in August.
“Reservation Dogs continues its remarkable run with critics, fans, and awards all recognizing the singular brilliance of the series created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi,” said FX original programming president Nick Grad, per Deadline. “FX is proud to join with our partners at Hulu to order a third season featuring the amazing cast and all of the artists who deliver one of the most original, engaging, and funny shows on television.”
“I couldn’t be more proud of this show that I created with my friend Taika Waititi,” said co-creator Harjo, per Deadline. “It was born out of a conversation in Taika’s kitchen and has now made its way into the lives of people across the world. The love for season 2 has been outstanding. Thank you to FX for ordering season 3, excited to bring you more laughter and love from the Rez. Ahoooo!”
You may or may not be familiar with the story of Buzzy, an animatronic at the popular theme park Walt Disney World. He was the small but mightily leader of Cranium Command, a 1990s-era attraction where you would go inside the human body and see what goes on in there (this was before Disney stopped investing in “educational” attractions and instead decided that Guardians of the Galaxy would be more popular).
Buzzy was a cute little bug-like guy who wore a funky aviator costume and was loved by parents and kids alike. The ride shut down in 2004 and was abandoned for many years, with kids sneaking in to steal various artifacts and costumes… until Buzzy’s lifeless carcass was stolen. Not only was Buzzy stolen, but he was sold for parts! The poor robot! His remains was never found, and the culprits never came forward.
If you have not heard of this story, congrats! You are normal. For those of us who have been anxiously awaiting news of Buzzy’s return, there might be some answers coming soon.
Jackass Foreverdirector Jeff Tremaine will be producing Stolen Kingdom, a documentary following various accounts of wrongdoing and debauchery at Walt Disney World Resort, including what happened to beloved lad Buzzy. Joshua Bailey and Sam Fraser will be directing the project, which will be their first time directing.
“Josh and Sam somehow found me and introduced me to this story I found so compelling. I was inspired by not only this story, but by these young filmmakers,” Tremaine said. “Having been a part of some Disneyland misbehavior, I’m excited to be involved in this.”
It’s unclear if Disney will be involved in the doc, though they historically do not love to acknowledge Disney-adjacent projects. Maybe we can finally solve the mystery and let Buzzy rest in peace.
Lil Zay Osama started rapping when he was just eight years old, and over 15 years later, he’s a Southside Chicago favorite with a feature from Lil Durk on his most recent project. His debut album, 2019’s Hood Bible, put him on the map for departing from his city’s infamous drill sound, featuring more pop-leaning records like “Percocet Crazy.” Combined with a dedicated fanbase and viral YouTube videos under his belt, Lil Zay Osama isn’t a Chicago newcomer anymore. He’s here to stay.
Today, the Chi’s Lil Zay Osama brings his “pain music” to the bathroom stage with his single “Mmmhmmmm.” The track comes from his most recent mixtape, Trench Baby 3, which also featured the hit “F*ck My Cousin.” His performance is melodic but doesn’t compromise the grittiness of his hometown’s sound. The track’s chorus is inspirational and candid as Lil Zay raps about his successes and gives insight into his rules of the streets.
Watch Lil Zay Osama perform “Mmmhmmmm” for UPROXX Sessions above.
UPROXX Sessions is Uproxx’s performance show featuring the hottest up-and-coming acts you should keep an eye on. Featuring creative direction from LA promotion collective, Ham On Everything, and taking place on our “bathroom” set designed and painted by Julian Gross, UPROXX Sessions is a showcase of some of our favorite performers, who just might soon be yours, too.
Lil Zay Osama is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Disclaimer: While all of the products recommended here were chosen independently by our editorial staff, Uproxx may receive payment to direct readers to certain retail vendors who are offering these products for purchase.
Welcome to SNX DLX, your weekly roundup of the most exciting sneakers to hit the internet. This is truly a weird week in sneakers, there aren’t a whole lot of notable designs dropping but what is coming is definitely head-turning. Some of the designs are highly experimental, like a Nike SHOX that combines that iconically weird red pump with the silhouette of high-heels, or a New Balance 2002R that tries to be both a sneaker and a slipper at the same time.
