Anthony Edwards‘ play during the 2024 NBA playoffs has led to some comparisons to Michael Jordan. To be clear, there haven’t been people explicitly saying that Edwards is the second-coming of arguably the greatest player of all time, but there are things in his game that look a lot like the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards legend — Jamal Crawford, in particular, noticed something while he was on the call for a Minnesota Timberwolves game against the Phoenix Suns.
Not everyone is buying this, though, like Edwards, who really wants people to stop doing this. And prior to Game 4 of the Wolves’ series against the Denver Nuggets, Charles Barkley begged basketball fans to not compare the two.
“Please, America, please stop the Michael Jordan stuff,” Barkley said. “This guy’s had one good playoff run. I think he’s gonna be a great player, he’s a really nice kid, we root for him, we want him to be…”
Barkley was cut off by Shaquille O’Neal, who asked if Edwards is close to Jordan, to which he replied “hell no.” Even when Shaq specifically asked if he is close to where Jordan was at 23 years old, Barkley wasn’t sold.
“I love Anthony Edwards,” Barkley said. “Do not do that.”
Kenny Smith then chimed in and made another common comp for Edwards, saying “his body type, and the way he plays, to me, reminds me more of D-Wade, young D-Wade, when he was carrying that team when he had Lamar Odom and he was going through the playoffs for the first time.”
There is an abundance of reality competition shows. But when you think of the music wing of this programming niche, American Idol remains the dominate household name. Whether you’re watching to cheer on a hometown budding star, judges panel (Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie), or special guest cameos, producers of the show intend to keep it that way following the show’s recent renewal.
On May 10, in a collaborative post on Instagram between ABC and the show, they revealed the news with a graphic labeled: “We will be back for a new season.”
The excitement spilled over into the post’s caption which read: “Keep the stage lights on because #IDOL will be back for another season on ABC and Stream on Hulu.”
However, when the show returns, it will be down a judge. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live back in February, Katy Perry announced her exit and according to Billboard, the search to replace her is still on.
“I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for ‘Idol,’” she said. “I mean, I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat, you what I’m saying, Jimmy? I want to go and see the world and maybe bring new music.”
The Eastern Conference semifinals series between the Knicks and Pacers will return to New York all knotted up at 2-2 after Indiana defended homecourt with an emphatic 121-89 Game 4 win.
After three straight hard fought games, the series finally produced its first blowout as the Pacers jumped on the Knicks from the opening whistle and never let New York get into the game, leading by 20 after the first quarter and as many as 40 in the fourth.
It was a combination of stout defense and explosive offense that got the Pacers rolling, with Tyrese Haliburton continuing his trend of hot starts from Games 2 and 3, scoring 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting (4-of-10 from three) in just 28 minutes of action.
Haliburton had plenty of help, with TJ McConnell putting up another big two-way performance, hounding Jalen Brunson on defense and producing 15 points and 10 assists on the other end.
Just about everyone got in on the fun for the Pacers, as Pascal Siakam had 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting, Myles Turner had 13 on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting afternoon, and Obi Toppin chipped in 14 off the bench, including the third quarter exclamation point with a reverse alley-oop finish from McConnell.
Myles Turner throws up the rainbow 3 to beat the shot clock
It was a genuinely incredible Pacers performance on both ends of the floor, as they shot 56.8 percent from the field and 45.2 percent from three, compared to 32.9 percent and 17.2 percent, respectively, from the Knicks. New York finally looked like a team that was banged up and had been playing its main guys a ton of minutes all playoffs, as they just could not create anything on offense or keep the Pacers from getting whatever they wanted on the other end.
The Knicks will hope this was a blip on the radar and they can find their energy again back in New York, while the Pacers are hoping they’ve worn down the Knicks and now have the advantage in the series. We’ll find out in Game 5 on Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. ET on TNT.
In 2023, every musician on planet Earth seemed to have made a comeback. That trend bled well into 2024. From Nsync (and Justin Timberlake) to No Doubt, pop music fans have been quite spoiled.
But there is still one act missing from the rolodex of returns—Shawn Mendes. However, the wait could be over. Yesterday (May 11), the “Heartbeat” singer was spotted on the streets by fans. After asking Mendes for a quick photos they couldn’t help but ask about the status of his next studio album.
“[Its] coming soon,” he said. “Actually, we just finished it like 10 minutes ago.”
— Shawn Mendes Brasil (@ShawnMendesBRA) May 11, 2024
Mendes’ last release, Wonder, will celebrate its fourth anniversary this coming December. Not to sound harsh (but speaking on behalf of his supporters for a moment) it is about damn time he made his way to the booth.
