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With the craft brewing boom across all corners of America over the past four decades, the grocery beer aisle has expanded to a point that would’ve been unrecognizable even 10 years ago. These days, you can find old-school, macro-produced lagers from your grandparent’s generation sharing shelf space with award-winning IPAs encompassing umpteen sub-styles. And in between it all, you can find plenty of imports from every corner of the beer-drinking world.

Some are great. Some not so much. We understand that it can be a confusing time if you’re new to the beer game, but that’s where we come in. And today, we’re going to take a look at the beers you can find in pretty much every grocery store around the country. We also brought in some ringers to give us a helping hand.

We asked some well-known craft beer experts, brewers, and beer professionals to tell us their favorite “grocery store beers” — meaning the names everyone knows and has access to. They fired back with lot of opinions and some great picks worth grabbing.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

Luis G. Brignoni, founder of Wynwood Brewing Co. in Miami

ABV: 5.6%

Average Price: $11 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale has been widely available for more than 10 years. Now with their Asheville, North Carolina brewery, they’re churning out the freshest beer possible from coast to coast (and abroad). In my opinion, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a textbook example of what American pale ales aspire to be.

Coors Banquet Beer

Jeremy Marshall, brewmaster at Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma, California

ABV: 5%

Average Price: $7 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

The answer is Coors Banquet. I like it because it’s literally available everywhere and sometimes when you’re drinking all these IPAs, hazies, DIPAs, etc., you just need a “spacer.” You know, the kind of thing to give your palate a break. Banquet is definitely no-frills, but there’s nothing like that cold Rocky Mountain water hitting your gullet on a hot summer day.

It’s the kind of beer that’s classic and available anywhere.

Guinness Draught

Michael Palmer, lead innovation pilot brewer at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Chico, California

ABV: 4.2%

Average Price: $9 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

Guinness Draught is my pick. It’s extremely sessionable at 4.2 percent ABV, unique, and extremely drinkable without sacrificing flavor. It was one of my first beers and a beer I still love to see on draft. Special shoutout to their Foreign Extra Stout as well.

Old Style Lager

Sean Lewis, brewer at Sun King Brewing in Indianapolis

ABV: 4.6%

Average Price: $5 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

Old Style Lager has always been a favorite “grocery store” beer for me. My Grandpa Bob would always drink it, and we always have some at every family gathering as a tribute to him. It’s cheap, refreshing, and always there.

Narragansett Lager

Mike Kelly, senior brewer at Harpoon Brewery in Boston

ABV: 4.1%

Average Price: $6.50 for a six-pack of 16-ounce cans

Why This Beer?

If I could only pick one, it would be a crispy, thirst-quenching Narragansett Lager. It’s a staple at any bar worth going to in New England. It’s light in body and designed to be consumed by the handful.

Bell’s Two Hearted Ale

Rob Day, senior director of marketing at Springdale Beer Co. in Framingham, Massachusetts

ABV: 7%

Average Price: $11 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

Bell’s Two Hearted Ale is my favorite grocery store beer, hands down. This is the most reliable, widely available, excellent beer I know. It’s an all-around great IPA and you can get it pretty much everywhere.

Modelo Especial

Garth E. Beyer, certified Cicerone® and owner and founder of Garth’s Brew Bar in Madison, Wisconsin

ABV: 4.4%

Average Price: $8.50 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

If I’ve got beer in my cart at a grocery store, it’s more than likely going to be Modelo Especial (specifically in cans). When I make tacos at home, I go big and it’s a day-long investment. The honey blossom aroma of the beer compliments all the taco aromas floating around the kitchen, and there’s just something about that clean-but-sweet barley finish that sets up your palate for taco after taco.

Samuel Adams Boston Lager

Ryan Pachmayer, head brewer at Yak & Yeti Brewpub and Restaurant in Arvada, Colorado

ABV: 5%

Average Price: $10 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

Sam Adam’s Boston Lager is just a solid beer drinker’s beer. There are good bready malts and noble hops, it’s clean and crisp, it’s available pretty much everywhere, and it isn’t too expensive. I much prefer this over the light lagers, they’re just too thin and flavorless for my tastes.

