While we might normally come to HGTV to snag fresh ideas for our own homes or simply admire all the gorgeous villas and vacation properties we wish we could afford, starting early next year we have a new reason to tune into the Discovery-owned channel: to reassure ourselves at least our home isn’t that bad. Starting January 3, HGTV and Parks and Recreationstar Retta are taking us on a journey to find the home in more dire need of a makeover in Ugliest House in America.
The five-part series will offer “an exploration of America’s homes like we’ve never seen before,” according to HGTV senior vice president of production and development Betsy Ayala, as well as a $150,000 prize to the home crowned the ugliest in the country. Oh, and just in case you had any doubt as to if these humble abodes are genuinely the ugliest houses in America, just listen to what Retta had to say about her time spent touring them:
“I am certain these were 12 of the ugliest houses in America. Trust. I had to walk through them all,” said Retta. “There were so many stunningly bad design choices. Why would someone WANT an oversized statue of Poseidon in their driveway? I don’t know, but God bless. I was just happy and, to be honest, relieved to help one family get the home of their dreams.”
According to the show’s press release, Ugliest House in America kicks off in the good ol’ Midwest, where Retta will showcase three homes “boasting a range of bad designs, from wall-to-wall pink shag carpeting, mirrored walls and ceilings, to over-the-top ocean themes featuring fish statues, room-sized murals and wall-mounted stuffed marlins.” And don’t worry, if your jaw has already dropped in horror just imagining such monstrosities, you’re not alone.
During the tours, Retta will also share her “hilarious reviews of each unsightly home and comment on failed flips, gaudy designs, and heinous hodge-podge horrors.” At the end of the five-day series, Retta will judge the homes based on their unattractiveness, lack of functionality, and “surprising” design elements, and crown one as the winner of HGTV’s “ugliest house in America.” That home will then win a $150,000 ren0vation provided by HGTV star Alison Victoria (Windy City Rehab, Kitchen Crashers).
Ugliest House in America premieres exclusively on HGTV on Monday, January 3 at 10 PM ET, with new episodes debuting each night until January 7.
Billie Eilish has been one of the world’s biggest celebrities for a decent while now, but people still have a hard time saying her name (and not just Rainn Wilson or Dionne Warwick). In fact, as Billboard reports, Eilish’s last name made it onto the US Captioning Company’s 2021 list of the most frequently mispronounced words on TV.
The list is based on surveys of members and was commissioned by language-learning platform Babbel. Esteban Touma, a stand-up comedian and teacher for Babbel Live, says, “Newscasters in the US have struggled with 2021’s new words and names while reporting on key sporting events, viral internet trends and emerging celebrities. As a language teacher, it’s always interesting to see that some of these terms are usually new colloquialisms, or are rooted or borrowed from another language. As a non-native speaker, I must confess it’s fun to see English speakers stumbling a bit for a change.”
It turns out there’s a history when it comes to the pronunciation of “Eilish,” even before Billie. A 2014 article from IrishCentral includes Eilish in its list of “commonly mispronounced Irish names” and indicates the proper pronunciation is “E-leesh.” A year earlier, though, a forum topic on Nameberry has multiple users chiming in on how they think the name is pronounced, and “EYE-lish” is among the most popular answers. In both of those cases, “Eilish” is treated as a first name, which is actually consistent with the singer’s name: Eilish isn’t the singer’s real last name like it may seem, as her full name is Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell.
Eilish herself has clarified how the name is pronounced. In a 2017 BBC interview, for example, she said, “It’s ‘eye-lish,’ like ‘eyelash’ with a ‘lish.’”
It’s officially eggnog season. Rejoice! I’m a ride-or-die fan of the creamy, spicy, boozy concoction. In fact, I’m spending the next two days making a big batch of the stuff, but I’ll cover that process in a post later this week. Until then, I’m going to dive into Evan Williams Original Southern Egg Nog.
Yes, we’re talking about the $10 bottle you can find on most liquor store shelves right now.
At first glance, it would almost seem sacrilege to drink eggnog from a sealed bourbon bottle that doesn’t even sit in the dairy aisle. And while I’m not a fan of flavored whiskey, this… isn’t exactly that. This is a cream liqueur that’s spiced to taste like a classic nog. That I can get into.
