Over the past few years, Bronny James, set to soon begin his senior year at Sierra Canyon, has seemingly made tremendous strides in his game. He’s developed well athletically, continues to grow as a shooter and has long impressed with defense and passing. This month, James, a top-40 recruit in the 2023 class, according to ESPN, is participating in the AXE Euro Tour as a member of California Basketball Club (CBC).
On Monday, James and CBC faced the U18 French National Select Team, when the 6’3″, 17-year-old James uncorked a filthy dunk late in the second quarter.
The open-floor speed, the tight handle, the transition out of his in-and-out dribble and the elegant bounce to ascend for the dunk, whew. That’s quite the athletic showcase in a five-second span. Pops agreed, too, and took to Twitter to convey his excitement.
Watching LeBron embrace the gig of Basketball Dad in recent years has been entertaining.
Regardless of whether the NBA is involved, Bronny seems likely for a lengthy professional basketball career in the coming seasons. Last week, ESPN’s Paul Biancardi reported “there’s a strong feeling he will take the college route” and cited USC, UCLA, Oregon, Ohio State, and Michigan as the frontrunners. At worst, all field solid men’s basketball programs, so the options for Bronny look rather promising.
His dunk Monday is merely a small snapshot into his appeal as a player. Hopefully, we get to watch him for a long time to come and are treated to many more tweets from LeBron, the Basketball Dad.
Stars, they’re just like us! And apparently their kids are too. In a recent interview with Elle, in which Adele detailed the worst moment in her career “by far,” a cute vignette about her family life and motherhood also came up. In a sweet moment, she revealed that her son Angelo is a massive fan of Billie Eilish.
Adele says Angelo fancies himself a lyrics guru of sorts, who not only studies what Billie is singing about in songs like “Bad Guy” and “Everything I Wanted,” but then wants to talk about them at length with his Mom. Here’s an excerpt from the article:
The next day, she [Adele] would fly to New York with her boyfriend of a year, the sports agent Rich Paul, where they had plans to attend the wedding of Cleveland Cavaliers forward-center Kevin Love. Then she’d return home to London to take her nine-year-old son, Angelo, to see Billie Eilish at The O2. Angelo, whose father is her ex-husband, Simon Konecki, is “obsessed” with Eilish, Adele says. “He’ll go up to [his room] after school and read all the lyrics and then he’ll want to discuss them.”
Not bad little lad. If he keeps this up, perhaps Adele could use another songwriter on her next album, 40? And if not, maybe Drake is looking for a new ghostwriter to turn into a star?
Ahh, Los Angeles, California…recognized for its blissful beaches, overpriced drinks, star-studded red carpet events, iconic tourist attractions, championship sports teams…well, you get the point. Of course, we can’t forget to mention LA’s impressive and eclectic food scene.
One Los Angeles local who’s passionate about the city’s food offerings is music producer and DJ, Nala. When she’s not touring from coast to coast and performing at music festivals, the multi-talent stays busy dining out in LA’s trendiest neighborhoods, as well as its lesser-known nooks. And while she’s not technically from LA, she’s a dedicated transplant — as can be seen in her latest music video, which was filmed in the streets of LA.
To help you plan your next bomb meal in LA, Nala is sharing her ultimate food guide to the city’s best restaurants (and a few that you probably haven’t heard of). Read on for her best recommendations.
This food truck is cash only and has the best tacos and mulitas in L.A. The locals know that when it comes to no-frills tacos, Taco Zone is the spot to go to. I always order the al pastor mulitas. Their green sauce adds the perfect kick. It’s only open at night and is the perfect place to hit after a night out on the east side.
Also, the price point is amazing. Tacos cost $1.50 and mulitas are $2!
This non-traditional omakase features really great takes on traditional nigiri pieces. There are two reasons I enjoy The Sushi Bar: the flavor profiles are unique and it’s a great price point ($140). Personally, unless an omakase restaurant is featuring rare fish or pieces that were caught within 24 hours, I don’t see the point in indulging in an omakase experience. There are a lot of places that offer omakase in L.A. that don’t provide a special or worthwhile experience, and it can be a waste of money.