Miller Genuine Draft

Jesse Sommers, vice president at Berthoud Brewing Company in Loveland, Colorado

ABV: 4.6%

Average Price: $7.50 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

If I had to pick a classic “grocery store” beer, I would probably go with Miller Genuine Draft. It was my go-to lawnmower beer early on. It is clean and refreshing, easy to drink, and has a little more flavor than Bud or Coors, in my opinion.

Pilsner Urquell

Brian Jaszewski, director of product management at Sprecher Brewing Co. in Glendale, Wisconsin

ABV: 4.4%

Average Price: $10 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

I always go to Pilsner Urquell. A good lager is tough to beat as a daily drinker, which is why we focus on perfecting them here at Sprecher. It delivers exactly what it promises every time, and your palate only has to work as hard as you want when you are drinking it.

Anchor Steam

Jamie Boalbey, director of beverage and operations at Pitfire Pizza in Los Angeles

ABV: 4.9%

Average Price: $10 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

Without a doubt for me, Anchor Steam is my favorite “grocery store” beer. A timeless classic, it has the perfect harmony of malts and hops with a refreshing, clean finish that leaves you craving more. It’s a can’t-miss beer that’s available in most every grocery store.

Tecate

Dan Lipke, head brewer at Clown Shoes Beer in Boston

ABV: 4.5%

Average Price: $8 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

Tecate is my go-to. If I’m looking for something super light, a Tecate fits the bill nicely. It’s easy drinking and a bit fuller tasting than American macro lagers, which tend to use rice as an adjunct. Tecate is slightly sweeter and softer with a corn addition.

Sweetwater IPA

Brad Bergman, brewing director at Sycamore Brewing in Charlotte, North Carolina

ABV: 6.3%

Average Price: $10 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

I really enjoy Sweetwater’s IPA. You can find it most grocery stores in the Southeast. For as ubiquitous as it is, there are really a lot of nice flavors. Citrusy, tropical, bright, and not too heavy or sweet, it’s a nice IPA (especially if found fresh) that I see all around.

Allagash White

Adam Beauchamp, COO and co-founder at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. in Athens, Georgia

ABV: 5.2%

Average Price: $12 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

Allagash White is my favorite “grocery store” beer. It is a true American classic, delicious, and infinitely drinkable. What could be better than this hazy, slightly spicy, and memorable beer? The flavors are perfect any time of year.

Miller High Life

Jon Eager, research and development brewer at Indeed Brewing Company in Minneapolis

ABV: 4.6%

Average Price: $6 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

Miller High Life is a can’t-miss grocery store find. Something about drinking out of a clear glass bottles makes me happy. It’s a rare joy and a horrible idea for most beers. This is refreshing, crisp, and the kind of beer you never want to stop drinking.

Pizza Port Swami’s IPA

Teddy Gowan, director of brewery operations at Societe Brewing Company in San Diego

ABV: 6.8%

Average Price: $15 for a six-pack of 16-ounce cans

Why This Beer?

The kind of beer that’s classic, available anywhere, and no-frills? Swami’s from Pizza Port is my pick. Somehow, no matter where you are — you could be in Mammoth or right around the corner from the brewery — but their “packaged on” dates are always within the month.

Spring is right around the corner (finally), which means it’s time to lock down your seasonal travel plans. Of course, planning any vacation includes finding a place to stay and an epic spot is often a precursor to an epic trip. There are lots of hotels we love, but if you’re traveling with a group, craving more privacy, or looking for something ultra-unique, rental properties are often your best bet.

If you’re still in need of destination inspiration for your spring and summer travel plans, today’s your day. Airbnb just release their most wish-listed US-based properties so far in 2022. From an A-frame cabin in Zion National Park to a cliffside abode to a cottage curated for a hobbit, the Airbnbs below are reason enough to book your next flight.

ALSO READ:

• Vacation Rentals With Saunas And Spas To Help You Relax Your Way Through Winter
• Travel Couples Share The Absolute Best Hotel Rooms They’ve Ever Stayed In
• Hotels We Love: Surfhouse In Encinitas (CA) Is A Beach Lover’s Dream
• Let These Borderline-Gaudy US-Based Hotel Suites Give You A Heaping Dose Of Travel Inspiration
• Hotels We Love: Hotel Maraica Is An Ecotourism Paradise

Kettle House Galveston – As Seen on TV DIY (Galveston, TX)

This quirky, newly-renovated 1960s home was originally built as a steel storage tank. Now, it’s one of Airbnb’s hottest picks. With two bedrooms with a total of three beds, this property fits up to six guests. It’s only an eight-minute walk to the beach and 12 miles to the historic Strand, making it the perfect setup for a beachside weekend in good ol’ Galveston, Texas.