If you love experimental sneakers that look to the future, this is your week, but if you’re into classic tried and true designs, your options are limited. Luckily there is something for people who like simple sneakers, like a COMME des GARÇONS Nike collaboration and a refresh of a beloved Jordan 1 colorway. It’s not the most jam-packed week, but there is definitely a little something for everyone.
Let’s dive in to this week’s seven best sneaker drops.
Nike Women’s Air Jordan 1 Denim
Nike
The Air Jordan 1 Denim is somehow gaudy and drab at the same time, and for that, we love it! Featuring faded denim paneling over a white upper, this women’s size exclusive featured embroidered detailing, a thin wraparound swoosh, and a Jordan-branded golden bamboo hoop deubré at the top of the toe box.
We could do without the hoop but they certainly do accentuate the 90s mom jean vibe.
The Nike Women’s Air Jordan 1 Denim is set to drop on September 22nd at 7:00 AM for a retail price of $180. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNRKS app.
NikeNike
Nike Shox MR4 x Martine Rose Black
Nike
What the hell is going on this week, we’ve got denim Jordans, weird slip-on New Balances (stay tuned for that), and whatever the hell these things are! Made in collaboration with famed London designer Martine Rose, this sneaker attempts to combine the formal look of heels with what is probably the least formal sneaker of all time, the Nike SHOX.
Featuring a lifted heel and a deep black synthetic leather upper, this sneaker (if you can call it that) looks straight out of the future. While we don’t love it, we appreciate how forward-thinking it is and it’s truly funny to imagine a world where this sort of style takes over the mainstream. It’ll never happen, but it’s fun to think about.
The Nike Shox MR4 x Martine Rose Black is set to drop on September 23rd at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $200. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app or aftermarket sites like GOAT.
NikeNike
Nike Air Jordan 1 Taxi
Nike
Aside from the more out there offerings, the only other sneaker of note out of Nike this week is the Air Jordan 1 Taxi. Featuring a taxi-cab-inspired color scheme, the Taxi combines premium leather, a woven tongue, and debased Wings. There isn’t a lot new going on here, but that doesn’t matter, it’s a great color scheme on one of the best sneaker silhouettes in the world, and sometimes that’s all you need.
The Nike Air Jordan 1 Taxi is set to drop on September 24th at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $180. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app or aftermarket sites like GOAT and Flight Club.
NikeNike
Adidas TYSHAWN x Spitfire
Adidas
Three entities of skate culture collide this week with the Adidas TYSHAWN x Spitfire. Given that Tyshawn Jones has a long and storied history with Spitfire Wheels, we’re surprised this collaboration didn’t come much earlier.
Featuring an all-black colorway inspired by the NYC pavement, the TYSHAWN x Spitfire features silver metallic detailing and Spitfire’s iconic logo at the tongue. Rounding out the design is capsule support, an EVA midsole, and a flexible midsole wrap designed for high-impact skating.
The Adidas TYSHAWN x Spitfire is set to drop on September 24th at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $95. Pick up a pair via the Adidas CONFIRMED app.
AdidasAdidas
SNS x New Balance 2002R Mule
New Balance
The sneaker world must’ve collectively decided to take mushrooms this week because here is yet another out-there design. Made in collaboration with Sneakers N Stuff, this take on the 2002R Mule morphs the design into an open-backed slip-on… thing that is some sort of middle ground between a sneaker and a slipper.
The weirdest part of this design is that it takes what is clearly a casual form factor, but keeps it elegant with a beautiful olive colorway with grey and tan accents. Do we love it? No. But it is fascinating and that’s the best we’re going to get this week.
The SNS x New Balance 2002R Mule is set to drop on September 22nd at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $139.99. Pick up a pair via the New Balance webstore.
New BalanceNew Balance
Comme Des Garçons x Nike Air Max 97
Nike
If you’re not a fan of weird and wacky footwear, this Air Max 97 designed by COMME des GARÇONS is coming to rescue you from the weirdness. There is nothing envelope pushing or forward-thinking about this two-colorway sneaker drop, it’s simply a great design.
Dropping in both a grey and black and white and blue colorway, this Air Max 97 features a mesh and nubuck leather upper with minimal branding at the tongue and heel tab. CDG didn’t even bother putting their own name on the sneaker, and the end-result is better for it. This will go down as one of the finest Air Max 97 colorways of all time.
