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As a Colorado resident, one of the questions I’m most often asked is, “Do you ski?” but generally in the form of a statement rather than a question – “So, you ski?”

When I answer honestly, “No, not really, I think it’s expensive/a hassle/too much of a commitment,” I am met with many confused stares. But I don’t sweat it because although I live and travel amongst some of the best ski mountains in the country, not skiing doesn’t stop me from enjoying the winter months.

In fact, being a non-skier visiting a ski town during the winter (or any time) has its fair share of perks. While everyone else is busy on the slopes, I can eat, drink, shop, hike, hot tub, snowshoe, and relax with a massage (or two). More to the point of this piece, outside of ski season the rates are better, the activities are less crowded, and you get an entirely different experience with mountain towns.

Which is just what I did on a recent trip to Northern Utah and Park City. While it wasn’t ski season yet, I spent ample time exploring the area outside the world-class skiing and snowboarding it’s known for.

So, if you are a non-skier like me – or want to diversify your next ski vacation – here is what I recommend in Park City and Northern Utah.

WHERE TO STAY:

The phrase “Northern Utah” encompasses a large area. From Salt Lake City to the Wasatch Mountains, Provo, and Ogden – but for our purposes here, I’m referring to the famed SLC-area ski resorts, including Park City, Solitude, Snowbird, Deer Valley, and Alta. I stayed in Park City and Alta during my last trip, and this is where I recommend booking:

Stein Eriksen Lodge — Park City, UT

Stein Eriksen Lodge is classic Park City. The authentic European luxury ski lodge is the sort of resort you never want – or need – to leave. The 180 rooms, many apartment-sized with fireplaces, balconies, and private hot tubs, all offer majestic views of the surrounding mountains and the exceptional service that has made Stein Eriksen the longest-running Forbes Five-Star Hotel and Spa in Utah. Named after famed skier Stein Eriksen, the lodge was the first luxury property in Park City, and it remains one of the best options for a luxurious ski – or no ski – vacation in Utah. I stayed in a large suite with floor-to-ceiling windows and a full kitchen, enjoyed food and drink on the property, and was lulled into pure bliss during a massage at the award-winning spa.

Book here. Prices vary quite a bit, from upper $ 400s in the off-season to over $1,000 per night in the high season.

Snowpine Lodge — Alta, UT

Just 28 miles from Salt Lake City and steps away from the Alta Ski area in the breathtaking Little Cottonwood Canyon is the 4-star luxurious Snowpine Lodge. The ski-in/ski-out lodge is perfect for hitting the slopes but offers plenty for the non-skier alike. I loved spending time on the balcony of my mountain-view room before heading to The Gulch Pub for drinks with a view (it’s a common theme). The on-site Stillwell Spa is historic and luxurious, with traditional spa treatments along with a grotto with a plunge pool, oxygen bar, and Therabody Recovery Air Boots available. I especially enjoyed the basement game room with a pool table, books, board games, and several arcade games for guests to enjoy.

Book here. Prices vary from $189 in the offseason to over $1,000 on the weekends during the high season.

EAT AND DRINK:

Glitretind Restaurant

Glitretind Restaurant at Stein Eriksen Lodge is an award-winning seasonal fine dining restaurant with incredible Deer Valley views. The traditional dining room is nostalgic, and the food is top-notch. Known for its extensive wine list and knowledgeable sommelier, Glitretind is a treat when visiting Park City or Northern Utah. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, reserve a spot at Stein’s Famous Sunday Brunch at Glitretind, an extravagant spread during Sunday ski season. For a unique dining experience, head outside to the Stein Alpenglobes for a panoramic mountain view while you dine.

For dinner, the first courses start at $16, and the mains at $32 and up.

Grappa

Grappa is the place to be for history, ambiance, and great food on Main Street in Park City. Over 100 years old, the building was once home to a bed and breakfast, a bar, and a brothel – now a local favorite for regional rustic Italian dining since its opening in 1992. The three floors of dining, outdoor garden, and attentive service stand out before you even have a chance to skim the extensive menu. I ordered (and loved) the Lobster Fregola Sarda, a pasta with Maine lobster tail, wild shrimp, black mussels, calamari, and chorizo in a spicy seafood broth with expert wine pairings that I’ll be thinking about for weeks to come.

Starters for dinner begin at $16 and entrees at $42 and up.

Alpine Distilling Social Aid And Pleasure Club

Don’t leave Park City without a visit to Alpine Distilling Social Aid and Pleasure Club, conveniently located on Main Street. The award-winning distilleries social club is a vibe, with inventive craft cocktails made with Alpine Distillings’ multi-award-winning spirits. It was an honor to hear co-owner Sara Sergent, the most decorated botanical distiller in the country, walk through the distilling process before participating in the “Make Your Own Gin Experience.”

Deer Valley Grocery Cafe

Stop for lunch with a view at Deer Valley Grocery Cafe, a restaurant and gourmet deli set in idyllic surroundings (but isn’t everything here). The lakeside dining beckons visitors and locals to stay a while, enjoying local brews, fresh food, and friendly service.

