Most people wait months to introduce whomever they’re dating to friends and family, expertly delaying the inevitable echo chamber of unsolicited opinions. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce do not have that luxury, as everyone (including inanimate objects like the Empire State Building) has chimed in on whatever is going on between them romantically.

This week, the NFL issued a statement, Rachel Zegler defended Swift, and a former White House staffer said Swift is “the only person who can” beat Donald Trump in a presidential election. (Sorry, Taylor can’t come the White House phone right now. Why? Because she’s already the de facto President Of Chiefs Kingdom.) Olivia Wilde has joined the chat — acknowledging Swift’s unparalleled influence as our climate’s last hope.

On Thursday night, October 5, Wilde took to her Instagram Story to re-share an X (formerly known as Twitter) post from the Dutch actor Katja Herbers reading, “I wish Taylor Swift was in love with a climate scientist.”

Before we get to the irony of Wilde’s repost, it should be noted that Herbers’ take on the situation didn’t end there. “All Swifties hurriedly googling ‘climate emergency,’ she wrote on X, followed by, “Taylor would join her scientist at an end fossil fuels rally and the world would be saved.”

Now, back to Wilde: People online are giving the actor and director the side-eye because her most recent ex (or, at least the most recent person the public was aware Wilde dated) is Harry Styles, who famously is not a climate scientist — though he does often dabble in activism waters and make the world better in other ways. Not to mention, Styles briefly dated Swift a decade ago.

“I get it but like also…who is Olivia Wilde to say sh*t,” one person named Jennifer posted on X. “I don’t remember Harry Styles restoring the ozone when they were dating.”

“The stupidest thing @oliviawilde could do after breaking up with Harry Styles is daring to mention Taylor Swift,” reads another post from a user named Myla. (Styles and Wilde split late last year.)

Separately, Jessica Barrera pointed out the hit Wilde’s reputation took around the controversial rollout of Don’t Worry Darling, the September 2022 film she directed and in which Styles co-starred alongside Florence Pugh. Wilde was alleged to have not been, erm, the most supportive presence for Pugh, as reports surfaced that the two had “a screaming match” while filming, and Wilde believed Pugh was “f*cking Harry,” according to the ex-nanny of Wilde and Jason Sudeikis. (Sudeikis and Wilde denied all of the nanny’s claims.)

Swift is used to her love life — or any aspect of her existence — being placed under the microscope and dissected by millions of strangers, but the point is that she shouldn’t have to get used to that. Moral of the story: Can we please let women date whomever they please without placing the expectations of the (literal) world on their shoulders?

For now, the NFL will continue to leverage every ounce of Swiftian power to its advantage.

Most people wait months to introduce whomever they’re dating to friends and family, expertly delaying the inevitable echo chamber of unsolicited opinions. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce do not have that luxury, as everyone (including inanimate objects like the Empire State Building) has chimed in on whatever is going on between them romantically.

This week, the NFL issued a statement, Rachel Zegler defended Swift, and a former White House staffer said Swift is “the only person who can” beat Donald Trump in a presidential election. (Sorry, Taylor can’t come the White House phone right now. Why? Because she’s already the de facto President Of Chiefs Kingdom.) Olivia Wilde has joined the chat — acknowledging Swift’s unparalleled influence as our climate’s last hope.

On Thursday night, October 5, Wilde took to her Instagram Story to re-share an X (formerly known as Twitter) post from the Dutch actor Katja Herbers reading, “I wish Taylor Swift was in love with a climate scientist.”

Before we get to the irony of Wilde’s repost, it should be noted that Herbers’ take on the situation didn’t end there. “All Swifties hurriedly googling ‘climate emergency,’ she wrote on X, followed by, “Taylor would join her scientist at an end fossil fuels rally and the world would be saved.”

Now, back to Wilde: People online are giving the actor and director the side-eye because her most recent ex (or, at least the most recent person the public was aware Wilde dated) is Harry Styles, who famously is not a climate scientist — though he does often dabble in activism waters and make the world better in other ways. Not to mention, Styles briefly dated Swift a decade ago.

“I get it but like also…who is Olivia Wilde to say sh*t,” one person named Jennifer posted on X. “I don’t remember Harry Styles restoring the ozone when they were dating.”

“The stupidest thing @oliviawilde could do after breaking up with Harry Styles is daring to mention Taylor Swift,” reads another post from a user named Myla. (Styles and Wilde split late last year.)

