NBC is getting back into the NBA game. As part of the league’s new media rights deal, NBCUniversal came in with a monster bid to get the league’s “B” package, which means that the NBA is returning to a network that it called home for more than 20 years. Also: Roundball Rock is coming back! That’s good as hell.
Anyway, the No. 1 thing that NBC (and Amazon, as well) will need to figure out is its presentation for big games. Yes, the studio show is important, especially if one of the networks can figure out how to get Charles Barkley on board. But as we’ve seen, investing in making sure your broadcast feels like a big deal can go a long way — this was a major gripe we had with ESPN’s presentation of the NBA Finals this past year.
A good announce team can go a long way in this regard. How you define “good” is up to you, because while some folks want a duo that features a play-by-play who stays out of the way while the analyst tells you on the fly everything about the nitty-gritty of basketball, others just want a few people who are having fun and scream when cool things happen. There’s no right answer to what makes a good broadcast booth — well, other than “have Mike Breen involved” — but generally, you can tell when you’re listening to something good when you throw on a game and pay attention.
All of this is to say that NBC appears to have something special with Noah Eagle and Dwyane Wade. The pair are calling the biggest Olympic basketball games together in Paris, and have been fantastic on the few occasions (to this point) that we’ve heard them on the call. There is an obvious chemistry that the two share — I have no idea how much time they put into building up that chemistry in the lead-up to the Olympics, but if you told me they worked hard on it, I’d totally believe you.
Eagle, the son of Ian Eagle, has been a rising star in sports media for quite some time, as he’s called a handful of sports — including basketball for the Los Angeles Clippers’ radio crew — and currently is with NBC doing Big Ten football and basketball. Wade is not perfect as an analyst, as he got a little overzealous in going to his newfound catchphrases over and over (“I know him personally, and his pronouns are he/him”, Bam Adebayo’s name, etc.) during the first USA game. But he’s also brand new to this, so these little quirks that he’s figuring out in real time are all totally fine.
The important thing: It is very clear that both of them love this, and they’re celebrating the athletes and the game of basketball every time they’re on the call. You can go a long way just off of passion as a broadcaster, and both Eagle and Wade have that, along with the crucial mix of the polish of veterans and the breath of fresh air that can only come when you’re new to an audience. Listen to how much fun both of them are clearly having in some of these clips.
To bring this back around to NBC getting NBA media rights starting in 2025, it’s pretty clear to me from listening to these two work together that they should undoubtedly be the No. 1 booth for the network. Mike Tirico, who is good at calling every sport, is apparently in line to take over as the top play-by-play man, while it seems safe to assume that this is serving as Wade’s audition for the top color commentator spot if he wants it.
Don’t get me wrong, a Tirico-Wade booth would be great, but why mess with what’s working? Eagle and Wade are getting one of the biggest stages in sports and knocking it out of the park already, and are showing signs of being the sort of partnership that NBC can (and should) rely on for years. NBC has plenty of time to figure all of this out, and hopefully when they do, they keep this booth together and let it carry them into the future.
With its distinctive twin peaks (resembling the head and back of a camel), Camelback Mountain is a Phoenix landmark and a mainstay for local and visiting hikers. The popular hike offers stunning desert vistas and a challenging climb, but don’t be fooled; the trek to the summit of this 2,706-foot mountain is not easy.
So before you lace up your boots and get on the road to the trailhead, be sure to prepare for what’s ahead – here’s your complete guide.
How To Get To Camelback From Phoenix:
Emily Hart
Camelback Mountain is just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, but before you get into your car and hit the road you’ll need to decide which of the two trailheads to the summit you want to hike – Echo Canyon or Cholla. Echo Canyon has a dedicated parking lot with restrooms and water, but is often packed – so leave early. Cholla Trail is street parking only in designated spots on Invergordon Road.
It’s important to note that parking in both areas are limited and fill up quickly, especially during peak season (October-April). Arrive early or consider using public transportation options so you’re not stuck spending the morning circling for a spot.
Echo Canyon vs. Cholla
Echo Canyon Trail:
Echo Canyon is considered the more challenging of the two trails to the summit of Camelback, with steeper inclines and sections that require some scrambling over large rocks. But after the grueling 1,2312 ft climb to the 2,680 ft summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views encompassing Phoenix and the surrounding desert landscape.
There is very limited shade on this trail, so plan your hike for the cooler morning hours and bring plenty of water, especially during the summer when hiking here can be dangerous.
Length: 2.6 miles round trip Difficulty: Hard
Cholla Trail:
The Cholla Trail is considered the “easier” option for summiting Camelback, but it is still rated as “hard” and is not for the faint of heart. With a slightly more gradual ascent with switchbacks, it is still steep and involves rock scrambling near the summit. Mostly exposed, try to hike outside of the hot mid-day hours – especially in the warmer months – and bring plenty of food and water.
Length: 3 miles round trip Difficulty: Hard
General Tips And Safety Concerns For Both Trails:
Emily Hart
Be Aware Of The Weather:
Phoenix temperatures famously soar, so avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day (on days with excessive heat warnings the trail actually closes from 11am to 5pm). Heat related injuries happen here frequently so keep your eye on the time, temperature and bring plenty of food and water. Also check the forecast for potential rain or high winds, which can make the already sometimes slippery trails more dangerous.
Bring The Right Gear:
You’ll want to wear sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support as both trails are rocky and steep with portions of scrambling. Sunscreen, a sunhat, and sunglasses are also essential. Note that dogs are prohibited on both trails.
Emily Hart
Minimize Your Impact:
As always, remember to respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles – plan ahead and prepare, stay on durable surfaces, pack out all of your trash, leave what you find, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others (hikers ascending have the right of way).
Safety First:
Visitors may underestimate how strenuous Camelback Mountain is due to its popularity, but it’s important to always be honest with yourself about your physical capabilities and choose the trail that best suits your experience level – even if it’s one nearby that is not as strenuous. Always let someone know your planned route and estimated return time, be aware of your surroundings, watch for loose rocks, take as many breaks as needed, and don’t hesitate to turn back if you feel unsafe at any point.