The Gulch Pub

Utah liquor laws are notoriously… particular, let’s say. For example, while staying at Snowpine Lodge in Alta, liquor laws prohibited me as a guest from ordering a drink at the bar to take up to my room (but I could buy a bottle?). Usually, this would be a real bummer for me, but luckily, staying at the hotel bar to enjoy my drink, in this case, was an inspired choice. The Gulch Pub offers incredible mountain views, multiple seating areas inside and outside, and friendly bartenders making delicious cocktails. I loved watching the sunset with a “Sparkling Empress” made with Empress 1908 gin, elderflower liqueur, rosemary extract, fresh lime, simple syrup, and tonic.

EXPLORE:

Park City Main St.

When you think of the perfect quaint mountain town, the image you have in your mind is likely very similar to Park City Main Street. The historic main street in the old mining town is positively charming. Full of luxury shops, gourmet restaurants, exciting bars, the Sundance Film Festival, and three Banksy originals, a visit to Main Street is a must on a Park City visit. I recommend an afternoon shopping before heading into Alpine Distilling for a drink.

Burns Cowboy Shop

Visiting Burns Cowboy Shop in downtown Park City was a dream come true for a hat and Yellowstone lover like myself. The oldest same-family-owned Western shop in the world, Burns has been outfitting cowboys, Yellowstone cast members, and tourists alike since 1876. I opted to have a hat custom-made for me in-store, watching the artisan steam, crease, and shape his creation perfectly to my head in awe. Burns also offers in-store branding and accessories for your hat and other Western-inspired wear. It is truly an experience, not just a shopping trip.

Heber Valley Fly Fishing

You might be surprised that fly fishing is touted as an alternative to skiing, but you can cast your line and live out your A River Runs Through It fantasies in Utah throughout the winter months. If outfitted correctly (I recommend Wilderness Access Outfitters in Heber City), fly-fishing during the winter can be just as meditative and rewarding as any other month. The Provo and Green Rivers are world-renowned for fly-fishing and well worth the extra layers you’ll need to get into them in the colder months.

Snowbird Tram

Snowbird is a classic ski resort near Salt Lake City, up the breathtaking Little Cottonwood Canyon, but there is plenty to do there for non-skiers as well. Home to a 1.6-mile-long aerial tram, visitors can ride to the top of Hidden Peak and grab a bite at The Summit restaurant, traveling 2,900 vertical feet. I am admittedly not a heights person, and I did not take advantage of the views via the glass floor panels or the summer open-air ride above – but everyone who was not acrophobic was beyond thrilled. Head down the mountain for ample dining, lodging, and spa options at the resort.

Winter scenic rides start at $37 for adults during off-peak, $42 during peak times, and $47 on holidays.

Solitude Mountain Resort

Solitude Mountain Resort is another ski resort near Salt Lake City with plentiful offerings for a non-skier. When I visited in the fall, I enjoyed hiking the gorgeous and peaceful trails, and I can’t wait to get back during the winter to snowshoe, ice skate, and enjoy the Solitude Mountain spa before some après-ski drinks at Honeycomb Grill. Solitude also has a Nordic center with plenty of groomed cross-country ski trails if you want to dip your toe into some ski boots without the incline.

It’s time to retire the notion that fans of bourbon and Scotch aficionados can’t appreciate both categories. Sure, you have some who will staunchly refuse to broaden their horizons, but as the urban philosopher Jadakiss once poignantly noted, “Options [are] a beautiful thing.” There’s real value in knowing what you like and abiding by that, but we also rob ourselves of joy by foregoing the rewards of having an open mind.

Some bourbon fans may want to explore Scotch but don’t know where to begin. Perhaps you’re looking for a Scotch that closely resembles the flavor profile you already enjoy in bourbon. Or maybe you’re curious about what the world of Scotch has to offer and you’re not quite sure what to expect or where to begin. No matter where you fall on the Scotch curious spectrum, this is the list for you.

While some bourbon fans have an aversion to peat — the partially decomposed organic matter that lends many Scotches that campfire flavor — your mileage may vary. I’ve encountered plenty of bourbon drinkers who swear by the brooding signature smokiness of certain Scotch offerings, despite how much of a departure it is from American whiskey’s sweeter flavor profile. We’ll include a bit of both below, so you can discover your own preference along the way.

Now, without further ado, let’s rank the 8 best Scotches for bourbon drinkers in 2024.

8. The Balvenie DoubleWood Aged 12 Years

ABV: 43%
Average Price: $70

The Whiskey:

The Balvenie DoubleWood’s 12-year whisky kicked off the “double aging” craze back in 1982 and remains a hallmark single malt whisky for beginners to this day. After the unpeated whisky has spent 12 years in ex-bourbon casks, it’s transferred to European Oak sherry casks and rested for another 9 months.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Nectarines and a faint bit of lime wedge greet the nose at first pass. The influence of youthful oak, lemongrass, and honey soon begins to emerge along with accents of bright cherry aromas and plum flesh from the sherry cask.

Palate: On the palate you can expect to find notes of orange pith to go along with some honeyed cornbread, a bit of chocolate, and a touch of the light butterscotch that bourbon drinkers will be more familiar with. Be advised that there’s also a touch of smoke in the background, though it isn’t off-putting or exceedingly evident.