In March, Mendes teased an unreleased song but that has yet to formally announced or uploaded to any streaming services. So, his fans are primed and ready to support. Following Mendes’ abrupt 2022 tour cancellation, in his base’s eyes he has a lot to make up for. The less he can do is drop something to hold them over until the full length body of work is ready.
While the 2024 Draft isn’t particularly strong at the top, there is still talent to be had and teams will have to put in the leg work to make sure they’re finding the right talent and fit in the first round. A number of teams will get multiple cracks at a first round selection on Wednesday, June 26, with the Wizards (2 and 26), Spurs (4 and 8), Blazers (7 and 14), Jazz (10 and 29), Pelicans (17 and 21), and Knicks (24 and 25) all having a pair of first round picks at their disposal.
The second round, which is now on a separate day — Thursday, June 27 — will only have 28 selections after Philadelphia and Phoenix forfeited their second round picks due to tampering violations.
2024 NBA Draft Order
First Round
1. Atlanta Hawks
2. Washington Wizards
3. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn)
4. San Antonio Spurs
5. Detroit Pistons
6. Charlotte Hornets
7. Portland Trail Blazers
8. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto)
9. Memphis Grizzlies
10. Utah Jazz
11. Chicago Bulls
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston)
13. Sacramento Kings
14. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State)
15. Miami Heat
16. Philadelphia 76ers
17. New Orleans Pelicans (via Los Angeles Lakers)
18. Orlando Magic
19. Toronto Raptors (via Indiana)
20. Cleveland Cavaliers
21. New Orleans Pelicans (via Milwaukee)
22. Phoenix Suns
23. Milwaukee Bucks (via New Orleans)
24. New York Knicks (via Dallas)
25. New York Knicks
26. Washington Wizards (via LA Clippers)
27. Minnesota Timberwolves
28. Denver Nuggets
29. Utah Jazz (via Oklahoma City)
30. Boston Celtics
Second Round
31. Toronto Raptors (via Detroit)
32. Utah Jazz (via Washington)
33. Milwaukee Bucks (via Portland)
34. Portland Trail Blazers (via Charlotte)
35. San Antonio Spurs
36. Indiana Pacers (via Toronto)
37. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis)
38. New York Knicks (via Utah)
39. Memphis Grizzlies(via Brooklyn)
40. Portland Trail Blazers (via Atlanta)
41. Philadelphia 76ers (via Chicago)
42. Charlotte Hornets (via Houston)
43. Miami Heat
44. Houston Rockets (via Golden State)
45. Sacramento Kings
46. Los Angeles Clippers (via Indiana)
47. Orlando Magic
48. San Antonio Spurs (via Los Angeles Lakers)
49. Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland)
50. Indiana Pacers (via New Orleans)
51. Washington Wizards (via Phoenix)
52. Golden State Warriors (via Milwaukee)
53. Detroit Pistons (via New York)
54. Boston Celtics (via Dallas)
55. Los Angeles Lakers (via LA Clippers)
56. Denver Nuggets (via Minnesota)
57. Memphis Grizzlies (via Oklahoma City)
58. Boston Celtics (to Dallas via Charlotte)
When you think of Donald Glover, music might be the last time to come to mind. However, the Mr. And Mrs. Smith actor hasn’t abandoned that creative lane just yet.
Fans of his work as Childish Gambino are in luck. According to the multifaceted entertainer, he still has two more project in him, the first of which, Atavista, is set to hit streaming platforms soon.
According to NFR Podcast, the forthcoming project is set to be released on tomorrow (May 13) and contains a total of ten songs. The platform revealed that Atavista currently features one credited guest appearance by Young Nudy. Continue below to view the full speculative tracklist and artwork.
CHILDISH GAMBINO ATAVISTA
MAY 13TH
Tracklist
Atavista Algorhythm Time Psilocybae (Millennial Love) To Be Hunted Sweet Thang Little Foot Big Foot (ft. Young Nudy) Why Go To The Party Human Sacrifice Violence Final Church pic.twitter.com/Eb94uAM6WD
If the titles seems familiar to you, that’s because they are.
Back in March 2020, the songs were initially shared on Gambino’s website as part of the album, 3.15.20. However, the body of work, which featured Ariana Grande, Kadhja Bonet, 21 Savage and Ink, has apparently since been scrubbed from the site. But based on rumors, the songs have undergoing creative updates.