This makes The Sushi Bar’s solution to this issue all the greater. You get a meal that isn’t being replicated anywhere else.
I’ve been coming to Little Dom’s for their blueberry ricotta pancakes, bacon, and breakfast potatoes for years. Their pancakes are so good I’ve attempted to recreate them at home, but it’s never the same. Also notable, their breakfast potatoes have a hint of vinegar that gives their crispiness the perfect kick. I
usually pair my breakfast with their fresh-pressed orange juice.
I know it’s probably a bit cliche to pick a Michelin-starred restaurant as my top Chinese choice, but my experience at Bistro Nas was so delightful. Aside from nailing the flavor profiles, I also noticed it didn’t leave me feeling bloated or heavy. My favorite items were Na’s Spicy Chicken, the braised pork belly, and the crispy shrimp. The braised pork belly was so tender, it nearly melted in my mouth.
This is a pricier food experience, but I personally believe it’s worth every cent.
I’m in love with the lasagna pizza at Desano’s. It’s made with meatballs, four cheeses, garlic, and San Marzano tomatoes. When it comes to tomato sauce, San Marzano tomatoes are the best you can get. They’re sweet, have rich flavor and mild acidity. The crust is also made fresh and it’s definitely noticeable. I typically don’t like pizza crust due to its usually stale, dry texture. Desano crust doesn’t encounter this issue.
Additionally, they offer ricotta-filled pizza crust if you’re looking to make your experience even more exciting.
I’m not entirely sure what the cuisine at Destroyer qualifies as. A quick search online says Scandinavian-inspired, which makes sense. It gives Lord of the Rings energy with its stone bowls and unique presentations. I personally loved the beef tartare and spelt porridge. I haven’t had anything like this before, which is probably why I’m so drawn to it.
It’s located in Culver City and is only open for breakfast and lunch.
Duck House is my favorite Peking duck in L.A. and the best you’ll find in the city. For $60, you get the main Peking duck dish plus a duck soup and duck salad. It’s a great deal. Make sure you call in advance as they do run out.
Best Pre-Fixed Tasting Menu: Grandmaster Recorders
I got to explore the new Grandmaster Recorders restaurant last month. The menu includes unique takes on Italian dishes. The majority of the staff and owners are Australian, which explains the fusion aspect of the menu. The service was also incredibly kind and attentive. There are lots of great options on the menu which makes it hard to pick, but no worries — they have a pre-fixe tasting menu if you’re indecisive.
I’ve never had fresher sushi pieces in my life! I had the unique experience of ordering toro that was caught the night before in Japan and arrived that morning. It’s hard to describe how noticeably fresh it was. It really put my sushi experiences into perspective. Bar Uerukamu is small and hidden in a strip mall plaza in the valley. They don’t serve truffles or spicy tuna. They have an expansive sake menu. I recommend sitting at the bar and talking to the head chef. He can recommend the best pieces that day.
There is no better breakfast burrito in L.A. than Wake & Late. I attribute their success to their crispy tater tots, melted cheese, and cilantro sauce. The Bacon includes eggs, cotija, cheddar cheese, avocado, tater tots, bacon, and a side of cilantro sauce. It’s crispy, fresh, and the perfect size, so you don’t feel bloated and nothing goes to waste.
Elsewhere on the Hot 100, it was a big week for Snoop Dogg, whose Benny Blanco and BTS collaboration “Bad Decisions” debuts at No. 10. This makes Snoop just the third artist, after Jay-Z and Mariah Carey, with a top-10 hit in each of the past four decades (’90s, ’00s, ’10s, and ’20s).
Also doing well in the current frame is Drake, whose DJ Khaled and Lil Baby collaboration “Staying Alive” debuts at No. 5. That’s now his 30th top-five song, which surpasses The Beatles for the most ever. It’s also his 59th top-10 song (which extends his record) and his 100th top-20 song, making him the first artist to reach the latter milestone.
.@Drake is the first artist in history to earn 100 top 20 hits on the #Hot100.
Meanwhile, Beyoncé is getting ready to push another Renaissance highlight to the forefront: Last week, she teased an upcoming video for album-opener “I’m That Girl,” although it’s not yet clear when that video is set to drop.
