NBA great Charles Barkley may be even more famous today than he would have been because he says what he wants to say, and he’s often laugh-out-loud funny when he does it. In 2021, however, Barkley has found that his unfiltered approach is no longer considered part of his charm.
Speaking to The Fan, a Washington sports radio station, the Inside the NBA host went off on “cancel culture” and implied he’s so over it he might just retire from broadcasting.
As far as Sir Charles is concerned, political correctness is “out of hand.” Just goofing around as he’s famous for doing is impossible now, according to Barkley, without “jackasses” going on the cancellation warpath.
Barkley, 58, essentially called out higher-ups at Turner Broadcasting (now a part of Warner Media) for shutting down a long-running joke about the size of women in San Antonio, Texas:
If you crack a joke the wrong way they’re like, ‘Oh, no, no, no, you crossed the line.’
I mean, they won’t even let me talk about San Antonio anymore — when I’m always talking about their big ole women down in San Antonio.
They’re like, ‘Charles, we got one lady who wrote an article.’ … We’ve been having fun with this for probably 10–15 years. We go to San Antonio; the people are having a blast with it. The people in San Antonio had T-shirts made up.
Barkley’s argument is basically that if San Antonio and the women of San Antonio are okay with it, as he seems to think, then what’s the problem?
He wasn’t done, of course. As Barkley continued, it became clear that he’s thinking about washing his hands of the whole thing. He’s tired of his words being policed:
“That’s all we ever talk about behind the scenes like, ‘Yo, man, be careful going in this direction,’” Barkley said.
“I’m like, ‘Yo, man, we can’t even have fun anymore,” he continued, “We’ve had fun all these years and now all of a sudden in the last year and a half, everybody is trying to get everybody fired and it really sucks.”
Barkley indicated he’s only giving the gig a few more years. “I’m trying to hang on for another couple of years until I’m 60 and then they can kiss my ass. I’m only working until 60. I’ve already told them that. I’m not working until the day I die. That’s just stupid. And if I don’t have enough money by now, I’m an idiot, anyway. They should fire me, anyway.”
At least one media mogul with no Turner connections has a job proposal for Barkley — Barstool’s Dave Portnoy.
Portnoy tweeted, “I pledge that if Charles Barkley works for me he can call the women of San Antonio fat and gross as much as he wants.”
If Barkley is familiar with Barstool, he’s probably already on the phone with his agent.
Super Bowl LIV rival quarterbacks Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes are ushering in the next generation of Madden NFL with the franchise’s first dual-athlete cover in over a decade.
Aside from the cover art, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs’ play callers are featured prominently alongside other stars like Buffalo Bills receiver Stefon Diggs and Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook in the stunning new gameplay trailer for Madden NFL 22.
“It’s been a great experience being on the cover of Madden NFL 22 with Patrick. We both share a love for the game of football and to be a part of this iconic franchise is very special,” said seven-time champ Brady. “This year’s game really captures the energy and unpredictability that you see on the field every Sunday and we’re excited for fans to experience it for themselves.”
“This is only the second time two athletes have been on the cover together and we’re both eager for fans to dig into Dynamic Gameday which makes the game more immersive, authentic and keeps it fresh year-round,” said Mahomes.
The game’s latest installment will be available on both the latest and preceding consoles, but the latter group will be missing out on a number of new features in addition to superior graphics.
Gameday Atmosphere adds more variety to players’ and fans’ reactions to key plays for a more engaging experience, while a new Gameday Momentum mechanic ups the ante further with “M Factors” that can rattle your opponent or give the home field team an in-the-moment performance boost. Star-Driver AI provides, intricate, real world-backed data that can help you make strategic choices in-game.
Core game modes, such as the single-player “Face of the Franchise”, Superstar KO co-op, and the new Ultimate Team, which allows for halftime adjustments, are shared across all consoles.
Due out August 20, Madden NFL 22 is available on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 for $69.99, and Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Google Stadia and PC via Origin and Steam for $59.99.