The COMME des GARÇONS HOMME PLUS x Nike Air Max 97 is set to drop on September 22nd for a retail price of $350. Pick up a pair at COMME des GARÇONS stores and Dover Street Market.
NikeNike
Palace x New Balance 580
Palace
Palace has a long string of collaborations with both Nike and Adidas and now they’ve set their sights on everyone’s current favorite brand, New Balance. In the process, they’re trying to do what Aime Leon Dore and Joe Freshgoods did before them, — reintroduce a forgotten silhouette. The 580 was a ‘90s staple of New Balance’s catalog, but it has since been forgotten. That’s all about to change thanks to Palace and Stray Rats, who will also be dropping a 580 later this year.
Featuring a hairy suede upper, the Palace 580 drops in two colorways, a neutral grey and blue iteration, and more louder purple, lime, and teal set. Both look great and we’re just going to go ahead and call this the release of the week!
The Palace x New Balance 580 is set to drop on September 23rd at 8:00 PST for an unannounced retail price. Pick up a pair at the Palace webstore or in-store in NY and LA.
The late Anthony Bourdain recently made headlines for his resurfaced view on the British monarchy, and he also nailed it (in a resurfaced clip) after he was asked for his perception of what’s going on with Vladimir Putin. That clip’s making the rounds in light of Putin’s latest chaotic move, which is to send 300,000 reservists into the Ukraine battlefield. Not only that, but his regime is reportedly even drafting protesters after arresting them. That’ll teach people to resist, right? This will not turn out well, and Bourdain (to some degree) saw this sort of thing coming.
A 2014 Parts Unknown episode, “Russia,” didn’t mince words from the very beginning. An opening montage of protests led to Bourdain’s opening take in a voiceover, in which (via The Daily Beast) he described Putin as “transparently autocratic, vengeful, oblivious to even a thin veneer of democracy.” At the time, civilians’ Russian opinion of Putin (despite his obvious shortcomings) still wasn’t what it is today, and Bourdain described the situation as how New Yorkers once felt about Rudy Giuliani: “he may be a sonofabitch, but he’s our sonofabitch.”
Well, New Yorkers undoubtedly feel differently about Borat 2 star Rudy these days, and the same goes for Putin in Russia. In this episode, Bourdain met with Russian TV producer Zamir Gotta in Moscow, where they did what Russians do and threw back some vodka. As Gotta coughed at choice moments and couldn’t suppress a smile, Bourdain answered the question of what he thought of Putin:
“My perception, do you really want to hear it? … A former mid-level manager in a large corporation. Short. I think that’s very important — short. Who has found himself master of the universe. And like a lot of short people, if you piss them off, bad things happen to you. He likes to take his shirt off a lot. He strikes me as a businessman, a businessman with an ego.”
Then came this: “Okay, but he’s like Donald Trump, but shorter.” Yep, he nailed it, and here’s yet another reason why the world misses Anthony Bourdain.
After winning both an Oscar and Peabody Award for his Summer Of Soul documentary, Questlove is ready to embark on new filmmaking projects. Today, The Roots drummer has been announced as an executive producer for Dilla Time, a documentary about the life and times of hip-hop producer J Dilla. The documentary is based on the book Dilla Time: The Life And Afterlife Of J Dilla, The Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm, by Dan Charnas. Charnas is also a producer on the project, along with Questlove’s Summer Of Soul partner Joseph Patel. Questlove’s Two One Five Entertainment will helm the project along with Cinetic Media, Scenario Media, and The Estate Of James Dewitt Yancey (J Dilla).
“Explaining musical genius is my mission,” Questlove said in a statement. “To be able to tell the world about the musician that had the most influence on me is a dream come true. Not just on me, but on an entire generation of musicians that everyone knows and loves. J Dilla was our teacher. And what he taught us was how to feel rhythm in a way we had ever felt before. I’m so honored to be a part of bringing his story to the world through this documentary.”
Dilla passed away in 2006, but his influence in hip-hop has only grown since then. The documentary will look at his legacy as it continues to be shaped, and lives on in the music of past collaborators like Erykah Badu, Common, A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, Slum Village, and so many more.
This will serve as the first and only documentary of J Dilla. His estate added, “We trust the judgment of Ahmir, Joseph, Dan, and Scenario to elevate Dilla’s life, music, and legacy to their rightful place in the canon of music’s great innovators; and their film is the only documentary project we have endorsed.”