Exploring Other Nearby Hikes
Whether you conquer Camelback or decide you want something more low-key, you are in luck, as Phoenix has an incredibly diverse amount of accessible hiking terrain near the city. Here are some suggestions:
Emily Hart
Tom’s Thumb Trail – McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Just slightly further out of town and Northeast of Scottsdale is the vast McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the popular Tom’s Thumb Trail. At 4 miles out and back it has an elevation gain of 1,217 feet through a series of switchbacks (the first mile can be tough) that lead to incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
Length: 4 miles out and back Difficulty: Moderate
Piestewa Peak — Phoenix Mountain Preserve
This is another challenging hike that offers panoramic city views but a different desert experience compared to Camelback. The trail features steep incline, stairs, and switchbacks before a final push to the summit with stunning vistas.
Length: 2.3 miles Difficulty: Hard
Emily Hart
Wind Cave Trail – Usery Mountain Regional Park
In nearby Mesa, but still within the Phoenix metro, lies Usery Mountain Regional Park. The park is an ideal place for biking and hiking close to town, especially the popular Wind Cave Trail. The hike starts out relatively easy and becomes steeper with some scrambling to reach the “cave” with views of Pheonix.
The Dixie Mountain Loop Trail is longer than the other options, but with just a 967 ft elevation gain, it is not as challenging or steep as Camelback. The trail is teeming with lush plant life and interesting vegetation – be on the lookout for the Teddy Bear Cholla Forest.
Length: 5.1 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Emily Hart
Gateway Loop Trail – McDowell Sonoran Preserve
I love hiking the Gateway Loop Trail at McDowell Sonoran Preserve for expansive desert views and a less elevation gain (721 ft). The trail is rocky, but with an abundance of plant life and wildlife.
Although Drake waved the white flag after Kendrick Lamar’s relentless assault, ASAP Rocky reportedly still has some shots left for him. According to Hot97 DJ Kast One, Rocky hasn’t forgotten the swipes Drake took at him on “Push Ups,” his initial response to Kendrick’s declaration of war on “Like That.”
“I heard A$AP Rocky definitely addressing a lot of the main topics that are happening out there right now,” Kast One told his fellow hosts. “Let’s just say the list keeps going on strong.” After being asked for clarification by Ebro Darden, who wondered if “Rocky is still on Drake’s list,” Kast One confirmed, “Oh, he’s gonna be cemented on the list after this.”
Hot 97 DJ Kast One says ASAP Rocky will be responding to Drake’s “Family Matters” diss on his new album “Don’t Be Dumb”
Ebro- “Rocky is still on Drake’s list?”
Kast- “oh hes gonna be cemented on the list after this…”
Although the two rappers were at one point collaborators and appeared to be good friends, all that changed after ASAP Rocky began dating Rihanna — who Drake also formerly dated — and eventually had two kids with her. Drake seemingly lashed out at his old flame on his For All The Dogs song “Fear Of Heights,” after which, it seemed friendly feelings between him and Rocky two went out the window.
Fans were sure Rocky aimed a line or two at Drake on Kid Cudi’s single “WOW” early this year, followed by another sneaky diss on Metro Boomin and Future’s We Still Don’t Trust You track “Show Of Hands.” If he continues to go in, the beleaguered Drake just might have to call in sick for the rest of the year.
Following the release of “a href=”https://uproxx.com/music/killer-mike-humble-me-2024-grammys-arrest-video/” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Humble Me” earlier this month, Killer Mike has said in a statement, “I had a year to live with Michael, and I realized I had more I wanted to do with this sound before moving on.”
Michael is his previous album, and the statement is regarding a new project: Today (July 29), Mike announced Songs For Sinners & Saints, a fresh album that we won’t have to wait long for, as it’s set to drop this week, on August 2. The project is credited to Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival.
Mike says in a statement, “For me, this is a testimonial. When I was growing up an important part of church service was people having the opportunity to stand up and give public testimony on their trials, tribulations, and triumphs. After the celebratory atmosphere that followed Michael, I was reminded that tribulations never cease, but God is always with me and this is a testimonial of my tumultuous times, my trials, and my continued triumph in spite of doubt, outright hate, and fear. I am here to speak to and with my fellow sinners and Saints.”
Check out the Songs For Sinners & Saints cover art and tracklist below.
Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival’s (Killer Mike) Songs For Sinners & Saints Album Cover Artwork
VLNS/Loma Vista
Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival’s (Killer Mike) Songs For Sinners & Saints Tracklist
1. “Bussin Bricks Intro”
2. “Nobody Knows” Feat. Anthony Hamilton, Jordan Alyssa, Troy Durden, and Adonica Nunn
3. “Humble Me”
4. “Higher Level” Feat. Jori and Adonica Nunn
5. “Exit 9 Scenic Route” Feat Offset, Blxst, Lena Byrd Miles, and Troy Durden
6. “Lord Prepare Me” Feat. Bellygang Kush, Jane Handcock, and Adonica Nunn
7. “Slummer 4 Junkies” Feat. Lena Byrd Miles, Alicia Peters-Jordan, Jori, Adonica Nunn, Jordan Alyssa, and Troy Durden
8. “Had To Go Get It” Feat. Troy Durden
9. “’97 3-6 Freestyle”
10. “Still Talk’n That Sh*t” Feat. Key Glock and Project Pat
Songs For Sinners & Saints is out 8/2 via VLNS/Loma Vista. Find more information here.
Wild Turkey is one of the most well-established bourbon brands on the planet. Obviously, that didn’t happen by accident. Through several changes in ownership and the so-called “Glut Era,” Wild Turkey has a distilling history that traces its roots back to 1855. The brand originally operated as a non-distilling producer as an in-house brand for the wholesale grocer Austin Nichols. Think of it as something like Kirkland Signature Brand spirits that you might see today at your local Costco — wild to consider!
It was Jimmy Russell, a man whose name would become synonymous with Wild Turkey, who navigated the brand through the so-called “Glut Era” of the 70s, 80s, and early 90s by introducing innovative products like Wild Turkey Liqueur and tapping the emerging Asian market to help Wild Turkey remain afloat while American whiskey sales declined domestically.
By 1981, Wild Turkey had another eventual Master Distiller, Jimmy’s son Eddie Russell, who began working for the brand that year. Fast-forward to 2015, when Eddie Russell was promoted from Associate Master Distiller to co-master Distiller alongside his dad, Jimmy. 2015 was also the year that Wild Turkey’s current Master Blender, Eddie’s son Bruce, began working for the brand, marking a third generation of the Russell family to help steer the ship. So it’s pretty much impossible to overlook the impact that Jimmy, Eddie, and now Bruce have had on what makes the brand special today. When you stop and think about the fact that it’s been 55 years since a single drop of Wild Turkey bourbon was distilled by anyone other than the Russell family, you truly get a sense of how important they’ve been to the Wild Turkey story.