Bottom Line:

How often will you get the chance to stay in a refurbished storage tank? This kettle house provides an eccentric accommodation option compared to your average beach house or hotel — def solid for the IG feed.

BOOK HERE

Zion EcoCabin: Zion A-Frame (Hilldale, UT)

Zion is easily one of the most beautiful outdoor destinations in the US, and this EcoCabin Airbnb gives you a first-hand look at the vast red-rock desert landscape. The A-frame cabin takes glamping up a notch and gives guests the opportunity to disconnect from the busyness of everyday life and reconnect with nature. The single-bed space fits two people, so it’s ideal for an adventure-seeking couple or two guests who are looking to get off the grid.

Bottom Line:

Imagine waking up to an unobstructed view of the Zion Mountains every morning. Sounds pretty great, right? Plus, the Zion EcoCabin is close enough to town for when you want to try the local restaurants or pick up essentials at the grocery store.

BOOK HERE

The Swing House (Cincinnati, OH)

This Airbnb is more than a rental property but a work of art. It features a 30-foot swing in the middle of the living area, and the entire property was renovated surrounding the placement of the swing and its arc — from the placement of the bed to the kitchen and bathroom. Even the finished basement is decorated with artwork made with materials sourced from the renovation process. It’s the ultimate lodging experience in one of Ohio’s liveliest cities.

Bottom Line:

A swing…in the middle of a house. Yep, if you’re an architecture and design fanatic, you’ll want to book a stay at The Swing House ASAP.

BOOK HERE

Naturalist Boudoir (Lumberton, TX)

There’s no better place to find your zen and reconnect with nature than at this Naturalist Boudoir in Lumberton, Texas. Not only is the woodsy, boho-chic property itself beautiful, but the secluded location provides a private, peaceful space to totally unplug. Between the all-encompassing nature, the on-site hot tub, and the outdoor patio areas, you’ll leave the Naturalist Boudoir feeling fully rejuvenated.

Bottom Line:

We all need to escape the realities of everyday life and the online world from time to time. If you find yourself near Lumberton, this gorgeous Airbnb is the place to do just that.

BOOK HERE

Cliff Dweller: Spend a Night Suspended from the Ridgeline! (Campton, KY)

Calling all adventure seekers! Book a stay at Cliff Dweller for a once-in-a-lifetime lodging experience. Bolted high on a cliffside above the canopy in the Red River Gorge in Kentucky, you’ll first have to climb up several hundred suspended stairs. Despite hanging from the side of a ridge, the actual accommodation has enough room for four guests (2 beds), complete with a kitchen and bathroom.

Bottom Line:

What adrenaline junkie wouldn’t want to spend the night suspended from a ridgeline? It’s going to be a memorable experience, to say the least.

BOOK HERE

Architectural Wonder in the Woods (Rhinebeck, NY)

Ideal for eco-tourists, architecture fans, and anyone looking for a calm weekend away, this green retreat is tucked in the woods of Rhinebeck, New York on 30 preserved acres of land. The house is an open plan with zero closed-off bedrooms, but it can sleep up to three guests. The entire house is an eco-conscious, geometric masterpiece, making for a unique yet relaxing vacation.

Bottom Line:

You won’t be “roughing it” in the woods when you stay at this Airbnb per se, but this property definitely adds an element of going back to the basics. With geothermal heating, solar electricity, and a wood-fire stove, you’ll get a taste of a more natural, sustainable lifestyle.

BOOK HERE

Creekside Hideaway (Clancy, MT)

This Scandinavia-like Airbnb will make you feel worlds away without having to go very far. This “earth home” is tucked beneath the foothills of the Elkhorn Mountains, so you can truly feel immersed in the outdoors. It features four full-sized built-in sleeping nooks, a secret door to a hidden private bedroom, and a shower you enter through a tree trunk with 13-foot ceilings. It fits up to 12 people (with limited privacy). So grab your closest group of friends and set out on a memorable adventure.

Bottom Line:

If you’re down to live like a straight-up hobbit for a weekend (because why not?), then definitely book a trip to Creekside Hideaway.