Donald Glover shares artwork and tracklist for Childish Gambino project “ATAVISTA”
1. “Atavista”
2. “Algorhythm”
3. “Time”
4. “Psilocybae (Millennial Love)”
5. “To Be Hunted”
6. “Sweet Thang”
7. “Little Foot Big Foot” Feat. Young Nudy
8. Why Go To The Party
9. Human Sacrifice
10. “Violence”
11. “Final Church”
The 2024 NBA Draft will not have anywhere close to the same fanfare as the 2023 edition, as there is not a consensus top guy, much less generational prospect like Victor Wembanyama. As such, the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery arrived with far less hype than last year’s Wemby sweepstakes, but for the teams that struggled this year, it is still the event that can provide some early offseason optimism.
Ahead of Game 4 between the Pacers and Knicks in Indiana, the top of the Draft order was officially set as the ping-pong balls were drawn and the full order was revealed. While there wasn’t a lot of anticipation, there were a bunch of surprises for this year’s lottery as three teams — the Hawks, Rockets, and Spurs — all jumped into the top-4 with the Wizards.
That meant the Pistons, Hornets, and Blazers all dropped out of the top-4, making for the second year in a row that Detroit has fallen to 5th with the best odds at No. 1. Meanwhile, the Raptors dropped out of the top-6, meaning they will send the Spurs the No. 8 overall pick as part of the Jakob Poeltl trade.
The Hawks ultimately won the lottery, making for the first time they’ve ever done that, and they now head into a fascinating offseason armed with the top overall pick.
Full 2024 NBA Draft Lottery Results:
14. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State Warriors)
13. Sacramento Kings
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston Rockets)
11. Chicago Bulls
10. Utah Jazz
9. Memphis Grizzlies
8. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto Raptors)
7. Portland Trail Blazers
6. Charlotte Hornets
5. Detroit Pistons
4. San Antonio Spurs
3. Houston Rockets
2. Washington Wizards
1. Atlanta Hawks
As a Colorado resident, one of the questions I’m most often asked is, “Do you ski?” but generally in the form of a statement rather than a question – “So, you ski?”
When I answer honestly, “No, not really, I think it’s expensive/a hassle/too much of a commitment,” I am met with many confused stares. But I don’t sweat it because although I live and travel amongst some of the best ski mountains in the country, not skiing doesn’t stop me from enjoying the winter months.
In fact, being a non-skier visiting a ski town during the winter (or any time) has its fair share of perks. While everyone else is busy on the slopes, I can eat, drink, shop, hike, hot tub, snowshoe, and relax with a massage (or two). More to the point of this piece, outside of ski season the rates are better, the activities are less crowded, and you get an entirely different experience with mountain towns.
Emily Hart
Which is just what I did on a recent trip to Northern Utah and Park City. While it wasn’t ski season yet, I spent ample time exploring the area outside the world-class skiing and snowboarding it’s known for.
So, if you are a non-skier like me – or want to diversify your next ski vacation – here is what I recommend in Park City and Northern Utah.
WHERE TO STAY:
The phrase “Northern Utah” encompasses a large area. From Salt Lake City to the Wasatch Mountains, Provo, and Ogden – but for our purposes here, I’m referring to the famed SLC-area ski resorts, including Park City,Solitude, Snowbird, Deer Valley, and Alta. I stayed in Park City and Alta during my last trip, and this is where I recommend booking:
Stein Eriksen Lodge — Park City, UT
Emily Hart
Stein Eriksen Lodge is classic Park City. The authentic European luxury ski lodge is the sort of resort you never want – or need – to leave. The 180 rooms, many apartment-sized with fireplaces, balconies, and private hot tubs, all offer majestic views of the surrounding mountains and the exceptional service that has made Stein Eriksen the longest-running Forbes Five-Star Hotel and Spa in Utah. Named after famed skier Stein Eriksen, the lodge was the first luxury property in Park City, and it remains one of the best options for a luxurious ski – or no ski – vacation in Utah. I stayed in a large suite with floor-to-ceiling windows and a full kitchen, enjoyed food and drink on the property, and was lulled into pure bliss during a massage at the award-winning spa.
Book here. Prices vary quite a bit, from upper $ 400s in the off-season to over $1,000 per night in the high season.
Snowpine Lodge — Alta, UT
Emily Hart
Just 28 miles from Salt Lake City and steps away from the Alta Ski area in the breathtaking Little Cottonwood Canyon is the 4-star luxurious Snowpine Lodge. The ski-in/ski-out lodge is perfect for hitting the slopes but offers plenty for the non-skier alike. I loved spending time on the balcony of my mountain-view room before heading to The Gulch Pub for drinks with a view (it’s a common theme). The on-site Stillwell Spa is historic and luxurious, with traditional spa treatments along with a grotto with a plunge pool, oxygen bar, and Therabody Recovery Air Boots available. I especially enjoyed the basement game room with a pool table, books, board games, and several arcade games for guests to enjoy.