Below, I’m going to (very seriously!) offer up my tasting notes on Evan William’s swing at nog. I’m tasting this from a pre-chilled bottle (from the fridge) over three rocks with a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg. Let’s get into it.
This “flavored” whiskey is a spiced cream liqueur that’s cut with sweet Kentucky bourbon, blended bourbon, brandy, and rum from Heaven Hill (which makes several labels for each category). If you drink whiskey cream liqueurs (Bailey’s, Carolan’s, etc.), you’ll have a general idea of where this bottle fits.
Tasting Notes:
I dusted this with freshly grated nutmeg, so, naturally, that’s the first smell I get on the nose. Beyond that, there’s a heavy cream on the nose that has a touch of vanilla and a hint of rum raisins. The taste is pure nog with nutmeg married to heavy cream with a pudding/yolky vibe and a lot of white sugar. There’s a twinge of alcohol in the mix that feels like a dark rum or bourbon — shout out to the vanilla — but the brandy is lost on me. There’s also a bit of an alcohol/ethanol note of the backend that leans into a plastic vanilla extract bottle but it’s super subtle.
The texture is incredibly smooth and has a nice heft to it that feels not quite as creamy as eggnog from a dairy farm (the ones that you get in a glass bottle) but not quite as thin as the stuff you get at the grocery store either. It’s a nice balance and goes down very easily.
As I dropped into the second pour of this, I started to notice the faintest hint of barnyard funk around the mid-palate. It wasn’t sour or tart. It was just this whisper of a barn that was kind of nostalgic and enticing, yet very fleeting. That said, I could see this being a huge turn-off for some folks.
The Bottle:
This is a standard Evan Williams bottle with a festive label. In case you need directions, there’s a nice bulbous rocks glass right on the label with a dusting of nutmeg with a cinnamon stick serving as a swizzle stick. The label also tells you to serve “chilled,” hence the pre-chilling in the fridge and rocks in my glass.
Bottom Line:
Look, making a big batch of eggnog is time-consuming and kind of a pain in the ass (especially if you’re folding in egg whites). This is a perfectly suitable, albeit very sweet, alternative. It’s really tasty but on the thinner side of the spectrum. It’s just boozy enough that you know there’s some “punch” there. The spices truly shine through.
Generally speaking, I’m going to say: I dig this and I’m kind of wishing I bought a case to save me from having to spend two days making a batch of nog this weekend. I can quite happily savor this on the rocks with that dash of nutmeg.
Despite much of 2020 feeling like a living nightmare, all that extra time at home gave us an opportunity to put renewed focus on the things that really matter to us. Like personal comfort. With all the Zoom meetings and experience working from home we’ve endured, somewhere along the way, we pretty much all collectively agreed to stop wearing “real pants” outside in the post-pandemic era.
Tight skinny jeans over leggings? Nope. Heels over sneakers? Absolutely f*cking not. We’re all in on streetwear now. The whole entire culture is IN!
As we enter 2022, sweatpants, baggy tees, and a fresh pair of new Airs are not only acceptable for everyday wear, but they’re among the must-have staples in every woman’s closet. Athleisure and laidback ensembles are spotted on both Instagram’s coolest influencers and the most style-forward models (much of it un-gendered). And it doesn’t seem like this current movement is going anywhere any time soon.
Meaning the holidays are the perfect time to help the wardrobe-loving woman or female-identifying person in your life (or really anyone and everyone who likes the gear we’re featuring) stock up on the latest streetwear essentials. Below, we’re sharing a head-to-toe gift guide of streetwear items that inspire joy in a major way.
Bucket hats are the cherry on top (literally) of any streetwear outfit. This black, vintage-inspired option pairs well with pretty much anything, and it provides an effortlessly understated way to stand out. The soft corduroy design is also a great tool for keeping warm and comfortable during the colder months without sacrificing style. If you’re not sure what to gift to your girl for the holidays, a basic bucket hat is good place to start.
