The NFL kicked off its Thanksgiving slate on Thursday afternoon with an NFC North showdown between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions. It’s a matchup between two teams that bookend the division standings — the Lions are on top, the Bears are in the basement — but part of what makes the Thanksgiving games interesting despite that is the pageantry of the whole thing.
Of course, there was CBS sending its top crew, the celebration of John Madden, and all the fun little touches that come from games taking place on Thanksgiving. And of course, while it’s not the Super Bowl halftime show, fans at the stadium and watching on television got treated to a performance while both teams made their ways into their respective locker rooms.
While Lainey Wilson is scheduled to perform during Giants-Cowboys and Lindsey Stirling is the halftime show during Dolphins-Packers, Shaboozey took the stage at Ford Field during the early game. Unsurprisingly, he performed his smash hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” along with “Last of My Kind” and “Highway.”
If you’d like to watch the full performance, you can do that right here. While Shaboozey performed, the Lions were certainly the happier of the two teams in the halftime locker room, as they held a 16-0 lead and limited the Bears to only 53 yards of total offense in the first half.
The NFL kicked off its Thanksgiving slate on Thursday afternoon with an NFC North showdown between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions. It’s a matchup between two teams that bookend the division standings — the Lions are on top, the Bears are in the basement — but part of what makes the Thanksgiving games interesting despite that is the pageantry of the whole thing.
Of course, there was CBS sending its top crew, the celebration of John Madden, and all the fun little touches that come from games taking place on Thanksgiving. And of course, while it’s not the Super Bowl halftime show, fans at the stadium and watching on television got treated to a performance while both teams made their ways into their respective locker rooms.
While Lainey Wilson is scheduled to perform during Giants-Cowboys and Lindsey Stirling is the halftime show during Dolphins-Packers, Shaboozey took the stage at Ford Field during the early game. Unsurprisingly, he performed his smash hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” along with “Last of My Kind” and “Highway.”
If you’d like to watch the full performance, you can do that right here. While Shaboozey performed, the Lions were certainly the happier of the two teams in the halftime locker room, as they held a 16-0 lead and limited the Bears to only 53 yards of total offense in the first half.
The NFL kicked off its Thanksgiving slate on Thursday afternoon with an NFC North showdown between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions. It’s a matchup between two teams that bookend the division standings — the Lions are on top, the Bears are in the basement — but part of what makes the Thanksgiving games interesting despite that is the pageantry of the whole thing.
Of course, there was CBS sending its top crew, the celebration of John Madden, and all the fun little touches that come from games taking place on Thanksgiving. And of course, while it’s not the Super Bowl halftime show, fans at the stadium and watching on television got treated to a performance while both teams made their ways into their respective locker rooms.
While Lainey Wilson is scheduled to perform during Giants-Cowboys and Lindsey Stirling is the halftime show during Dolphins-Packers, Shaboozey took the stage at Ford Field during the early game. Unsurprisingly, he performed his smash hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” along with “Last of My Kind” and “Highway.”
If you’d like to watch the full performance, you can do that right here. While Shaboozey performed, the Lions were certainly the happier of the two teams in the halftime locker room, as they held a 16-0 lead and limited the Bears to only 53 yards of total offense in the first half.
The NFL kicked off its Thanksgiving slate on Thursday afternoon with an NFC North showdown between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions. It’s a matchup between two teams that bookend the division standings — the Lions are on top, the Bears are in the basement — but part of what makes the Thanksgiving games interesting despite that is the pageantry of the whole thing.
Of course, there was CBS sending its top crew, the celebration of John Madden, and all the fun little touches that come from games taking place on Thanksgiving. And of course, while it’s not the Super Bowl halftime show, fans at the stadium and watching on television got treated to a performance while both teams made their ways into their respective locker rooms.
While Lainey Wilson is scheduled to perform during Giants-Cowboys and Lindsey Stirling is the halftime show during Dolphins-Packers, Shaboozey took the stage at Ford Field during the early game. Unsurprisingly, he performed his smash hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” along with “Last of My Kind” and “Highway.”
If you’d like to watch the full performance, you can do that right here. While Shaboozey performed, the Lions were certainly the happier of the two teams in the halftime locker room, as they held a 16-0 lead and limited the Bears to only 53 yards of total offense in the first half.
The Detroit Lions have been the best team in the NFC this season, thanks in part to one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the league. Detroit is built inside out, relying on arguably the best offensive line in football to pave the way for their two-headed rushing attack with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, with Jared Goff picking defenses apart in the play-action game off that running game.
On top of that, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is about as creative as they come when it comes to dialing up some trickeration, and on Thanksgiving he tried to let his star right tackle, Penei Sewell, shine on the Lions first drive of the game. After picking up a first down to put them just outside the red zone, Sewell lined up at tight end and came around on a reverse, but instead of running it, the big fella was looking to throw it downfield. Unfortunately for Sewell, the Lions, and everyone watching hoping to see some Large Man Excellence, the Bears covered it extremely well and there was nowhere for Sewell to go, with the Bears defense eventually swarming him and pushing him out of bounds — because they could not bring him to the ground.
It’s actually a really good play by Sewell not to force a throw into coverage like most non-QBs would do in that situation, and the fans still went crazy for the play call and for Sewell shrugging off the entire Bears defense to stay on his feet. The craziest part of the whole thing is that Sewell, by losing two yards, took a sack on the play, which means he has taken more sacks this season than he’s given up at right tackle. Sewell came into the game having allowed 0 sacks in more than 700 snaps, per PFF, which is an astonishing stat and a great example of why he’s a perennial All-Pro. Hopefully, this won’t be the last time we see Sewell given the chance to throw the ball cause I want to see him get a chance to let the ball fly.
Thanksgiving is here and that means a virtual smorgasbord of football action. The weekend begins with a tripleheader on the big day itself, and the fun doesn’t stop until Monday. In this space, it’s been a tough season but, on the bright side, four of the last five weeks have ended in the green as we scratch and claw our way toward respectability.
There is still a long way to go but, before we get to the Week 13 picks, let’s take stock of the progress.
Week 12: 3-2
2024 Season: 24-35-1
Come get these winners.
Chicago Bears (+10) over Detroit Lions — ESPN Bet
I’m tired of fading the Lions. It hasn’t gone well, and I hate it. But this is another spot where I think I have to. Detroit is banged-up and, while the Lions should win this game at home, Chicago is a step above the doormats that should be catching double-digits in this spot. Thoughts and prayers.
Atlanta Falcons (+1.5) over Los Angeles Chargers — FanDuel
In the interest of full disclosure, I’m a Falcons fan. I don’t want to bet on the Falcons. I actively try not to. But this is a spot I really like. Atlanta is coming off a bye, while Los Angeles played a high-impact game on Monday on the west coast. I would already have the Falcons as a tiny favorite before accounting for the situation, so give me the candy on the home underdog.
Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5) over Pittsburgh Steelers — FanDuel
This is Cincinnati’s last stand. At 4-7, they have zero margin for error. That’s not why I’m taking them, but the Bengals should be able to move the ball and score, even against Pittsburgh’s defense. The market is still a touch higher on the Steelers than I am, and grabbing this below a field goal is advantageous.
Carolina Panthers (+6) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers — BetMGM, Bet365
Make no mistake, Carolina isn’t very good, but they are undervalued at this number. Bryce Young looks like an NFL quarterback and, while the Panthers are going to give up some points here, they can go shot-for-shot with the Bucs at home.
Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers OVER 46.5 points — Widely Available
NFC South overs have crushed all season. I’m not getting off the train just yet and, as noted earlier, I think this might even be a spot when the Over is correlated to the underdog to some degree. Tampa Bay’s defense should pave the way for some fireworks.
Sometimes the best new R&B can be hard to find, but there are plenty of great rhythm-and-blues tunes to get into if you have the time to sift through the hundreds of newly released songs every week. So that R&B heads can focus on listening to what they love in its true form, we’ll be offering a digest of the best new R&B songs that fans of the genre should hear every Friday.