BOOK HERE

Unique ‘Earthouse’ Retreat w/ Spring-Fed Creek (Springfield, MO)

This is another property you might miss if you don’t look closely. The “Earthouse” is built into the landscape of Springfield, Missouri. The modern underground home includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms for up to eight guests. It’s also got a fully-equipped kitchen and living room complete with a flat-screen Smart TV, electric fireplace, and high-end decor and artwork. Not to mention, the spacious outdoor yard offers a fire pit, a patio with a six-person dining table, additional outdoor seating, a propane grill, and a garden.

Bottom Line:

Unique is right. This Earthouse Retreat is the perfect hideaway for families and friend groups who want something out of the norm.

BOOK HERE

Charming Wood-roof Simple Survival Earthship (El Prado, NM)

This kind of weird yet totally cool property is the ultimate desert hideaway in the desert of Taos, New Mexico. The “Earthship” offers an off-the-grid living experience while still providing modern amenities for added comfort. The property’s electricity is captured and stored from sunlight, while rain and snowmelt are collected into large cisterns. It also features a wall of solar-charged thermal mass that keeps the house at a relatively constant temperature of 72 degrees year-round.

Bottom Line:

This El Prado-based Earthship is eccentric in the best way possible. For anyone looking to escape into the New Mexico deserts, this Airbnb is definitely worth checking out.

BOOK HERE

Hobbit Cottage (Cedar City, UT)

Another hobbit-worthy Airbnb — any Lord of the Rings fans will get a kick out of staying in this little cottage. It will make you feel like you’re living in Hobbiton. Located near Bryce Canyon, Brian Head, and Zion National Park, this property gives you a story-worthy stay with access to nearby adventure and the great outdoors. It fits two guests for a cozy couple of nights of living out your childhood fantasies.

Bottom Line:

This might be the cutest house you’ll ever stay in. It’s like a fairytale IRL.

BOOK HERE

INSTAGRAM IMAGES FROM THESE PROPERTIES

The Kettle House

Zion EcoCabin: Zion A-Frame

Naturalist Boudoir

Cliff Dweller: Spend a Night Suspended from the Ridgeline!

The Swing House

Creekside Hideaway

Hobbit Cottage

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A post shared by Hobbit Cottage (@thehobbitcottage)

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has plenty of fans in the GOP, including former president Donald Trump and Fox News host Tucker Carlson, but, after Russia decided to invade Ukraine this week, Newsmax is no longer on that list.

The right-wing media network has, in the past, catered to its MAGA base by publishing some fairly light coverage on Putin and the many atrocities he’s committed over his decades-long reign, but the tyrant’s choice to invade the sovereign, peaceful neighboring nation seems to be a step too far — even for a news organization whose own reporter once claimed that the COVID-19 vaccine contained a Satanic tracking device.

In a statement tweeted out by political reporter Allan Smith, Newsmax condemned Putin, Fox News, and Carlson before pointing out that their own correspondents are on the ground, in Ukraine, reporting the truth about what’s happening there.

“Newsmax strongly opposes Putin, his unprovoked attack on a sovereign and democratic nation, and has strongly criticized Fox News’ top host Tucker Carlson for supporting Putin and Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine,” the statement reads.

Whether the stronger stance against Putin is a business play — Fox News and Carlson remain the biggest rating rivals for Newsmax’s many on-air programs — we’re guessing people are not going to let them forget about this cover story they published literally two months ago:

The UK’s Wireless Festival has announced its headliners for 2022, as well as a big change to the festival format. After being held at a single location since 2015, the festival has once again expanded to multiple venues this year, taking place at two of its old locations, Finsbury Park and Crystal Palace Park, as well as the National Exhibition Center in Birmingham.

Fittingly, the roster of headliners has also expanded to include an impressive collection of mostly US-based acts, which include ASAP Rocky, J. Cole, and Tyler The Creator at Crystal Palace Park on July 1-3, then Cardi B, SZA, and Nicki Minaj at Finsbury Park from July 8-10. On that same weekend, BRIT AWards winner Dave, Cardi B, and J. Cole will be the headliners at the NEC.

Local headliner Dave is coming off a strong 2021 that saw him release his sophomore album We’re All Alone In This Together. Dave was nominated for — and won — the Best Hip Hop/Rap/Grime Act award at this year’s BRITS, where he performed “In The Fire” from his new album complete with a flamethrowing guitar. His selection as a Wireless headliner signals his leap from emerging artist to bonafide superstar.