Accessories are a woman’s best friend, especially when it comes to taking a fit from getting a few compliments to seriously turning heads. These bold, orange sunnies add a pop of fun color that can take any streetwear look up a notch. They’re ideal for any woman who’s not afraid to make a statement and experiment with her style.
A matching sweatsuit is the quintessential staple of women’s streetwear. Available in several different colors, this set from Reformation offers a relaxed yet flattering fit. Whether she’s running errands or heading out to lunch with friends, sweatsuits are the ultimate casual, winter-ready outfit. The best part is that nobody will know if she went to sleep in it, rolled out of bed, and then continued on with her day in the same clothes.
Graphic tees are some of the most versatile, as well as most comfortable, streetwear items a woman can own. A good T-shirt and jeans combo say: “I’m not trying that hard but I still look hot AF.” Garage offers 22 different colors and designs to choose from, so you’re sure to find a graphic tee that matches the vibe of the person you’re shopping for.
You really can never have too many white crop tops in your dresser. It’s an essential to every woman’s wardrobe — no matter what style of dress you typically wear. When it comes to street clothes, crop tops are perfect to pair with sweats, jeans, and basically any other item of clothing you can dream up. They’re an all-around winner. But between spills and pit stains, white tanks and tees need to be tossed more often than not. Therefore, the fashion-forward woman in your life will appreciate the gift of a replacement shirt.
Streetwear always reverts back to comfort, and biker shorts are the ultimate athleisure item for women. Whether they’re worn with a graphic tee, a coordinating crop top, or an oversized sweatshirt, biker shorts are a flattering and cool (literally and figuratively) way to sport a casual ensemble on a warm day.
Did she just go to a yoga class or is she coming from happy hour at the local bar? The world may never know.
The early 2000s are back, and these low-rise cargo pants prove it. This neutral style features a relaxed fit with a wide-leg cut, making it both comfortable and fashionable. They’re ideal for the trendy person who is always on the go (potentially via skateboard). Plus, the cargo pocket detailing creates a unique bulky aesthetic without actually weighing you down.
These tan pants are also a perfect transitional piece for winter-to-spring fashion thanks to the light color and airy fit.
Fanny packs haven’t always been considered the hottest accessory, but now all the cool kids are wearing them both around their waists and across their shoulders. Therefore, a woman who’s an avid street style connoisseur needs to add one to her bag collection. Gift her with a classic option that can do no wrong, such as this black Adidas Essential Waist Pack.
Not only are waist bags on-trend, but they’re also insanely convenient for holding belongings. Who needs a purse, anyway?
Androgynous clothing is a key component to curating a closet full of streetwear items. Fortunately, women no longer have to actually steal their boyfriends’ clothes to achieve a more masculine look. When it comes to denim, the baggier, the better. PacSun’s boyfriend jeans offer an ultra-loose fit and ripped knees to play up the guy-ish guise.
Tip: Size up when purchasing denim to ensure a more baggy fit!
No streetwear look is truly complete without a pair of statement sneakers. Will she actually work out in them? Possibly, but not likely. These subtly bold sneakers from Merrell make for diverse styling options and long-lasting wear. The lightweight EVA foam midsole is crafted for stability and comfort so she can strut through the day sans sore feet. With seven different color combinations, you can gift your gal a pair of rainbow kicks or something a little more low-key.
It’s not always easy balancing work with school — especially if you’re a recording artist. While more and more artists attempt to complete their educational goals at the same time as their career ones, you might wonder: What does that balancing act actually look like? South Central LA rapper NCognita attempts to answer that question with her new docuseries, Nita Unfiltered. Kicking off today, its first episode follows her NCognita as she prepares to return to Loyola University New Orleans, talking it through with her family at home and describing the differences between LA and New Orleans.
Ncognita is just starting her career, but she’s already got a lot of weight behind her thanks to the co-sign of Insecure creator Issa Rae, who signed the young rapper to her label Raedio earlier this year after holding a competition for an invitation to a writing camp for the show’s final season. Issa Rae has been curating the soundtrack for Insecure all five seasons, leading to expanded work on the soundtracks for shows like 50 Cent’s Power and HBO’s Betty. Raedio previously partnered with Baby Tate to release her After The Rain EP as well, spawning the hit record “I Am” with Flo Milli.