An Alex Jones trial is guaranteed to be a circus — for reference’s sake, he previously claimed during his custody trial that he couldn’t remember basic facts about his children because of a big bowl of chili — but his latest spin at the wheels of justice (during the conclusion of his defamation trial saga) was really something. The aftermath could work some unintended results because Fox News host Tucker Carlson is reportedly “sh*tting” about his texts popping up in the gaggle that the Jan 6. committee is currently sifting through. And Jones himself is beside himself over his “damn lawyers” just handing that incriminating mess to the other side.
Granted, the potential future repercussions might be the only thing that comes of this trial, really. Jones is on the hook for $4.1 million in compensatory damages, but his punitive damages (of $45.2 million) got sliced to about 1/10 due to a Texas statute. In short, he’s selling enough snake oil that he’ll be just fine, but according to a juror on this defamation trial, listening to harrowing testimony (about Sandy Hook children and their parents) was excruciating. And the actual jury room experience was full of the arguments and tension that sound about right. One juror spoke up (while choosing to remain anonymous, only known as “Sharon,” for obvious reasons) to describe how this jury duty experience was more stressful than most, via Reuters:
The deliberation room in the Depression-era Austin courthouse was a tight fit, and some jurors had to sit in chairs along the wall, Sharon said. Over Domino’s pizza, the panel wrestled for nearly seven hours with the question of how much in punitive damages to award the parents, Sharon said, though she was too nervous to eat.
Sharon also explained how she knew that this was going to be a long deliberation upon hearing that the punitive damages must be unanimous, and in the end, she reveals that no one was pleased with how things turned out. What’s more, Sharon admitted that some of the Infowars clips were presented as entertaining, until she realized that “lizard people” rants gave way to devastating conspiracy theories, in which Jones turned his audience against Sandy Hook parents as though they were the real villains. That’s enough to make any pizza (regardless of brand name) taste like cardboard.
Summer’s hot days aren’t going to last forever (*sob*). It’s going to come to an end — so you’d better get the most out of it. Finish off that summer activities list. Did you already go to the beach? Good. How about eating more ice cream than you ever should in any given sitting? Great. Did you sit around a campfire while you toasted marshmallows? Outstanding. Did you spend a day on a boat, slowly drifting on a lake or the ocean?
No? Well, time is almost up.
Before the weather turns, spend some time in a pontoon boat, dingy, kayak, or yacht. And do it with a beer in your hand. That’s right — the only thing more fun than a summer day spent on the water is doing it with a cooler filled with frosty, delicious brews. To help you figure out which brews, we spoke to well-known craft beer experts and brewers and asked them to reveal the best boat beers available now.
Before we get going, this is obligatory:
Maui Bikini Blonde Lager
Maui
Jeremy Marshall, brew master at Lagunitas Brewing in Petaluma, California
The key to the perfect boat beer is to play the song “I’m on a Boat” extremely loud. That will make any beer a boat beer. It’s been a long time since I’ve had it, but Maui Bikini Blonde Lager is a boat beer, even though I look pretty rough in a bikini. Technically a Munich Helles, so not exactly tied to an island or boat kind of place. It’s just that the sweetness and classic lager combo of this beer makes it a true refreshing combo of uplifting granny smith apples (fermentation esters), and the grain and yeast give lots of bread and freshly opened hipster crackers. Because you’re not eating on that boat; you’re having liquid bread. And you need to be able to have lots of them, so lagers do serve a purpose.
Not just your dad’s beer.
Hinterland Space Breakfast
Hinterland
Garth E. Beyer, certified Cicerone® and owner and founder of Garth’s Brew Bar in Madison, Wisconsin
ABV: 6.6%
Average Price: Limited Availability
Why This Beer?
Alright, hands down I’m drinking Space Breakfast (nitro in cans) by Hinterland Brewing on a boat. The sun is beating down and you want something light, refreshing, and that won’t put you overboard after two. That’s Space Breakfast. It’s a wheat ale at its base but they dose it with tangerine, apricot, and lactose for a creamier experience.