Since the last update of this weekly R&B column, we’ve received plenty of music and news from the genre’s artists.
SZA promised her new album Lana would drop before the year’s end and Khalid came out as gay after he was outed, and the singer received a wave of support from fans. Tems shared a steamy video for “Turn Me Up” while Tyla took the acoustic route for her new song “Tears.” Elsewhere, FLO announced the Access All Areas Tour for 2025.
Here are the new releases you need to have your eye on this week:
Tyla — “Tears”
Tyla adds another record to her monster year with her new track “Tears.” The acoustic record is a departure from her amapiano-leaning sound, but it also gives the singer the room to let her vocals shine. “”My music is all about creating connections, sharing culture and influences from all over the world, and I know fans will feel that in ‘Tears,’” she said in a press release.
Blxst — I’ll Always Come Find You (Deluxe)
Blxst is one of the many West Coast artists who released impressive projects in 2024, thanks to his debut I’ll Always Come Find You. Months after its release, Blxst returns with its deluxe edition which adds five more songs and features from Bino Rideaux, K Camp, and Dej Loaf. “I wanted to add a 5th act to compliment the album,” Blxst said in a press release. “With these new songs, I’m sonically tapping into that undeniable pocket most listeners know me for while closing the series out.”
Highlights: “Said And Done” & “At Least You Know”
JoJo — “Too Much To Say”
In just a few of months, JoJo will set out on the Too Much To Say Tour, but before that, she delivers a song of the same title with another announcement. “Too Much To Say” joins “Porcelain” as singles from her upcoming NGL EP which arrives in January 2024. The former single is a upbeat and lively number that JoJo uses to boast about her fiery spirit.
Eric Bellinger — It’ll All Make Sense Later
Eric Bellinger returns with It’ll All Make Sense Later, his second album of 2024 following The Rebirth 3: The Party & The Bedroom. It’ll All Make Sense Later arrives with 15 songs and features from Gyakie, Konshens, Burna Boy, Reekado Banks, Oxlade, Tempoe, Vscript, Geko, and Taves. “This album is a form of liberation for me,” Eric Bellinger said in a press release. “It’s given me the confidence to move forward, trusting fully in the vision, knowing It’ll All Make Sense Later.”
Alex Vaughn checks in with new music for the first time in two years thanks to “Hit A Wall.” The DMV native impresses with immaculate vocals on the new single, which reflects on the obstacles that appear during a journey. Luckily, Vaughn was able to breakthrough and deliver great music in the process.
Amber Mark — Loosies
At long last, Amber Mark is back with a new project. The New York singer checks in with Loosies, a 5-track EP that heads straight to the dancefloor for some late-night fun. “While finalizing the album tracklist, I discovered many gems that didn’t make the cut, so I thought, why not give them a home?” Mark said in a press release. “This EP became an ode to the city and a playful thank you for your support.”
Highlights: “City Starlight,” “Sink In” & “A Little More”
Col3trane — Hamartia
After a string of singles, Col3trane ends his 2024 campaign on a high note with his new EP Hamartia. With five songs to its name, Hamartia is one of Col3trane’s more vulnerable bodies of work. “Hamartia is fundamentally about the tragedy woven into a character’s journey, so I wanted to create songs that capture darkness and drama while telling compelling stories,” he said in a press release. “I’m committed to experimenting with new sounds, but I want to maintain that narrative depth throughout my music.”
Highlights: “Crocodile Tears” & “Karma”
ELHAE — “Chanel”
For his final act of 2024, ELHAE releases “Chanel.” The single speaks about a materialistic woman and ELHAE’s attempts to court her after he’s blown away by her aura (no pun intended, IYKYK). The track joins Truth Be Told, his joint EP with Xavier Omär, as his highlights from 2024.
Dee Gatti — Look What You’ve Done
It took three years, but Dee Gatti finally released a new project. The Fort Worth singer returns with her Look What You’ve Done EP which offers eight songs and no guest features in an entirely solo effort that Gatti uses to cap off an impressive year.
Highlights: “Proper,” “This Way,” & “Look What You’ve Done”
Mack Keane — Y?/All Talk
Mack Keane has been pretty quiet for the majority of 2024, but that changed as the year came to a close. He’s back with “Y?” and “All Talk,” his second double-sided single of the year. The songs are presented as journal entries that Keane “wanted to get off my chest” before releasing his long-awaited album, which will seemingly arrive in 2025.
Lila Iké — “Fry Plantain” Feat. Joey Badass
With her debut album set to arrive in 2025, Lila Iké delivers another single from the upcoming project. She teams up with Joey Badass for “Fry Plantain,” a steamy and sizzling record that captures the intimate moments two lovers share on a relaxing and tropical Sunday morning.
Savannah Ré — “Sex With My Ex”
Toronto R&B singer Savannah Ré had all eyes land on her after one of her unreleased records appeared in Drake’s 100 Gigs drop earlier this year. That song, titled “Sex With My Ex,” is finally out and the full record is just as good as everyone hoped it would.
We are at the end of college football’s regular season, which coincides with the unofficial start of the stretch run for the NFL season: Thanksgiving Day games. Right now, we have a pretty good idea of who the best teams are in the league, and can start to predict with a little bit of certainty what needs teams will have as the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around and which college football players could do a good job filling them.
As such, it’s time for us to roll out the second version of our mock draft for next April — you can check out how things played out the last time we did this right here. As for how this one is going to go, well, how about a team trading up for Shedeur Sanders to get us started?
(Draft order as of Nov. 27, 2024)
1. New York Giants (via JAX) – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
If it’s not evident by the fact that they benched then cut Daniel Jones midseason and are currently starting Tommy DeVito when he’s healthy, the Giants really want a high pick and really need a quarterback, and a trade up to 1 to take Sanders makes sense if they can’t tank their way to the top pick. While he doesn’t have the strongest arm on earth, Sanders is an excellent processor of the game and can throw the ball accurately all over the place. He’s gotten better about getting the ball out and not hunting big plays that lead to sacks — Colorado’s OL taking a step forward helps, of course — and while the Giants don’t have nearly the level of playmakers that Colorado has relative to their level of competition, he’d love getting to throw to Malik Nabers. Add in that he has the sort of big personality that can handle New York and the Giants could theoretically hire his father if they fire Brian Daboll and Sanders checks a ton of boxes here.
The Jaguars move down a spot, pick up some extra picks for their trouble, and get the best football player in this Draft — and in fact, if you were to look up “football player” in a dictionary, there should be a photo of Travis Hunter there. Hunter is doing things we’ve never really seen playing both ways at an elite level in college, and while it’s possible he eventually has to choose a primary position in the NFL – I could see him picking receiver or corner and then playing mostly high leverage snaps at the other – his versatility and ability at either spot would be a welcome addition or a Jags team that just needs more talent. Also, if his goal is to play both sides in the NFL, the Jags are a team that needs help at both spots, so they’d likely be thrilled to let him give it a go.
3. Las Vegas Raiders – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Ward’s rise from a QB at Incarnate Word to a Heisman contender for the College Football Playoff-bound Miami Hurricanes really has been impressive. He’s a dynamic thrower of the ball with good mobility and has gotten better and better over the course of his career. He’ll take some sacks and put the ball in danger a little more than I’d like, but that’s an area where he’s grown during his time with the Canes. The Raiders need a lot of help in a lot of different places, but above all else, their top priority this April should be getting a franchise quarterback they can build around. Ward would provide that.
4. New England Patriots – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The Patriots need to bolster their offensive line to better protect Drake Maye. The rookie QB has impressed in flashes since taking over as the starter, but he’s under pressure far more often than New England would like. This isn’t the best tackle class in history, but Kelvin Banks Jr. has been terrific for the Longhorns and would be welcomed with open arms by Maye and the Pats. He’s just a junior but has 37 starts already under his belt at Texas and has excellent movement skills and strength.