Book here. Prices vary from $189 in the offseason to over $1,000 on the weekends during the high season.
EAT AND DRINK:
Glitretind Restaurant
Emily Hart
Glitretind Restaurant at Stein Eriksen Lodge is an award-winning seasonal fine dining restaurant with incredible Deer Valley views. The traditional dining room is nostalgic, and the food is top-notch. Known for its extensive wine list and knowledgeable sommelier, Glitretind is a treat when visiting Park City or Northern Utah. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, reserve a spot at Stein’s Famous Sunday Brunch at Glitretind, an extravagant spread during Sunday ski season. For a unique dining experience, head outside to the Stein Alpenglobes for a panoramic mountain view while you dine.
For dinner, the first courses start at $16, and the mains at $32 and up.
Grappa
Emily Hart
Grappa is the place to be for history, ambiance, and great food on Main Street in Park City. Over 100 years old, the building was once home to a bed and breakfast, a bar, and a brothel – now a local favorite for regional rustic Italian dining since its opening in 1992. The three floors of dining, outdoor garden, and attentive service stand out before you even have a chance to skim the extensive menu. I ordered (and loved) the Lobster Fregola Sarda, a pasta with Maine lobster tail, wild shrimp, black mussels, calamari, and chorizo in a spicy seafood broth with expert wine pairings that I’ll be thinking about for weeks to come.
Starters for dinner begin at $16 and entrees at $42 and up.
Alpine Distilling Social Aid And Pleasure Club
Emily Hart
Don’t leave Park City without a visit to Alpine Distilling Social Aid and Pleasure Club, conveniently located on Main Street. The award-winning distilleries social club is a vibe, with inventive craft cocktails made with Alpine Distillings’ multi-award-winning spirits. It was an honor to hear co-owner Sara Sergent, the most decorated botanical distiller in the country, walk through the distilling process before participating in the “Make Your Own Gin Experience.”
Deer Valley Grocery Cafe
Emily Hart
Stop for lunch with a view at Deer Valley Grocery Cafe, a restaurant and gourmet deli set in idyllic surroundings (but isn’t everything here). The lakeside dining beckons visitors and locals to stay a while, enjoying local brews, fresh food, and friendly service.
The Gulch Pub
Emily Hart
Utah liquor laws are notoriously… particular, let’s say. For example, while staying at Snowpine Lodge in Alta, liquor laws prohibited me as a guest from ordering a drink at the bar to take up to my room (but I could buy a bottle?). Usually, this would be a real bummer for me, but luckily, staying at the hotel bar to enjoy my drink, in this case, was an inspired choice. The Gulch Pub offers incredible mountain views, multiple seating areas inside and outside, and friendly bartenders making delicious cocktails. I loved watching the sunset with a “Sparkling Empress” made with Empress 1908 gin, elderflower liqueur, rosemary extract, fresh lime, simple syrup, and tonic.
EXPLORE:
Park City Main St.
Emily Hart
When you think of the perfect quaint mountain town, the image you have in your mind is likely very similar to Park City Main Street. The historic main street in the old mining town is positively charming. Full of luxury shops, gourmet restaurants, exciting bars, the Sundance Film Festival, and three Banksy originals, a visit to Main Street is a must on a Park City visit. I recommend an afternoon shopping before heading into Alpine Distilling for a drink.
Burns Cowboy Shop
Emily Hart
Visiting Burns Cowboy Shop in downtown Park City was a dream come true for a hat and Yellowstone lover like myself. The oldest same-family-owned Western shop in the world, Burns has been outfitting cowboys, Yellowstone cast members, and tourists alike since 1876. I opted to have a hat custom-made for me in-store, watching the artisan steam, crease, and shape his creation perfectly to my head in awe. Burns also offers in-store branding and accessories for your hat and other Western-inspired wear. It is truly an experience, not just a shopping trip.
Heber Valley Fly Fishing
Emily Hart
You might be surprised that fly fishing is touted as an alternative to skiing, but you can cast your line and live out your A River Runs Through It fantasies in Utah throughout the winter months. If outfitted correctly (I recommend Wilderness Access Outfitters in Heber City), fly-fishing during the winter can be just as meditative and rewarding as any other month. The Provo and Green Rivers are world-renowned for fly-fishing and well worth the extra layers you’ll need to get into them in the colder months.