Separately, Jessica Barrera pointed out the hit Wilde’s reputation took around the controversial rollout of Don’t Worry Darling, the September 2022 film she directed and in which Styles co-starred alongside Florence Pugh. Wilde was alleged to have not been, erm, the most supportive presence for Pugh, as reports surfaced that the two had “a screaming match” while filming, and Wilde believed Pugh was “f*cking Harry,” according to the ex-nanny of Wilde and Jason Sudeikis. (Sudeikis and Wilde denied all of the nanny’s claims.)

Swift is used to her love life — or any aspect of her existence — being placed under the microscope and dissected by millions of strangers, but the point is that she shouldn’t have to get used to that. Moral of the story: Can we please let women date whomever they please without placing the expectations of the (literal) world on their shoulders?

For now, the NFL will continue to leverage every ounce of Swiftian power to its advantage.

Few people can relate to Drake’s career achievements, but we know we share at least one thing in common with the record-breaking chart-topper: A stomach ache can still bring him to his knees.

On Friday, October 6, Drake finally released his For All The Dogs album, and, as is the case with every Drake project, the rest of the day was consumed by people dissecting everything about it. But Drake fans might want to especially savor this ritual because For All The Dogs could be his last drop for a while.

“I probably won’t make music for a little bit,” Drake said on his Table For One show on SiriusXM’s Sound 42. “I’mma be real with you. I need to focus on my health, first and foremost, and I’ll talk about that soon enough. Nothing crazy, but I want people to be healthy in life, and I’ve been having the craziest problems, for years, with my stomach.”

He added, “I need to focus on my health, and I need to get right, and I’m gonna do that. […] I have a lot of other things that I would love to focus on, so I’m going to lock the door on the studio for a little bit. I don’t know what ‘a little bit’ is. Maybe a year or something. Maybe a little bit longer.”

In February, Drake told Lil Yachty that he had started contemplating what his rap retirement may eventually look like, and an excerpt of what he had to say then can be read below:

“I feel like I’m kind of introducing the concept in my mind of a graceful exit. I feel like a lot of people that I’ve watched as the years have gone on, it’s a really addictive, competitive space, and oftentimes, you’re addicted to the competition itself. And so, sometimes it’ll baffle you. Like, why are these people still making attempts at trying to present in the space? And then you’ll realize, like, their needs and desires and their soul was probably fed for so long off of being a guy or the guy that they can’t let it go.

I guess what’s left for me is just to find a way to gracefully — like, I’m not ready now, but to gracefully continue making projects that are extremely interesting and hopefully cherished by people, and then to find the right time to say, ‘I can’t wait to see what the next generation does.’ I’ll still be around to work with people or do a show here or there, but I’m not going to force myself to compete.”

Drake’s It’s All A Blur Tour with 21 Savage is winding down, with hometown dates at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena tonight (October 6) and tomorrow (October 7). See all of his remaining dates here.

Few people can relate to Drake’s career achievements, but we know we share at least one thing in common with the record-breaking chart-topper: A stomach ache can still bring him to his knees.

On Friday, October 6, Drake finally released his For All The Dogs album, and, as is the case with every Drake project, the rest of the day was consumed by people dissecting everything about it. But Drake fans might want to especially savor this ritual because For All The Dogs could be his last drop for a while.

“I probably won’t make music for a little bit,” Drake said on his Table For One show on SiriusXM’s Sound 42. “I’mma be real with you. I need to focus on my health, first and foremost, and I’ll talk about that soon enough. Nothing crazy, but I want people to be healthy in life, and I’ve been having the craziest problems, for years, with my stomach.”

He added, “I need to focus on my health, and I need to get right, and I’m gonna do that. […] I have a lot of other things that I would love to focus on, so I’m going to lock the door on the studio for a little bit. I don’t know what ‘a little bit’ is. Maybe a year or something. Maybe a little bit longer.”

In February, Drake told Lil Yachty that he had started contemplating what his rap retirement may eventually look like, and an excerpt of what he had to say then can be read below:

“I feel like I’m kind of introducing the concept in my mind of a graceful exit. I feel like a lot of people that I’ve watched as the years have gone on, it’s a really addictive, competitive space, and oftentimes, you’re addicted to the competition itself. And so, sometimes it’ll baffle you. Like, why are these people still making attempts at trying to present in the space? And then you’ll realize, like, their needs and desires and their soul was probably fed for so long off of being a guy or the guy that they can’t let it go.