It’s still unclear if Bryce Young is the long-term answer for the Panthers, but it has been impressive how he’s managed to respond to getting benched earlier this year — he hasn’t been an MVP candidate or anything, but it looks like getting a hard reset has led to the game slowing down a bit for him. No matter who the QB is, Carolina could use a No. 1 receiver to add to an interesting group of pass catchers, and Burden is that guy. He’s got everything you want outside of the fact he’s 5’11, as he’s a major big play threat who can line up just about anywhere and would give Young another really fun target to go alongside promising youngsters Xavier Legette and Ja’Tavion Sanders.
6. Tennessee Titans – Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The Titans could be in play for a new QB, but if Sanders and Ward are off the board, I think their focus needs to be in the trenches. Will Campbell is the other top tackle in this Draft and whether Tennessee rolls with Will Levis for one more year or addresses the QB situation in free agency, they’ll want to do a better job keeping them upright. Campbell figures to be capable of providing that help, and it’s time to build inside-out in Tennessee.
7. New York Jets – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Jets are in the middle of one of the most disappointing years we’ve ever seen out of an NFL team relative to preseason expectations, and they’re going to need throw the baby out with the bathwater as they move on from the Aaron Rodgers era, which means a big roster shakeup that should include Haason Reddick leaving as a free agent. There isn’t really a QB worth taking here, so New York should just go with the best player available, which we think means Carter. The linebacker-turned-edge rusher has seemingly gotten better every week for the Penn State defense, he’s going to destroy the Combine, and would bolster a good Jets defensive line that features building blocks in Quinnen Williams and Will McDonald. It’s can come off as lazy to compare Carter to Micah Parsons as another LB-turned-EDGE from Penn State who wears 11, but also, that’s a pretty good comp.
The Browns would be in a really interesting spot at this spot in the Draft. Perhaps by April a third QB will emerge as a consensus top-10 guy, but based on the play on the field this year, I’m not willing to put any other QB up here. Whoever is under center in Cleveland next year is going to need some guys to throw to, as Amari Cooper is gone and the current receiving corps is far from loaded. Tet McMillan would immediately give them a big-bodied No. 1 that can help any quarterback that ends up taking snaps in Cleveland next year. Arizona may have fallen off as a team, but the 6’5 McMillan is a one-man wrecking crew on the outside that no one has been able to figure out. As long as they don’t go down the Nick Wright path with this pick, they should really target McMillan if they can’t get one of the QBs.
9. New Orleans Saints – Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Good things tend to happen when teams select guys who played in Georgia’s defense. The Saints need to figure out a direction after firing Dennis Allen midseason (it does seem like interim coach Darren Rizzi has a real shot at getting the job), but a big part of that direction is figuring out a succession plan for guys like Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis. Chase Young is a free agent after this year, too, so they have a big hole at EDGE, and Williams is a long and talented option to build the pass rush around going forward. His numbers haven’t been quite as imposing as you might expect, but the measurables, good tape, and Georgia pedigree all make him worth a top-10 pick.
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Bengals can’t stop anyone this year, and as a result, they are completely wasting what should be an MVP season from Joe Burrow. If they’re picking 10th and the best corner is sitting on the board still available, they should sprint to the podium to get this pick in. Johnson has been a bit out of sight, out of mind while sitting out with an injury, but he’s a bad dude on the outside and Cincy desperately needs an upgrade in their secondary. I know the temptation will be to replace Tee Higgins (who is almost assuredly not going to be back) with a top-10 receiver, but this is a thin receiver class at the very top once Burden and McMillan are off the board and their bigger issues are on defense, anyway.
11. Dallas Cowboys – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Dallas has to figure out a ton of stuff this offseason, and in my eyes, none are bigger than “how do we keep opposing offenses from moving the ball on us at will?” Sorting out Micah Parsons’ future is important, but so is bolstering the heart of their defensive line, which is just not good enough. Graham could fix that immediately, as he’s the rare gigantic defensive tackle (6’3, 315 pounds) who is disruptive on all three downs and would make it easier for a guy like Parsons to eat off the edge. You can go in a lot of directions here, but Graham is the perfect mix of best player available and fills a need for the Cowboys.
12. Chicago Bears – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The Bears have to upgrade their line this offseason in front of Caleb Williams. The interior of the line is really the biggest need, but they could use an upgrade at tackle, as well. Simmons suffered a season-ending knee injury against Oregon, but was in the mix as one of the top tackles coming into this year after the way he played as a junior in 2023. They addressed the skill positions last year, but this Draft should be all about the trenches (on both sides of the ball) for the Bears.
13. Indianapolis Colts – Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Don’t discount a tight end here, as the Colts do seem like they’re still all-in on Anthony Richardson and that’s the biggest skill position hole on their offense — both Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren would be outstanding fits in Indianapolis. But their defense is not great, and Scourton would give them a powerful EDGE who can play the run or the pass, and is big enough (6’4, 285 pounds) that he can line up at defensive tackle in some situations. He’s been a key piece on the Aggie defense this year, and would be a good fit on a Colts defensive line that prioritizes big, physical dudes.
14. Miami Dolphins – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Miami might see both of their safeties leave this offseason, and just generally could use a talent upgrade in the middle of the field. Malaki Starks would provide that, as the Georgia safety is a special player with positional versatility at either safety spot and can play some nickel. Starks flies around at the back end of the Georgia secondary and would bring some needed juice to the Dolphins defense.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
It’s unfortunate that Morrison is out for the year with a hip injury, because he is a fantastic player and would make a Notre Dame defense that might be the best in America even better. He has just about every tool in the toolkit that you want out of a star cornerback, as he’s comfortable manning up opposing receivers or dropping into a zone, and he’s very willing to do what he needs to do against the run. A starting outside corner is going to be high on the list of priorities for the Bucs this offseason, and they manage to get one here.
16. Los Angeles Rams – Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
The Rams would be slightly upset they can’t get Morrison, but then, they’d remember they can get Revel and would be over the moon. If he didn’t tear his ACL before the season, Revel would have a real shot at going in the top-10 this year because of his elite size, athleticism, and competitive nature. Los Angeles desperately needs to come out of the Draft this year with one of the three standout cornerbacks, and while they miss on Johnson and Morrison, Revel fills the need they have, and it won’t shock us if you see a number of comparisons between him and Eagles rookie standout Quinyon Mitchell.
17. San Francisco 49ers – Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
The Niners are going to be in a fascinating spot this offseason if things don’t turn around quickly. But whether they are making major changes to personnel or just trying to retool for one more run with this group, adding some talent on the offensive line would be a good idea. Upgrading their right tackle spot would make a ton of sense, and if Williams doesn’t stay another year at Texas (which is in play if he thinks that’d get him a top 5-10 pick next year), he’s a mountain of a man that would likely intrigue John Lynch and company in the Bay.
18. Arizona Cardinals – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
James Conner is a free agent, and the Cardinals have seen the value in having a physical, bruising rushing threat alongside Kyler Murray this season. Well, there’s no one better at that style of running than Ashton Jeanty, and while it’s always a little tricky to find the spot for a running back in the first round, he’s a no-doubt talent. The Cardinals would be thrilled to land him at this spot, and the likely Heisman finalist would be very fun to see alongside Murray in the desert.
19. Atlanta Falcons – James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee
At some point, the Falcons will be good at rushing the passer again. It really is stunning just how long it has been since they’ve had a player record double-digit sacks in a season (it hasn’t happened since 2016!), and it’s not going to happen this year barring a miracle, either. They don’t even really pressure quarterbacks. Enter Pearce, who has been a load off the edge for Tennessee over the last two seasons — as of this writing, he has 17 sacks in two years. He could use some polish, but he’d be as good of a bet as Atlanta’s made on a young pass rusher in quite some time.