So while Ncognita may not be a household name just yet, there’s a strong chance you’ll be hearing her in at least one of the places Issa Rae currently holds sway. Take the chance to get familiar now.
Cryptocurrency can be a risky business, in part because of its lack of connection to any tangible assets such as gold. As a result, the crypto landscape has become a prime hunting ground for con artists in search of their next victims. Which isn’t to say that Unvaxxed Sperm, a recently launched cryptocurrency, isn’t a legitimate business endeavor. But as Vice News learned after speaking to the people behind the scenes, is leaving potential investors with a lot more questions than answers.
The idea for the company came about when the creators saw someone holding a sign at an anti-vaxxer rally that said “Unvaxxed Sperm is the New Bitcoin.” It’s a sentiment based on the belief that COVID-19 vaccination will have an adverse effect on a man’s sperm, which studies have already proven to be bullsh*t.
When asked about whether the company was indeed anti-vaccine, one developer—who would only share his first name, Jason—said no. He told Vice News’s David Gilbert that the company’s name was more of a nod to their goal of “ensur[ing] the continuity of objective scientific inquiry and the freedom of discourse.” Yet another of the group’s founders, who would only go by the name “Fauci,” answered that yes, “to a degree, I’d say we are anti-vaccine.”
To be very clear, Unvaxxed Sperm and the people behind it are not anti-vaccine to a degree; they are completely anti-vaccine, baselessly claiming that 90 percent of the population has no need to take a COVID-19 vaccine and advocating that the pandemic can be medicated with alternative remedies like ivermectin, even though the only studies to claim the drug typically prescribed as a horse de-wormer can treat COVID-19 have been retracted.
Unvaxxed Sperm launched just over a week ago and saw explosive growth last Thursday and Friday. However, over the weekend, the price once again plummeted, leaving many in the group’s Telegram channel to question the future of the coin—which trades as “nuBTC”—and whether the whole thing was simply a scam.
Fueling the questions about the company’s validity are the fact that none of its developers would share their full names, nor would they share the names of the crypto veterans they say they’re working with. Then there’s the fact that the company’s plans include what Gilbert describes as “a ‘pureblood’ version of Tinder, cryogenically frozen unvaccinated sperm, and something called ‘Project Super Sperm,’” which they (perhaps thankfully) don’t offer too many details about.
“It’s worth noting, however, that many new projects in crypto seek to draw investors in by touting a vague and unrealistic roadmap of new features and experiences like an app or a game,” Gilbert writes. “Some of these promises turn out to be part of a scam’s lure. Meanwhile, Unvaxxed Sperm’s whitepaper page (where project developers typically lay out their schemes in detail) is blank and only says ‘cumming soon.’”
Indie music has grown to include so much. It’s not just music that is released on independent labels, but speaks to an aesthetic that deviates from the norm and follows its own weirdo heart. It can come in the form of rock music, pop, or folk. In a sense, it says as much about the people that are drawn to it as it does about the people that make it.
While we’re at it, sign up for our newsletter to get the best new indie music delivered directly to your inbox, every Monday.
Grimes – “Player Of Games”
Grimes has been slowly but surely rolling out new music over the last few months, including a track called “Love.” Now, it appears that she is launching a new musical era with the release of “Player Of Games,” a club-ready new single that builds to a cathartic chorus. The song arrived along with a cryptic tweet claiming “BOOK 1 era begins,” so expect more new music soon.
Phoebe Bridgers – “Day After Tomorrow” (Tom Waits cover)
In what has become an (almost) annual tradition, Phoebe Bridgers has released a holiday-themed song in the form of a rendition of Tom Waits’ “Day After Tomorrow.” Where the original number was a solo acoustic affair, Bridgers transposed the guitar melodies onto piano and added layers of strings and additional vocals to give the song a whole new dimension. All proceeds from the sale of the track on Bandcamp will go to The International Institute of Los Angeles, providing refugees, immigrants, and survivors of human trafficking with the skills, abilities, and resources they need to become self-sufficient and start their new lives in Southern California.