My best boat beer is Bierstadt Lagerhaus Helles. It’s so crisp, and yet, has such a solid delicate malt character. It’s right up there with the very best Bavarian versions. Bierstadt takes absolutely zero shortcuts in their pursuit of perfection, and in every glass, I can taste every shortcut they did not take. Relaxing on a boat, you’d want a balanced, flavorful beer that you’d never get tired of and that’s Bierstadt Helles.
I must confess Stella Artois is a great boat beer because it’s not fussy, balanced, and refreshing. Perfect for all those summer jaunts on the water. This classic European pilsner is light, thirst-quenching, but surprisingly complex. Yet, you can still throw a few back because of the reasonably low alcohol content.
Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald is my less-than-conventional pick. First off, I’d drink the Edmund Fitzgerald anywhere and everywhere (even in the summer). It’s that good. A well-made porter is as complex and nuanced as any well-made Cabernet and Great Lakes’ Edmund Fitzgerald is one of the very best. It’s a robust and complex interplay of roast, coffee, and chocolate but supremely balanced and never cloying.
A great fit for any boating adventure, particularly if the weather comes up, that is also a tribute to the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald and a reminder of how precious life really is.
Good ol’ American Light Lager: Not much to think about here…who wants to do that on a boat? Look for Faction Brewing’s 1970s Lager or Local Brewing’s Local Lite to scratch that itch. If I had to narrow it down to one of the two, it would be Local Lite. This award-winning light lager is crisp, light, low in alcohol, and really easy to drink on a boat on a warm summer day.
Miller High life. Period. The flavor is happiness. There are few beers as iconic as Miller High Life and for good reason. It’s low in alcohol, crisp, clean, and effortlessly refreshing, and full of flavor. Plus, it comes in that classic clear bottle. What’s not to love?
Whenever I’m on a boat, I like to take a Foster’s oil can, empty it, and fill it with rum. This classic Australian lager is cheap, crisp, and thirst-quenching if that’s what you’re looking for. The rum afterward definitely adds to the experience.
Pacifico
Pacifico
Josh Radigan, director of food and beverage at Viceroy in Washington DC
Pacífico is my pick hands down. That’s one beer that blends its refreshing style to the salt air and goes down easy. Also known as Cerveza Pacífico Clara, this Mexican lager is surprisingly complex with cereal sweetness, caramel malts, and a nice crisp, easy-drinking flavor.
There are few beers more perfect for a boat ride than Narragansett Lager. Bonus points if you grab some of the 1975 throwback cans featured in Jaws. While we wouldn’t suggest taking a similar boat ride Quint and his companions took, you should still bring this crisp, easy-drinking, full-flavored lager aboard for summertime adventures.
While a lot of movies and TV shows have been getting axed left and right, it’s nice to see a series actually begin to move forward after nearly four years in development. That’s the case for The Continental, an upcoming series that will take place in the John Wick universe.
A tv show based on the iconic hotel has been in the works since the beginning of the John Wick franchise, though it was first slated to premiere on Starz. Earlier this year, Peacock gained the rights to the first three movies in the Keanu Reeves-led action series and will be the future home of The Continental next spring.
The three-part series will explore the history of The Continental, an elusive hotel that hosts the world’s most dangerous assassins (and their dogs), and tell the origins of the mysterious hotel manager, played by Colin Woodell. Mel Gibson, Ayomide Adegun, Ben Robson, Katie McGrath, and Peter Greene will also star in the series. Reeves is not expected to star in the show, as it takes place before Wick is even alive….allegedly! But there can always be a flash-forward, right?
Kelly Campbell, President of Peacock, says that the move was a no-brainer. “The John Wick films have become a global phenomenon, are among the most watched titles on Peacock and we are thrilled and honored to partner with Lionsgate to extend this incredible franchise….the premiere of The Continental will be the streaming event of the year.”
John Wick: Chapter 4 has a March 2023 release date, so the series will likely coincide with the movie’s release. Fans may remember when Chapter 3 was released when they did a pop-up event at the “real” Continental Hotel, which is just a normal place that does not have real killers staying there (presumably). Overall, it’s a great time to be a fan of both Keanu Reeves and unnecessary violence!