Snowbird Tram
Emily Hart
Snowbird is a classic ski resort near Salt Lake City, up the breathtaking Little Cottonwood Canyon, but there is plenty to do there for non-skiers as well. Home to a 1.6-mile-long aerial tram, visitors can ride to the top of Hidden Peak and grab a bite at The Summit restaurant, traveling 2,900 vertical feet. I am admittedly not a heights person, and I did not take advantage of the views via the glass floor panels or the summer open-air ride above – but everyone who was not acrophobic was beyond thrilled. Head down the mountain for ample dining, lodging, and spa options at the resort.
Winter scenic rides start at $37 for adults during off-peak, $42 during peak times, and $47 on holidays.
Solitude Mountain Resort
Emily Hart
Solitude Mountain Resort is another ski resort near Salt Lake City with plentiful offerings for a non-skier. When I visited in the fall, I enjoyed hiking the gorgeous and peaceful trails, and I can’t wait to get back during the winter to snowshoe, ice skate, and enjoy the Solitude Mountain spa before some après-ski drinks at Honeycomb Grill. Solitude also has a Nordic center with plenty of groomed cross-country ski trails if you want to dip your toe into some ski boots without the incline.
It’s time to retire the notion that fans of bourbon and Scotch aficionados can’t appreciate both categories. Sure, you have some who will staunchly refuse to broaden their horizons, but as the urban philosopher Jadakiss once poignantly noted, “Options [are] a beautiful thing.” There’s real value in knowing what you like and abiding by that, but we also rob ourselves of joy by foregoing the rewards of having an open mind.
Some bourbon fans may want to explore Scotch but don’t know where to begin. Perhaps you’re looking for a Scotch that closely resembles the flavor profile you already enjoy in bourbon. Or maybe you’re curious about what the world of Scotch has to offer and you’re not quite sure what to expect or where to begin. No matter where you fall on the Scotch curious spectrum, this is the list for you.
While some bourbon fans have an aversion to peat — the partially decomposed organic matter that lends many Scotches that campfire flavor — your mileage may vary. I’ve encountered plenty of bourbon drinkers who swear by the brooding signature smokiness of certain Scotch offerings, despite how much of a departure it is from American whiskey’s sweeter flavor profile. We’ll include a bit of both below, so you can discover your own preference along the way.
Now, without further ado, let’s rank the 8 best Scotches for bourbon drinkers in 2024.
The Balvenie DoubleWood’s 12-year whisky kicked off the “double aging” craze back in 1982 and remains a hallmark single malt whisky for beginners to this day. After the unpeated whisky has spent 12 years in ex-bourbon casks, it’s transferred to European Oak sherry casks and rested for another 9 months.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Nectarines and a faint bit of lime wedge greet the nose at first pass. The influence of youthful oak, lemongrass, and honey soon begins to emerge along with accents of bright cherry aromas and plum flesh from the sherry cask.
Palate: On the palate you can expect to find notes of orange pith to go along with some honeyed cornbread, a bit of chocolate, and a touch of the light butterscotch that bourbon drinkers will be more familiar with. Be advised that there’s also a touch of smoke in the background, though it isn’t off-putting or exceedingly evident.
Finish: The finish has decent length and the tamest influence of smoke lingers throughout while the honey and nectarine flavors serve to mellow it out a bit.
Bottom Line:
The Balvenie DoubleWood 12-Year expression is a winner because of how approachable its flavors are for anyone more attuned to what is typically found in bourbon. It bridges the gap nicely with stone fruit notes provided by the sherry cask along with hints of butterscotch from the ex-bourbon barrels. All told this is a solid whisky that can appeal to both crowds.
The entry-level bottle in The Dalmore Principal Collection, this 12-year-old Highland single malt is aged first in ex-bourbon barrels and then in Oloroso sherry casks. The whisky does feature coloring — a legal practice in Scotch whisky — and is chill-filtered.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Brandied cherries jump out of the glass along with Mānuka honey, a delicate waft of smokiness, and pumpernickel. Over time the cherries morph into more of a raisin aroma and some vanilla pod notes that become more prominent.
Palate: Buckwheat and Mānuka honey hit the palate along with the flavor of crimson raisins right out of the gate. Mulling spices really help to prop up that raisin-like flavor that pulses throughout each pour.
Finish: On the finish, the mulling spices surpass those raisin notes and they’re joined by a hit of dark chocolate and it ends on a slightly drying note despite having a viscous mouthfeel that borders on being lush before you swallow.