20. Seattle Seahawks – Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
Seattle is gonna be looking for some help up the middle on defense at just about every level this offseason. If the board shakes out this way, Seattle would have to at least consider adding the big fella from Kentucky to bolster the interior of their defensive front, with Jarran Reed a potential free agent departure. Mike MacDonald is going to want to beef up his defense and what better way to do that than adding a 6’6, 344 pound wrecking ball up front, as Walker pops off the screen every time you watch Kentucky.
21. Washington Commanders – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
This is a bit of a luxury pick, but Washington has its face of the franchise under center in Jayden Daniels, and one of his favorite targets is soon-to-be free agent tight end Zach Ertz, who turns 35 this offseason. As such, we’ll give him Warren, who has been the best tight end in college football this year and a remarkably versatile piece for the Nittany Lion offense. He’ll play as a tight end, outside receiver, slot receiver, running back, quarterback, and snap the ball, all in the same game. An offense built around Daniels, Warren, and Terry McLaurin would be one of the most fun in the NFL, and if the Commanders want to challenge the Eagles in the NFC East, they’re going to need guys who will help them win shootouts.
22. Houston Texans – Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
The Texans have two great edge rushers in Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson, but their interior line play has left something to be desired. Williams helps anchor the excellent defensive front for Ohio State, as very few teams find room to run in the middle against the Buckeyes this season. Putting the 327-pounder between Hunter and Anderson would help address some of Houston’s problems, and the Texans have shown in the past they want to invest heavily in their defensive line.
One of the biggest surprises in the NFL this year has been the Broncos, which look like they struck gold by picking Bo Nix last year. Their tight end room hasn’t given them much of anything this year — Adam Trautman has nine catches on 15 targets — but as we saw with Jimmy Graham in New Orleans, Sean Payton can do some really fun things with a big time player in that position. Loveland fits that bill. He’s a good blocker for a college tight end who hasn’t been able to show off his effectiveness in the passing game as much this year because of how bad the QB play has been in Ann Arbor. And with no receivers really worth taking here, Denver brings in the best skill position player on the board for their young QB.
24. Los Angeles Chargers – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Wow, crazy, Jim Harbaugh takes one of his former Michigan players, what a shock. Truth be told, if Loveland is on the board, we think Harbaugh himself might sprint to the podium to say his name within 10 seconds of the Chargers getting on the clock, as he would fill a critical need for another pass catcher. Instead, they go with another Michigan Man who fills a need in Grant, who moves really well for his size (6’3, 339 pounds) and would know exactly what he needs to do in Jesse Minter’s defense from day one. He can slide right in at nose tackle and make life easier for everyone in the Chargers’ front seven.
The Ravens defense has not been playing at the level folks in Baltimore are accustomed to, and that figures to be the focal point of their offseason. Walker would give the Ravens a really talented and versatile linebacker that they can use as an edge rusher and play off ball some when needed next to fellow Bulldog Roquan Smith. Walker has shown flashes this season, particularly in the Texas game where he had three sacks in a blowout win for the Dawgs, and Baltimore could find plenty of ways to use his talents.
A real wild card team at the end of the first round right now, the Steelers could be all over the place. One thing they’ll at least have to think about is a quarterback, as they don’t have a long-term answer right now. I’d expect Russell Wilson to be back on a short-term deal, but at this pick, they might consider taking the hyper-talented Milroe and letting him sit and learn some of the finer points of the passing game at the NFL level before throwing him out on the field. Milroe is an S-tier athlete, and the Steelers could get him some touches and action in running packages, where he’d be even more dynamic than Justin Fields is in those spots now.
27. Green Bay Packers – Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
In a division that features three opposing teams with a wealth of pass catching options, Green Bay could really stand to upgrade its cornerback room and put someone on the other side of Jaire Alexander, who has also missed some time this year due to injuries. Bolstering their pass rush wouldn’t be a bad idea, either, but Barron is a veteran, battle-tested member of the Longhorn secondary who plays all over the place and would brings some versatility and tenacity to Lambeau.
28. Minnesota Vikings – Omarion Hampton, RB, UNC
Aaron Jones has been great for Minnesota on a 1-year rental, but they will likely be looking for a long-term answer at running back next year as they presumably prepare for JJ McCarthy to take over as their starting quarterback. Hampton doesn’t get a lot of discussion because UNC stinks, but he’s a crazy talented back and I think he’s going to be really good in the NFL. The Vikings love using running backs in the pass game, too, and Hampton has 34 catches for 295 yards this season.
Beck has had a rollercoaster season in Athens, which has led to some reconsidering his position in this Draft. That said, I think by the time we get to April, he’ll be firmly back in the first round conversation thanks to some Pro Day buzz, and this might be too late to get him. If he is still on the board, someone that missed out early on the top two guys would have to look at trading back in to get him, and I think the Browns should seriously consider doing that. Philly is a willing trade-back team and there’s no one particularly exciting here to add for them. Cleveland desperately needs an answer at QB long-term after the disaster that has been Deshaun Watson. Beck had a really bad stretch of turnover-prone games and the decision-making has been questionable at times, but he also makes the kinds of throws that make scouts and coaches go wild. Perhaps the Browns would rather bottom out next year to chase on of the top QBs then — a top guy in the 2026 class if he stays in school another year, Penn State QB Drew Allar, is from northeast Ohio and a childhood Browns fan — but I think someone will look to jump back into the first round to secure Beck if he slides this far.
30. Buffalo Bills – Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Receiver wouldn’t be a bad course of action for the Bills, but there really isn’t anyone who would step right in and raise the group’s ceiling, plus they can just re-sign Amari Cooper. Instead, let’s have them get a running mate at defensive tackle for Ed Oliver in Harmon, who has been really good for the Ducks this year after transferring in from Michigan State. He’s big, disruptive, plays the run well, and is among Oregon’s leaders in sacks and tackles for loss.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The name of the game in Kansas City is keeping Patrick Mahomes upright, and despite being only 11 games into the season, he’s been sacked 27 times — he’s never been sacked more than 28 times in his career, and he’s getting sacked on 6.62 percent of his dropbacks, a career-high. They have to protect him better, and targeting Ersery to replace Wanya Morris at LT would make a ton of sense. A three-year starter for PJ Fleck, Ersery is 6’6, 325 pounds, a good athlete for his size, and brings some bite as a run blocker, too. He impressed in his biggest test of the season (Abdul Carter had zero sacks when Minnesota played Penn State), and we wouldn’t be surprised if he’s off the board sooner than this, especially if he tests well in Indianapolis.
32. Detroit Lions – Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
The Lions will have a vanity pick, which is pretty wild to consider, and what says “Dan Campbell vanity pick” more than taking an interior offensive lineman. The tackle position is set for years in Detroit, but they could use some help bolstering their guard spot between them — it’s worth remembering that Graham Glasgow turns 33 this offseason, while Kevin Zeitler turns 35. I think the Lions would love to have a swing guy that can move around as needed on the line, and Jackson started the year as a guard for the Buckeyes but kicked out to left tackle when Josh Simmons got hurt and will presumably finish the year there.
If you’re itching for a fall-colored mountain getaway, the iconic foliage of Vermont, Maine, or the rugged peaks of Colorado’s Rockies are obvious options. While these destinations are undeniably stunning, let us point you in the direction of the Smoky Mountains, which boast one of the longest fall seasons in the country, offering a picturesque escape that’s often overlooked.
Known as the “Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains,” Gatlinburg, Tennessee is an ideal fall retreat for those seeking more than just the typical mountain experience. Though this quaint town — with a population of just 3,650 – is known for its quirky tourist attractions and kitschy charm, it also harbors a side that’s perfect for a more refined, adult-oriented adventure. Beyond the themed restaurants and eccentric hotels, Gatlinburg offers luxury forested accommodations, unique shops, and scenic activities that make it an enchanting destination for a romantic autumn escape.
Disclaimer: if late-night bar hopping is part of your fall plans, Gatlinburg… might not be your scene. The town’s nightlife winds down early, with most bars nestled within restaurants closing by 11 p.m. Gatlinburg isn’t a party destination, but it can be a fun-and-flirty mountain getaway with the right itinerary.