Finish: The finish has decent length and the tamest influence of smoke lingers throughout while the honey and nectarine flavors serve to mellow it out a bit.

Bottom Line:

The Balvenie DoubleWood 12-Year expression is a winner because of how approachable its flavors are for anyone more attuned to what is typically found in bourbon. It bridges the gap nicely with stone fruit notes provided by the sherry cask along with hints of butterscotch from the ex-bourbon barrels. All told this is a solid whisky that can appeal to both crowds.

7. The Dalmore 12

ABV: 40%
Average Price: $80

The Whiskey:

The entry-level bottle in The Dalmore Principal Collection, this 12-year-old Highland single malt is aged first in ex-bourbon barrels and then in Oloroso sherry casks. The whisky does feature coloring — a legal practice in Scotch whisky — and is chill-filtered.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Brandied cherries jump out of the glass along with Mānuka honey, a delicate waft of smokiness, and pumpernickel. Over time the cherries morph into more of a raisin aroma and some vanilla pod notes that become more prominent.

Palate: Buckwheat and Mānuka honey hit the palate along with the flavor of crimson raisins right out of the gate. Mulling spices really help to prop up that raisin-like flavor that pulses throughout each pour.

Finish: On the finish, the mulling spices surpass those raisin notes and they’re joined by a hit of dark chocolate and it ends on a slightly drying note despite having a viscous mouthfeel that borders on being lush before you swallow.

Bottom Line:

The Dalmore 12 takes elegant packaging and pairs it with an equally refined whisky that deserves a serious place of reverence in any bourbon drinker’s liquor cabinet. The notes of cherry and honey will be instantly familiar but it also has a level of finesse seldom seen in 80-proof bourbons. If you’re looking for a Scotch with dark, sweet notes that don’t cross over into the brooding peat-heavy territory of typical Islay expressions — this is the whisky for you.

6. Bunnahabhain 12-Year Whisky

ABV: 46.3%
Average Price: $50

The Whiskey:

The original member of Bunnahabain’s Core Range was originally launched back in 1979. Double matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, without chill filtration or added coloring, this entry-level whisky really showcases what Bunnahabhain is all about.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a faintly fudgy note to kick things off before the bright red berries brought on by the sherry cask have their say. After a few swirls the nose develops a more grassy aroma to go with chunks of pear and a gentle salinity.

Palate: Cherry and citrus notes emerge in earnest, but there’s a more elusive vanilla flavor combined with the maltiness that entrances once discovered. As this sits in the glass it develops a flavor more in line with apple cider, complete with a bit of nutmeg and a touch of smoky char.

Finish: The finish is a bit curt, but it serves to elevate the distinct interplay between notes of cocoa, red berries, and malt. You’re not left with muddled lingering flavors but rather there’s a crisp succinctness that encourages repeat sips.

Bottom Line:

Like the two previous offerings, Bunnahabhain 12 Year is double matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks showcasing a balance plus a depth of flavors that is easy to appreciate and impressive for its age. The added kick in ABV helps those flavors better distinguish themselves and lends itself well to bourbon drinkers accustomed to more heat on the palate.

5. Lagavulin 16

ABV: 43%
Average Price: $88

The Whiskey:

A classic Islay offering, Lagavulin’s flagship 16-year-old expression is perhaps the must-have Scotch in any whisky fan’s liquor cabinet. Ex-bourbon and (say it with me) ex-Sherry casks work their magic to reign in this powerful peaty pour which debuted in 1988.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Iodine, dense smokiness, simmering bacon, and dark chocolate begin to unfurl upon first whiff. Inhaling deeply you’ll begin to note white peach, candied orange peels, and Brazil nuts filling the air around the glass. Indeed, it’s a very complex and powerful medley of aromas.

Palate: The peaty smokiness of each pour greets the palate but soon you’ll find your senses awash in the secondary flavors. Clove-studded orange wheels, drizzled with dark chocolate and buttressed by ginger candy begin to coat the tongue. Take a third sip and discover charred green pepper, and some faint butterscotch plus the salinity from the nose begins to take root.

Finish: Lengthy and with an impressive show of balance despite the powerful influence of peat found on the front end. Look for gentle barley notes beneath the burly top layer of savoriness and smoke.

Bottom Line:

Lagavulin 16 features a decidedly peat-forward flavor profile but that’s no reason to be afraid! Bourbon drinkers are no strangers to bold flavors, and many will embrace the brashness of Lagavulin 16’s meaty, savory notes while also discovering a level of nuance below the surface that proves peaty whiskies aren’t all smoke and mirrors.

4. Glenfiddich 14

ABV: 43%
Average Price: $70

The Whiskey:

Glenfiddich, meaning “The Valley of The Deer” needs little introduction. For their 14-year expression, the Speyside stalwart ages its whisky in ex-bourbon casks before finishing it in charred new American oak barrels – the same kind of casks used to age bourbon.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Aromas like Mexican vanilla extract and bruised pear provide the initial impression of light sweetness. There isn’t any caramel or brown sugar but there is an array of honey, toasted barley, and an underripe banana note.