With all due respect to Garfield, Monday is not the worst day of the week. Tuesday is much worse. Monday is a chance to start a new work week off on the right foot; by Tuesday, that optimistic enthusiasm is gone, having been replaced with a slug-like feeling of mundanity. Also, Monday means new episodes of Better Call Saul — or should I say, new episode, because tonight is the series finale of arguably the best show on TV.
Hm. I may have to rethink my Day of the Week power rankings next week.
But for now, we have one final installment of Better Call Saul to look forward. Almost nothing is known about “Saul Gone,” other than it’s written and directed by co-creator Peter Gould and the vague teases from the cast and crew. Co-creator Vince Gilligan’s one-word review of the finale to Entertainment Weekly? “Earned.” Star Bob Odenkirk called the episode “a very grounded ending that really dug right into the core of what the show is about and what the character’s experience has been,” while Gould is “feeling confident that what we’re doing is completely true to the show.”
AMC also released a teaser poster for “Saul Gone,” which features the scales of justice tipping towards the nearest Cinnabon, probably.
If you don’t follow Better Call Saul on social media, you’ve been missing out on posters for every episode in the final season. Here’s the complete collection.
Thanks to the latest whiskey boom, there are always new and exciting bourbons to try. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always mean there are new “good” bourbons to try. A lot of the newer stuff — and, we must admit, much of the “super folksy label that would look great on a barcart” stuff — is gets stuck in the “fine” to “ugh” to “hard pass” brackets. Luckily, I’m here to take one for the collective team and weed out those lesser bottles so that you don’t have to waste your hard-earned cash on them.
To do so, I’m conducting a blind taste test of new bourbons that landed on my desk over the past couple of weeks. I pulled in bottles that fit many styles of bourbon from budget small batch bottles to unique mash bills with bespoke corn to limited editions to special finishings. Once I tasted through, I ranked each bottle according to the quality of the flavor profile. It’s as simple as “which one(s) actually tastes good?” and “which one(s) tastes the best?”
Our lineup today is:
Monk’s Road Fifth District Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 6 Years Series 01 Barrel #23 Bottle #169
Dragon’s Milk Origin Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 5 Years
This opens with a hint of woody vanilla next to a hint of sour cherry, a dash of toasted coconut, a light note of leather, and some butter toffee underbelly. The palate leans into cola notes with plenty of clove and nutmeg next to a whisper of oatmeal cookie with sweet spices and plenty of vanilla. The end is lush and sweetens towards a Caro syrup with a bit of stewed apple that’s kind of woody and mildly spicy.
This is a nice place to start. This isn’t a mind-blowing bourbon but it is a pleasant one.
Taste 2
Zach Johnston
Tasting Notes:
A big chocolate malt note draws you in on the palate first before layers of winter spices, dark caramel malts, a twinge of orange oils, and a mild Vanilla Coke kick in. The taste has an almost Hershey’s Kiss feel to it alongside spiced chocolate powder next to a hint of lemon-lime that turns into a tangerine-laced maltiness (kind of like a tangerine White Claw) with a chocolate wafer in the background. The end holds onto the chocolate maltiness and mild winter spices the longest.
I can’t decide if I love or hate this. I imagine I’ll fall closer to the middle.
Taste 3
Zach Johnston
Tasting Notes:
There’s a good dose of wet straw and grains on the nose with hints of nutmeg and clove which eventually lead to some apple skins. The palate meanders through vanilla, wicker, fresh mint, and brown sugar with a whisper of dill buried in there somewhere. The end is full of a lot of sweetgrasses, grilled pineapple, and sour cherry with a touch of brown spice.
This was very much “fine.”
Taste 4
Zach Johnston
Tasting Notes:
This has a slightly tannic nose (think old, red-wine-soaked oak) with woody vanilla, nutmeg, and a lush vibe. The palate mixes up the sweet vanilla with sweet yet sharp spice, some dark chocolate, and a hint of orange zest. The end combines everything into a lush finish that highlights old oak, soft nutmeg, and a soft orange-chocolate vibe with a hint of clove and anise.
This was really nice, but not overly complex. It wasn’t arresting but it was super easy to drink.