Bottom Line:
The Dalmore 12 takes elegant packaging and pairs it with an equally refined whisky that deserves a serious place of reverence in any bourbon drinker’s liquor cabinet. The notes of cherry and honey will be instantly familiar but it also has a level of finesse seldom seen in 80-proof bourbons. If you’re looking for a Scotch with dark, sweet notes that don’t cross over into the brooding peat-heavy territory of typical Islay expressions — this is the whisky for you.
The original member of Bunnahabain’s Core Range was originally launched back in 1979. Double matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, without chill filtration or added coloring, this entry-level whisky really showcases what Bunnahabhain is all about.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: There’s a faintly fudgy note to kick things off before the bright red berries brought on by the sherry cask have their say. After a few swirls the nose develops a more grassy aroma to go with chunks of pear and a gentle salinity.
Palate: Cherry and citrus notes emerge in earnest, but there’s a more elusive vanilla flavor combined with the maltiness that entrances once discovered. As this sits in the glass it develops a flavor more in line with apple cider, complete with a bit of nutmeg and a touch of smoky char.
Finish: The finish is a bit curt, but it serves to elevate the distinct interplay between notes of cocoa, red berries, and malt. You’re not left with muddled lingering flavors but rather there’s a crisp succinctness that encourages repeat sips.
Bottom Line:
Like the two previous offerings, Bunnahabhain 12 Year is double matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks showcasing a balance plus a depth of flavors that is easy to appreciate and impressive for its age. The added kick in ABV helps those flavors better distinguish themselves and lends itself well to bourbon drinkers accustomed to more heat on the palate.
A classic Islay offering, Lagavulin’s flagship 16-year-old expression is perhaps the must-have Scotch in any whisky fan’s liquor cabinet. Ex-bourbon and (say it with me) ex-Sherry casks work their magic to reign in this powerful peaty pour which debuted in 1988.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Iodine, dense smokiness, simmering bacon, and dark chocolate begin to unfurl upon first whiff. Inhaling deeply you’ll begin to note white peach, candied orange peels, and Brazil nuts filling the air around the glass. Indeed, it’s a very complex and powerful medley of aromas.
Palate: The peaty smokiness of each pour greets the palate but soon you’ll find your senses awash in the secondary flavors. Clove-studded orange wheels, drizzled with dark chocolate and buttressed by ginger candy begin to coat the tongue. Take a third sip and discover charred green pepper, and some faint butterscotch plus the salinity from the nose begins to take root.
Finish: Lengthy and with an impressive show of balance despite the powerful influence of peat found on the front end. Look for gentle barley notes beneath the burly top layer of savoriness and smoke.
Bottom Line:
Lagavulin 16 features a decidedly peat-forward flavor profile but that’s no reason to be afraid! Bourbon drinkers are no strangers to bold flavors, and many will embrace the brashness of Lagavulin 16’s meaty, savory notes while also discovering a level of nuance below the surface that proves peaty whiskies aren’t all smoke and mirrors.
Glenfiddich, meaning “The Valley of The Deer” needs little introduction. For their 14-year expression, the Speyside stalwart ages its whisky in ex-bourbon casks before finishing it in charred new American oak barrels – the same kind of casks used to age bourbon.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Aromas like Mexican vanilla extract and bruised pear provide the initial impression of light sweetness. There isn’t any caramel or brown sugar but there is an array of honey, toasted barley, and an underripe banana note.
Palate: On the palate this pour comes across as creamy with orange zest, the influence of oak, and toasted almonds. Over time those oak tones gain ground and there’s even a bit of crème brûlée and graham cracker.
Finish: The medium-length finish is where the aforementioned oak tones are most impressive. That oaky character is bolstered by the distinct sweetness of pastry shells and a mellow citrus aspect as well.
Bottom Line:
Glenfiddich 14 is one of those classic Scotch expressions that are ubiquitous in the United States and seemingly tailor-made for its audience. While certain other expressions toe the line of being approachable for American palates, Glenfiddich 14 fully embraces that challenge with its use of ex-bourbon casks AND virgin American oak casks that follow the footsteps of bourbon production. The resulting liquid showcases the adaptability of this sleek Speyside distillate.
Compass Box Hedonism, the brand’s first expression, is one of the leading representations of blended grain whisky on the market today – so much so that in 2023 the brand announced it would be pivoting to become an annual limited release. The blend changes every year, based on the availability of well-aged grain whisky components to play with, and though it hasn’t yet been updated for 2024 you can typically find the breakdown of each blend on the company’s
website.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Mellow, billowing smoke combines with grilled pineapple, and caramel chunks to fill the air once this whisky escapes the bottle and enters the glass. Nutmeg can also be found in concert with the aroma of a sugar-torched lemon wheel.