No other acts have been announced as yet, but you can find more information on the Wireless Festival website.

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

Donald Trump has always had a soft spot for tyrant, as seen in the “love letters” he swapped with North Korean Dictator Kim Jong Un. But the former president has often acted downright giddy about Russian president Vladimir Putin, and several people within Trump’s inner circle are asking him to tamp his man-crush down.

As The Daily Beast reports, even many of those people who have perfected the art of smiling and nodding along when the former president says something outrageous are bothered that instead of condemning Putin’s actions and standing with the United States in its support of Ukraine, Trump is instead describing Putin as being both “smart” and “savvy” and in a way seems to be applauding Russia’s decision to launch an attack on Ukraine.

“I was stunned to hear that,” Dan Coats, who previously served as the director of national intelligence under Trump, told The Daily Beast. “I cannot think of any other U.S. president that would in a situation like this say what he said.”

According to The Daily Beast’s Corbin Bolies and Asawin Suebsaeng:

It got to the point that by Thursday afternoon, several longtime associates who had spoken to Trump since Tuesday told him that he might want to avoid lavishing too much praise on Putin, and perhaps refrain from complimenting the Russian president’s intellect so much, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter. At least one adviser recently mentioned to Trump that it would be more advantageous to simply stick to calling Biden feckless and bumbling. Neither of them had high hopes that the ex-president would take the advice.

Sounds about right.

(Via The Daily Beast)

Finding a great bottle of Scotch whisky can be a pretty daunting task. There’s so much of it out there, so many regions, and then very different styles (peated and unpeated) with very different flavor profiles. That’s why we try to break it down by price, region, and through the help of blind tastings. Today, I’m going even deeper and doing a double-blind tasting with eight random bottles from my shelves.

While blind tastings are crucial for judging whiskeys without explicitly seeing the brand, I always know the contestants going in. So as I place each whiskey, there’s still an aspect of “knowing” (or guessing) what’s what. Whether it’s guacamole or beer or bourbon, we’re the ones picking those entrants from the grocery store or liquor store. With a double-blind, I’m going in with no idea what’s in the glasses in front of me.

There was one rule for pulling these bottles (my wife was kind enough to help me): don’t take more than one bottle off a single shelf. That way I would get as varied as possible a selection of whiskies (since I often have five, six, or more expressions from a single distillery sitting on the shelf together). Beyond that, there are no rules besides me having no idea what I’m in for and trying to guess what each dram might be.

Let’s dive right in!

Also Read: The Top 5 UPROXX Scotch Whisky Posts of The Last Six Months

• The 50 Best Scotch Whiskies Of 2021, Ranked
• The 100 Best Whiskeys Our Head Drinks Writer Tasted In 2021
• The Best Scotch Whiskies Under $50, Ranked
• Every Scotch Whisky Brand From Diageo’s Massive Portfolio, Ranked
• The Best Value-Per-Dollar Scotch Whiskies, Ranked

Part 1: The Tasting

Taste 1

Tasting Notes:

There’s a clear sense of shortbread cut with lemon and vanilla next to malty spice, buttery toffee, and a touch of soft oak on the nose. The palate leans into that buttery toffee with some winter spice leading to creamy vanilla pudding, fruity underbelly, more of those spicy malts, and a sharp cut of fresh ginger. The end brings back the shortbread with a real butteriness.

My Guess:

More buttery and citrus-heavy? I’d say this is something in the Glenmorangie range.

Taste 2

Tasting Notes:

Prunes and dates lead to a smoked apricot vibe with hints of old leather, orange-infused marzipan, dried roses, and a honeyed sweetness on the nose. The palate is so soft and holds onto that orange/marzipan/rose vibe before turning towards a malty dark chocolate mid-palate with smoked almonds and plums lingering on the backend. The finish is full of spicy malts and smoked stone fruits with that dark chocolate adding a thin layer of bitterness.

My Guess:

Wow! I have no idea what this is but it’s f*cking delicious.

Taste 3

Tasting Notes:

Soft leather leads to an apple orchard full of sweet, tart, and woody apples with apple blossoms supporting the nose’s depth while a fresh and buttery brioche mingles with sweet oak. The taste opens with vanilla cookies and pear candies with a dried flower note next to a rich and fresh honey. That honey drives the mid-palate towards apple and pear stems and cores with this apple/pear/honey/floral vibe attached to a subtle maltiness.