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Where To Stay
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If you’re planning an adults-only mountain getaway, you need to make sure you do it proper. This means, sleeping among the trees, luxury style, with no kids in sight.
You won’t find anything better for price and accomodations than Treehouse Grove at Norton Creek. Located right off the Great Smoky National Park highway, Treehouse Grove offers 16 treehouses that are fitted with luxury features to make your stay comfortable.
The road leading to the treehouses follows a little creek into the woods about two or three miles. I absolutely loved pulling up to The Cherry treehouse, surrounded by views of the Smoky Mountains while hearing the quietness of the forest. It’s on the end of one of the little treehouse “neighborhoods,” making it a little more secluded. I was immediately greeted with the fresh smell of wood as soon as you walked in, which to me made it even more alluring and sexy.
At night, it was so peaceful sitting out on the private deck overlooking base of the Smoky Mountains and hearing the coyotes howl all around you.
After waking up to the sounds of the trees in your treehouse, get your day started by exploring downtown. Parking is available all over downtown Gatlinburg, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with a price. Expect to pay $20-30 anywhere in Gatlinburg regardless of how long you’re parked there, so pick a spot and stay there all day to make it worth it.
Shop & Explore The Village
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Gatlinburg is known for its little shops, and you won’t be disappointed by “The Village.” You can’t miss it, since there’s a wooden arching sign leading to what I can best describe as a real-life version of Shrek’s mystical town of The Land Of Far Far Away. Here you’ll find cute cobblestone alleyways mirroring an old world village full of unique boutiques, eateries, and of course, obscure attractions that will give you a good laugh.
It’s also a perfect place to sit down and people watch, read a book in a little alleyway corner, or just find some shade since shade is few and far between in the rest of downtown Gatlinburg.
Get Trippy In The Mirror Maze
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I won’t sugarcoat it, most of the attractions in Gatlinburg are cheesy. But I’m here to tell you that the mirror maze is actually really freaking cool. Do yourself a favor and pay $1 extra for the 3D glasses. It took me 20 minutes to find my way out, but I took my time because I loved the psychedelic rock music that soundtracked my journey and it was such a vibe that I decided to take my sweet time. With the glasses on, it’s actually really hard to find your way around and it makes for a fun and flirty experience with your partner.
Sunset Dinner & Ethereal Woods Walk At Anakeeska
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I’ll be honest, I actually never heard of Anakeesta until I was on the chondola (part chair lift, part Gondola) going up to it. Little did I know this would be the highlight of the whole trip.
Translating to “the place of high ground” in Cherokee, this mountaintop adventure park is very unassuming since the journey starts in downtown Gatlinburg. After a brief 15 chondola ride you enter a beautiful 70-acre mountain amusement park fit for all ages.
Going at sunset is the move here as you’ll encounter less kids as the night grows darker. The first point to head to: Cliff Top Grill & Bar. If you can secure a table outside, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking dining experience with 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains. This is even better if you time it with the sunset, which paints a beautiful watercolor glow over the mountains. I was very surprised at how good the food was here, offering a little something for everyone. The 14-ounce Rocky Top Ribeye with the restaurant’s blue cheese sauce on top melted in my mouth.
Going on a post-dinner walk lends great health benefits, and Anakeeskta is the perfect place for this. The Appalachian bluegrass music played over the speakers throughout the park creates a great outdoor atmosphere to explore with its treetop adventures, mountain coasters, ziplines, and more.
It’s the 11pm Astra Lumina walk though that completely turns this into a trippy adults-only experience. If you go this late, you will get the darkest landscape to fully enjoy this illuminating woods walk, but also bypass any families with little kids that can threaten the peaceful experience. The one-mile walk takes you through a heavily wooded trail where you encounter lighting, projection mapping, and ethereal sounds.
I ended up doing this during a full moon, which made it even more magical. It’s truly an amazing experience to share with your lover or friends.
Tickets for Anakeesta can be found here, with separate tickets to Astra Lumina here.
Day 2
Pig Out At Sun Diner
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Inspired by Nashville’s Sun Records, Sun Diner is known as “Tennessee’s favorite diner.” While the original location sits next to the Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville, its Gatlinburg location does the trick of transporting you to a ‘50s eatery soundtracked by black and white videos of Sun Records artists and the label’s famous rockabilly sound.
You never know what you’ll walk into at Sun Diner. With it being on Gatlinburg’s main strip, it gets quite a lot of foot traffic and it doesn’t take reservations. Don’t let that deter you though. The aroma of pancakes and syrup will pull you in from the street, and soon enough you’ll be sitting on one of its cherry chrome red stools watching the kitchen staff cook up your food.
The menu boasts a great variety of southern comfort food named after Sun Records’ artists. Its biggest weakness? The syrup. You’ll find different flavored bottles of Sun Diner “maple syrup” on your table but if you take a look at the ingredients list, you’ll find it to all be high fructose corn syrup. If you can turn a blind eye to this or just order something that doesn’t need syrup, then it’s great.
“Let’s Do The Twist” Crème Brûlée French Toast: This comes in three pieces of cinnamon bread that are soaked in Rum Chata creme brulee batter. They honestly look like mini cinnamon rolls! I didn’t really appreciate that it had syrup on it, per my observations above.
Fries: You’ll definitely want to get fries as your side as they come perfectly crispy and seasoned.
Country Fried Steak & Eggs: This was the best of the bunch. The gravy is flavorful and full of sausage and complements the crisp and thin steak.
Cheese Crusted Breakfast Wrap: The wrap itself wasn’t as good as I was hoping for since the cheese inside wasn’t melted but the purple and orange potatoes that come with this made up for it.
BLTA: I loved the pork belly and bacon together on buttery Texas-style toast. I did think there was more bread than needed but overall it was easy to bite into and had great flavor.
Walk Across The Highest Pedestrian Bridge In America
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Remember when I said that parking in Gatlinburg was expensive? Make sure you keep your parking spot all day. After having your brunch at Sun Diner, walk 900 feet to SkyPark so you can walk off the food 500 feet above Gatlinburg.
Located at the top of the iconic SkyLift sitting at 1,800 feet above sea level, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America and was a great way to overlook Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Depending on the time of year you go, you’ll be treated to summer’s lush greenery or fall’s colorful mountainous landscape without needing to hike to get the views. Halfway through the 700-foot-long bridge, you’ll come across a section of glass, where you get to walk across 30 feet of a see-through floor with views 500 feet below you.
A ticket to the SkyPark will also grant you access to SkyTrail, a leisurely hike in the mountains that grants you views of the famous SkyBridge, as well as the SkyDeck, offering outdoor seating areas, tiered waterfall, firepit, and overall serene landscape of Gatlinburg.
Believe it or not, it’s still pretty warm in Gatlinburg during the fall season. If you find yourself in need of an experience out of the sun, it’s definitely worth checking out Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
Be warned, you will encounter children here. But the darkened and cool rooms of the aquarium make up for it and are a great way to spend the hotter hours of the afternoon as you gawk at 12-foot sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and underwater tropical creatures. The leafy seadragons were the coolest to see.
I definitely recommend making sure you have a decently full belly before going here. The one little restaurant is overpowered by the smell of fish and has the darkest “dining room” I’ve ever seen.
Get your tickets to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies here.
Get Fancy At The Greenbrier
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There aren’t many fancy restaurants in Gatlinburg, making The Greenbrier one of the best by default. Default or not, this former mountain lodge turned “food and spirit outpost” is a local favorite due to its exquisite steakhouse dining experience boasting forested views. Get here a little early for your reservation to enjoy its outdoor patio space adorned with spiral fire lanterns and a firepit to sip on one of its 170 different bourbon labels for a pre-dinner treat.