Week 2 of the 2022 NFL season featured a number of wild results, including one that went against us when the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins got into a full-blown shootout. However, things swung back in our favor when the Arizona Cardinals managed to emerge from the dead to cover (and somehow win!) and that capped a highly productive 4-1 week in this space.
Week 3 brings another slate of opportunities but, before we get to the five-pack of selections, let’s check on the overall progress.
Week 2: 4-1
2022 Season: 7-3
Come get these winners.
Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns UNDER 38 points
This is incredibly gross, but there is a reason the total is so low. Even with the Browns melting down against the Jets last week, that is a talented defense, and the Steelers are still frisky on that side of the ball in the absence of TJ Watt. Cleveland also runs the ball with authority, keeps the clock moving, and Pittsburgh’s offense is ugly right now. Throw in the presence of a million trends in favor of the Under (including a 18-3-1 mark on Thursday night Unders with totals between 37 and 40) and we land here.
Indianapolis Colts (+6.5) over Kansas City Chiefs
Indianapolis is a pick that no one wants to make this week. The Colts were horrendous last week while the Chiefs are the Chiefs. Kansas City has 71 points in two games and Patrick Mahomes is terrifying. I do think this number is a touch high with Indianapolis playing at home, and we’ll do our best to get it to the window.
Minnesota Vikings (-5.5) over Detroit Lions
Favorites aren’t usually in the mix too often in this space, but this is a juicy spot. Detroit has been a public darling to this point and, to be fair, they got us home last week in this space. Minnesota flopped on national television with the offense cratering, and the Vikings haven’t been able to get the running game going. This is a friendly matchup for Minnesota’s offense, and this number should be seven or more.
Washington Commanders (+6.5) over Philadelphia Eagles
This is another buy-low spot in the same mold as the Colts. Philadelphia is rolling to begin the season and the bandwagon is full. Washington’s defense looks pretty bad, and the Eagles are obviously the better team. This is still a number that was in the pick’em range a couple of weeks ago, and it’s a gigantic reaction to get this near a touchdown. We’ll snag the extra cushion.
Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Chargers UNDER 24 points in the first half
Justin Herbert is on track to play, but all indications are that he isn’t going to be 100 percent. The Chargers are also flying around on defense to begin the season, and Jacksonville isn’t exactly in juggernaut mode on offense just yet. I like the first half more than the full game to guard against Herbert uncorking some madness in the fourth quarter, but the Under is the side.
Today, it’s time to rank some of the best bottles of the good stuff. This is a list of the best Speyside single malt Scotch whiskies that are worth their hefty price tags. But before we dive in, let’s get a little refresher. Speyside is a region completely within Scotland’s Highland whisky region. The regions are so attached that distilleries within Speyside are legally allowed to call themselves either “Speyside” or “Highland” whisky. The most obvious example of this grey area is The Macallan which is next to a dozen or so Speyside distilleries but is labeled as a “Highland” malt.
Beyond legal semantics, we’re talking about a whisky from a region that ranges from barley fields to mineral-rich rivers cascading off craggy mountains to the mid-Northern Scottish coastline. The region is pretty tiny but dynamic and that variation shines though in whiskies from the area. One last quick note: All of these bottles are standards and not investment unicorns — with a little sleuthing, you should be able to find them all (start by clicking on those price links).
Also Read: The Top 5 UPROXX Scotch Whisky Posts of The Last Six Months
This unpeated Speyside single malt is a classic. The whisky ages first in ex-bourbon and then ex-sherry casks for 18 years before a lot of proofing and bottling.
Tasting Notes:
The nose opens with a rush of burnt tropical fruits drizzled with cinnamon syrup and a touch of almond, white pepper, and vanilla. The palate builds on that with orange and lemon oils next to a mix of winter spices — cinnamon, clove, anise — before a leathery vanilla pod kicks in. The finish dries out with almond shells and hard raisins before the vanilla attaches to a spicy tobacco leaf on the slow fade.
Bottom Line:
This is the perfect place to start. This whisky is amazingly easy to drink but has a little too much proofing (for me). That said, if you want an easy drinker that’ll actually deliver a nice and fruity flavor profile, this is going to be your jam.