My Guess:

Apple, brioche, florals, and honey means Glenfiddich. It’s an older one with that apple core and stem vibe but not sure which one.

Taste 4

Tasting Notes:

The nose draws you in with smoked peaches next to a smoldering chunk of cherrywood with singed sage and rosemary leading towards an echo of smoked brisket fat covered in a lot of black pepper. There’s a burnt toffee sweetness that leads to eggnog spices, green herbs after a rainstorm, and sweet potting soil. Then an ashen vibe — kind of like a campfire the morning after — kicks in on the mid-palate and gives this away. That ash leads to walnut shells, old black tea bags, sweet black licorice whips, and a touch more of that smoky brisket fat.

My Guess:

Ardbeg. 100%. It’s either the An Oa or Uigeadail. That specific “ashen” note gives it away.

Taste 5

Tasting Notes:

Old orchard wood, soft leather, dried orange peels, raspberry jam, and creamy dark chocolate gently mingle on the nose. That jam leans into a spiced cherry compote as stewed plums with plenty of allspice and clove lead to soft walnut cake with a malty backbone. The mid-palate takes that walnut and sweetness and moves the taste toward velvety malts and soft and sweet orchard wood, a dusting more of that dark chocolate, and dark berry silkiness.

My Guess:

This is stunning whisky. I just can’t place it.

Taste 6

Tasting Notes:

Wildflowers and granola bars draw you in on the nose as a hint of brine and salted caramel linger on the back end with orange oils and softwood. That brine becomes a full rush of seaspray as tart apples lead towards a Caro syrup mid-palate sweetness. That sweetness fades into a spicy malt as sea salt and sweet oak dominated the finish.

My Guess:

I cannot place this. That seaspray feels like a Skye or Islay distillery but it’s not peated. Orkney maybe? Campbelltown? I have no idea.

Taste 7

Tasting Notes:

The nose opens with new leather, plum jam, dark chocolate nibs, and oak staves dipped in barrels of fresh honey. That dark chocolate vibe leads to layers of orange oils, soft vanilla cream, dark fruit leather, and candied pecans. The sweet and nutty mid-palate moves towards creamy and buttery dark chocolate sauce as stewed and spicy plums finish the sip with a warming, leather, and dark fruity end.

My Guess:

All that dark fruit, leather, nuttiness, and dark chocolate … This has to be an Aberlour. It’s so sherried. Maybe the 18-year?

Taste 8

Tasting Notes:

Smoked apricots lead to singed star anise and a honey-chocolate note on the nose that’s subtle and very enticing. Crispy salmon skins and anchovy oils counter a soft and distant beach campfire on a rainy day with smoked sea salts, buttery toffee, and smoked apricot. That apricot drives the mid-palate towards silky layers of orange oils, more of that fatty salmon skin, and a final wisp of that campfire smoke from way down the beach.

My Guess:

Caol Ila. Not sure which one, but am sure what it is thanks to that fish fat/distant smoke vibe.

Part 2: The Ranking

8. Bruichladdich Classic Laddie — Taste 6

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $56

The Whisky:

Bruichladdich’s philosophy on whisky making is pretty unique. Each batch highlights local, unpeated Scottish barley that’s fermented and distilled. That juice then goes into some combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-wine casks for a varied amount of time. That means each batch is unique. Bruichladdich then provides a code on their bottles so that you can go to their website and find out what makes the bottle in your hand special.

Bottom Line:

This was so good, interesting, and unique but here it is, last. Overall, this was the “smallest” whisky on the list. There was plenty there but it feels utterly unfair that it was tasted against some of the absolute marvels on this list.

7. Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or — Taste 1

ABV: 46%

Average Price: $79

The Whisky:

This dram from Glenmorangie is a much-loved Highland malt. The juice is matured in ex-bourbon barrels for an undisclosed number of years. The whisky is then transferred to French Sauternes barrels which held sweet dessert wines where it spends two more years finishing.

Bottom Line:

Hey! I got this pretty close to right. Nice. It’s also wild that a whisky this delicious is nearly last. This list is nothing but bangers from top to bottom.