The National – “Somebody Desperate”
Earlier this year, Aaron and Bryce Dessner announced they were composing the score for the new Peter Dinklage film, Cyrano, and now the duo has tapped in with the remainder of their band The National for a new original song. “Somebody Desperate” opens with a wandering piano line and Matt Berninger’s warm vocals, before layers of strings add more cinematic depth to the track, making for a welcome return for the beloved band that hasn’t released original studio music since 2019’s I Am Easy To Find.
The Regrettes – “You’re So F***ing Pretty”
With their forthcoming third album coming soon, The Regrettes have delivered another new track. “You’re So F***ing Pretty” is a slow, meditative track that serves an unabashed queer anthem about coming to terms with one’s sexuality. Lydia Night said in a statement that the song is “the first time I’ve ever written directly about a girl I had a crush on, and it took me a while for me to even allow my brain to accept the fact that I’m bisexual.”
Wet Leg – “Too Late Now”
After songs like “Wet Dream” and “Chaise Longue” caught the ears of critics and fans this year, Isle Of Wight duo Wet Leg are finally prepping their proper full-length debut, due for release in April of next year. “Too Late Now” is one of two new singles that preview the new self-titled album, which features what Adrian Spinelli described for Uproxx as “a melodious guitar lick running through it, alongside throbbing bass that takes shape like songs from fellow British post-punks Dry Cleaning and Goat Girl.”
Wild Pink – “Florida”
Wild Pink released one of the best albums of the year with A Billion Little Lights, but John Ross isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The new song “Florida” is another beautiful track about the strange juxtaposition of Florida’s natural beauty along with its stigma of human miscreants. It’s what Adrian Spinelli described for Uproxx as “a glistening track with pedal steel, acoustic strums, lovely keys, and a driving thump that flashes the new-age folk that the band has totally nailed.”
Young Guv – “Only Wanna See U Tonight”
After recently announcing his forthcoming double album Guv III & IV, Ben Cook has rolled out another taste of what we can expect from the effort. “Only Wanna See U Tonight” is another ’90s-indebted alt-rocker with a gorgeous chorus that is reminiscent of Gin Blossoms. It’s a song that Cook claims came together in only a few hours, written remotely via WhatsApp with Tommy The Major during the height of the quarantine lockdown last year.
Carly Cosgrove – “Munck”
Quick note before we get into it — the singer of this band is not, in fact, named Carly. Instead, Carly Cosgrove takes its name from a combination of the titular character and actor of the Nickelodeon show iCarly. Ok, now that that’s out of the way, the lead single from this Philadelphia trio’s as-yet-untitled debut album hearkens back to the midwestern emo scene of the early 2010’s with clean open-tuned guitars that incorporate some tapping, and melodic vocals that sometimes break into harsher sections. It evokes bands like Brave Bird and Oliver Houston, which is a real sweet spot for this writer.
String Machine – “Gales Of Worry”
There aren’t enough bands these days with seven members. Lucky for us, Pittsburgh’s String Machine comes to us in full form with seven members that come together to reveal the fullest sounds and fleshed-out songs. The group’s forthcoming album Hallelujah Hell Yeah is due in February, but “Gales Of Worry” is a song that feels like it is continuing to evolve as you continue to listen. Along with the rest of the songs on Hallelujah Hell Yeah, “Gales Of Worry” serves as a snapshot into the lives of its songwriters, allowing listeners to feel like another member of the group.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
A rebuild might be in order in Indiana, a rarity for a team that has been a mostly constant presence in the East playoff picture for nearly three decades. There’s still nearly two months before the trade deadline for the mood around the team to change, but hopes of a swift turnaround to this season took another hit on Tuesday when ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke word that backup guard TJ McConnell had surgery on torn ligaments in his right hand and could be done for the season.
Pacers guard TJ McConnell had surgery to repair torn ligaments in his right hand and is expected to miss several months, sources tell ESPN. McConnell could be lost for the rest of the season.
McConnell has averaged 8.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game off the bench for the Pacers this year as their top reserve guard and spot starter, and without him an already thin backcourt gets thinner. They’re very much reliant on playing Malcolm Brogdon big minutes with McConnell out — 36 minutes in each of the last two games — and Brad Wanamaker has entered the rotation as well.