It’s all in the name of this yearly special release from Glenfiddich. The whisky matures for over 23 years in both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks before it’s vatted and then filled into French Cuvée casks that held Champagne. That whisky is then cut down to proof and bottled just in time for the holiday season.
Tasting Notes:
More apples, tart, sweet, bruised, stewed, drive the nose with a gentle floral edge next to buttered brioche with a dollop of marmalade served on an old maple plank. The palate has a lush vanilla feeling to it as pear candy and dried roses lead to floral yet creamy honey. The sweetness lingers from the mid-palate to the finish as apple and pear skins and cores melt into a pot of that floral honey.
Bottom Line:
This has a nice hint of bourbon vanilla to it that helps bridge Kentucky and Scotland on the palate. Overall, if you’re already a bourbon drinker, give this a try to dip your toes in the regional style. I ranked it a little lower here thanks to those ABVs but it still has a nice, deep flavor profile despite that proofing water.
The expression from Speyside’s Aberlour also uses old bourbon for its primary maturation and ex-sherry for its finishing maturation. Finally, it’s proofed down with soft Speyside water and bottled as-is.
Tasting Notes:
You’re drawn in with a note of hard butterscotch candies next to a touch of chinotto (bittersweet Italian orange), butter toffee, and the slightest wisp of peach pits. The taste builds out from that peach pit layer with a note of ripe peach flesh and fuzzy skin while jammy blackberry leads towards a soft cedar. The finish really takes its time and leaves you with a silken texture next to a honeyed sweetness and a final roundness of vanilla cream.
Bottom Line:
There’s a deeply rooted dark fruitiness to this that’s very enticing. This also gets pretty damn creamy when poured over a rock or two, which is a nice touch.
Craigellachie is the other whisky that helps make Dewar’s (the other base spirit being Aberfeldy). This expression is made with old-school stills and stored in old-school warehouses. The juice is aged in ex-bourbon casks for 17 years and vatted to highlight the uniqueness of the brand.
Tasting Notes:
You’re drawn in by that familiar and deep vanilla note with some apple pie in there next to a dried and salted pineapple candy, a touch of smoked oats, and a savory fruit (almost a honeydew melon). That pineapple note holds on and intensifies to a pineapple and vanilla pudding on the palate as dry and woody spices arrive next to a hint of dry tobacco, cedar, and a billow of dry smoke. The end embraces the smoke through the filter of that pineapple pudding as it slowly fades out.
Bottom Line:
Deep fruit and vanilla drive the palate, which is reminiscent of light and fruity bourbon. Overall, I love this in an old-fashioned more than a sipper but it 100 percent works in both applications.
This whisky from BenRiach is a combination of peated and unpeated malts. The whiskies are then aged for 21 years in ex-bourbon barrels, ex-sherry casks, virgin oak casks, and former Bordeaux red wine casks. Those are then blended after their two-decade rest and proofed with that soft Speyside water.
Tasting Notes:
This bursts with fresh Band-Aids from afar. Those fresh and plasticky bandages are supported by cream soda, a hint of rum-raisin, slight nuttiness, and a dash of old potpourri. The palate carries on through the drug store with that Band-Aid vibe as creamy vanilla and soft chocolate malts interact with spicy minced meat pies, walnut coffee cake, and a hint of floral candle wax. The finish drops off pretty quickly, leaving you with old Band-Aids, burnt vanilla pods, and a touch more of that cream soda.
Bottom Line:
I had to call out at least one peaty whisky. This is aged enough that the peat is drawn back and not overly tannic or ashy (there’s no sense of licking out a BBQ here). I really dig this over a single rock that mutes the Band-Aid and amps up the smoked dried fruits and creamy vanilla.
This masterfully crafted expression from The Balvenie takes some serious time. The whisky is initially aged for 21 years in ex-bourbon casks. That whisky is then transferred to small port pipes, which held port in Portugal for 30 long years. That’s a long, long time, creating some very rare and well-seasoned oak. The effect is singular and distinct.
Tasting Notes:
You’re pulled in by a gentle sense of ripe yet soft peaches next to wet rose petals and a small billow of cherry tobacco smoke from a pipe. The palate, again, is gentle and carries notes of red, sweet, and tart berries, stewed plums, and tiny moments of velvety and buttery pain au chocolat. The finish holds onto that chocolate as it slowly meanders through your senses, leaving you with dark fruits, a whisper more of that cherry tobacco, and a pure silk mouthfeel.