Palate: On the palate the peat is gentler than on the nose and the tropical fruit notes are dialed up a degree with some allspice, black pepper, and sticky toffee notes balancing it all out.
Finish: The finish seeps into your palate and hangs around for a good amount of time revealing vanilla pod, apricots, and clove in excellent balance.
Bottom Line:
Since founding Compass Box in 2000, John Glaser has turned the Scotch world on its head by innovating with each bottling of Hedonism. Grain whiskies that are 30+ or even 40+ years old have been utilized throughout the brand’s history and even though those are much harder to come by these days, the quality has remained high.
Despite the fact John Glaser stepped down from Compass Box in February of this year, fans new and old will surely still enjoy Hedonism’s first annual limited edition.
Bruichladdich 18 is an unpeated Islay Scotch that primarily utilizes ex-bourbon plus a small number of Sauternes and Port casks in its maturation profile. Non-chill filtered and free of additional coloring, Bruichladdich 18 is also unique in that each varietal of the barley used is fully traceable from farm to bottle.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Honeyed wheat toast and the faint indication of smoke clear the way for a touch of hazelnut and chocolate wafer cookies on the nose.
Palate: On the palate each of those notes is amplified with notes of lemon cake and confectioner’s sugar joining the mix. It has a supple and silky mouthfeel that rewards “chewing” and only extends the pleasure of each sip.
Finish: The chalky cocoa note comes through on the palate as does a bit of tropical fruit — think grilled pineapples — and the hint of smokiness reemerges to offer some delicate balance to the sweeter and earthier notes.
Bottom Line:
Bruichladdich 18 offers an expert level of finesse, deploying sweetness and smokiness with impressive restraint which leaves space for more savory nutty aspects to shine in equal measure. While Bruichladdich 18 displays the hallmarks of quality Scotch whisky, it also offers complexity and depth of flavor that will deeply impress bourbon fans the world over.
Aged exclusively in Oloroso Sherry butts – which helps provide that beautiful ruby glint to the liquid – Aberlour A’bunadh is one of the most highly recommended Scotch whiskies for bourbon drinkers. Non-chill filtered and undiluted, the sweetness of the sherry and the high octane ABV help explain why American whiskey fans gravitate towards A’bunadh — which means ‘of the origin’ in Gaelic.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Red raisins and figs burst out of the glass with a rich nutty aspect that soon follows. Mulling spices, candied walnuts, and sticky orange marmalade add further heft to A’bunadh’s substantive bouquet of aromas.
Palate: Orange blossom, black cherry, and candied ginger splash across the palate. This pour has a robust and viscous texture, which helps to ease the punch from the proof and provides a runway for the flavors to blossom.
Finish: Semi-sweet dark chocolate and red raisins offer allure to go with the oomph of black pepper, cinnamon, and tobacco leaf on the lengthy finish.
Bottom Line:
Is it the proof or the sherry sweetness that makes Aberlour A’bunadh so easy for bourbon drinkers to get into? The answer is both, and so much more. From the rich color and the full-bodied texture to the sumptuous display of aromas and flavors, this Speyside single malt can turn even the most avid bourbon aficionado into an appreciator of Scotch whisky.
The NBA Playoffs are a tremendous place to either prove yourself as a player, or get exposed. While we often talk about this in regard to stars, it is arguably more important for role players to establish themselves as playoff performers. Doing so will open up a lot more doors and get them a lot more money if teams, because as crucial as it is to have star power to win, every championship team also has a trusted supporting cast.
Rather than take a risk on hoping a player can be one of those trusted in the postseason rotation, contenders prefer to bring in players that have a track record of playoff success. Maybe the best recent example of a player that was able to cash in on that was Bruce Brown last year, as he got a 2-year, $45 million deal in free agency thanks to his brilliance in Denver’s championship run. You also could add Max Strus and Gabe Vincent to that list, as they cashed in this past summer as well thanks to their efforts getting Miami to the Finals.
With those players in mind, I wanted to look at the players that have done the most to start these playoffs to either change the perception of who they are as players or cemented themselves as a trusted 16-game player this postseason. To be eligible for this list, you cannot make more than $20 million per year (sorry, Josh Hart), be on a past All-Star/All-NBA/All-Defense team (sorry, Derrick White), have won an NBA award (sorry, Naz Reid), or be older than 30. When I say role player, I mean just that. We’re talking about someone who isn’t typically tasked with a heavy workload offensively but is taking on a vital role in their team’s success this postseason. Most of these players will be on teams still alive, but not all of them, because even in a first round loss, you can show your value.