We don’t blame you if you’re new to single malt Scotch whisky and you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. There’s no specific flavor you should expect from every bottle of scotch. This is because depending on the grains used, the aging process, and the region where it’s produced, it can taste remarkably different. Very broadly, though, Scotch single malts do tend to break into two categories: Peated (or smoky) and unpeated (or sweet).
While regions like Speyside might be more known for honeyed and fruit-forward whiskies (sometimes) and Islay might be almost synonymous with smoky peat-monsters, there are no hard and fast rules for what whisky tastes like what from where. There a wonderland of whisky coming out of Scotland’s 134 distilleries is what we’re getting at.
Some whisky beginners might not want to dive right into the fire that is peat-smoked single malts — or maybe they do. That aside, today we decided to highlight some of the best “beginner” unpeated Scotch whiskies for people who might not be ready for that smoky plunge. Keep scrolling to see our eight selections.
While it doesn’t have the name recognition of some of the other beginner bottles on this list, Tomatin 12 is a great starter single malt. Aged in oak barrels before being finished for six to nine months in casks that previously held oloroso sherry from Spain, it’s known for its mellow, sweet, accessible flavor.
Tasting Notes:
Complex aromas of dried cherries, raisins, almond cookies, and vanilla beans are prevalent on the nose. The palate is swirling with hints of candied orange peel, vanilla beans, buttery caramel, and a gentle, fruity, woody finish that leaves you craving more.
Bottom Line:
This single malt is known for its sweet, fruity, caramel flavors that make it both a great beginner bottle and one that you’ll keep on your bar cart for years to come.
No beginner, smoke-free single malt Scotch list is complete without Glenmorangie The Original. The renowned distillery’s flagship expression is known both for its quality as it is for its price. It’s matured in a combination of first and second-fill American oak barrels for a decade creating potentially the best beginner whisky of all time.
Tasting Notes:
Fruit is front and center on this whisky’s nose. There are notable aromas of orange peel, lemon curd, dried apricots, raisins, and slight spice. Sipping it reveals a symphony of sticky toffee pudding, toasted vanilla beans, caramel candy, and gentle wintry spices. The finish is a great combination of sweet malts and dried fruits.
Bottom Line:
This is a mellow, sweet well-balanced single malt. The caramel malt flavors pair perfectly with the ripe fruit flavors.
First released in 2018, this memorable expression was completely matured in ex-bourbon barrels. The result is a sweet, highly approachable whisky that should appeal to both beginner single malt Scotch drinkers as well as seasoned bourbon fans.
Tasting Notes:
A lot is going on with this whisky’s nose with clover honey, toasted vanilla beans, butterscotch, charred wood, and just a hint of sea salt. The palate is littered with flavors like salted caramel, almond cookies, candied orange peels, slight ocean brine, and a nice herbal backbone. The last few sips are warming and filled with hints of sea salt and buttery caramel.
Bottom Line:
Even for a beginner bottle, this is a complex whisky. Aging in bourbon barrels gives it an extra sweetness that’s tempered well by the slight salinity.
This award-winning single malt whisky was first released in 2009. Aged for at least twelve years in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, it’s non-chill filtered and known for its creamy, sweet, fruity flavor. There’s a reason it commonly makes both beginner and sherry bomb lists.
Tasting Notes:
The nose is highlighted by treacle, vanilla beans, cinnamon, holiday spices, and citrus zest. On the palate, you’ll find sweet sherry, dried cherries, oaky wood, butterscotch, raisins, and slightly warming spice. At the very end, you’ll find candied almond and dried fruit notes.
Bottom Line:
This is a great example of a sherried single malt whisky that’s also a great beginner bottle. It’s also the type of whisky that will propel you into trying the other expressions from this beloved distillery.
Even though it was founded in 1897, there’s a chance you’ve never heard of Tamdhu. Named for the Gaelic word for “little dark hill”, this Speyside distiller is well-known for its sherried single malts. One of its best is its 12-year-old express that was aged completely in first-fill and refill oloroso sherry casks.