Taste 5
Zach Johnston
Tasting Notes:
The nose opens with a hint of dry cornmeal that leads to soft but worn leather and a throughline of rubber fishing lure (in a good way… I think) with a soft and sweet orchard fruit underneath it all. The palate is light but hits on vanilla cream, toffee, and cinnamon with a dash of white pepper. The end leans into vanilla and spiced tobacco leaves and a twinge of soft peppercorn.
This is a bit all over the place but kind of good and interesting.
Taste 6
Zach Johnston
Tasting Notes:
Apple and pear open the nose up toward peach taffy with a hint of black licorice ropes, old leather, sweet winter spices, and a whisper of Nutella. The palate lets the vanilla linger while a sweet and mild Red Hot vibe mixes with classic cherry cola, dried sweetgrass, salted caramel candies, and apricot jam on a Southern biscuit with a drop of fresh honey and butter. The end stays pretty classic with a sense of spiced cherry tobacco, rich vanilla, and a few old oak staves.
This is a good pour.
Taste 7
Zach Johnston
Tasting Notes:
Soft holiday spices mix with orange creamsicle, dry sweetgrass, old boot leather, a dash of dark chocolate powder, and a hint of cedar. The taste feels like you’re on a back porch on a sunny day with rich toffee, cherrywood, and vanilla next to buttery zucchini bread with walnuts and plenty of cinnamon. The end takes on this woody and sweet carrot vibe while lush marzipan brings a nutty sweetness with a hint of Earl Grey and walnut loaf with low notes of soft cedar and warm tobacco.
This is a really good pour.
Taste 8
Zach Johnston
Tasting Notes:
The nose on his one starts off with a stained deck board vibe that boils down to silver plastic Christmas garlands fresh out of the pack with old woody spices, dry raisins, and savory figs. Earthy vanilla and old porch wicker mingle with Caro Syrup and orange tobacco with a supporting cast of wintry baking spices. The end moves from woody maple syrup toward soft marzipan, a dash of chocolate, and a distant whisper of peppermint candy cane.
This is the most all-around Christmas-y bourbon, and I kind of love it. The nostalgia factor from the flavor profile is off the charts with this one.
This release from Off Hours Spirits is sourced from MGP of Indiana. The juice is a no-age-statement bourbon from MGP’s standard 75 percent corn, 21 percent rye, and four percent malted barley mash bill. The whiskey spends about four years in the barrel before it is blended and bottled by Off Hours with a good dose of proofing water.
Bottom Line:
As I mentioned above, this was fine. I never in a million years would have guessed it’s an MGP product though. It tastes very crafty with that wet straw and grainy vibe. Still, this would work fine in a highball.
7. Great Jones Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch no. 001 Bottle no. 91808 — Taste 5
This is a grain-to-glass New York craft bourbon. The grains in the mash bill — corn, rye, and malted barley — are all grown locally in New York state. The juice is then left for at least four years to age before it’s blended in small batches, proofed down, and bottled.
Bottom Line:
This is fine too. I’d say this felt more like a cocktail base than a sipper (for sure). Overall, “fine” is good enough but not good enough to spend too much time seeking out.
6. Dragon’s Milk Origin Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 5 Years — Taste 2
This whiskey from New Holland Brewing up in Michigan marries craft bourbon with the brewery’s beloved Dragon’s Milk beer. The whiskey in the bottle is made with a high-barley bourbon mash bill. After five years in the barrel, the juice is blended, proofed down, and bottled.
Bottom Line:
I did like the chocolate malt vibe on this. I can see pairing this with a Dragon’s Milk Stout. Still, that chocolate note was a lot of the flavor profile to the point of almost pushing the whole pour to one-note status.
5. Monk’s Road Fifth District Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 6 Years Series 01 Barrel #23 Bottle #169 — Taste 1
This whiskey from Log Still Distillery in Kentucky is run by direct descendants of the famed Dant family. The whiskey in the bottle is a single barrel bourbon that aged for six years before proofing and bottling.
Bottom Line:
This is where we squarely get into the good stuff. This was distinct and flavorful. The only reason it’s this low is that it felt really “classic” but not a whole lot more — which is totally fine if that’s what you’re looking for. Had I known the price tag, I’d probably ranked this lower. $125 is a lot for something just “classic.”