Now that you’ve taken the history course Wild Turkey 101 let’s dive into the whiskey and rank every Wild Turkey whiskey available in 2024 to crown the best!
This entry-level 81-proof offering, Wild Turkey Rye, is a relatively new expression, launched in 2012.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Faint indications of Honey Grahams and mint are evident on the nose, with little else standing out. There are also some subtle notes of caramel and sage.
Palate: On the palate, this whiskey comes across as thin, with honey, mint, and graham crackers doing the majority of heavy lifting on the flavor front, while accents of nutmeg and youthful oak are also present.
Finish: The finish on this whiskey is light, almost refreshing, as the thin mouthfeel quickly dissipates from the palate, leaving a touch of white pepper and mint in its wake.
Bottom Line:
At the risk of sounding like a proof hound, I can’t get into Wild Turkey Rye’s washed-out flavor profile. One finds oneself grasping at the outlines of flavor more so than actively enjoying what’s in the glass. Light mint, dilute honey, and some nondescript nutty notes may catch your attention, but this whiskey’s low proof won’t hold it for long. Seek out 101 Rye for a considerably more enjoyable experience.
Wild Turkey 81-proof Bourbon is the brand’s flagship expression. While it’s the most affordable bourbon in Wild Turkey’s portfolio, the expression was only just launched in 2011 to replace the brand’s 80-proof offering.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on Wild Turkey Bourbon is full of apple chips, graham crackers, and dilute caramel. It’s not particularly engrossing, but Wild Turkey’s DNA is faintly evident.
Palate: On the palate, this bourbon is expectedly lean, but it does have some distinct flavor notes like dried apples, custard, and graham cracker while a faint touch of black pepper perks up at midpalate.
Finish: On the finish, Wild Turkey’s 81-proof bourbon introduces a touch of oak before tapering off succinctly.
Bottom Line:
With one proof point up on whiskey’s legal low-end limit of 40% ABV, Wild Turkey Bourbon does bring slightly more flavor than one would expect. While the texture and brief finish expose this bourbon’s low proof, the flavor outline can be detected with a little searching. Though, frankly, for a comparable price, I would advise springing for Wild Turkey 101, even for beginners.
Wild Turkey’s Longbranch expression is perhaps the biggest oddity in their brand portfolio as it features traditional Wild Turkey whiskey that is then “refined with Texas Mesquite and oak charcoals.” This expression was originally launched back in 2018.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose has chunks of toffee to go with faintly mesquite notes, allspice, and maple candy. Overall it’s sweet, but not cloyingly so, and inviting.
Palate: On the palate, the allspice comes through with salted caramel, vanilla, and youthful oak. The mouthfeel is surprisingly thin, which is a slight detriment to the moderately well-developed flavors, but they still come together nicely.
Finish: The finish is rather short, but that’s not an entirely unfavorable development, as the brief finish still allows plenty of room for the flavors to unfurl and encourages repeat sips of this approachable pour.
Bottom Line:
Longbranch represents one of the more significant risks from Wild Turkey; it’s undoubtedly the biggest risk they’ve taken since Jimmy Russell created American Liqueur four decades ago. Frankly, that risk has borne one tasty reward, as Longbranch is a tasty sipping whiskey that carries enough refinement and additional flavor to work really well in spirits-led cocktails. It’s also an invitingly sweet whiskey that will surely bring more casual sippers into the Wild Turkey tent — and that’s key.
Wild Turkey 101 Rye has been a staple of the brand since the 1950s, but only since about 1974 has the expression been produced exclusively by Wild Turkey in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on Wild Turkey 101 Rye is light and full of rye spice, honeyed mint tea, cornbread, and black pepper.
Palate: When it first passes your lips, Wild Turkey 101 Rye is impressively multi-layered with faint hazelnut notes and significant mint spice, pairing well with clover honey, soft oak tones, nutmeg, and cornbread. The mouthfeel is substantive enough to send those flavors sprawling across the entirety of your tongue and the roof of your mouth but restrained enough that it keeps all of those notes in check, making for a sipping experience that hews toward being refreshing rather than contemplative.
Finish: The finish on 101 Rye has a fair bit of staying power, as the flavor of honey clings to the palate along with some white pepper and youthful oak that tapers off quickly but leaves a satisfying impression.
Bottom Line:
Wild Turkey 101 Rye is a bartender’s best friend. It isn’t overly proofy, which grants it the ability to enhance cocktails without dominating them, but it’s still packed with flavor, allowing the base spirit to stand tall. When sipping this expression neat, you’ll really be able to appreciate the balance it brings to the table, as well as the streamlined but still multi-layered flavor profile.
First introduced in 2006, Russell’s Reserve 6-Year-Old Rye was the inaugural member of the Russell’s Reserve rye lineup.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Russell’s Reserve Rye carries an interesting display of citrus fruit, mint, and spice on the nose, with gentle black pepper and sage taking the lead while lemon zest and apricots come in more forcefully on the back end.
Palate: On the palate, the whiskey reverses course with citrus and jammy apricot notes fusing with a touch of dilute honey before sage and black pepper blossom in the middle of the palate. The mint rises prominently as each sip transitions to the finish.
Finish: The lemon zest on the palate morphs into more of a clementine on the medium-length finish as the black pepper is dialed up in concert with some gentle barrel tones before fading.
Bottom Line:
Russell’s Reserve 6-Year Rye is remarkably versatile, well suited for neat sipping, but with enough depth to be well-equipped for cocktails that require a strong citrus presence. This is a bar cart rye for sure, and it should be a workhorse in your home collection.
Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon is not only the most classic expression in the brand’s lineup, it’s one of the most iconic bourbons in America. Wild Turkey’s signature 101-proof designation was first formulated in the 1940s by Austin, Nichols & Co. executive Thomas McCarthy.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this whiskey encapsulates what Wild Turkey is all about. There’s a lovely dusting of baking spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove resting atop stone fruits like stewed red apples, bruised peaches, and a faint dose of caramel and oak.
Palate: On the palate, Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon offers a familiar range of flavors, from apple chips, cinnamon bark, and oak to vanilla extract, nutmeg, and clove. The mouthfeel is intriguing, maintaining enough grip on the palate to heighten the impact of the various baking spices but enough give for the fruit-forward flavors to strut their stuff.
Finish: The finish is where black pepper flares up, along with a more forceful impression of the oak and clove notes. It’s a short-to-medium finish that pairs well with the flavor profile, giving the impression that this blend is perfectly proofed.