I guess what’s left for me is just to find a way to gracefully — like, I’m not ready now, but to gracefully continue making projects that are extremely interesting and hopefully cherished by people, and then to find the right time to say, ‘I can’t wait to see what the next generation does.’ I’ll still be around to work with people or do a show here or there, but I’m not going to force myself to compete.”

Drake’s It’s All A Blur Tour with 21 Savage is winding down, with hometown dates at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena tonight (October 6) and tomorrow (October 7). See all of his remaining dates here.

The Uproxx 2023 Fall Travel Hot List is live! Visit here for the full experience!

Fall is here – whether it feels like that where you live or not – and to many of us, that means one thing: time to leaf peep. Seeing the vibrant displays of colorful leaves on these fleeting fall days is enough to turn even a cynic into a fall fan. And there is no better place in the United States to do it than the Northeast. A perennial bucket list destination for foliage, the iconic landscapes of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine are awash with golden beauty – and tourists – for those coveted “peak leaf” weekends.

While some people may recommend — understandably, it’s crowded — to plan your East Coast leaf-peeping trip far in advance, that’s not my recommendation. Why not? Because “peak” fall foliage doesn’t run on a metronome. You have to be flexible and okay with some last-minute arrangements if you want to be there for the best colors.

According to the New England Peak Fall Foliage Map, peak conditions will start in the Northeast around October 20 and last into the end of the month in many locations – even into November for areas further south. So, you still have plenty of time to plan an epic New England fall road trip if you start with this article.

Here are my recommendations for routes, where to stay, what to do, and where to eat and drink while you’re there:

PART I — START IN BOSTON:

I recommend flying into Boston, as it is centrally located, offers tons of flights that will likely be cheaper than other smaller New England airports, and has more options for car rentals. This also allows you to explore Boston if you have the time or Salem if you can brave the October crowds. Then I’d head straight to possibly the best place for fall foliage in the nation: New Hampshire.

PART II — VISIT NEW HAMPSHIRE

New Hampshire doesn’t always get its due, sandwiched between the classic fall vacation spots of Vermont and Maine – but it’s arguably the best place for fall colors and outdoor adventures. Here are some recommended stops.

WHITE MOUNTAINS

If you do nothing else on your fall foliage adventure, spend (ample) time in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. My jaw was on the floor, in awe of my surroundings throughout my visit. It’s truly unlike anything I have ever seen and worth your time.

WHAT TO DO IN NH:

FRANCONIA NOTCH STATE PARK

There are endless options for outdoor recreation in New Hampshire, but if you’re visiting for fall leaves – you have to visit Franconia Notch State Park. The park is easily accessible from Interstate 93, with imposing mountains, gorges, hiking, lakes, and waterfalls everywhere you turn. And in the fall, you have all that plus foliage – it’s an incredible bucket list park.

THE FLUME GORGE

Inside Franconia Notch State Park is The Flume Gorge – a gorge that is approximately 800 feet long and with depths up to 90 feet deep with endless waterfalls – including the 45-foot Avalanche Falls – to admire as you walk along the boardwalks and steps under the towering granite walls.

ARTISTS BLUFF AND BALD MOUNTAIN HIKE:

If you’ve ever seen a photo of a fall in New Hampshire, it was likely taken at the Artists Bluff overlook in Franconia Notch State Park. The relatively short – but sometimes steep – trail covers just around 1.5 miles to bring hikers to an incredible view of Echo Lake, Cannon Mountain, and the Franconia Notch. It’s a viral spot, especially in the fall, but the views are jaw-dropping and worth the hassle.

WHERE TO STAY IN NH:

OMNI MOUNT WASHINGTON RESORT

I didn’t actually stay at Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods (unfortunately), but I spent some of the best moments of my time in New Hampshire there. The historic hotel, built in 1902, is a landmark and destination in the White Mountains. Home of the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference that created the IMF fund, the history is fascinating, the grounds are immaculate, the dining is elevated, and the views from anywhere on the property are stunning. I grabbed a snack and a glass of wine and enjoyed watching the sunset over the mountains from one of the decks.

I can’t wait to return and stay a while.

PART III — VERMONT

Vermont is sort of the quintessential fall foliage destination against which all others are judged. And I understand entirely after my first visit to the state last year during peak foliage. Simply driving down the highway transported me into a wholly different, quieter, and more colorful world. Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss.