This is a celebrity-owned bourbon from UFC’s Bruce Buffer. The juice in the bottle is a blend of four to six-year-old bourbons from Kentucky that are touched with a little proofing water after blending.
Bottom Line:
This is a really easy-to-drink whiskey that offers a deep and distinct flavor profile. The overall vibe of this is just really good. This was the first whiskey on the panel that I wanted to go back to — still, it’s not quite as deep as the top three.
3. Kirkland Signature Small Batch by Barton 1792 Master Distillers Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch no. 1124 — Taste 6
This is the entry point to Costco’s new lineup of Kentucky Bourbons (along with a Bottled-in-Bond and Single Barrel release). The whiskey in the bottle is from Sazerac’s Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown with a mash bill of 74 percent corn, 18 percent rye, and eight percent barley. That juice is left to age for four to five years before blended, proofing, and bottling for Costco.
Bottom Line:
This was really good with a straightforward but deep flavor profile. If I was taking the price into the ranking (I rank these before I know the label), I’d have ranked it higher thanks to that amazing price tag. This swings way above its price tag.
Quality bourbon for a low price? That’s some serious value, folks.
This special edition bourbon from craft distilling darling Jeptha Creed is all about the heritage corn. The mash is 90 percent Bloody Butcher Corn alongside five percent malted rye and five perfect malted barley. The whiskey is left alone for nearly five years before batching, proofing, and bottling.
Bottom Line:
This was both unique and delicious. It felt new and playful while still offering a foundation of great bourbon underneath it all. Overall, this is a great variation on the theme of bourbon, but might not be for everyone (hence, it’s second and not first).
1. Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 5 Years Limited Edition National Parks No. 2 — Taste 7
This bottle celebrates our National Parks with each limited edition release. In this case, the release celebrates Yellowston’s 150th anniversary with part of the proceeds from each bottle sold going to Yellowstone Forever, which helps protect the park. The whiskey in the bottle is a special release from Wyoming grains — 68 percent corn, 20 percent wheat, and 12 percent malted barley — and water. After five years, the barrels are small-batch blended and bottled with a drop of proofing water.
Bottom Line:
This was the best pour of the day. It was complex, fresh, and deep. It also had a deep nostalgic pull for the winter holidays that felt like stepping into the time machine to my childhood. You just cannot deny that sort of power.
Part 3: Final Thoughts
Zach Johnston
There were eight quality bourbons on this list and each one had its charms. Eight through five weren’t my cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be yours. Go back and read the tasting notes and make a decision.
Four through one were all stellar bottles you can’t go wrong with. I’d say four and three are the most accessible to the average palate with one and two hitting some big and unique notes that might be appreciated a little further down anyone’s bourbon tasting road. At the very least, buying a bottle of Wyoming’s new National Parks edition will help that park with real money.
Overall, the real winner is that Kirkland Signature Small Batch though. That price and the quality of the booze in the bottle are unassailable. $20 for that one-liter bottle of very good bourbon from a great distillery is the way to go if you can’t find anything else in the top three.
Last week, Tommy Lee stirred up social media when he shared a selfie on Instagram. Of course, this wasn’t the usual sort of self-shot photo, as it offered a clear-as-day look at the Mötley Crüe drummer’s uncovered penis. While the image has since been removed from Instagram, it’s still up on Twitter, which is more tolerant of nudity on its platform than is Instagram. (If you’d care to view the original, uncensored photo, it can still be found on Lee’s Twitter, here.)
Now, though, the Lee pee-pee pic is back on Instagram, albeit not in its original form. A few days ago, Lee shared a colorful, artistic rendering of the original photo, created by artist Ziva Barrett, wife of Cannibal Corpse guitarist Rob Barrett. In her own post of the image, she wrote, “When Tommy Lee ‘hands’ you a dick pic, you don’t ask questions, you grab a (big [smiling emoji]) canvas instead and get to work.” In another post, she noted that she’s giving Lee either the original painting or a black-and-white version of it she also made (his choice).
If Lee’s latest post is something you want to see, it can be found on his Instagram, here.
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This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
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