Bottom Line:
A classic that deserves plenty of credit as an intro bourbon to millions of now-aficionados.
Rusell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye, introduced in 2015, was the brainchild of Eddie Russell in the same year that his son Bruce joined the brand. While the expression was briefly offered as an option for private barrel clients, with less than ten ever being made available, today it is the only single barrel expression in the Russell’s Reserve lineup that isn’t in the single barrel program.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Ginger cookies, star anise, nutmeg, and rye spice greet the nose at first. While all of the aromas are distinct, they also come across as fairly tame.
Palate: Once this moderately viscous liquid hits your lips, ginger cookie, and rye spice notes take hold of your palate while a touch of mint and potting soil creep in from behind that wave of sweetness. Some orange essential oil and clove begin to bloom at midpalate, along with a touch of young oak and black pepper.
Finish: The finish is the biggest knock on this whiskey, as it falls a bit flat, and because of its brevity, some of the substantive flavors on the palate don’t have the runway to develop fully.
Bottom Line:
While Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye is a marked improvement over its six-year predecessor, it’s also somewhat uneven. With some big and intriguing flavors, this whiskey is a much better option for sipping neat than in a cocktail, but even with its drawbacks, it is a tasty treat.
Russell’s Reserve’s 10-Year Bourbon was initially released in 2001 as an age-stated, 101-proof expression. In 2005, much to the chagrin of Wild Turkey fans, the ABV was brought down to its current level, making this a 90-proof expression.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on Russell’s Reserve 10-Year-Old Bourbon contains varying vanillas, from ice cream to vanilla extract. There are also pastry notes and the aroma of brioche buns, along with a touch of salted caramel, warm oak, and fresh nutmeg.
Palate: The palate on Russell’s Reserve 10-Year Bourbon is distinctly earthy at first, with toasted walnuts, apple leather, and mature oak leading the charge. As you chew the bourbon, you’ll notice that those notes grow in prominence with the oak and walnut flavors outpacing the restrained fruitiness and baking spices like clove and cinnamon become more pronounced. The mouthfeel is middle of the road, which serves well to carry all of those earthy flavors without being overly slick and distracting from them.
Finish: The finish is marked by more vanilla tones, think vanilla pod more so than vanilla extract, and there’s more hazelnut flavor to be discovered alongside oak and red apple skin. It’s a medium-length finish that works well because it fades before that mature oak begins to dry out the back of your palate.
Bottom Line:
Russell’s Reserve 10-Year-Old Bourbon is one of the best values in American whiskey, offering a well-aged expression at an affordable price that also happens to be one of the better offerings in an iconic legacy brand’s lineup.
Originally launched in 1994, Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit was Jimmy Russell’s not-so-subtle response to the popularity of another ornately designed single-barrel bourbon bottle: Blanton’s. While the contemporary bottle of Kentucky Spirit is streamlined and comes in the same package as Rare Breed, the liquid inside is a single-barrel version of Wild Turkey Bourbon at 101 proof.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on Kentucky Spirit begins gently with honey and graham cracker before holiday spices, apricots, and nutmeg begin to emerge.
Palate: On the palate, the apricot, nutmeg, and graham cracker notes make the first impression, while black pepper and dried cranberries join the party soon after. The mouthfeel is lean but exceedingly enjoyable, and pops of baking spices accent the overall experience.
Finish: The finish welcomes the inclusion of cooked red apple notes along with some vanilla pods before succinctly tapering off in a crescendo of gentle oak tones.
Bottom Line:
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit is perhaps the most highly underrated expression from this highly underrated brand. Showcasing single barrels of Wild Turkey’s iconic 101 proof bourbon really allows you to experience its signature flavor profile while also highlighting the subtle variations that can elevate Wild Turkey whiskey to being among the best in America.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye directly reflects Wild Turkey’s burgeoning commitment to making some of the best rye whiskey on the planet. Officially launched in 2020, Rare Breed Rye is a barrel-proof, non-chill filtered blend of ryes.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Rye spice, sorghum, chocolate truffle dust, and orange buttercream fill the air once this whiskey leaves the bottle and enters the glass. There’s lots of ginger and nutmeg, adding depth to the overall aroma profile, along with touches of crème brûlée and floral notes.
Palate: Waves of orange buttercream spill over the palate, carried by the whiskey’s oily texture. Some well-developed milk chocolate notes introduce a darker sweetness at midpalate to contrast with the citrus quality at the tip of the tongue, along with some freshly cracked black pepper and clove.
Finish: Rising spice is very prominent on the finish, which has a medium length before being curtailed by chocolate truffle dust and fresh mint.
Bottom Line:
Rare Breed Rye is a rich, multi-layered whiskey that deftly balances dark sweetness like chocolate truffle dust with a touch of hazelnut and juicy citrus notes that cut through the density. As a high-proof, readily available whiskey this is an unequivocal win for Wild Turkey rye fans.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel was first launched in 2013 on the heels of Wild Turkey’s success with Russell’s Reserve Small Batch. Non-chill filtered and always proofed to 55% ABV this release features both a general release and private barrel selections.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is full of rich oak tones as a touch of leather, and cooked apples come wafting out of the glass. There’s a touch of almond extract and an underlying tone of caramel that also adds to the nuance.
Palate: Dancing across the palate at first are the cooked apple and oak notes with vanilla extract and white pepper accents making their presence known at the tip of the tongue. The mouthfeel isn’t overly viscous, allowing the light flavor profile to swiftly find all corners of the palate.
Finish: The finish is medium length and closes with touches of brioche bun, honey, and baking spices like black pepper and nutmeg.
Bottom Line:
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon is such an incredible value that it feels like a crime to sing its praises to those who haven’t already been initiated into the Wild Turkey cult. That said, it’s just as difficult to keep its superlative quality a secret thanks to its relative ubiquity, rich, oak-led flavor profile, and signature Turkey kick. Private barrels of Russell’s Reserve deserve a much higher place on this list, as that’s where deviations from the norm can truly hang with the best bourbon in the world, but these off-the-shelf offerings, which tend to take a tamer tack, deserve your attention as well.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed was initially introduced as Wild Turkey’s (really Jimmy Russell’s) response to the launch of Jim Beam’s Booker’s. Launched at a time when high-proof bourbon was less en vogue, it reflects Jimmy’s prescience in predicting the market’s future.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Honeysuckle, bright red cherries, and cinnamon rolls delight the senses once Rare Breed tumbles into your glass. Given some time to sit, you’ll find well-aged oak, clove, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and toasted almonds all elevate the aroma profile of this bourbon.