WHERE TO GO IN VT:

STOWE

Stowe is the city most visitors will base themselves in when hunting for fall colors. The quaint small town feels like walking through a fairytale, the nearby Stowe Mountain Resort offers plenty of year-round activities (and views), and the surrounding Green Mountains – including Mount Mansfield, the tallest peak in the state – offer unparalleled views. I recommend spending time in the village before driving the auto road up Mount Mansfield or riding the scenic gondola at Stowe Mountain Resort.

WOODSTOCK

Woodstock, Vermont, is another city that is synonymous with fall. The quaint downtown is almost unreal – it is so picturesque – with interesting local shops and restaurants dotting the foliage-covered streets. Visit the covered bridges, museums, and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park while in the area. But be aware the famous “Sleepy Hollow farm” in nearby Pomfret is closed for the fall foliage season due to overcrowding. Not to worry, there are plenty of other nearby fall attractions and public farms to visit.

WHERE TO STAY IN VT:

ESSEX RESORT AND SPA

During my visit to Vermont, I loved staying at the Essex Resort & Spa. From the second I drove onto the property to the time I had to check out, I felt a warmth and coziness that is hard to find in a resort this size. Known as a “culinary resort,” the Essex offers cooking classes and three dining options, from the down-to-earth Tavern and casual to-go offerings at the front desk cafe to the luxurious and award-winning Junction Interactive Restaurant.

I loved watching the sunrise from the outdoor hot tub and swimming laps in the indoor pool before cozying up in my grand and large king bedroom with understated culinary-inspired decor. The grounds are immaculate and offer something for all types of travelers.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN VT:

JUNCTION INTERACTIVE RESTAURANT

Part of my job as a travel writer is dining in some of the country’s best restaurants. So, as you can imagine, I’m often asked what my “favorite meal” or “best dining experience” has been. And one that always comes to mind is my dinner at Junction Interactive Restaurant at Essex Resort and Spa. During my last visit, I enjoyed my multiple-course, farm-to-table, artistic, and delicious meal at the chef’s table. The service was immaculate, and the dishes were inventive without being pretentious. The vibe amongst diners was celebratory and fun, making for a truly memorable dining experience.

PART IV — CONTINUE TO MAINE

I talk about Maine so often that I’m regularly asked why I haven’t just moved there already, but even for a Maine lover like myself, fall takes the cake. From the quieter coastlines to the vibrant foliage and mountainous landscape, it is a natural wonder I hope everyone gets to see at least once in their lifetime. Here is what to do while you’re there.

WHAT TO DO IN ME:

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

No fall anything list is complete without at least mentioning Acadia National Park. One of the rare National Parks that is known most for its fall season, you will have a hard time picking your jaw up off the floor after you enter the park. Drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain for sunrise or sunset (with a timed entry permit), hike the Beehive Trail or Jordan Pond, or take a cruise on a rented bike through the carriage roads that feel like they came straight out of a film set. Bar Harbor, the gateway town, is just as quaint as you’d ever imagine a real live place could be, and the lobster rolls are still going strong into the fall.

If you’re a daredevil, head to the highly exposed and rugged Precipice Trail, and if you want some solitude, drive to the Schoodic Peninsula.

KENNEBUNKPORT

As you head back down the coast from Acadia, I highly recommend stopping in Kennebunkport for a night or two. The coastal Maine village is surprisingly hip while keeping its roots as a quiet New England hamlet. The picturesque town is just sleepy enough to relax after a long road trip and enough activity to satisfy the most active visitor.

BEACHES

Call me crazy, but my favorite time to visit a beach is fall. With fewer crowds and the opportunity to wear some cozy knitwear – it somehow feels even more magical to post up in the sand in autumn than in the summer heat. So when I visit Kennebunkport, beach visits are at the top of my list. There are several in the area, but I’m partial to Goose Rocks and Kennebunk Beach in neighboring Kennebunk.

WHERE TO STAY IN ME:

YACHTSMAN HOTEL & MARINA CLUB

I’ve been fortunate to visit Kennebunkport several times. Although there are many incredible hotels, resorts, and bed and breakfasts, I keep returning to the Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club. Now open year-round, with in-room fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, and private patios with stunning water views from each room – it feels fun while remaining astoundingly peaceful. The design is sleek and bright, with an incredible walkable location to town or next door to the marina where you can get out on the water.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN ME:

MABEL’S LOBSTER CLAW

If you visit Maine and don’t eat a lobster roll, were you ever actually there? I indulge in plenty during my trips to the state, but none has ever topped the hot buttered lobster roll from Mabel’s Lobster Claw. Slightly out of the downtown area but still entirely walkable, the seasonal restaurant has long been a Bush family favorite (their summer house is on the coast nearby), and I understand why. The atmosphere, service, food, and value were all exactly what I had hoped for.