More than a year after shutting its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wine Spectator Grand Award winner Eleven Madison Park has reopened. The New York destination typically debuts new menus every season, but this one comes with a twist: As of June 10, the restaurant is the first Grand Award winner to offer exclusively plant-based cuisine.
Chef-owner Daniel Humm says that the shift was inspired by a desire to forge a more sustainable footprint and strengthen the team’s creativity and bonds with local farmers. “Every dish is made from vegetables, both from the earth and the sea, as well as fruits, legumes, fungi, grains and so much more,” Humm said in a statement. “We’ve been working tirelessly to immerse ourselves in this cuisine. It’s been an incredible journey, a time of so much learning.” The restaurant is not entirely vegan, though; milk products and honey will be available with coffee and tea service.
The 5,000-selection wine list backed by a 22,000-bottle cellar will largely stay the same. “Our desire to serve an entirely plant-based menu is largely a creative decision based on the ingredients that we find inspiring at this level of dining,” wine director Watson Brown told Wine Spectator via email. “That concern does not extend to the use of animal products in wine, which are primarily used in an optional process called fining. Some of the producers on our list may fine, many others do not. As we are not a vegan restaurant, we will not be adjusting the wine program in this way.”
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Still, the menu change offers an exciting opportunity to reconsider the wine list and how it pairs with Humm’s food. “There seems to be this [misconception] in the wine world that certain styles of wine (red wine specifically) can only be served with red meat, and that those producers are not the ones focused on sustainability,” Brown continued. “These wines work well with meat because it is roasted, grilled, smoked, etc., not inherently because it is meat. Similarly, the producers we champion on our list work to ensure the highest quality fruit for their wines, which means paying attention to the ecosystem of their vineyards.”
While the tasting menu will retain its fine-dining price tag, a portion of the proceeds will support the restaurant’s continued efforts to deliver free meals to hungry residents across New York City. Since the start of the pandemic, the restaurant’s food truck has worked in collaboration with Rethink Food to provide nearly 1 million meals to those in need around the city. “It is time to redefine luxury as an experience that serves a higher purpose and maintains a genuine connection to the community,” Humm notes. “A restaurant experience is about more than what’s on the plate. We are thrilled to share the incredible possibilities of plant-based cuisine while deepening our connection to our homes: both our city and our planet.”—Taylor McBride
The Seattle outpost of chef Michael Mina’s RN74 announced this month that it will not reopen following its 2020 closure in response to the pandemic. This ends a long run for the RN74 concept; the original location in San Francisco opened in 2009 and held a Grand Award until it closed in fall 2017.
In Seattle, the wine program had consistently earned a Best of Award of Excellence since 2012. The list was overseen by wine director Jeff Lindsay-Thorsen, who built the selection count to nearly 2,500 labels. The substantial list showed off numerous regional strengths, excelling in Burgundy but also offering an impressive range of selections from Bordeaux, the Rhône and Champagne, as well as Washington and Oregon. Chef Shawn Applin ran the kitchen, serving French-influenced steak-house fare.
The space itself will live on, though, as Mina’s restaurant group plans to replace RN74 with a Bourbon Steak this fall. The chain is one of several Restaurant Award–winning ventures from the group, along with Margeaux Brasserie in Chicago, Michael Mina in Las Vegas and San Francisco and three locations of Stripsteak.—Julie Harans
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Chef Stephanie Izard is bringing her Award of Excellence–winning Girl & the Goat to Los Angeles’ Arts District in mid-July. With similar cuisine to the original farm-driven restaurant in Chicago, this is the latest addition to Boka Restaurant Group, which includes Award of Excellence winner Boka and Best of Award of Excellence winner Swift & Sons. “We originally announced Girl & the Goat [Los Angeles] in 2019, but waited to open until we felt we could safely do so,” said Izard via email. “Our space and team have been ready to go for a while and we’re so excited to open our doors.”