Palate: The flavors in this bourbon are rich and well-developed, with each of the nosing notes coming through on the palate. Those flavors are bolstered by a bit of cooked apple and pie shell for a robust yet clearly defined cavalcade of notes with a spry texture that deceptively coats your palate after several sips.
Finish: Lengthy and lingering, the finish on Rare Breed is balanced and delicious as it deftly combines sweetness and spice — leaving you wondering which one will last the longest. The answer is typically the spice.
Bottom Line:
Rare Breed is frequently cited as a limited edition whiskey hiding in plain sight, and that reputation is well earned. With a flavor profile that brings an abundance of red berries, vanilla, and baking spice, Wild Turkey Rare Breed has an enchanting combination of mature flavor, delicate balance, and stern force that makes it a world beater.
Only the second rye to be featured in Wild Turkey’s Master’s Keep series, Triumph is the 9th edition from the brand. Also of note, Triumph is the oldest age-stated rye ever to be released by the distillery.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Stone fruits and a deep Manuka honey sweetness fuse with allspice, rye notes, and subtle wet tobacco leaf aromas on this nuanced whiskey. A slight petrichor note adds intrigue on top of further aromas of peach cobbler, clove, and cinnamon bark.
Palate: The deep honey notes continue on the palate and meld well with subtle mint and rye spice as tobacco leaves and fresh white pepper emerge at midpalate. The mouthfeel is slick and gently coats your palate with a touch of leather and well-aged oak tones taking root just before the transition to the finish. It’s an intriguing experience as this rye whiskey simultaneously drinks above its proof on the back end while remaining pleasant on the front end.
Finish: The medium-length finish is juicy and full of stone fruit like white peach, nutmeg, and leather.
Bottom Line:
The Master’s Keep lineup’s second rye isn’t as bold as 2019’s Cornerstone, which saw a blend of 9 and 11-year-old barrels clash and conclude with an extremely long finish. Instead, this year’s Triumph is a masterclass in harmony. By showcasing a bevy of approachable flavors cast over a bed of boldness, Master’s Keep Triumph is the best rye whiskey Wild Turkey has ever released.
Russell’s Reserve 13 first hit the market with a big splash in 2021. In the three years since its debut, there have been several other batches of the critically acclaimed release to hit the market, but 2024 marks the first year it won’t be released since its inception. Russell’s Reserve 15 will be taking its place on liquor store shelves this year.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Sticky toffee, pastry dough, and oak come wafting out of the glass at first, along with a touch of cherry, clove, and candied walnuts.
Palate: Bright cherry notes fuse with vanilla ice cream and an underlying oak tone that pulsates over the palate. On the second sip, the cherry note vacillates between a rich cocktail cherry and a slightly medicinal Luden’s cough drop note that is thankfully washed away by the splendid vanilla tones along with touches of clove and a faintly vegetal aspect that appears at midpalate with a dash of black pepper.
Finish: The finish is full of that mature oak note that hangs over the rest of this pour as it grips your palate for a long time.
Bottom Line:
Russell’s Reserve 13 is one of the most cask-driven whiskeys in Wild Turkey’s entire portfolio, resulting in a delicious, full-bodied pour. With some bright cherry sweetness and vanilla ice cream flavors to offset the heavy influence of oak, this bourbon takes Wild Turkey’s typically spice-laden flavor profile and smooths out the edges.
Wild Turkey Generations is perhaps the most unique whiskey ever released by the distillery because it marks the first time Jimmy, Eddie, and Bruce Russell have collaborated on a single expression. This mingling of 9, 12, 14, and 15-year-old bourbons is non-chill filtered to optimize flavor.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this whiskey will immediately stop you in your tracks. It comes together in a transfixing symphony full of intriguing flourishes like savory cooked dates, orange peel, black cherry syrup, and vanilla frosting.
Palate: Once on the palate, black pepper, orange buttercream, and candied ginger rush to coat the tongue courtesy of the liquid’s enjoyably viscous texture. Crème brûlée sweetness rises then swiftly recedes at midpalate before introducing honey, cayenne, and black cherry notes, which blossom from a bed of oak that gives the faintest indication of barrel char.
Finish: With rising baking spices on the finish, it extends on the palate for a long time, unfurling even more black cherry sweetness before gently fading away.
Bottom Line:
For this once-in-a-lifetime whiskey, Wild Turkey does everything right. The surprising medley of flavors found in Generations marks the furthest deviation from Wild Turkey’s typical flavor profile, but despite the high bar each of their other whiskeys clears, that’s okay! Come for the story, but stay for modern history’s most singular Wild Turkey whiskey.
2. Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson F
Inspired by the unique maturation conditions that can arise from the differences among rickhouses, Wild Turkey launched their Single Rickhouse series in 2022. For the follow-up to their inaugural release, highlighting Camp Nelson F, the brand continues to highlight its Camp Nelson aging location, turning their attention to Rickhouse F.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: There’s a ton of caramel and pastry notes on the nose, which give way to a healthy scoop of vanilla ice cream, bright red cherry, and sumptuous clove accents. This nose is simply irresistible to any bourbon fanatic; I dare you to pull away from the glass. The only reason I can find to do so is to go in for a sip…
Palate: Black cherry, cedar, and caramel come splashing over the palate, with a bit of nougat and nutmeg riding the wave as well.
Finish: Mature oak, leather, and black cherry are all particularly prominent on the finish, which is slightly drying but hangs around for a remarkably long time, warming the back of the throat and introducing black pepper baking spice before slowly fading away.
Bottom Line:
Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson F is an absolutely stunning bourbon that will cause any whiskey fan to pause upon first trying it. The flavors are rich, but what’s most striking is the balance it displays, coating your tongue in equal measure with caramel, oak, and brandied black cherries for a bourbon that doesn’t tread new ground — but rather plays all of the classics with extreme gusto.
Russell’s Reserve 15-Year-Old Bourbon is the latest limited release from Wild Turkey. Launched in spring 2024, Russell’s Reserve 15 is the oldest whiskey featured in the Russell’s Reserve lineup to date.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The aroma of dark chocolate, leather, and gooey gobs of black cocktail cherries fills the air around the glass as this liquid sits. Chunks of peanut butter brittle and clove bolster those notes. Each of those aromas is really rich and contains considerable depth, making for an incredibly enchanting nosing experience.