A month ago, Nicki Minaj revealed the Afrofuturistic cover for her upcoming album, Pink Friday 2, while also insinuating that another cover was on the way. With the album’s release date now just over a month away, the Queen from Queens has shared the second cover for the album, revealing that this one will be a vinyl exclusive. On the cover, Nicki is draped in a diaphanous Barbie-pink gown which reveals her midriff and surrounded by a billowing satin sheet.

The rollout for Pink Friday 2 has clearly been planned to perfection, with Nicki carrying her momentum from appearing on the Barbie soundtrack with Ice Spice and rolling it into the debut of her reflective lead single, “Last Time I Saw You.” From there, she revealed the cover for the album, then used her dual gigs as host and performer at the MTV VMAs to debut her new song, the release of which she later teased on social media.

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing though. She initially planned to release PF2 earlier in the year but pushed it back to ensure the maximum amount of time to work on it. And lately, her husband appears to have gotten sucked into Nicki’s long-simmering rivalry with Cardi B, threatening Cardi’s husband Offset and earning himself a few months of house arrest. Given that her beef with Cardi partially derailed her last album rollout, you really hope she learns the lesson and sticks to great imagery, sharp lyrics, and catchy beats to sell this one, because there’s more competition than ever and it looks like shes’ on the right track.

Pink Friday 2 is due on 11/17.

The best new hip-hop this week includes albums, videos, and songs from Drake, Janelle Monáe, DJ Khaled, and more.

This week, DJ Khaled contributed to hip-hop’s long tradition of videos starring child versions of rap stars, partnering with Nickelodeon for his kid-friendly “Supposed To Be Loved” video:

Meanwhile, Janelle Monáe was undaunted by the looming prospect of competing for attention with the juggernaut that is Drake, sharing an Atlanta-centric remix of her Age Of Pleasure favorite “Champagne Sh*t” featuring Latto and Quavo:

And Megan Thee Stallion shared her Dicks: The Musical soundtrack single, “Out Alpha The Alpha.”

But obviously, the headline of the weekend is Drake releasing his new album For All The Dogs, which drew attention for his collaborations with J. Cole and his son Adonis, as well as supposedly interpolating lyrics from Pet Shop Boys’ “West End Girls” without permission.

Even though plenty of artists decided not to release new music this week and risk being overshadowed by The Boy, plenty did, so:

Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending October 6, 2023.

Albums/EPs/Mixtapes

Drake — For All The Dogs

It’s Drake. You know what you’re getting. Either you really want to listen to this or you really don’t, but either way, you’re going to end up doing so for the next several weeks. That being said, maybe we should all appreciate this opportunity; Drake did reveal he was taking a hiatus from music. Maybe when he returns he’ll be refreshed physically AND creatively, bringing a whole new era of his career. That’d be nice.

Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist — Voire

Although it’s not technically “new” per se, given its release a few weeks ago on the blockchain-backed platform Gala Music, now that it’s widely available, it doesn’t hurt to give my fellow Angelenos a little extra promo. In any case, it appears that the streaming release has a few different tracks — both featuring Vince Staples — so it counts on my list. That’s why it’s my list.

Joey Fatts — Glorious

Long Beach rapper Joey Fatts might not have the industry attention and cultural cachet of some of his fellow citizens, but it’d be a mistake to ignore him. If you took the plainspoken South LA storytelling of his contemporaries and sprinkled a little Larry June on it… well, that’s Joey. Glorious is a worthwhile addition to his growing, impressively consistent discography.

Maiya The Don — Hot Commodity

Fresh off the viral success of her track “Telfy” and a string of high-profile collabs with the likes of Flo Milli and Lola Brooke, the Brooklyn native drops her debut mixtape. Bolstered by thumping, hypnotic production and a husky, swaggering flow, she channels the unapologetic confidence of her hometown to drop smirking, boastful bars that mark her as one of the city’s hottest rising stars.

RJMrLA & DJ Drama — OMMIO Grillz

DJ Drama’s Gangsta Grillz renaissance returns to LA, but this time, he heads to the hood to show off the other side of the city of angels. To that end, the eerie synths, syncopated claps, and Rhodes chords all make appearances, while RJ’s signature clipped flow does what it does. If you not from here, you probably won’t get it. If you are… turn up.