Everyone always expects fresh bread and butter to be brought to the table upon waiting on drinks and appetizers, but here they do things differently. Instead, you’re brought its acclaimed baked cornbread in a mini cast iron skillet, doused in butter. Beware though, as it’s so warm and delicious that you can easily ruin your whole dinner. I literally had to ask the waiter to take it away it was so good.
I’m always a sucker for scallops no matter where I go, and I was happily treated to three hugely plump scallops that melted in my mouth and held a peppery crunch after taste.
The Nashville Hot Oysters are something worth checking out as well. These spicy fried fresh shucked oysters have pickled shallot and pickle juice “caviar.” The fried component was a bit overbearing but the pickle brined flavor was a treat for the senses.
The New York Strip steak is amazing. It’s cooked to a perfect medium rare.
A trip to Gatlinburg isn’t complete without spending some time in the most popular National Park in the United States. While it is a highly trafficked fall destination – greeting an average of 13 million visitors every year – there’s plenty of space to enjoy all of its incredible hiking trails and gorgeous drives without the crowds. Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the most breathtaking autumn hikes, where you can immerse yourself in vibrant fall foliage through some easier hikes than those in Colorado or Maine. To fully experience the fall colors, plan your visit around mid-October when the colors are most vibrant and widespread across the park.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The trail is paved the entire way, and the elevation gain is only about 300 feet.
Distance: The roundtrip distance is 2.4 miles.
The Laurel Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for good reason. The relatively easy 2.4-mile roundtrip hike leads to a cascading 80-foot waterfall, the titular Laurel Falls. The paved trail winds through a lush forest, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and hike among fall flowers and yellow-hued trees along the way.
Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 11 miles
The Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte is a challenging but rewarding hike rated as the number 1 hike in the park on AllTrails. But with a total of 11 miles out and back, with an elevation gain of over 2,700 feet, it’s not for beginners. The first part of the trail is relatively easy but becomes steeper and more challenging as you get closer to Alum Cave, a large rock overhang that was once used to mine alum. As you ascend to Mount LeConte, you’ll pass through tunnels of rhododendron and catch panoramic views of the Smokies draped in autumn colors. From Alum Cave, the trail continues up a series of switchbacks to the top of Mount LeConte, with 360-degree panoramic views of the multi-colored surrounding mountains.
Clingman’s Dome Observation Tower Trail offers a short and rewarding hike to the highest point not just in Great Smoky Mountains National Park but in all of Tennessee. Climb the 54-foot observation tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains where, on a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles into Tennessee, North Carolina, and sometimes even Georgia and Virginia. Standing at 6,643 feet, temperatures at the top can be 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in the lowlands, and the famous Smokies’ clouds and fog are also common, so there’s a possibility of limited views. Luckily, the hike is easy if you end up in the clouds.
Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 8 miles round trip
This hike along the Appalachian Trail offers some of the best vistas in the Smokies. Charlies Bunion is a rocky outcrop with panoramic views of the mountains, which are especially vibrant during peak fall foliage. The trail also provides glimpses of diverse forest types, showcasing a rich tapestry of fall colors.
Rainbow Falls Trail
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
Rainbow Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall in the park, and the trail leading to it is lined with vibrant fall foliage. The combination of the colorful leaves and the waterfall makes this a popular autumn hike, so going earlier in the day to encounter less people is recommended. The trail continues beyond the falls to Mount LeConte for those seeking a longer adventure.
A good bottle of whiskey is just below the turkey on your list of Thanksgiving necessities, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.
Whether you’re looking to enhance the festivities through sharing drinks, laughter, and stories or avoid the awkwardness of discussing politics, navigating family dynamics, and explaining your personal life (we’ve all been there), whiskey helps. That’s precisely why having a good, reliable bottle of the brown stuff nearby helps the holiday season go down smoothly. To aid you in your attempts to either survive or thrive this Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving), we put together a list of the best whiskey bottles to bring along with you.
That said, we’ll start with fantastic budget bottles you won’t mind sharing because of the price, leaving you looking like a hero because they’re eagerly enjoyed. Next, we’ll get into the pricier mid-shelf range, a real sweet spot for showing off some high-quality bottles that will impress everyone trying them. Finally, we’ll end with high-end bottles that are actually worth the cost to prove to your loved ones that you don’t just have the extra cash but also the discerning taste and class to match.
Duncan Taylor’s 12-year blend of malt and grain whiskey from the Speyside, Islay, Highland, and Lowland regions of Scotland makes for an approachable entry point into the brand, which also carries several rare and exorbitantly priced single malt options.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nosing notes open with a floral aspect of lavender honey before a faint bit of smokiness and sweet malt come wafting up to greet the nose. Overall, it has an arrangement of light but clearly well-developed aromas with lemon zest, dried apricots, and toasted multigrain bread notes.
Palate: Once on the palate, there’s a creaminess that comes and quickly dissipates as the light flavors lay claim to the tongue. Primary among those notes are the bits of dried apricot and lemon zest alone with lavender honey and gentle, well-incorporated peat smoke.
Finish: The succinct finish welcomes an uptick in the smoky flavor, a touch of salinity and black pepper, plus a final flourish of the citrus notes found at midpalate.
Bottom Line:
For a $30 blended whiskey that delivers on flavor and can open the eyes of your friends and family to a world beyond Johnnie Walker (whose Green Label offering is also a winner for the price) Duncan Taylor is the right choice. The approachable flavor profile and moderate ABV will allow you to enjoy from the time the hors d’oeuvres are served, right up until the big bird hits the table.
Maker’s Mark features the bourbon world’s most iconic bottle design, the same one they’ve been utilizing since their founding in 1953, and a mash bill that’s been used for just as long. This wheated bourbon is one of the best-selling whiskeys in the entire world, making it a ubiquitous sight on liquor store shelves.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: On the nose, you’ll find a bit of corn pudding, vanilla extract, and indistinct red berry aromas wafting out of the glass. There’s also a bit of graham cracker sweetness and white pepper.
Palate: On the palate, Maker’s Mark greets the tongue with a bunch of honeyed graham cracker notes that soon make way for vanilla pod and cornbread. A second sip morphs the vanilla pod into a custard note, complete with caramelized sugar and some red berry compote.
Finish: The finish of Maker’s Mark features some mellow spice and more red berry compote, as those natural sugars fuse with vanilla notes to quickly dissipate from the palate.
Bottom Line:
Despite its modest proof point, Maker’s Mark has a ton of flavor, meaning you won’t blow out your palate or scare off bourbon novices if you decide to sip this one neat. It’s ubiquitous on liquor store shelves and should be a staple on your bar cart, primarily if you aim to offer Thanksgiving guests a smooth bourbon they can enjoy all night long.
Evan Williams Bottled in Bond is often named as one of if not the best bourbon under $20. Aged for at least four years, per the Bottled in Bond regulations, this 100-proof bourbon is almost as readily found around the country as Evan Williams’ flagship “black label” expression.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nosing notes open with honey, lemon zest, and a distinct peanut note on this bourbon. From there, the periphery aromas are faint — a touch of brown butter, apricots, and cumin, but otherwise nondescript.
Palate: In the mouth, those initial three notes make the most substantial impression, along with a piquant texture that slightly prickles the tongue and adds a bit of pop to the citrus flavors in the liquid.
Finish: On the finish, you’ll find some black pepper spice and youthful oak that curtail the peanut and lemon zest flavors. The finish is short-to-medium, giving just enough room to make a satisfying impression on the palate before encouraging repeat sips.
Bottom Line:
Evan Williams’ Bottled in Bond Expression is a masterclass in delivering a high-quality, no-frills bourbon. At 100-proof, it can stand tall in cocktails, bringing an abundance of flavor to classics like an Old-Fashioned, but it has just enough depth to perform well on its own—making for a delicious, cost-friendly sipper.
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, and it’s been a benchmark for high-quality, budget-friendly bourbon ever since.