6. Johnnie Walker Blue Label — Taste 2

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $243

The Whisky:

This is the mountaintop of Johnnie Walker’s whiskies. The blend is a marriage of ultra-rare stock from extinct Diageo distilleries around Scotland. That’s just … cool. This expression is all about barrel selection and the mastery of a great noser and blender working together to create something special.

Bottom Line:

I had no idea what this was. I do feel that had I known it was in the lineup, I’d had sussed it out and ranked it higher. So, this is a pretty good example of how double-blinds really push the envelope.

That all aside, again, this is a phenomenal whisky.

5. Ardbeg An Oa — Taste 4

ABV: 46.6%

Average Price: $65

The Whisky:

This is a quintessential Islay peaty whisky. The juice is aged in a combo of Pedro Ximénez, charred virgin oak, and ex-bourbon casks before being married and rested again in Ardbeg’s bespoke oak “Gathering Vat,” allowing the whiskies to really meld into a cohesive dram.

Bottom Line:

I knew what this was almost immediately. That said, it’s hard to place that “ashy” vibe in a lineup of whiskies that absolutely nail so many deep and beautiful flavor profiles.

4 Glenfiddich 23 — Taste 3

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $290

The Whisky:

It’s all in the name of this yearly special release from Glenfiddich. The whisky matures for over 23 years in both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks before it’s vatted and then filled into French Cuvée casks that held Champagne. That whisky is then cut down to proof and bottled just in time for the holiday season.

Bottom Line:

Called it! I wish I had dialed in on the age statement but here we are. This whisky was a delight and I wish I had more of it — my wife picked some pricey, rare drams!

3. Aberlour A’Bunadh — Taste 7

ABV: 56.2% (varies)

Average Price: $95

The Whisky:

A’bunadh (ah-boon-arh) means “the original” in Gaelic and the juice in this Highland bottle represents that for Aberlour. The whisky is matured in old Olorosso sherry casks exclusively. The juice then goes into the bottle at cask strength, unfussed with.

Bottom Line:

Damn! I was so close with Aberlour 18. Still, this is a deep, dark, and delicious whisky (and clearly a great value pick). I wanted more immediately.

2. Caol Ila Distillers Edition — Taste 8

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $88

The Whisky:

This yearly release from the tiny Islay distillery, Caol Ila, is all about the finish. The 12-year-old juice is finished in Moscatel sherry casks to give it a truly deep fruitiness next to that briny Islay peat.

Bottom Line:

I love this whisky. Had this been up against other peated whiskies only, it would have won hands down. I just couldn’t argue the brilliance of today’s number one though.

1. GlenDronach 18 Allardice — Taste 5

ABV: 46%

Average Price: $189

The Whisky:

This Highland whisky is a local tradition of sorts, dating back to the brand’s origins in the 1820s. The whisky in the bottles is hewn from barrels of at least 18-year-old whiskies. The maturation is done exclusively in hand-picked Olorosso sherry casks from Spain.

Bottom Line:

It didn’t matter that I couldn’t place this. It was the winner by far. This whisky is stunning and truly delicious.

Part 3: Final Thoughts

Let’s see… I called five brands though never really nailed down the right expression. I still consider that a win. Though it’s pretty embarrassing I completely missed Johnnie Blue.

If I were to do this again, I don’t know what I’d change. This was so varied and had some seriously heavy-hitting masterpieces. I did learn that GlenDronach continues to wow with their range. Their 21-year is perfection in a glass if you’re looking for an unpeated pour.

In the end, I recommend all of these for different reasons. But if you want a truly transcendent experience, go for the GlenDronach for an unpeated pour or the Caol Ila for a peated pour. They’re both next-level whiskies that my particular palate adores.

New Disney and Pixar film Turning Red features a boy band named 4*Town, and famous musician, producer, and Eilish sibling Finneas is a part of it. Finneas is not only a member, but he also produced their new single “Nobody Like U,” and co-wrote it alongside Eilish.

The movie soundtrack is out on March 11, and includes more singles by the siblings, such as “1 True Love” and “U Know What’s Up.” The pair are well-versed in the act of collaborating with each other; together they wrote “Happier Than Ever,” one of the biggest songs of 2021, on what Finneas dubbed “the cheapest guitar ever made,” and they apparently are already working on Eilish’s next album, as Finneas hinted in a podcast in December.