Wiz Khalifa — Khali Sober

Wiz Khalifa is the prime example disproving the myth that weed makes you lazy. See Ya, his last full-length effort, dropped in June. JUNE. On the other hand, maybe weed does make you lazy and Wiz would have have another two 15-track efforts out already. Either way, Khali Sober is a relaxing ride for the remaining vestiges of summer and likely will still be perfectly appropriate for the coming cold weather too.

Singles/Videos

Denzel Curry — “Woo” Feat. PlayThatBoiZay & Chief Pound

Denzel appears to be rolling out a new project, albeit one track at a time. While it doesn’t reach the energetic heights of his last two tracks, “Blood On My Nikes” and “Sked,” “Woo” does have plenty of the rebellious fervor that defines those tracks with decent feature verses from its guest rappers.

ElCamino — “They Spit On Jesus” Feat. Fuego Base

The title track from ElCamino’s new project (also out today), “They Spit On Jesus” taps into the grimy, paranoid vibe of late-90s street-rap from the likes of Mobb Deep and Wu-Tang. With an eerie beat and tough-talking lyrics, “They Spit On Jesus” is a microcosm of the claustrophobic stance the producer/rapper takes throughout the project.

Fivio Foreign — “Why Would I?”

A defiant anthem with a goth-drill backing track, “Why Would I?” presents an energized Fivio, who has been more productive of late. While he hasn’t announced a new album yet, one would imagine the hungry Brooklynite would never let all this forward momentum go to waste.

Fredo Bang — “Sideways” Feat. NLE Choppa

Look, say what you want about the modern sample wave (which isn’t any worse than it was in the blog era, TBH, millennials just finally feel that forty creeping up on us), but there’s some mad alchemical genius behind slapping together a filtered version of “Swing My Way” with a stripped-down Jersey club beat, thus taking advantage of multiple trends at once — but not enough of any to be stuck in the mud.

Kevin Gates — “God Slippers”

The rollout to The Ceremony is going well. And it must be said, the image of Gates slipping out the side door of God’s mansion with a pair of slippers while the almighty scratches his head is kinda funny to me.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

While most of the United States has been lucky enough to have early fall feel more like an extension of summer, that’s not going to last forever. The chill, rain, and overall bitter gloom of autumn is right around the corner. Make sure you have comfortable sweats waiting for you when you get home from work and a few six-packs (or more) of warming, flavorful beer handy.

When we talk about warming beer, we’re talking about stouts, brown ales, barleywines, Belgian tripels, and more. Some are higher in alcohol content and keep you toasty because of that. Others simply give you that cozy, warm feeling because of the malty, sweet, rich, spice-forward ingredients. As the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, these are crucial brews to have on hand.

To find these invigorating brews, we turned to the professionals for a little bit of help. We asked a few well-known craft beer experts and brewers to tell us their picks for the best warming beers to drink this fall. Keep scrolling to see all of their choices.

St. Bernardus Abt 12

Bradley Miles, head of production at Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix

ABV: 10%

Average Price: $24 for a four-pack

The Beer:

St. Bernardus Abt 12. It’s one of the best Belgian beers in the world. The brewery’s flagship beer, this quadruple style is brewed using the original recipe dating back to 1946. It’s extremely warming on a cold fall day.

Tasting Notes:

This is a very complex, flavorful, warming beer. It’s filled with notes of figs, dates, burnt sugar, and bananas. It’s fruit cake in beer form.

Boiler BourBen German Chocolate Cake Stout

Packy Colgan, USBG bartender at Liquid Sunshine Taproom in Omaha, Nebraska

ABV: 15%

Average Price: Limited Availability

The Beer:

Lincoln’s Boiler Brewing Company has a BourBen German Chocolate Cake Stout that’s perfect for fall. And sitting at 15% ABV, it makes you feel it. This is a fall favorite in my house.

Tasting Notes:

It has all the things people love about stouts with a tinge of coconut sweetness to balance out those chocolate undertones.

Fremont Brewing B-Bomb

Glenn Allen, head brewer at Pilot Project Brewing in Milwaukee

ABV: 14%

Average Price: $24 for a 22-ounce bottle

The Beer:

Fremont Brewing’s B-Bomb and its variants are amazing higher ABV beers as we dive into the cooler temperatures. Coined as an Imperial Winter Ale (although it’s released in November) it is extremely complex.

Tasting Notes:

It features notes of dark roasted malts, bourbon barrel, chocolate, coffee, and cinnamon. It’s a perfect adult sweet treat for Halloween.