Palate: This whiskey greets the palate with a delicious splash of milk chocolate and black cherry sweetness, which does a fine job of obfuscating a streak of leather that adds depth to each sip. There’s clove and black pepper spice, sure, but those notes are held in check and fuse with the rich oak note at midpalate, which holds all of the disparate parts together.
Finish: For its closing act, Russell’s Reserve 15 lavishes your palate with a final flourish of dark chocolate, dense oak, and a turn toward vanilla extract. The flavors all work well in concert with one another, and the finish hangs on your palate for a remarkably long time.
Bottom Line:
While Russell’s Reserve 13 was my previous benchmark for how good modern Wild Turkey can be, this year’s Russell’s Reserve 15 has catapulted past that expression, and all others for that matter. This is decadent, dense bourbon that sits on your palate with impressive balance and mines a depth of flavor that most other expressions can only dream of. It delivers a well-rounded sipping experience that is on par with its equally rich asking price. Simply put, Russell’s Reserve 15 isn’t just the best Wild Turkey whiskey on the shelf; it might just be the best bourbon of the year.
It’s been well over a year since a new episode of 9-1-1: Lone Star was released, and if you’re a big fan like me, you’ve been itching for a thrilling new episode. FOX previously confirmed that the show’s fifth season would return for the 2024-2025 broadcast season after a hiatus last year, so it’s only a matter of time until new episodes are out. Thankfully, we finally have a new premiere date for 9-1-1: Lone Star season.
The new season is just under two months away, so with that being said, let’s get you up to speed with everything you need to know heading into 9-1-1: Lone Star season five.
Release Date
After over a year and a half without a new episode, FOX finally shared the premiere date for 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5. New episodes of the show will return on Monday, September 23 at 8pm EST. It’s great news for the show that was forced to take a hiatus during the 2023-2024 broadcast season due to the writers and actors strikes.
Cast
Get ready for some cast changes in season five of 9-1-1: Lone Star. For starters, we know that Benito Martinez, who played Gabriel Reyes (Carlos’ father), will not appear in the new season as he was killed off last season. In more surprising news, it was revealed that Sierra McClain, who plays Grace Ryder, will not return for season five. Her departure came as a result of renegotiation issues with 20th Television. Once the actor and writer strikes concluded, actors from the show were told that there would be no renegotiations, but they were offered extra compensation that Deadline described as bonuses. After some back and forth between 20th Television and McClain’s reps, it was ultimately decided that the two sides would part ways.
With that being said, here’s the cast list you can expect for 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5:
Jackson Pace as Wyatt Harris (Judd’s son from a one-night stand he had before meeting Grace)
Robyn Lively as Marlene Harris(Judd’s mother)
Neal McDonough as Sgt. Ty O’Brien (Austin PD Sergeant First Grade)
D. B. Woodside as Trevor (Pastor and Tommy’s new love interest)
Michaela McManus as Kendra Harrington (Owen’s most recent love interest)
Amanda Payton as Jasmine Asha Fulton (AFD Department Advocate at the 126 & Paul’s girlfriend)
Andy Favreau as Pearce Risher
Chad Lowe as Robert Strand (Owen’s brother who has Huntington’s disease)
Plot
We’re still waiting on an official synopsis from FOX for 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5, but in the meantime, you can expect the same dramatic and thrilling emergencies and rescue missions from your favorite firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers in Austin, Texas. We do know that season five will begin with a three-episode train derailment. Robe Lowe teased details about the episode in an episode with TV Insider. “The scale and spectacle of the train derailment and the arduousness of shooting it. I mean, I love it,” Lowe said. “I find it really challenging. I love the challenge of it, but it is a brutal, backbreaking grind and I’m like, ‘Yeah, I can do that. Let’s go. I turn 60, let’s f**king go.’ Do you know what I mean? I get off on it, and so the more painful, the crawling, the smoke, the carnage, it’s really fun.”
Elsewhere in season five, viewers will catch up with TK and Carlos’ lives as newly-weds, as well as the latter’s continued investigation into his father’s murder. Owen will be grieving the death of his brother Robert, who passed away by assisted suicide after a battle with Huntington’s disease. Tommy and Trevor’s romance will most likely continue as will Nancy and Grace’s. On the flip side, Judd and Grace’s relationship status is in the air since now that we know the latter will not return for season five.
Trailer
An official teaser or trailer for season five on 9-1-1: Lone Star has yet to be released. Fans can expect it to arrive in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for that as we head into the new season.
9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5 Schedule
Deadline previously reported that season five of 9-1-1: Lone Star will have a total of 12 episodes. With the season premiere set for September 23, here’s the expected release schedule for new episodes:
Episode 1: September 23
Episode 2: September 30
Episode 3: October 7
Episode 4: October 14
Episode 5: October 21
Episode 6: October 28
Episode 7: November 4
Episode 8: November 11
Episode 9: November 18
Episode 10: November 25
Episode 11: December 2
Episode 12: December 9
How To Watch 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5
9-1-1: Lone Star will release episodes weekly on Mondays at 8pm EST/7pm CST on FOX. Each new episode will then be available to watch on Hulu the following day at 3am EST/12am PST.
‘9-1-1: Lone Star’ season 5 is set to premiere on September 23 at 8pm EST/7pm CST on FOX. Seasons 1-4 are currently streaming on Hulu.
If you’re an NBA fan who spends some time watching men’s beach volleyball during the Paris Olympics, you may notice a familiar face wearing the red, white, and blue. The United States, which has not won a medal in men’s beach volleyball since 2008, is going into battle this year with 36-year-old Chase Budinger on one of the two teams that qualified for the competition.
Basketball fans will remember Budinger as a hyper-athletic wing who went in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft after a productive career at Arizona. He suited up for four teams in his NBA career — Houston, Minnesota, Indiana, and Phoenix — before spending a season with Spanish side Baskonia. And one of the high points of his basketball playing career highlighted his remarkable athleticism, as he nearly won the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest.
Budinger retired in 2017, but instead of ending his athletic career altogether, he decided to become a professional volleyball player. A California native and the national player of the year as a senior at La Costa Canyon High School, Budinger had the pedigree to return to the sport, but it’s still not something you see every day.
“I kind of wanted to enjoy being home and enjoy not traveling as much. And there was just a lot of little aspects of my life during that time where I wanted to mostly just stay,” Budinger told Anthony Gharib of ESPN. “That’s ultimately why I switched sports. … I kind of just wanted a different lifestyle change.”