Palate: On the palate this pour comes across as creamy with orange zest, the influence of oak, and toasted almonds. Over time those oak tones gain ground and there’s even a bit of crème brûlée and graham cracker.

Finish: The medium-length finish is where the aforementioned oak tones are most impressive. That oaky character is bolstered by the distinct sweetness of pastry shells and a mellow citrus aspect as well.

Bottom Line:

Glenfiddich 14 is one of those classic Scotch expressions that are ubiquitous in the United States and seemingly tailor-made for its audience. While certain other expressions toe the line of being approachable for American palates, Glenfiddich 14 fully embraces that challenge with its use of ex-bourbon casks AND virgin American oak casks that follow the footsteps of bourbon production. The resulting liquid showcases the adaptability of this sleek Speyside distillate.

3. Compass Box Hedonism

ABV: 43%
Average Price: $140

The Whiskey:

Compass Box Hedonism, the brand’s first expression, is one of the leading representations of blended grain whisky on the market today – so much so that in 2023 the brand announced it would be pivoting to become an annual limited release. The blend changes every year, based on the availability of well-aged grain whisky components to play with, and though it hasn’t yet been updated for 2024 you can typically find the breakdown of each blend on the company’s
website.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Mellow, billowing smoke combines with grilled pineapple, and caramel chunks to fill the air once this whisky escapes the bottle and enters the glass. Nutmeg can also be found in concert with the aroma of a sugar-torched lemon wheel.

Palate: On the palate the peat is gentler than on the nose and the tropical fruit notes are dialed up a degree with some allspice, black pepper, and sticky toffee notes balancing it all out.

Finish: The finish seeps into your palate and hangs around for a good amount of time revealing vanilla pod, apricots, and clove in excellent balance.

Bottom Line:

Since founding Compass Box in 2000, John Glaser has turned the Scotch world on its head by innovating with each bottling of Hedonism. Grain whiskies that are 30+ or even 40+ years old have been utilized throughout the brand’s history and even though those are much harder to come by these days, the quality has remained high.

Despite the fact John Glaser stepped down from Compass Box in February of this year, fans new and old will surely still enjoy Hedonism’s first annual limited edition.

2. Bruichladdich 18

ABV: 50%
Average Price: $195

The Whiskey:

Bruichladdich 18 is an unpeated Islay Scotch that primarily utilizes ex-bourbon plus a small number of Sauternes and Port casks in its maturation profile. Non-chill filtered and free of additional coloring, Bruichladdich 18 is also unique in that each varietal of the barley used is fully traceable from farm to bottle.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Honeyed wheat toast and the faint indication of smoke clear the way for a touch of hazelnut and chocolate wafer cookies on the nose.

Palate: On the palate each of those notes is amplified with notes of lemon cake and confectioner’s sugar joining the mix. It has a supple and silky mouthfeel that rewards “chewing” and only extends the pleasure of each sip.

Finish: The chalky cocoa note comes through on the palate as does a bit of tropical fruit — think grilled pineapples — and the hint of smokiness reemerges to offer some delicate balance to the sweeter and earthier notes.

Bottom Line:

Bruichladdich 18 offers an expert level of finesse, deploying sweetness and smokiness with impressive restraint which leaves space for more savory nutty aspects to shine in equal measure. While Bruichladdich 18 displays the hallmarks of quality Scotch whisky, it also offers complexity and depth of flavor that will deeply impress bourbon fans the world over.

1. Aberlour A’bunadh

ABV: 59.6%
Average Price: $115

The Whiskey:

Aged exclusively in Oloroso Sherry butts – which helps provide that beautiful ruby glint to the liquid – Aberlour A’bunadh is one of the most highly recommended Scotch whiskies for bourbon drinkers. Non-chill filtered and undiluted, the sweetness of the sherry and the high octane ABV help explain why American whiskey fans gravitate towards A’bunadh — which means ‘of the origin’ in Gaelic.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Red raisins and figs burst out of the glass with a rich nutty aspect that soon follows. Mulling spices, candied walnuts, and sticky orange marmalade add further heft to A’bunadh’s substantive bouquet of aromas.

Palate: Orange blossom, black cherry, and candied ginger splash across the palate. This pour has a robust and viscous texture, which helps to ease the punch from the proof and provides a runway for the flavors to blossom.

Finish: Semi-sweet dark chocolate and red raisins offer allure to go with the oomph of black pepper, cinnamon, and tobacco leaf on the lengthy finish.

Bottom Line:

Is it the proof or the sherry sweetness that makes Aberlour A’bunadh so easy for bourbon drinkers to get into? The answer is both, and so much more. From the rich color and the full-bodied texture to the sumptuous display of aromas and flavors, this Speyside single malt can turn even the most avid bourbon aficionado into an appreciator of Scotch whisky.

The NBA Playoffs are a tremendous place to either prove yourself as a player, or get exposed. While we often talk about this in regard to stars, it is arguably more important for role players to establish themselves as playoff performers. Doing so will open up a lot more doors and get them a lot more money if teams, because as crucial as it is to have star power to win, every championship team also has a trusted supporting cast.