Overseen by wine director Ken Fredrickson, the 80-label wine list offers a mix of California and other regions around the world including France and Oregon. An 18-label by-the-glass list is also available. “[It’s] bold and globally influenced, while approachable with a sense of fun,” Izard said. Much of the focus is on sustainably and organically made wines, with particular emphasis on smaller wineries. Chillable reds and low-alcohol wines are also featured.
“This is an international list with some thoughtful areas of emphasis,” Izard said. “Respect for the ‘new California’ movement, a desire to promote wines that are made from truly biodiverse farms and, perhaps most important, a user-friendly philosophy.”
Multiple menu items have been carried over from the original location, including wood-grilled broccoli, goat empanadas and pan-roasted halibut with blueberry–nuoc cham sauce. Guests can also expect new dishes that highlight Californian ingredients, like Vietnamese sausage over french fries, carrot-tahini dip with tahini tofu and curried goat with radishes, pickled vegetables and masa chips.
Girl & the Goat will open in the new At Mateo complex with both indoor and outdoor seating. Izard describes the casual space as “timeless and familiar, with an air of ‘come as you are.’” This includes plenty of plants, bright colors and high ceilings. Izard said she settled on the location once she discovered the Arts District had a similar atmosphere to Chicago’s West Loop area, where the original restaurant is located.—Collin Dreizen
Before second-skin tops officially became a thing late last year, they were all I would see on my daily work commute into Manhattan. Before Telfar became a global phenomenon, gracing Oprah Winfrey’s Favorite Things List, it was the bag brand of choice for my Brooklyn fashion friends in the industry. If you notice a style or brand suddenly gaining favor within the city’s creative community, chances are it’ll be the next thing the rest of the globe is watching. Essentially, what I’m getting at is that New Yorkers are pretty darn good at trend prediction. It’s usually a long path for a thing to become a certified trend, but 99% of the time, where this trail begins is with the new or underground brands that build a devoted following. To get an idea of which names will be in the spotlight next year, I conducted an informal poll to see which emerging brands New Yorkers are clinging to the most. From sustainable loungewear labels to quirky, niche accessories, these are the designers and brands making waves right now in the city that never sleeps.
Last year while I was doing research for another article, a friend suggested I check out Marshall Columbia, and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with its quirky and colorful pieces. Named after the designer behind the brand, Columbia launched in the midst of the pandemic in 2020 and has already been a go-to for sartorial risk-takers in New York. Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus have worn its beaded and cutout pieces, and Ssense just picked up the label, so expect to see a lot more of it soon.
If New Yorkers need one thing, it’s space. From apartments to subway commutes, space becomes a premium in a city filled with more than 8 million people. This same logic applies to handbags. When walking is the main mode of transportation, a purse that can hold all of the day’s essentials (and anything that might be accumulated along the way) is a must. Canadian brand OMW Bags is a godsend for that reason. Made out of knitted, stretchy material, its pieces are roomy to the max, but in a way that’s neither frumpy nor pedestrian.
Here’s one of those “if you know, you know” hidden gems. Savant Studios is a Brooklyn-based boutique that’s enjoyed a cult following for its handcrafted leather pieces and uplifting graphic hoodies and shirts. Spearheaded by Michael Graham and a crew of creatives, the store also serves as a hub for community projects and other arts events in Bedstuy. The brand’s hats are some of my personal favorites.
Hard-core swimwear fanatics may already be familiar with Louisa Ballou, but if you have yet to discover its edgy dresses and bikinis, let me introduce you. The eponymous label hasn’t been around long but has catapulted this year, appearing on the likes of SZA and Renell Medrano. Since going to the beach isn’t a huge part of New York City culture—other than a few summer trips to Far Rockaway or Broadway Beach—swimwear often has to pull double duty. Louisa Ballou’s collection of printed, skin-revealing dresses and suits hit that coveted mix of swimwear and ready-to-wear, so it’s good on the sand as well as the streets. Another connection to the city: Everything is made in New York.