After making his debut on the AVP tour in 2018, Budinger has managed to establish himself as one of the best beach volleyball players in the United States — FIVB has the team of Budinger and Miles Evans ranked as the 13th-best men’s beach volleyball tandem in the world. And back in June, it was announced that Budinger and Evans were one of the two teams that the U.S. would send to Paris as part of its men’s volleyball contingent.
Budinger and Evans have three games in group play on July 29, July 30, and August 2. For information on how to watch, click here.
A’ja Wilson had just finished Team USA practice ahead of the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game and rushed to the Phoenix Convention Center. She wore black cargo pants — A’ja-ified by her stylist, who cut off one leg to mimic the one leg sleeve Wilson wears while playing — and a necklace with her A’One logo. She politely asked for a mini fan to set on her chair, but not because she’s a diva. “Sorry, I’m exhausted,” Wilson said.
How could she not be?
Wilson’s Las Vegas Aces are reigning back-to-back champions and, at 16-8, have a three-peat within grasp. During the offseason, Wilson became an instant New York Times best-selling author with “Dear Black Girls” and had Tom Brady gushing about her for the Time 2024 Most Influential People list. Once the 2024 WNBA season began in May, Wilson showed she had yet another gear of greatness.
Wilson leads the WNBA in points per game (27.2), rebounds per game (12), and blocks per game (2.9). The six-time All-Star, two-time WNBA MVP, and two-time Defensive Player Of The Year set the WNBA all-time record for most consecutive 25-point regular-season games (eight) and had six straight such games entering the All-Star break. Although, 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend was not a break.
Between preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics with Team USA, Wilson made time for the fans at Starry’s activation for WNBA Live in the Phoenix Convention Center. She was then courtside to support her peers at the 2024 Starry 3-Point Contest and Kia Skills Challenge.
“Starry just hits different when it comes to just wanting to uplift others and making sure that we’re seen,” the 2018 No. 1 overall pick said. “As an athlete, particularly as a woman in basketball, it’s kind of hard to be seen, in some cases. But Starry invests in me, and I’m always happy that I can be there.”
Through it all, Wilson oozed more charisma than even her 6’4 frame could hope to contain. She sat down with DIME to discuss her upcoming Nike A’One signature shoe, her Finding Nemo handshake with Aces rookie Kate Martin, and the possibility of leading the Aces to a three-peat during her most excellent season yet.
I love how you own your pettiness because we are all petty. It’s just a matter of who admits it and who doesn’t.
[Laughs] For sure.
This spring, when the timeline was blowing up with complaints that you didn’t have a Nike signature shoe, did you have to fight urges to be petty because you knew that they didn’t know what you had coming in the A’One?
One hundred percent. I feel like keeping my shoe in was probably the hardest secret I had to keep. Particularly because it was so many people that had something to say, and sometimes, people just swear that they know everything, and they don’t. And so, it was very hard for me to keep my inner pettiness in because I wanted to tell people off every single time. But what is delayed is not denied, and I was so glad that I was able to showcase it the way that I wanted to showcase it. Everyone can now understand that, yes, there’s a shoe coming in 2025.
Celebrating them. I feel like celebrating them either as words of affirmation or just making sure that they know that they’re not alone. I think that’s the biggest message that I continue to push to them is knowing that we all are fighting battles. It’s a little hard coming into work some days because you’ve just not got it. Life be lifin’. But at the end of the day, knowing that I always have their backs, knowing that I need the best out of them, no matter what, and I don’t care if that’s on the basketball court or just as a person and as a character. That’s something that I really like to voice, so they stick with me through the highs and lows — the cuss-outs and the soft talks. That’s what makes us who we are.
What is your favorite characteristic of the Aces this season?
Oh, man. Our fight through adversity, I feel like that normally comes in the Septembers and Octobers, but we had to fight our way through in May, and I think I never saw that out of our team before. That was the biggest characteristic that I saw. I was like, ‘Oh no, we got some fight in us early,’ and I never seen that before.
Would you rather have a pretty bucket or a physical bucket?
[Laughs] I don’t know. I always forget how young Kate is, so I really didn’t know if she knew Finding Nemo. It’s weird because some of these 2000s babies don’t have a clue about some things. And it’s funny. It came across my timeline one time, and I was just like, I love this handshake. Let’s do it. And Kate is someone on the team that is always down for a good time, and I love her for that. She respects it, and I respect her for that. That’s when we dove into it, and then it just started growing. We didn’t think people were going to catch onto it, so it was pretty cool.
What has been your favorite random spotting of your signature one leg sleeve?
It’s funny. My agent, actually — I don’t know if she was watching a college game or an AAU game, but she took a picture, and literally, nine out of the 10 players on the court had one leg sleeve. I was just like, wow, that is amazing. Coming from me, who wore that leg sleeve in training camp because my leg was literally not working. For legit reasons. Now, it is just being an aesthetic and something that people just kind of rock with because it’s cute. That moment I was like, Oh, wow, this is real.
You are penning a masterpiece this season. What is allowing you to play so freely?
I feel like it’s just one of those things where — it’s actually my phone’s screensaver. Kobe [Bryant] said, “Rest at the end, not in the middle.” And that is something that I really approached this year with. I kind of had a chip on my shoulder. When I got that fourth-place vote [for 2023 WNBA MVP], I was like, ‘Oh, I have work to do.’ I just keep telling myself, “Rest at the end, not in the middle.” I just keep playing, and I keep pushing through. Trying to push through these walls, so that I can push through ’em for my teammates so they know that they can push through ’em. That’s what’s making me play at this level, and I’m having so much fun doing it.
The trick of that is you’re a world-class competitor, so I’m presuming that there will never be the end. You will always be in the middle.
Exactly. Always. It’s kind of reverse psychology. I’m telling myself there’s an end, but I’m like, nah.
You’ve experienced the sweet sensation of becoming a champion more than most people, but would a three-peat be different?
A three-peat probably would be different because that’s rare. It’s not a lot of three-peat teams out here, so just to have our name in that space, it would definitely hit different.
Here’s another random question. What is a small thing that recently reminded you of your grandmother? I love the story you tell about your statue on the University of South Carolina campus, and it’s extra significant because your grandmother wasn’t allowed to walk on the same campus once upon a time.
Actually, when I was putting on my clothes today. I was putting on my clothes, and my grandma was always like, ‘Pack some underwear.’ She always packed up these little things that you’re going to need, and I’ve been rushing all day. I was like, ‘Where is my underwear?!’ And then I realized I packed some. It was one of those moments where I’m like, ‘Ah, my grandma’s always looking out for me.’