Rather than take a risk on hoping a player can be one of those trusted in the postseason rotation, contenders prefer to bring in players that have a track record of playoff success. Maybe the best recent example of a player that was able to cash in on that was Bruce Brown last year, as he got a 2-year, $45 million deal in free agency thanks to his brilliance in Denver’s championship run. You also could add Max Strus and Gabe Vincent to that list, as they cashed in this past summer as well thanks to their efforts getting Miami to the Finals.

With those players in mind, I wanted to look at the players that have done the most to start these playoffs to either change the perception of who they are as players or cemented themselves as a trusted 16-game player this postseason. To be eligible for this list, you cannot make more than $20 million per year (sorry, Josh Hart), be on a past All-Star/All-NBA/All-Defense team (sorry, Derrick White), have won an NBA award (sorry, Naz Reid), or be older than 30. When I say role player, I mean just that. We’re talking about someone who isn’t typically tasked with a heavy workload offensively but is taking on a vital role in their team’s success this postseason. Most of these players will be on teams still alive, but not all of them, because even in a first round loss, you can show your value.

Donte DiVincenzo and Isaiah Hartenstein (New York)

The Knicks have a bunch of guys you can pick from during their rather incredible run, but with Josh Hart just inking an $81 million extension and OG Anunoby on his way to an even larger one, we’ll focus on Donte DiVincenzo and Isaiah Hartenstein. DiVincenzo has changed his perception in a major way, as he was never close to this productive in his two real previous playoff visits with Milwaukee and Golden State (he got hurt three games into the Bucks title run). With the Knicks, he’s been their second-best offensive weapon, which was not the expectation of him coming into this year, but he has confirmed that his improvement as a three-point shooter the last two years does indeed carry over to the playoffs. His defensive chops have always gotten him looks in playoff rotations, but being able to couple that with being a legitimate three-point threat is huge.

For Hartenstein, he’s stepped into the void left by Mitchell Robinson’s injury and been terrific in the middle. He has confirmed what we saw last year when he and Robinson tag-teamed Cleveland on the glass to knock them out in five games, doing the same to Philly in the first round and providing some problems for Indiana in the paint. His double-doubles in Game 6 against Philly and Game 2 against Indiana were both pivotal in getting New York wins, and his ability to hit that unique push shot of his from just outside the restricted area has bailed the Knicks out of more than a few possessions. Defensively, he’s provided much-needed rim protection and is logging major minutes with all the injuries, like just about everyone in the New York rotation.

PJ Washington (Dallas)

Washington is averaging 14.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, but has three times stepped up to produce in a massive way to help Dallas get critical wins. The first was in Game 2 against the Clippers, scoring 18 on 5-of-10 shooting, including three makes from three-point range in what became a three-point win. The last two games against Oklahoma City he has scored 29 and 27, going 12-of-23 from three in those two Mavs wins and forcing the Thunder to reconsider their defensive strategy of trying to force the ball out of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving’s hands by sending help. The only way for the Mavs to make a deep playoff run is for someone to step up and be a reliable threat outside their two stars, and Washington has done so in a few key spots already. If he can do that a few more times, he’ll become viewed as a cornerstone piece in Dallas.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Minnesota)

The Wolves have gotten some tremendous efforts from their roster so far in the playoffs, but Alexander-Walker has really stamped himself as a 16-game player. The Wolves have been able to throw NAW and Jaden McDaniels (who doesn’t make this list because he just got a very handsome payday) at opposing wings and guards and simply put them in hell. Alexander-Walker has been impactful on offense as well, staying active and providing Minnesota with another cutting and slashing threat around Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. A year ago, Alexander-Walker acquitted himself nicely in Minnesota’s brief playoff appearance in place of McDaniels, and he’s confirmed that this year and will eventually be able to cash in on that next summer.

Kelly Oubre Jr (Philadelphia)

In the category of guys that have changed the perception about them, I think Oubre might be the one that can cash in the most this summer. After years of struggling to find his place, he was very good for the Sixers all year and continued that in their first round series as one of the only players outside of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to give anything close to a consistently positive performance. He averaged 13.2 points per game in the postseason and played some good defense, and he should be able to seek out more than another minimum deal this summer.

Andrew Nembhard (Indiana)

It hasn’t been the best defensive series in the second round for Nembhard, who has struggled with the Jalen Brunson assignment. That said, his offensive impact has been important all postseason for Indiana, particularly given Tyrese Haliburton’s struggles to consistently be a scoring threat. Nembhard is averaging 12.7 points and 4.7 assists per game over the Pacers nine contests, and while there have been some lessons to learn defensively from this particular series, he also served as the hero of Game 3, bailing out Haliburton on Indiana’s final possession with a miraculous game-winning three. An honorable mention for the Pacers goes to Aaron Nesmith, who’s worked incredibly hard defensively even in an uneven offensive run, and Ben Sheppard, who’s provided some big lifts as a shooter when they’ve needed them.

Aaron Wiggins (Oklahoma City)

The Thunder go about as deep into their rotation as any team left in the postseason, but they might have to start tightening that up soon, particularly in the backcourt. Josh Giddey minutes have not gone well, and they may soon lean even further on rookie Cason Wallace and third-year man Aaron Wiggins. In their Game 1 win over the Mavs, Wiggins was particularly vital, scoring 16 points off the bench. As that series progresses, they will probably look to redistribute those guard minutes and Wiggins (and Wallace) will have more chances to prove their value as 16-game players.