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:
Wild Turkey 101 might conjure memories of crazy college nights for some people, but serious connoisseurs know that even with its rowdy reputation, this is one of the best-kept secrets in bourbon. With a robust, spice-heavy profile, Wild Turkey 101 is bold enough to liven up any party while offering the depth of flavor that makes it great to savor at length in the evening’s quieter moments, too.
Bushmills 12, made from 100% Irish malted barley, is part of the well-known brand’s core range. Alongside Jameson and Redbreast, Bushmills is perhaps the most widely known Irish whiskey brand, and that’s due to their 237-year legacy of producing high-quality liquid. For this expression, they marry ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso casks together, then finish them in ex-Marsala casks for 6-9 months.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose opens with dilute honey and bright apple notes with a lovely infusion of faint nutmeg, pears, and vanilla beans, giving this whiskey a distinctly autumnal vibe from the outset.
Palate: Once the liquid crosses your lips and hits your palate, those lovely aromas from the nose spring to life as full-figured flavors on your tongue. Apple chips dipped in honey come to mind at the tip of the tongue before the graininess of Cheerios curtails the sweetness and allows you to appreciate the creamy texture as it barrels toward the finish.
Finish: The finish is short to medium in length and introduces a bit more baking spice, caramel, and dried apple flavors.
Bottom Line:
Bushmills 12 is a beautiful display of balance when using finishing casks, as each of the barrels selected contributes a little bit of oomph to the overall flavor profile. Caramel and faint coconut from the bourbon casks, rich apple notes from the Oloroso, and a slight nuttiness offer a more full-bodied texture with the Marsala casks, making this one ideal for holiday enjoyment.
Nikka Whisky From The Barrel features a blend of whiskies from Japan and Scotch, mingling single malt and single grain whiskies for this singular release. Offered “overproof” at 51.4% ABV, this stout bottle packs quite a punch. Also, for clarity’s sake, while this whisky was produced in Japan and contained Japanese whisky, it cannot legally be called a Japanese whisky as of 2021, thanks to new regulations and its inclusion of Scotch whiskey in the blend.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Orange marmalade and dark berries (think blueberries and blackberries) inform the nose right away that this is going to be a rich, full-bodied whisky experience. There’s also some strong oak with a faint leather backbone to go with an elusive level of smoke that grows in prominence once you initially detect it.
Palate: On the palate, those jammy berry notes come to the fore along with some stern oak, a stronger presence of smoke, and further accenting notes of roasted hazelnuts, toasted multigrain bread, and caramelized sugar. At this hefty proof, it definitely sits on your palate with some density, making it a treat to chew and enjoy at length.
Finish: The finish is lingering and strips away some of the sweeter, fruit-forward notes in favor of the slight nuttiness and oak influences. Toffee is there, but white pepper, hazelnuts, and tobacco leaf flavors close things out.
Bottom Line:
While American palates are more accustomed to the bold flavors of bourbon and rye whiskies, this nifty blend of Japanese whisky and Scotch offers a range of rich flavors capable of not only dispelling that myth but also standing up to the assortment of flavors found in your typical Thanksgiving meal. Even better, it can definitely enhance protein dishes like baked ham and the main event — the turkey.
Inspired by the crescent beach of Sandend Bay, home of Glenglassaugh, this expression of single malt Scotch utilizes bourbon, sherry, and manzanilla casks to create a floral and fruity flavor profile. Also of note is that this was voted one of the best whiskeys in the world for 2023.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose opens with an explosion of tropical fruit and vanilla ice cream as chunks of pineapple greet bright red cherries as some slight salinity and crème brûlée notes fill the air above the glass.
Palate: The flavor wheel starts spinning with more of those lively fruit notes from pineapple chunks to bright red cherries and blood orange before the crème brûlée’s caramelized sugar and vanilla custard flavors have their say. There’s some salted caramel to be found as well, and the texture is very supple, gently coating the palate while remaining spry enough to bounce around from corner to corner of the mouth.
Finish: The finish is appropriately medium-length with more fruit and crème brûlée undulating against the cheeks while white pepper and a touch of allspice close out each sip with a baking spice flourish.
Bottom Line:
What makes Glenglassaugh’s Sandend expression so ideal for enjoyment during Thanksgiving is that it brings forth a ton of sweet, fruity notes that seem tailor-made for the spice profile and dishes served during the holiday. Try serving this one up alongside cranberry sauce, for example, to exploit all of that fruity flavor, or use it as a counter to savory dishes or sweet potatoes.
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. This expression is perhaps the best example of Wild Turkey’s ability to deliver budget-friendly bourbon that consistently competes with bourbons at twice the price. Let’s face it, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than bringing one of Wild Turkey’s best bourbons to Thanksgiving dinner.
WhistlePig’s 10-year-old rye whiskey, sourced from Canada, is so damn good (and well-known at this point) that it’s probably the contemporary standard for Canadian whiskey among American whiskey enthusiasts. Aged for at least 10 years, these bottles have been known to house liquid that pushes up to 11 or 12 years old and beyond.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nosing notes open with some applewood, cedar, slight mint, and red apples. I’m immediately put into an autumnal state of mind when nosing this whiskey as a touch of butterscotch and salted caramel rounds things out.
Palate: On the palate, the whiskey is immediately mouth-coating and creamy, with those notes of fresh red apples and cedar claiming the lead in terms of prominence while butterscotch, faint hints of dill and mint, plus cedar wood begin to blossom at midpalate.
Finish: The medium-length finish is drying like apples can be, as the fruit sugars dissipate and leave the edges of your tongue slightly astringent. There’s more cedar, cinnamon bark, and a faint bit of clove to be found before it all ends.
Bottom Line:
This viscous, sweet whiskey fits perfectly under the “crushable” descriptor while offering enough intrigue to keep you from hurriedly tossing it back. It is the perfect whiskey for a holiday party because it’s good enough to warrant conversation but simply enjoyable enough to enhance all of the conversation happening around it.
Considered by many to be the benchmark of smoky Islay Scotch whisky, Lagavulin’s well-earned reputation is difficult to escape. This peated Scotch classic achieved its status as the King of Islay for balancing that smoky profile with a deft touch of sweetness.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose opens with bold billows of peat smoke, but as those gently waft away, you’ll notice some meaty undertones with slight salinity reminiscent of savory bacon fat, a touch of smoked honey, sweet sherry, and creamy vanilla ice cream with a touch of cinnamon bark.
Palate: On the palate, this whiskey remains true to its aroma notes as it opens with enveloping smoke that then introduces the savory bacon fat notes, which then subside, allowing space for the sherry sweetness along with a touch of honeyed black tea and the flavor of crème brûlée. The texture is robust, and it simultaneously coats your palate while also spryly rolling over your tongue, searching for new territory to claim.
Finish: The finish continues the interplay of savory and sweet with a gentle kiss of smoke as it lingers for quite a while after the final sip is gone, gently and slowly receding as it beckons you to re-fill your glass.
Bottom Line:
While the heavily-peated Islay profile isn’t for everyone, this bottle is sure to sink its hooks into someone. At the very least, it’s a cool idea to bring this classic example of Islay Scotch for guests to try, but you shouldn’t be shocked if a smaller group of discerning individuals slowly drink the bottle into extinction over the course of the night.
This bottle, a single-barrel version of Four Roses’ OBSV recipe (learn about all of their recipes here), is an absolutely classic bourbon. The brand describes the OBSV recipe as having a delicate, fruit-forward yeast and a high-rye mash bill.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nosing notes are resplendent with red berries as the aroma of raspberries and black cherries leap out of the glass, along with a touch of sage, singed mint, Brazil nuts, and blood oranges. This is one expressive and inviting nose.
Palate: On the palate, those flavors continue to develop as the blood orange fuses with black cherries, and they’re joined by black pepper spice, singed mint, sage, and even a bit of cedar at midpalate. The juxtaposition of citrus, sweetness, woodsiness, and baking spice might seem like a cacophony of flavors, but they all come together harmoniously.