You’re packing for the Olympics, and in the spirit of the 2024 Paris Olympics, what is your “Hang It In The Louvre” moment? A snapshot from your basketball life that you would like to be displayed and preserved forever?
That’s a good one. I think actually Nike probably used it. It was a shot of me during my 53-point game [last August], and it was just me doing a layup. I was just like, Ooh, hang it! Hang it! That is beautiful.
It’s been a strong year for horror, and it’s not even spooky season yet. 2024 has seen the release of Late Night With the Devil, Immaculate, Abigail, Longlegs, The First Omen, Oddity, and In A Violent Nature, which turned a clever premise — what if a slasher movie was from the POV of the killer? — and an endorsement from Stephen King into a strong box office performance.
Strong enough to earn a sequel, in fact.
IFC Films and Shudder announced that a sequel for In a Violent Nature is in the “early stages of development,” according to Variety. “The news came during the ‘The Bold Voice of Contemporary Horror’ panel at San Diego Comic-Con, where Johnny himself stopped by to freak out the audience.” (Johnny is the name of the killer, although it would be funny if some random guy named Johnny showed up and started weirding people out.)
“In a Violent Nature demonstrated that there continues to be a yearning for new perspectives in the horror landscape,” AMC Film Group head Scott Shooman said in a statement. “We knew immediately that this distinctive take on the slasher would enthrall fans and are glad to see the community embrace a new slasher icon in Johnny. With the sequel, we aim to prove that Johnny can be bigger, meaner, and his kills can only get more impressive.”
This time, he walks even slower!
In a Violent Nature 2 does not currently have a release date.
The Summer Olympics officially began on Friday. Over the last few days, we’ve gotten a chance to watch some of the very best athletes in the world do their thing, and it’s been a reminder that few things are better than when the world comes together once every four years to celebrate the best of the best as they compete at the highest level.
In 2024, 32 sports are going to be on the bill, including an Olympic debutant in breaking. Watching a sport at the Olympics is obviously special, as you’re watching the very best athletes in that sport raise their games just a little bit more, but there are some that end up being appointment television. To celebrate that, we looked at the 10 best sports that you can watch at the Summer Olympics.
10. Rugby
Watching rugby is usually pretty cool, but watching rugby sevens at the Olympics really rocks. The games are lightning quick, the players are flying around because of how fine the margins can be, and few things are better than when a rugby player gets that little bit of daylight and takes off. An example:
I am incredibly biased, but watching the American women roll through the rest of the world always rocks. Plus, the addition of 3×3 means there’s something new and interesting, and the American edge in the sport isn’t as pronounced there — the women narrowly won gold in 2020, while the men didn’t even qualify. Add in that the rest of the world is rapidly catching up to the U.S. in the men’s competition, and basketball at the Olympics really has to be on this list.
8. Water Polo
Have you ever spoken to someone who plays (or played) water polo? Every time I have, they make it sound like the least enjoyable experience of all time. “Yeah, the opponents are basically trying to drown you, and you get punched underneath the surface of the water, and you get cut up by people, and also you’re doing an insane amount of high-intensity swimming.” Anyway, it’s very fun to watch and incredibly intense.
7. Volleyball
Both beach and indoor volleyball go in here. Indoor volleyball is obviously very cool, it’s so fast and watching how high volleyball players jump never ceases to amaze me. Beach feels like a completely different sport, as the athletes somehow overcome how hard running and jumping on sand can be to outlast another team of two people.
6. Handball
I have no idea why handball isn’t more popular, since it’s basically water polo on land mixed with basketball. It’s cool as hell, and every Olympics, I go in not knowing anything and get so compelled by how much fun the game is that I make it a point to learn as much as I can before group play ends. This is a crucial aspect of the experience of watching any sport that you don’t usually watch at the Olympics.
5. Women’s Soccer
Women’s soccer and not soccer in general is an important caveat here, because the men’s tournament has an age limit on its players (u-23s, along with three overage players, which means you get a few well-known players, but nothing like the World Cup). The women’s tournament, however, does not have this limitation, meaning everyone is bringing their big guns and you get some absolutely incredible football. There’s tension and stakes that always exist during a major soccer tournament — one of the best sporting events I’ve ever seen was a USWNT vs. Canada game at the 2012 Olympics — on top of the obvious levels of quality that come from bringing the very best players in the world.
4. Wrestling
There’s no better battle of wills at the Olympics than wrestling, whether it’s freestyle or Greco-Roman. It’s a 1-on-1 sport, it’s intense as all hell, and there’s so much variety in how you experience it based on weight classes and how wrestlers approach each opponent — some try to accrue as many points as possible, others believe their best chance to win involves getting a single takedown and then playing defense for the remainder of the match.
3. Artistic Gymnastics
In my eyes, the top-3 are all interchangeable based on the year — sometimes, there is nothing better at the Olympics than watching gymnastics, other times, the sports I put over it are better. Regardless, gymnastics rocks, as the drama that comes from one athlete setting the bar in a given event and everyone else having to try and clear it never fails to disappoint. Plus the sheer amount of variety that you get from one event to the next is really compelling, particularly when the buzz fills the arena because someone who is especially good at, like, vault is about to go.
2. Swimming
If I was going totally off of personal preference, swimming would be my No. 1 by some distance, because I was in high school when this happened, and all of us place an outsized emphasis on stuff that happened when we were in high school. But at the same time, when you get a good race in the pool, there’s just nothing better. The way that tension builds while swimmers are on the block, that final 50 meters when at least two competitors are neck-and-neck, the fact that you can get this moment no matter the stroke or the distance in a given race (non-Katie Ledecky division, of course), it’s all terrific.
1. Track and Field
The way track and field at the Olympics has led to stars becoming household names — Usain Bolt, Florence Griffith Joyner, Mo Farah, countless others — never ceases to amaze me, as everyone seems to lock in when they have the chance to witness greatness in this sport in a way that no other sport can match. There’s something about the spectacle of track and field at the very highest level that is untouchable, and when a big race is about to happen, you can feel the buzz in the arena radiating to every corner of the world. That applies to the field events, as well, because when someone has to put up a world record in the shot put or the pole vault to surpass the person sitting in first and win a gold medal, you can’t help but hold your breath. I, for one, am very excited to park myself on the couch and watch a lot of track and field this summer.
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