The feud that no one wanted or could avoid might finally be over. Longtime frenemies Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s war of words has apparently lasted long enough.

Over the last month, each has released several diss records aimed at one another starting with Lamar’s jabs on Metro Boomin and Future’s song, “Like That.” Although Drake’s multiple responses including “Family Matters” were valiant efforts, Lamar’s “Not Like Us” has been crowned the unwavering winner by the masses, which includes Uproxx‘s hip-hop editor Aaron Williams.

Today (May 11), Drake somewhat agreed by seemingly conceded to Lamar via his Instagram Stories. After taking a moment to celebrate his mom Sandra for Mother’s Day, the “First Person Shooter” rapper closed out his string of posts with a subtle message to Lamar.

The photographer featured a Japanese Samurai surrounded by an army of hundreds captioned: “Good times. Summer vibes up next.”

If you were waiting for a white flag to be waved, this is the closest thing to it because Lamar sure isn’t going to bow out anytime soon.

Drake put up a good fight. But he simply can’t win everything. At least he still has the vicious win from his spat with Meek Mill under his belt.

Odds are you’ve heard Wally de Backer, aka Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know.”

It’s the Australian musician’s biggest commercial hit, selling more than 20 million copies since its release in 2011, making it one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. Not to mention it inspired several amazing covers, which you might have also stumbled upon.

The music video, in its poignant simplicity, is every bit as iconic.

Gotye stands naked facing the camera, as featured singer Kimbra faces him. As they sing, they are slowly “painted” into and out of the background of geometric shapes using stop motion animation. There’s a very Wes Anderson feel to it that adds so much to the story told in the song, making it all the more memorable.

All this to say…it would be a challenge to recreate the magic that’s so inherent in the original. And yet, one dance company has clearly understood the assignment.

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All this to say…it would be a challenge to recreate the magic that’s so inherent in the original. And yet, one dance company has clearly understood the assignment.

Netherland based dance troupe CDK recently went viral for their highly stylized movement performance to the well known art pop ballad.

As thousands of viewers were quick to note, it’s not just the incredible dance moves that make this performance so captivating. It’s a killer combination of choreography, camerawork and costumes that make the piece impossible to turn away from.

“This is pure art,” one person wrote. While another added, “I think I’m going to watch it everyday for the rest of my life.”

Take a look for yourself:

CDK – Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye

This group is clearly at the top of their game, by how easy they make it all look (like, I’ve already convinced myself that I can pull off those moves). But what’s more evident is that they enjoy what they’re doing to the nth degree.

To find even more of CDK’s performances, follow them on Instagram.

Fun fact #1: Gotye allows small independent projects, like student films—and probably this dance piece—to use his music free of charge. “If someone wants to use it commercially I look at what the budget is and the creativity of the project,” he said, according to News.com.

Fun fact #2: CDK isn’t the only group to have recently breathed new life into the song. A few weeks ago, an electronic remix of the song titled “Somebody (2024),” created by electronic music producers Chris Lake, Fisher, and Sante Sansone, debuted. Much like it’s predecessor, “Somebody (2024) is topping the charts.

This article originally appeared on 3.6.24

All four series in the NBA playoffs are in the same spot. With the conference semifinals well underway, each series has one team holding a 2-1 lead over the other, which should lead to some really compelling basketball over the next week or so.

Game 4 is the unofficial turning point in a series like this, because depending on the result, a series will either find itself on the brink of being over, or with a completely clean slate as it turns into a best 2-out-of-3 sprint to the finish. Ahead of our first two Game 4s on Sunday, we took a look at the state of things in each series and tried to figure out which ones are most likely to end up going the distance.

4. Boston vs. Cleveland (Boston currently leads, 2-1)

Unfortunately for the Cavs, it’d take something completely out of left field for a 7-game series. Yes, Cleveland has a path if it can just defend its homecourt in Games 4 and 6, but the Cavs desperately need Donovan Mitchell to be the best player on the court, and at least one of Darius Garland or Evan Mobley to have a monster game, and everyone else to be a threat from three. That was the recipe that led to them winning Game 2 in Boston — a really great win for them, to be clear — but it’s really, really hard to replicate that against a Celtics team that bounced back in a big way during Game 3. If Boston brings its A-game (or, frankly, even its B-game), they should be able to prevent Cleveland from getting this to a Game 7.

3. Indiana vs. New York (New York currently leads, 2-1)

This is easily the most fun series so far, for my money, and not having it higher is 100 percent due to the fact that each team is dealing with some pretty insane injuries right now. The Knicks were beyond compromised coming into the series, with Bojan Bogdanovic and Julius Randle both out and Mitchell Robinson nowhere near full capacity. Now, Robinson’s playoffs are effectively done, OG Anunoby has a bad hamstring that might cost him significant time, and Jalen Brunson is now dealing with a bad foot on top of whatever other bumps and bruises he has. For Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton is listed as questionable for Game 4 because of, well, everything.