Anchor Old Foghorn

Nico Freccia, co-founder at COO at 21st Amendment Brewery in San Francisco

ABV: 9.8%

Average Price: $17 for a four-pack

The Beer:

Since this is maybe the last time you will ever be able to find this beer in a store, I have to go with Anchor Brewing Old Foghorn Barleywine. This is the first modern American Barleywine, first brewed in 1975. The brewery recently announced it was closing its doors for good after 127 years. If you’re lucky you can still find some of this on a local store shelf, and Barleywine ages beautifully so you shouldn’t worry too much about whether the beer is old. Grab it while you can and enjoy this American classic.

Tasting Notes:

Coming in at almost 10% alcohol, this fall and winter warmer is loaded with flavors of stone fruit, toffee, and pine.

Brouwerij Bosteels Tripel Karmeliet

Duncan Kral, innovation brewer at Half Acre Beer in Chicago

ABV: 8.4%

Average Price: $20 for a four-pack

The Beer:

Brouwerij Bosteels Tripel Karmeliet. Belgian Tripels are some of my favorite high-ABV, warming beers, and Tripel Karmeliet stands out as one of the best examples of the style.

Tasting Notes:

Brewed with barley, wheat, and oats, this beer provides big flavors and alcohol warmth, while still managing to finish dry and quaffable. Beautiful notes of apple and pear intermingle with clove spice to provide perfect fall flavors in a glass.

Toppling Goliath Assassin

Adam Lukey, head brewer at Eventide Brewing in Atlanta

ABV: 12%

Average Price: Limited Availability

The Beer:

Once the leaves start to change color and the mornings bring a welcome coolness it’s officially the best time of the year: stout season. My choice for this category is a barrel-aged imperial stout from Toppling Goliath in Iowa: Assassin. This beer comes in at a warming 12% ABV and is aged in bourbon barrels for close to two years.

Tasting Notes:

The base beer is rich, full-bodied, and thick. The character from the barrels gives bourbon, oak, coconut, vanilla, leather, and a wisp of smoke. This is a great beer to share with a friend or two in front of an evening bonfire.

Unibroue La Fin du Monde

Chad Henderson, head brewer and co-owner of NoDa Brewing Company in Charlotte, North Carolina

ABV: 9%

Average Price: $13 for a four-pack

The Beer:

La Fin du Monde is one of my favorite warming beers out in the wild. love Belgian-style Tripels, but it’s hard to find the longing for them in the summertime.

Tasting Notes:

However, this one fits the bill with its rich fruit and clean malt sweetness when the weather shifts to autumn.

Single Hill Parallax

Chris Baum, head brewer and owner at Varietal Beer Company in Sunnyside, Washington

ABV: 10.5%

Average Price: Limited Availability

The Beer:

I’m a ‘Barleywine around a campfire’ kind of person. And the best that I have found recently is Parallax from Single Hill. This unique barleywine was aged in Westland whiskey barrels to give it an extra, warming flavor.

Tasting Notes:

This is a warming, memorable beer well-suited for fall weather. It’s boozy, sweet, and loaded with dried dark sweet fruit. Yes, please. I’ll take another.

Allagash Tripel

George Hummel, grain master at My Local Brew Works in Philadelphia

ABV: 9%

Average Price: $16 for a four-pack

The Beer:

My favorite autumnal nightcap is a Belgian-style Tripel. Some of the finest Belgian-style brews in the States are brewed by Allagash Brewing Co. Rob Tod and his band of merry brewers make one of the best takes around with their Allagash Tripel.

Tasting Notes:

Creamy head, notes of fruit and spices. This is a very warming, fruity, spiced beer you’ll want to drink all fall long.

Black Hog Granola Brown

Suzanne Schalow, CEO of Craft Beer Cellar in Belmont, Massachusetts

ABV: 5.7%

Average Price: $12 for a six-pack

The Beer:

Black Hog Granola Brown is my pick. It might not have the highest ABV, but it makes up for it with a warming, malty flavor. It has a lot of malted barley as well as wheat, rye, and oats, it’s a nice autumn warmer on an unseasonably cool night.

Tasting Notes:

Bready malts, caramel, and vanilla, all with a dry finish. This is a can’t-miss warming fall beer. What’s not to love?

The Jack Rose is one of those amazingly popular cocktails that… just sort of got lost over time. Before we get into the history of it, know this: The Jack Rose is a Hawaiian Punch for grown-ups. It’s sweet, fruity, and almost too easy to drink. It’s also an incredibly easy and quickly-made cocktail to master, adding to the fun.