If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that loungewear can never be overrated. Buci is the latest name to know in a wave of cozy loungewear brands, but the emerging label does things a bit differently: Each item is made in New York City’s garment district, constructed out of sustainably sourced fabrics like organic cotton and deadstock materials. Although the brand’s terry cloth shorts would make a great partner for sitting on your couch, Buci also designs beautiful, minimalist separates that should earn a spot in your daily summer uniform.
Ask any cool Brooklyn fashion person about a brand they’re most excited about, and I guarantee Raini Home will get a mention. A home décor offshoot of beloved Bedstuy boutique Sincerely, Tommy, the company sells a collection of artisan-crafted objects and small-batch furniture pieces. People with keen eyes are likely already familiar with its black-and-cream striped side table (it’s a favorite on IG) and brutalist-style sling chair.
Tequila sales skyrocketed some 54% (according to Nielsen data) amidst pandemic shutdowns, making it the go-to choice for Couch-and-Boxers happy hour/Zoom sessions. It’s clear people love their tequilas, especially when times get weird. This Father’s Day give the Dad in your life – or yourself – the Gift of Agave.
While last month we focused on Mezcals, Sotols and Raicillas for Cinco de Mayo, we suggest you lean into the more traditional route for this holiday and pick one of the best tequilas on the market. From affordable but no-corners-cut Blancos to exceptionally aged Extra Añejos to the burgeoning category of Cristalinos. Whatever your budget, we got you covered.
Los Affordables
Real Del Valle Blanco
“No diffuser, no additives. Pure agave. Real tequila,” Real Del Valle co-founder David Lizárraga tells us. For Real Del Valle the Agaveros (agave farmers) are part of the business plan: a true co-op made up of 26 families, Real Del Valle uses only estate grown agave from Guanajuato.
With authentic respect for the people who make the tequila and zero shortcuts (no diffusers or additives, cooked only in brick ovens), Real Del Valle is the type of tequila you should be seeking out. “More than a tequila Real Del Valle is the voice of the land,” continues Lizárraga. “It is the legacy of the agave masters who work with passion and dedication to make the ideal tequila to share with family and friends.” An unbelievable value. $22
Santo Mezquila
A celebrity-backed tequila we’ll give a little bit of love to, but only because Sammy Hagar was the OG tequila enthusiast way before that was a #moneygrab move. After selling Cabo Wabo (to Campari for a cool $80 million) he’s now teamed up with Diner Expert/Smash Mouth frontman lookalike Guy Fieri to create what is a shockingly good tequila. We admit our skepticism was misplaced — cooked in brick ovens and handcrafted in small batches, Santo is a quality juice.
Their Mezquila is the world’s first bottle to blend agave made from 100% Blue Weber with that from 100% Espadin, premixing what a lot of bartenders are already doing to add a twist to their tequila cocktails. Or if you prefer to drive 55 just pick up the Blanco, a hell of a deal. We shouldn’t have doubted the Red Rocker. $45
ElVelo Blanco
As ElVelo was developed by bartenders for bartenders, pricing is paramount — especially when talking cocktails. But despite the aggressive price point ElVelo cuts zero corners: they promise no additives, industrial practices or shortcuts are employed (always cooked in stone and clay ovens, screw mill extracted), bottled at higher ABV (44.5%) than most, all while being distilled in one of Jalisco’s best artisanal distilleries (we cannot say which, but some top-shelf stuff comes from there).
Last year ElVelo was awarded “The Best Tequila Under $40” so they’re doing something right. Both the Blanco and Reposado are great values… and will leave you plenty of dinero to make bad decisions elsewhere. $39
Chamucos Diablo Blanco
The handcrafted Chamucos label has garnered attention recently, billing itself as an ultra-premium tequila for connoisseurs. We find their Diablo Blanco — Chamuco’s 110 proof version of their Blanco — to be the most interesting.