They also haven’t had Bennedict Mathurin this entire run, and Aaron Nesmith is dealing with a shoulder injury. Anyway, we’re in a spot where this series is going seven games if the teams can defend their respective home courts. This could be higher based off of that, but we’ll knock it down a bit just because of how injuries have the potential to derail this series for one team — on the other hand, one could argue both being beat up means it’s more likely to go the distance.

2. Dallas vs. Oklahoma City (Dallas currently leads, 2-1)

Luka Doncic’s health hangs over this series, because if he is physically compromised to a significant degree, Dallas is going to have its hands full. But when it comes to getting to a Game 7, Dallas only needs to win one more game after hanging on to a Game 3 win to go up 2-1, which they can absolutely do. On the other side, Oklahoma City has to win two of the next three with only one of those games coming at home, which makes the task difficult but certainly not impossible. Perhaps the young Thunder struggle as they find themselves with an uphill battle ahead of them, or maybe this P.J. Washington recent heater ends and Kyrie Irving’s slow starts to games end up being incredibly costly for Dallas given Doncic not being at 100 percent. Both of these teams are quite good, and Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are two of the best players left in the playoffs. Every game could very easily be a coin flip, which bodes well for a long series.

1. Denver vs. Minnesota (Minnesota currently leads, 2-1)

The Nuggets showed off some real chutzpah during Game 3. After losing both games on their home court — one when the Wolves did not have the services of Rudy Gobert — Denver went into Minnesota and ran them off the floor. They looked so much more deliberate than they did in the first two games in the series, when Minnesota’s athleticism, size, and tenacity really seemed to bug them. We’re now in a situation where the Wolves absolutely have to win Game 4, because giving up homecourt advantage after taking two games off of the Nuggets in Denver is a dangerous, dangerous situation. Still, these teams are fairly evenly matched, and neither one is going to go down without a fight. And when it comes to a potential Game 7, it’d require two more wins for Denver and one more for Minnesota, which is totally plausible.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason began sooner than they hoped after being taken down in five games by the Denver Nuggets in the first round.

The Lakers didn’t take long after that loss to make a major change, announcing they were moving on from head coach Darvin Ham after two seasons. The question was who the Lakers would be able to bring in to replace Ham, particularly considering the Lakers have never been particularly keen on paying top dollar for coaches. With the Suns confirming the market for a coach with championship experience is $10 million per year with the hire of Mike Budenholzer, the Lakers seem likely to look at candidates with less experience, the assistant coaching pool, or even no experience at all.

One name that’s been connected to the Lakers opening from the jump is JJ Redick, as the former player turned ESPN analyst and podcast host has made no secret his desire to get into coaching. Redick hosting a podcast with LeBron James has only fueled the rumblings that he’s a serious candidate for the L.A. job, and on Saturday night we got further confirmation the Lakers are looking at him very seriously in a report from Adrian Wojnarowski.

“One name that the Lakers have been drilling down on in their initial research here, JJ Redick. He is certainly somebody that the Lakers are intrigued with, they’ve been making a lot of calls to try and learn more about him. But expect this to be a wide-ranging and lengthy search for L.A.”

As Woj notes, the Lakers are expected to take their time on this search and interview plenty of candidates, but they will do plenty of due diligence on Redick as part of the process. Given his lack of any NBA coaching experience, those conversations with Redick and those that know him will be of particular importance to figuring out if he’s ready to take on a very unique challenge of coaching this Lakers team.

For most, birthdays are a joyous occasion to embrace another year of growth and maturity. But Sabrina Carpenter decided to use her aging up ceremony to crack a hilarious child-like joke.

Yesterday (May 11), the “Espresso” singer brought in her 25th birthday surrounded by friends, family, and Leonardo DiCaprio (well sort of). In a clip shared by Ice Spice, fans quickly noticed that Carpenter’s birthday cake featured a meme of the DiCaprio with the line: “No don’t turn 25, you’re so sexy aha.”

To some the gesture may seem odd considering that Carpenter is currently in a relationship with Saltburn actor Barry Keoghan. However, given users online’s running joke about DiCaprio’s supposedly strict dating preferences around age, it brought forth a deep chuckle to her followers.

With Carpenter now out side of DiCaprio’s rumored radius of interest, her gathering might have served as both a public mourning and milestone appreciation.

As for the reasoning behind DiCaprio’s alleged age restriction, a source close to the star told New York Post its to “avoid settling down.”

“By the time girls reach 25, they’re looking for more – they’re looking to get married and settle down,” they said. “[DiCaprio] does not want a family and does not want to be around women who may press him for that.”

Welp, Sabrina Carpenter and Leonardo DiCaprio may never be an item. But that’s likely for the best.

The 2024 NBA Draft doesn’t have nearly the level of excitement around it as last year’s, as the top of the class doesn’t feature any particularly elite prospects on paper — much less a generational one like Victor Wembanyama.

Even without a clear top guy, the race for the top pick was heated in the NBA this season, as a number of teams raced to the bottom in hopes of giving themselves their choice at the top of this year’s Draft. On Sunday afternoon, we will learn exactly what order teams will be picking in, as the Draft Lottery takes place at 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC leading into Game 4 of Knicks-Pacers.

Below you can find the odds for each team to land the first overall pick in June’s Draft.