Tasting Notes:
This whisky’s nose is very vibrant with aromas of candied orange peels, dried cherries, sherry spice, and gentle oak. The palate is centered around woody oak, sweet sherry, raisins, ripe berries, and sweet, buttery caramel candy. The finish is a warming combination of toffee, fruit, and gentle Christmas spices.
Bottom Line:
While this whisky was aged for more than a decade in former sherry casks, its sweetness is tempered by spice and caramel.
Before you step up to the cask strength gem that is Aberlour A’bunadh, you have to start somewhere. We suggest the first step be with the distillery’s double cask matured 12-year-old expression. The two casks it was matured in are white oak and sherry casks. The result is a mellow, sweet, fruity, memorable dram.
Tasting Notes:
Before you first sip, a nosing will reveal scents of caramelized sugar, toasted vanilla beans, ripe fruit, and gentle spices. The palate continues this flavor profile with chocolate fudge, sweet sherry, ripe berries, cherries, and butterscotch. The warming finished has both winter spices and fruity sweetness.
Bottom Line:
While it might not get the same press as Glenmorangie The Original, this is one of the best beginner bottles on the market. It’s the best beginner option for sherry fans.
Whisky aficionados know all about the prowess of Mortlach. If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, it’s time to get to know its 12-year-old expression. This award-winner is double casks matured in a combination of American and European oak barrels. The result is a rich, easy-to-drink, memorable whisky.
Tasting Notes:
This whiskey is highlighted by aromas of candied almonds, butter cookies, sticky toffee, and slight spice. On the palate, you’ll be greeted with notes of raisins, prunes, vanilla beans, citrus zest, and toasted oak. The last few sips are warming with a nice mixture of candied orange peels and butterscotch pudding.
Bottom Line:
This is a truly memorable dram. It’s loaded with spice, caramel, and slight fruitiness that make it a terrific dram on a cold winter night.
You probably know that the Inner Hebrides Island of Islay is well-known for its peat-smoked, robust, campfire-like whiskies. But did you know that you can still find smoke-free options from the sheep-filled island? Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie not only fits the bill, but it’s also one of the best beginner whiskies on the market.
Tasting Notes:
Memorable aromas of manuka honey, caramel candy, orange zest, and slight ocean brine fill your nostrils before your first sip. On the palate, you’ll be greeted with hints of cinnamon sugar, butterscotch, dried cherries, and slightly salted caramel. The finish is pleasingly warming with notes of treacle and ripe fruits.
Bottom Line:
There’s no smoke, but it has enough ocean brine to pair well with the caramel and fruit flavors. A perfect sipper on a cold night in front of a roaring fire.
Damaris Flores knows that in order to make it as an up-and-coming stylist in the fashion industry, there’s a lot of hustle involved. When the Guatemalan-American creator moved to LA to try to get her inclusive and boundary-pushing brand off the ground, she was faced with a lot of people telling her “no.” But now armed with an unstoppable drive and portfolio of groundbreaking projects, Flores has one goal in mind: to prove naysayers wrong.
Ever since she was a young girl playing around with clothes in her mom’s closet, Flores has created her own unique style. She would cut up her favorite pieces and create unconventional looks while appeasing her inner “wild child.” She may have been bullied for her eccentric style growing up, but Flores now knows that peoples’ closed-mindedness was a symptom of a homogeneous fashion industry — and that’s where her own work comes in.
For Uproxx’s New Normalists series presented by Instagram, Flores explains how she aims to foster greater inclusivity when it comes to beauty and fashion. “Fashion has always been for European women. I’m tired of seeing that, I’m tired of that being a beauty standard,” she said, continuing: “I want to show women who look like me that you can make something out of nothing. ‘Style is in you’ is my philosophy and it represents all colors, all sizes, [and] being your true self.”
Now that she’s put together stunning red carpet looks and styled cover artwork for some of today’s hottest musicians, Flores has learned the importance of putting herself and her art out there. But more than anything, the stylist values her own authenticity. “Own who you are because, at the end of the day, I think that’s what people will remember,” Flores said.
Watch Flores share her passion for style above and find more of Uproxx’s New Normalists series 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.