Bottom Line:
This is where we get into the beautifully delicious pours. Any of these top five could be number one depending on the day and mood you are pouring with.
4. Cardhu Aged 14 Years The Scarlet Blossoms of Black Rock
This year’s Cardhu is a subtle malt that’s just touched with wine casks after spending a dozen years mellowing in refill bourbon barrels. Those wine casks are dumped into a vat and then this is, again, bottled at barrel strength.
Tasting Notes:
This feels like a layered fruit tart that starts with almost sour apples and grapes that’s topped with a layer of buttery pastry topped with red berries and pear that’s topped with another layer of buttery pastry that’s then topped with savory lychee that’s then topped with dried orange zest, dried lavender petals, and a drizzle of cinnamon-spiced honey. The palate adds a creamy dollop of vanilla-laced whipped cream with a few lines of buttery toffee and more of those florals. Then the taste veers into a tannic, vinous red wine vibe with a touch of wet cedar and a hint of black peppercorn. The finish arrives quickly as that pepper smooths out into a powdery white pepper and the apple and pear return to softly bring about the short end.
Bottom Line:
This is a lovely limited edition bottle of a brand that rarely gets the love it deserves in the U.S. If you do chase one down, pour it over a single rock amps up the creaminess of the spiced honey and the brightness of the fruitiness with an added buttery base.
Glenallachie’s Master Distiller Billy Walker hand-selected just five casks for this release. The barrels were ex-Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry puncheons (a large barrel that’s around 100 gallons, give or take). Those whiskies were vatted and bottled as-is.
Tasting Notes:
There’s a note of grapefruit pith when you nose this dram that leads towards honeyed chocolate truffles with a touch of cinnamon and orange. The palate goes full Christmas cake with plenty of dried nuts, candied and dried fruits, rich wintry spice, and a touch of chocolate maltiness next to candied ginger, more orange, and a note of golden corn syrup. That sweetness attaches to the fruit and spice to create a stewed plum vibe on the finish that luxuriates in mild spice, sweet and meaty stone fruit, and a touch more of that chocolate.
The Bottom Line:
Honey, chocolate, orange, and cinnamon go together so well, especially in this whisky. Overall, this whisky does benefit from taking your time on the nose and taste and adding in water to let it bloom toward those Christmas cake vibes.
Benrinnes is that other distillery in Aberlour up in Speyside. The distillery is also one of the only malts that are triple distilled (like Irish whiskey). The juice in this bottle goes back to that era of distillation with a focus on sherry cask maturation over two decades before bottling as-is.
Tasting Notes:
The nose is full of peanut brittle touched with finishing salts, match flints, brewer’s yeast, Milk Duds, and sticky toffee pudding. The palate leans into the date cake and adds bold eggnog spices next to a bowl full of dried fruits soaking in brandy next to a savory fruit that’s halfway between a cucumber and winter squash. The finish lingers for a while and leaves you with an almost burnt chocolate maltiness, salt flakes, and more of those dates.
Bottom Line:
The chocolate maltiness and spiced holiday cake are can’t-miss notes in this one, which makes it hard not to love. Overall, you do want to pour this over a single rock or add a little water to get to the deeper notes and calm those ABVs down a tad.
Dufftown’s Mortlach is one of those distilleries that may just make you fall in love with scotch. The mash is distilled 2.81 times, according to Mortlach’s unique distilling methods. That juice is then loaded in sherry casks and left to do its thing for 20 long years. The results are vatted, brought down to proof with that soft Speyside water, and bottled.
Tasting Notes:
There’s an apple pie feel that pulls you in with stewed and spicy apples, black raisins, and walnuts next to a hint of caramelized pineapple and a whisper of sea salt. That apple pie filling kicks up a notch as a savory buttery pie crust comes into play, while hints of mint, figs, vanilla, oak, and dark cacao mingle on the tongue. The end comes along very slowly with more walnuts and raisins leading towards a final savory note that’s almost … extra virgin olive oil?
Bottom Line:
This is a perfect whisky, full stop.
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This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
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