Despite its potency Diablo Blanco is surprisingly smooth, with a velvety mouthfeel and notes of vanilla and butterscotch adding to the more expected spice, fennel and of course heat. A nice touch is the eco-friendly brand uses all recycled materials from cartons, labels and bottle boxes to the recycled glass artisanal bottle. $45
Løs Sundays Blanco
Simple and clean, from bottle design to branding to the liquid inside, Løs Sundays was founded by Australian duo Mitchell Hayes and Oliver Williams to fill a gap they recognized in a market they saw as male-dominated, dated and formal. Available in Coconut, Blanco and Reposado, Løs Sundays is smooth, easy to drink and not going to offend a soul. Consider it tequila for Løs Sunday Fundays: perfect for cocktails, but good enough to drink straight. $34
Los Mid-Levels
Lalo
Tequila is in the blood of Eduardo “Lalo” González. The grandson of Don Julio González — namesake of the venerable Don Julio tequila — it would be hard to have more provenance than the third generation maestro tequilero.
Like a true tequila purist Lalo vows to only make a Blanco expression as he believes the unaged version is the most authentic form of tequila; it showcases the true and full spectrum essence of the agave plant unadulterated by oak. Sticking true to this philosophy LALO uses only three ingredients: Jalisco Highlands agave, a proprietary Champagne yeast and deep well water. $53
Expresiones del Corazón William Larue Weller Añejo
With the stack of accolades Corazón Reposado has garnered — 2020 Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and World Tequila Awards, 2019 Gold Medal at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and Los Angeles International Spirits Competition — it wasn’t a shock when the handcrafted Casa San Matías distillery label was dubbed the World’s Best Tequila at this year’s World Tequila Awards.
Their limited edition Expresiones del Corazón William Larue Weller Añejo takes the maturation further by aging for 15 months in barrels that held William Larue Weller — quite simply one of the most expensive and coveted bourbons in the world. The wheated bourbon’s famous softness and notes of vanilla, tobacco and apple are bestowed on the Añejo to create a truly superb tequila. $80
Derrumbes Zacatecas Mezcal
If you want to experience what tequila tasted like a century ago, before industrialization and bureaucracy plagued the industry, you cannot do better than Derrumbes’ Zacatecas mezcal.
Yes it’s technically a mezcal — but only because the eponymous state it’s made in lies outside the DOM of tequila (in the DOM of mezcal), despite its home in Huitzila, Zacatecas being only a stone’s throw from the Jalisco border. But the juice is also made of 100% Blue Weber agave, the source of all tequila — only it’s just made with all the ancient care of true artisanal mezcal: pit-roasted over hot stones, tahona ground by donkey and spontaneously fermented.
The Buñelos family is one of the few Zacatecas Mezcaleros that produce traditional mezcals, and therefore offer an all-too-rare opportunity to travel back in time to experience a more ancient expression of Blue Agave. $70
Código 1530 Rosa
We try not to give too much shine to celebrity-owned brands, they get enough press. But George Strait’s Código 1530, launched in 2016, puts so much care into their products we feel compelled. Their limited-edition (only 1,200 bottles) Extra-Añejo dubbed ‘George Strait Origen’ plucks juice from six barrels hand-picked by the King of Country himself, each aged over six years. At $350 that’s one of the more expensive tequilas on the market — but it’s not the option that we find most intriguing.
That would be their Rosa expression that takes their already delicious Blanco and then rests it for one additional month in uncharred Napa Cabernet French White Oak barrels. The Cab barrels not only lend the tequila a rosé-like hue, but also imbues it with light tannin and brine notes. $63
Los Expensivos
Gran Centenario Leyenda Extra Añejo
Founded in 1857 by the first ever Master Tequila Distiller in history, Lazaro Gallardo, Gran Centenario is one of the most venerable brands in all Mexico. Their halo Leyenda may be a foundational offering from Gran Centenario but it’s still an excellent Extra Añejo benefiting from Gallardo’s nearly 150-year old traditions — among them something he calls Seleccion Suave, where they add older tequilas to the blend for greater complexity.