Donte DiVincenzo and Isaiah Hartenstein (New York)
The Knicks have a bunch of guys you can pick from during their rather incredible run, but with Josh Hart just inking an $81 million extension and OG Anunoby on his way to an even larger one, we’ll focus on Donte DiVincenzo and Isaiah Hartenstein. DiVincenzo has changed his perception in a major way, as he was never close to this productive in his two real previous playoff visits with Milwaukee and Golden State (he got hurt three games into the Bucks title run). With the Knicks, he’s been their second-best offensive weapon, which was not the expectation of him coming into this year, but he has confirmed that his improvement as a three-point shooter the last two years does indeed carry over to the playoffs. His defensive chops have always gotten him looks in playoff rotations, but being able to couple that with being a legitimate three-point threat is huge.
For Hartenstein, he’s stepped into the void left by Mitchell Robinson’s injury and been terrific in the middle. He has confirmed what we saw last year when he and Robinson tag-teamed Cleveland on the glass to knock them out in five games, doing the same to Philly in the first round and providing some problems for Indiana in the paint. His double-doubles in Game 6 against Philly and Game 2 against Indiana were both pivotal in getting New York wins, and his ability to hit that unique push shot of his from just outside the restricted area has bailed the Knicks out of more than a few possessions. Defensively, he’s provided much-needed rim protection and is logging major minutes with all the injuries, like just about everyone in the New York rotation.
PJ Washington (Dallas)
Washington is averaging 14.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, but has three times stepped up to produce in a massive way to help Dallas get critical wins. The first was in Game 2 against the Clippers, scoring 18 on 5-of-10 shooting, including three makes from three-point range in what became a three-point win. The last two games against Oklahoma City he has scored 29 and 27, going 12-of-23 from three in those two Mavs wins and forcing the Thunder to reconsider their defensive strategy of trying to force the ball out of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving’s hands by sending help. The only way for the Mavs to make a deep playoff run is for someone to step up and be a reliable threat outside their two stars, and Washington has done so in a few key spots already. If he can do that a few more times, he’ll become viewed as a cornerstone piece in Dallas.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Minnesota)
The Wolves have gotten some tremendous efforts from their roster so far in the playoffs, but Alexander-Walker has really stamped himself as a 16-game player. The Wolves have been able to throw NAW and Jaden McDaniels (who doesn’t make this list because he just got a very handsome payday) at opposing wings and guards and simply put them in hell. Alexander-Walker has been impactful on offense as well, staying active and providing Minnesota with another cutting and slashing threat around Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. A year ago, Alexander-Walker acquitted himself nicely in Minnesota’s brief playoff appearance in place of McDaniels, and he’s confirmed that this year and will eventually be able to cash in on that next summer.
Kelly Oubre Jr (Philadelphia)
In the category of guys that have changed the perception about them, I think Oubre might be the one that can cash in the most this summer. After years of struggling to find his place, he was very good for the Sixers all year and continued that in their first round series as one of the only players outside of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to give anything close to a consistently positive performance. He averaged 13.2 points per game in the postseason and played some good defense, and he should be able to seek out more than another minimum deal this summer.
Andrew Nembhard (Indiana)
It hasn’t been the best defensive series in the second round for Nembhard, who has struggled with the Jalen Brunson assignment. That said, his offensive impact has been important all postseason for Indiana, particularly given Tyrese Haliburton’s struggles to consistently be a scoring threat. Nembhard is averaging 12.7 points and 4.7 assists per game over the Pacers nine contests, and while there have been some lessons to learn defensively from this particular series, he also served as the hero of Game 3, bailing out Haliburton on Indiana’s final possession with a miraculous game-winning three. An honorable mention for the Pacers goes to Aaron Nesmith, who’s worked incredibly hard defensively even in an uneven offensive run, and Ben Sheppard, who’s provided some big lifts as a shooter when they’ve needed them.
Aaron Wiggins (Oklahoma City)
The Thunder go about as deep into their rotation as any team left in the postseason, but they might have to start tightening that up soon, particularly in the backcourt. Josh Giddey minutes have not gone well, and they may soon lean even further on rookie Cason Wallace and third-year man Aaron Wiggins. In their Game 1 win over the Mavs, Wiggins was particularly vital, scoring 16 points off the bench. As that series progresses, they will probably look to redistribute those guard minutes and Wiggins (and Wallace) will have more chances to prove their value as 16-game players.
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