Finish: The finish is where the baking spice slightly wins out over the fruit-forward notes as it lingers with medium length on the tongue, sizzling the tip and leaving bits of bright cherry and Valencia orange meat on the back end.
Bottom Line:
If you aren’t picking up on a theme here, this bottle should help spell it out. Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon is packed with flavor but still maintains an approachability and sweetness that will make it appealing to connoisseurs and novices alike. Furthermore, it has a berry-forward flavor profile that pairs well with Thanksgiving dishes and still lands at a price point that makes it fair game for mixing in cocktails.
1. Benriach The Smoky Ten Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Benriach’s use of Highland peat sets them apart from the bruising Islay peated expressions that most whiskey drinkers are familiar with. The Highlands’ wood-rich peat is more delicate and fruit-forward, and it’s part of what makes Benriach’s Smoky Ten (and their fabulous Smoky 12) expression so unique. This one is made from a blend of peated and unpeated whiskey that was aged in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels, ex-Jamaican rum casks, and virgin oak that was toasted to the distillery’s specifications.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose gives you an indication of that intricate lineage with a faint bit of tropical fruits like overripe mangoes and bananas joining forces with butterscotch, dried apricots, and smoked applewood.
Palate: Once on the palate, this whiskey opens with spiced pear flavors along with smoked honey and dried apricots. Wow, the first sip is so complex and full of well-defined flavors that a second sip is immediately necessary, and once you take a second sip, the joy of unlocking that mystery takes hold. The liquid is moderately textured, which means that its viscousness doesn’t stand in the way of your picking apart each layer of flavor and savoring it at length.
Finish: The medium-length finish is where the smoke takes hold, and as promised, it’s a gentler smoke profile than most Islay Scotches and comes complete with an applewood and honey sweetness that makes it more palatable for beginners and more intriguing for avid imbibers.
Bottom Line:
Benriach’s Smoky Ten expression perfectly encapsulates the type of fun, flavorful whiskeys that the Highland distillery is making across its portfolio. While it remains true to the delicate, sweet, and slightly floral profile that Highland single malt is known for, by adding that twist of Highland peat, Benriach elevates this whiskey to must-try status with ease. As a holiday companion, this is one you’re likely to stick to like glue throughout the entire night.
Heaven Hill’s brand-new Grain To Glass lineup features three whiskeys intended to highlight the carefully grown grains (Beck’s 6158 corn) they sourced from hand-selected local farming partners. For the lineup’s lone rye offering, they bottled a whiskey that utilizes a different grain source and mash bill from their other standout expressions like Parker’s Heritage 10-Year Rye and Pikesville Rye.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Tobacco leaf, almond, mint sprigs, and oak all take turns rising and falling on the nose for a dense, impressive melange that makes you want to sit with your glass for extended consideration.
Palate: The heavy mouthfeel brings milk chocolate, tobacco leaf, oak, and smoked mint across the palate on the first sip. The layers of flavor go deeper on the second sip, with cayenne, caramel, and cinnamon dancing on the center of the palate, while the influence of ethanol causes the periphery of the tongue to pulsate with delight.
Finish: The finish is long-lasting, drying the palate out a bit while black tea, oak, freshly cracked black pepper, and mint linger at the back of the tongue.
Bottom Line:
Heaven Hill’s Grain To Glass series hit the mark across the entire lineup, but the rye is easily the star of the show. They’ve delivered a bottle of rye that can go toe-to-toe with the best of them by switching up their grain source and tinkering with the mash bill to optimize it. You’ll want your friends and family to appreciate what makes this whiskey different from the others in Heaven Hill’s rye portfolio.
For Octomore 15.2, the whiskey was initially aged in second-fill wine casks (42%) and second-fill Bourbon casks (58%) before being finished in second-fill French oak ex-Cognac casks that push the flavor profile in an intriguing direction. The 15.2 features the same batch of Scottish-grown barley as 15.1, also malted to 108.22 PPM.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The aroma notes sing with Brie cheese, lime zest, walnuts, and cherries. Despite having the same phenol level of 15.1, the 15.2 comes across as less smoky thanks to its pine-like woodsiness, with moss, ginger cookies, and brown butter.
Palate: Once on the palate, those nosing notes delicately unfurl with wisps of moss and smoke, subtly masking the vanilla custard, dried apricot, and Rainier cherry notes. The slick, velvety texture finds a home in every corner of the mouth as it gently coats the palate, allowing each flavor note to develop with ample space.
Finish: The finish is where a greater infusion of smoke comes through with pink peppercorn, nutmeg, and a slight salinity.
Bottom Line:
While this year’s Octomore 15.3 is drawing a lot of attention for being a phenomenal phenolic force, it’s the finesse of the 15.2 that stands tall in the lineup. With a balanced bouquet of aromas married to a patient, revealing palate, Octomore 15.2 is a testament to the delicate deployment of peat. It’ll make an awesome companion to some of the holiday’s savory dishes.
Utilizing first fill and refill casks (ex-bourbon and ex-sherry, to be exact) combines a bevy of classic flavors for this exciting Irish whiskey offering aged for at least 15 years. Redbreast is well known for being the best-selling pot still Irish whiskey in the world, and this 15-year expression, a step up from their flagship 12-year, is where the whiskey really starts hitting its stride.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The aroma notes begin with caramel-drizzled pineapple for an unexpectedly sweet opening that then lends itself to a touch of savoriness in the form of cooked dates and bacon fat before the fruit-forward aspect lurches to the top of those aromas with cooked blueberries and Manuka honey.
Palate: On the palate, the whiskey has a rich texture atop the tongue, which quickly recedes like a bubble bursting to reveal all of the fruity flavor hiding underneath its initial viscousness. Star anise and vanilla pod flavors accent notes of hazelnut spread, dark chocolate chunks, ripe oranges, and grilled peaches. As it takes a turn to the finish, you’ll also pick up hints of cinnamon, dandelions, and ginger.
Finish: The finish is where the sweetness becomes more restrained as hazelnuts, ginger, and vanilla pods linger on the palate, leaving a touch of citrus and cacao behind before things slowly come to a close.
Bottom Line:
Whether you’re already an avid fan of Irish whiskey or new to the game, it’d be hard to do better than exploring the Redbreast core lineup. This 15-year whiskey is capable of creating converts across the whisk(e)y spectrum, and you’d be wise to put it to the test at your next holiday gathering to see how many hardcore Scotch and bourbon drinkers find themselves gravitating towards this tasty treat.
High West’s annual release of Midwinter Night’s Dram is always met with fanfare. Though the expression has seen its price creep up in recent years, the enthusiasm around the brand hasn’t abated, making the blend of rye whiskies finished in both Tawny and Ruby port barrels one of the season’s hard-to-find bottles that are actually worth it.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nosing notes open with the sweetness of the port wine casks as a slight nuttiness envelopes the overall profile before jammy red berries, allspice, cedar, and a faint bit of mint pick up in prominence.
Palate: On the palate, this whiskey begins a bit austere but soon blossoms to reveal the red berry notes from the nose in lockstep with allspice, mint, and honeyed, toasted multigrain bread. The texture, too, begins a bit austere before unwinding as the whiskey travels toward the back of the palate, revealing ribbons of black pepper and more mint before reaching the finish.
Finish: The medium-length finish is where black pepper, raspberry compote, and singed mint can be found, along with some vanilla pod flavor and restrained sage.
Bottom Line:
While High West’s Midwinter Night’s Dram offering has waxed and waned in quality over the years, what remains consistent is that this unique flavor profile is a perfect fit for holiday enjoyment. While it’s exceedingly welcome at the Thanksgiving table, don’t feel bad if you can’t secure a bottle before then; it’ll be an equally delicious treat for Christmas.
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who fills a need in Grant, who moves really well for his size (6’3, 339 pounds) and would know exactly what he needs to do in Jesse Minter’s defense from day one. He can slide right in at nose tackle and make life easier for everyone in the Chargers’ front seven.