From poignant pop hits to Disney fake boy band anthems, the Eilish siblings can work their magic on anything. It’s also not Eilish’s first time appealing to a younger audience, because she actually appeared on Sesame Street and performed a duet with The Count for a beautiful variation of “Happier Than Ever,” whose more aggressive or provocative lines were replaced with wholesome sentiments: “When I’m counting with you, I’m happier than ever,” Eilish sang.

Listen to “Nobody Like U” above.

Wheel of Fortune, uh, found a way to humiliate one contestant.

On Wednesday’s episode of the legendary game show, contestant Tenaya wanted to solve the puzzle that read, “_URASSIC PARK _O_IES.” Pretty obvious, right? “JURASSIC PARK MOVIES.” There’s three of them (six if you include the Jurassic World trilogy), they made a lot of money, won some Oscars, directed by this Steven Spielberg guy. Well, ah ah ah, because that is not what poor Tenaya guessed.

“I’ll try and solve,” she said with obvious hesitation. “Jurassic Park… Bodies?”

As noted by Decider, “To make matters even worse, she missed out on over $10,000 and a trip to the bonus round because of her huge mistake.” Oops. Tenaya’s incorrect answer went viral and even caught the attention of the Jurassic World Twitter account, which tweeted, “Ho__ on__ y_ur b___s.” (Hold on to your… beads?”)

Others joined in:

To be fair, there are bodies in Jurassic Park. Both humans and dinosaurs. Maybe that’s what she meant (it’s not what she meant). Anyway, remember when that one contestant didn’t win a car because of an infuriating technicality, but then Audi gave her one anyway? Spielberg should do the same thing for Tenaya, except instead of a car, it’s a ticket to see Jurassic World Dominion. And heck, throw in a car, too.

(Via Decider)

Though some people might’ve been skeptical at first, it seems clear now thatTikTok is actually delivering some bonafide pop stars. Massive breakouts like PinkPantheress and even Olivia Rodrigo, to some extent, have proven that the social media video app is definitely a place where real musicians can grow a dedicated fanbase. One artist to come up off the social platform is Nessa Barrett, whose dark, sexy sound has been showcased across plenty of her Pretty Poison EP tracks, like the fairly literal “I Wanna Die,” the EP’s almost-sweet title track, and her much more poignant “Sincerely” video.

She’s shifted gears a bit today, too, addressing a much more serious topic with her “Dying On The Inside” video. Theclip, which addresses Nessa’s own struggles with her eating disorder begins with this trigger warning and message of support: “If you’re experiencing symptoms of eating disorders or struggling with your body image, you’re not alone. Text HOME to 741741 for support.” Throughout the video, Nessa is mostly alone in the dark, running through the things friends and industry people have said to her about her appearance, obsessing over the numbers on the scale, and wondering how much longer she can keep this behavior up. Anyone who has been there will definitely relate to this brutally honest video, check it out up top, and please use the text resource if you’re struggling with an eating disorder and need support.

In a world where “the celebs are at it again,” the Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted some unsavory celebrity responses. That would include AnnaLynne McCord’s strange maternal-themed poetry aimed toward “Mister President Vladimir Putin.” In addition, John Cena decided to, uh, promote Peacemaker in an ill-received tweet. Well, the guy who portrayed Captain America isn’t taking a similar (self-promoting) approach.

Rather, Chris Evans is simply retweeting and asking people to look at a thread about what the Kremlin is capable of doing and is, in fact, willing to do to preserve its own interests. Evans pointed towards relevant information about Viktor Yushchenko, a former Ukrainian president who was horribly poisoned (and disfigured) while going up against the 2004 pro-Russian candidate (Viktor Yanukovich, then a prime minister).

Lots of Victors there, yes, but of course Russia flat-out denied having anything to with (as reported by Reuters) how Yushchenko (then an opposition candidate) went out for dinner (near Kiev) and somehow ended up with “1,000 times more dioxin than is normally present” in his body. He survived by the grace of doctors, who performed dozens of surgeries on him, and he did, in fact, win the presidency.

It’s an atrocity worth reflecting upon, given the damning coincidences of how Putin’s opponents mysteriously end up fatally poisoned (that link points toward the murder of Alexander Litvineko), and of course, then there are all of the journalists who are killed in Putin’s Russia as well. And languishing in jail right now would be Putin critic Alexei Nalvany, who’s facing a 15-year re-up to his prison sentence and is calling the Ukraine invasion a “distraction” from all of Putin’s problems.

(Via Reuters)