T1. Detroit Pistons (14.0)
T1. Washington Wizards (14.0)
3. Charlotte Hornets (13.3)
4. Portland Trail Blazers (13.2)
5. San Antonio Spurs (10.5)
6. Toronto Raptors (9.0)*
7. Memphis Grizzlies (7.5)
8. Utah Jazz (6.0)*
9. Brooklyn Nets (4.5)
10. Atlanta Hawks (3.0)
11. Chicago Bulls (2.0)
12. Houston Rockets (1.5)*
13. Sacramento Kings (0.8)
14. Golden State Warriors (0.7)*

Four of the lottery picks could change hands on Sunday afternoon once the lottery numbers are drawn due to traded picks with protections. If the Raptors get jumped by one team and fall to seven or below, their pick conveys to the Spurs. The Warriors will need to leap from 14 into the top-4 or else their pick is headed to Portland. The Rockets likewise need to jump from 12 to the top-4 or their pick will be going to Oklahoma City, who also could pick up Utah’s pick if they fall from eight all the way out of the top 10 (which is highly unlikely).

It’s been 30 years since Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre dropped “Gin and Juice.” And for each of those 30 years, it’s been a classic cut. If there was a Mount Rushmore of hip-hop songs, Gin & Juice would be on it. How do you depict a song in a mountain carving? Just don’t think about that!

Anyway, Gin & Juice is a top 5 hip-hop cut, that’s undeniable. Everyone knows this song, and it’s so powerful that just hearing the words “gin & juice” causes the song to play in your head. Even when someone says the words, they can’t help but sing it. So what better way to celebrate the 30 years of this song being a radio and hip-hop playlist staple than by its very creators dropping a canned version of the classic cocktail?

In celebration of the song and the 30th anniversary of Snoop’s Doggystyle, Dre and Snoop have linked up once again on the first ready-to-drink product from their new premium spirits company, and fittingly, it’s a canned gin and juice.

Dubbed “Gin & Juice By Dre And Snoop,” — always an earworm with these two — the new RTD canned cocktail consists of four flavors, Citrus, Melon, Passionfruit, and Apricot in 355ml cans with 5.9% ABV. Unlike lesser RTD cocktails on the market, this one isn’t made with malt liquor, instead, it’s a blend gin, real juice, and other natural ingredients based on flavor.

We’re glad that Dre and Snoop didn’t go the cheap route in putting this together, it matches the high expectations we have when it comes to a collaboration between the two. But just because something is a good idea, doesn’t mean it’s executed well. So to find out if Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop lives up to the song that inspired it, we put all four flavors to the test. Here is our review:

Gin & Juice By Dre & Snoop Taste Test

Thoughts & Tasting Notes:

Before we talk about the flavors, let’s just congratulate the designer, creative director, artist, and musician Ini Archibong for his inspired package design. We don’t love this just because of the low-rider, which is an obvious nod to West Coast g-funk culture, and LA car culture in general, but what strikes me is how clean the presentation is.

Archibong could’ve decorated the cans with loud graphics and various colors, hell he could’ve just recreated the Doggystyle cover and people would’ve loved it. But instead what he gives us is something minimal, refined, and precise (the “Parental Advisory” warning is a nice tongue-in-cheek touch). A perfect echo of Dr. Dre’s production style.

All right, enough nerding out, let’s talk about what this stuff tastes like. Because the four flavors are built off the same gin base, I’m going to refrain from giving each flavor an individual entry. I’ll give a ranking of my favorite flavors at the end.

Gin can be a divisive spirit, some people just aren’t into the botanical almost medicinal quality of certain bottles (I love it), it seems that Dre and Snoop anticipated this because each of these four flavors is very fruit-forward. That makes each of the four distinctly different, though all of them end with a sort of herbaceous and citrusy aftertaste.

Each flavor has an added natural ingredient that compliments the base flavor. For Apricot, it’s bergamot and honey. For Passionfruit, it’s pineapple and ginger, For Watermelon, it’s hibiscus. For Citrus, it’s rose. These added flavors aren’t that obvious, but they help set the experience of each can apart from one another. That’s a cool feature and something more multi-flavored RTDs should do.

Overall, I’m surprised by how well Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop works. Each flavor is sweet and fruit-forward, but remarkably natural, which is in keeping with the experience of drinking gin, and ironically, not the cheap and easy cocktail that inspired the song.

So if you come to this thinking it’s just Gin and Juice in a can, it’s not, it’s something unique and more along the lines of what you’d find whipped up by a bartender who is interested in the art mixology.

The Bottom Line:

Far more elevated and refined than you’d expect from an RTD, especially one that shares its name with a popular mixed drink.
As for where each flavor ranks, for me it’s like this:

• 1. Apricot. It’s dry yet sweet flavor profile is unique in the RTD space. It’s sweet, floral, and well-balanced with a touch of bitterness.
• 2. Passionfruit. The sweetest of the bunch with a touch of mild spice.
• 3. Melon. Tropical and sweet, but a bit flatter than my top 2.
• 4. Citrus. The only dud of the back. It has this bitter rind flavor that I find off-putting.

Pick up Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop here, or your favorite spirits store.