Back in the day, the cocktail was huge in the New York/New Jersey scene throughout the late 1800s/early 1900s thanks to apple brandy and New Jersey being so tightly bound back then. It even made it through Prohibition to the point that it was a favorite among Steinbeck and Hemingway, getting name-checked by Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises. Then as brown spirits sort of petered out in the 1960s and 1970s, it fell to the wayside and almost disappeared.

Well, it’s high time that this deliciously fruity and fun cocktail make a comeback. It’s so easy to make, as I mentioned. And it really is a fun sipper that packs a nice sweet fruit punch that you’re sure to fall in love with (especially if you have a sweet tooth).

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Jack Rose

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. apple brandy
• 0.75 oz. lemon juice (freshly squeezed and strained)
• 0.5 oz. grenadine
• Ice
• Lemon Peel

While Laird’s AppleJack Brandy is the original base spirit, you can find some amazing local apple brandies these days to use instead. I really love using Starlight’s Bottled in Bond Apple Brandy for cocktails like this. It’ll add a hint of barrel spice with a truly deep sweet stewed apple vibe. You can’t beat that.

What You’ll Need:

• Coupe, Nick and Nora, or cocktail glass (pre-chilled)
• Cocktail shaker
• Cocktail strainer
• Jigger
• Paring knife
• Hand juicer
• Small sieve

Method:

• Add the apple brandy, lemon juice, and grenadine to the cocktail shaker with a handful of ice. Affix the lid and shake for about 15 seconds or until the shaker is ice-cold to touch.
• Fetch the glass from the freezer and strain the cocktail into the glass.
• Express the oils from the lemon over the glass, rub it around the stem and rim, and then discard. Serve.

Bottom Line:

This is 100% fruit punch for adults. I want to bottle this and make a mint. It’s so easy to drink while offering a serious depth of wood spices, apple sweetness, and soft red berry notes accented by bright lemon oils.

This has great hints of apples that speak to fall flavors. At the same time, I can see downing these any ol’ time of year. It’s just a delightfully sweet fruity cocktail.

Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are” is one of those timeless, classic children’s books that holds a special place in the hearts of people of all ages. I read it so much as a child that I had it memorized when I read it to my own kids, and they will surely pass along the Wild Things love to the next generation as well.

Though “Where the Wild Things Are” is his most famous book, it’s one of many that Sendak wrote and/or illustrated during his prolific career. We see his illustrative work in the “Little Bear” series, in “The Phantom Tollbooth,” and dozens more—not too shabby for a largely self-taught artist.

Sendak’s ability to tap into a child’s imaginary world—both its light and dark places—was what made his work so beloved. But a story he shared of an interaction with a child in the real world demonstrates how well he understood his audience.

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The story has been passed through multiple people and platforms over the years, but the website Letters of Note says it came from an NPR “Fresh Air” interview with Terri Gross in 1986. Gross asked Sendak to share some of his favorite comments he’d received over the years, and Sendak responded:

“Oh, there’s so many. Can I give you just one that I really like? It was from a little boy. He sent me a charming card with a little drawing. I loved it. I answer all my children’s letters—sometimes very hastily—but this one I lingered over. I sent him a postcard and I drew a picture of a Wild Thing on it. I wrote, ‘Dear Jim, I loved your card.’ Then I got a letter back from his mother and she said, ‘Jim loved your card so much he ate it.’ That to me was one of the highest compliments I’ve ever received. He didn’t care that it was an original drawing or anything. He saw it, he loved it, he ate it.”

Those who know “Where the Wild Things Are” will recognize the boy’s impulse in the line, “But the wild things cried, ‘Oh please don’t go – we’ll eat you up – we love you so!'”

And those who know the value of original art will recognize that the little boy gobbled up a one-of-a-kind Maurice Sendak drawing that would likely go for thousands of dollars at auction today.

The fact that Sendak was tickled and saw it as the highest compliment is exactly why he could write so well for kids. He was able to tap into what made children different than grown-ups. But he also didn’t talk down to them or pretend that childhood was all sunshine and roses. His childhood certainly wasn’t a happy one and he was known for having a bit of a gruff exterior, but his ability to tap into the darkness of childhood without being overly frightening was unique.

“I refuse to lie to children,” Sendak said in his final interview with The Guardian in 2011. “I refuse to cater to the bullshit of innocence.”

Sendak passed away in 2012 at age 83 with 150 illustrated books to his name and the honor of being the most honored children’s book author in history.