We try not to let packaging influence our purchases, but Gran Centenario’s usage of art nouveau-style bottles reaches an apex with Leyenda’s chiseled glass adding gorgeous highlights to the deep amber hue of the liquid held within. $160
El Tesoro Paradiso Extra Añejo
The Camarena family started making tequila in 1937. Their third generation Master Distiller Carlos Camarena is without question one of our favorite people in all tequila, and a true iconoclast who prioritizes the artisanal processes of making tequila; unsurprisingly the San Francisco World Spirits Competition awarded him Distiller of the Year in 2005.
We only wish every agave fanatic would have the opportunity to spend an afternoon sipping El Tesoro while wandering his red clay fields. Choose whichever expression you like from El Tesoro — the halo brand of Camarena’s La Alteña distillery, exclusively made from 100% estate-grown agave — you won’t go wrong. But we’ll point out the Paradiso because it was the first super-aged tequila, before there was even a category for it. Aged for at least 5 years in ex-Cognac casks, this Extra Añejo will make your papa feel like he’s living in Paradise. $180
Tequila Ocho Barrel Select Transatlantic Añejo
Speaking of Carlos Camarena, some consider his collaboration with the recently passed Tomas Estes — credited with elevating tequila to single-malt status among the European jetsetting crowd — to be among the best tequilas in the world. Their Ocho label recently teamed up with Maison Ferrand’s Master Blender Alexandre Gabriel to create a suite of mouthwatering limited edition blends of añejos released at the end of last year.
This Barrel Select collection started with Ocho’s añejos and playfully finishes them in casks from Maison Ferand’s superb collection of cognacs and aged rums: the Tropical bottle uses rum casks from Fiji, Trinidad and Panama, while Continental is finished exclusively in Cognac Ferrand Ambré casks. Our favorite, however, was the Transatlantic expression that combines both worlds by perfectly blending casks aged in the Fiji and Panama rums with the Continental’s cognac-finished tequila. The result is a beautiful spirit that even the most discriminating tequila connoisseur will treasure. $85
Gran Patrón Smoky
Luxury tequila house Patrón aims to resurrect the traditional artisanry of primeval mezcal with its Gran Patrón Smoky. The idea is implementing ancient techniques that date back to pre-industrial tequila, including roasting the agave with mesquite in small underground stone pits for at least 7 days, crushing the roasted piñas with a volcanic stone tahona wheel, fermenting in pine wood tubs with the fibers intact — lending the eventual juice more redolent agave tones —and distilling in small-capacity copper pot stills. The resulting Gran Patrón Smoky boasts whiffs of artichoke, pepper and citrus on top of the smokiness arising from the mezcal processes.
A respectful RIP to the recent passing of Patrón’s founding Master Distiller Ingeniero Francisco Alcaraz who pioneered the brand’s insistence on quality processes. $200
Casa Dragones Añejo Barrel Blend
Given its high price, it’s disappointing to discover that Casa Dragones employs shortcuts like acid-thermal hydrolysis and a diffuser to cook and extract its sugars. The chemical process uses acid and/or enzymes to cook the agaves sometimes without any heat at all, and is widely considered a cost-cutting measure that negatively affects flavor.
Still the brand’s Barrel Blend is an interesting creation, maturing its 100% Blue Agave Añejo tequila in two different wood barrels: new French Oak and new American Oak. Each aged separately, Casa Dragones then blends the two to create a unique profile that includes notes of brambleberries and macadamia nuts. A favorite of renown chefs like Thomas Keller, Casa Dragones bottles the juice in individually numbered and signed smoked glass. $150
Los Cristilinos
Among true tequila aficionados, the exploding Cristalino category has its lovers and detractors. Some believe filtering the color out of any tequila — especially an Añejo — compromises some of the nuances the tequila has taken years to develop. But there’s something to be said of the eminently smooth, clean and oak-imbued flavor profiles which these crystal clear juices boast, all while retaining a velvety, luxurious mouthfeel impossible to find in a Blanco. Not cheap due to the hefty time spent aging, but if you enjoy the paradox of flavor X color here are some of our favorites.
Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino
Maestro Dobel introduced the very first Cristalino to the world back in 2009 when founder Juan Dobel blended Extra Añejo tequilas from the family cellar, and decided to charcoal filter the golden nectar to remove the color.
Seeing as the family has been making tequila for 11 generations the innovation of this Dobel Diamante was profound — and now they update the line with their Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino to celebrate Juan’s 50th birthday. Double-distilled in copper post stills and aged in American and Eastern European oak barrels for a minimum of three years, the Extra Añejo Cristalino is quite simply one of the smoothest tequilas we’ve ever tasted. $145
La Adelita Black Cristalino
Named in honor of the women who fought bravely in the Mexican Revolution, La Adelita is both harvested and distilled in the heart of the Jalisco highlands. There the family-owned operation distills in small copper pot stills imported to the Estate nearly century ago from Cuba. Their Cristalino is aged 18 months in American Oak whiskey barrels which are re-toasted in Mexico, creating a smooth añejo which is then filtered leaving aromas of cashew with notes of nectarine zest and peach nectar.
To elevate the sipping experience, the Single Estate tequileros recently collaborated with the California Caviar Company to select the perfect caviars to accompany each of their expressions. For their La Adelita Cristalino the California Caviar Company’s founder Deborah Keane selected their Kaluga Hybrid as the ideal pairing, saying the large beads’ minerality play perfectly with the Cristalino’s sweetness and velvety body. $70
Enemigo 89 Añejo Cristalino
As of now the ultra-lux Tequila Enemigo label only makes an Extra Añejo 00 and this 89 Añejo Cristalino, so it’s clear the brand has only the most ambitious of top-shelf aspirations. Working closely with Maestro Tequilero Enrique Legorreta it took over four years of experimentation and 89 inceptions to get the Enemigo Cristalino profile just right (apparently the Extra Añejo was flawless from first sip, hence the “00” designation).
They start with lowland agave and volcano-filtered water, but instead of using the traditional recycled ex-bourbon barrels Enemigo takes the extra step of hand-making their own custom barrels out of new American Quercus alba oak air-dried and seasoned in Cuba, Missouri for more than two years. They then age the tequila in these barrels for just over a year, and use a three-phase carbon cellulose process to filter it into a Cristalino.
The results speak for themselves as to date Enemigo has won more Double Gold (5) and Tequila of the Year (4) awards than any other brand since its launch in 2017, and this 89 Añejo was the first Cristalino ever to win Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. $60
Herradura Ultra Cristalino
Casa Herradura is not only the last of the classic haciendas to be distilling on premises, it is currently the only tequila distillery that still produces all of its own barrels — an extraordinary step taken to ensure what they believe to be the highest quality juice. Since 1870 they’ve been slowly cooking their piñas in clay ovens for up to 26 hours at a low temperature — an inefficient process that helps builds complex layers of agave, sugar and smoke flavors.
These can be found in their Ultra Cristalino which begins life as a blend of 25-month-old añejo and extra añejo, aged for up to 49 months in ex-bourbon barrels, before color filtration. Expect a silky smooth spirit with notes of caramel, toasted hazelnut and orange-blossom honey. Truly a great value in the category. $43
Flecha Azul Añejo Cristalino
While the relatively new Flecha Azul was only launched in March 2020 (by Mexican duo PGA golfer Abraham Ancer and entrepreneur Aron Marquez), the family estate in Jalisco where it’s distilled dates back to 1840.
The name (Blue Arrow) is in reference to the 100% Blue Weber Agave from which it’s made, and despite its nascence the brand promises a dedication to traditions. Their Añejo Cristalino first ages in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels for 18 months before being triple-filtered to produce a very approachable Cristalino. $200
Partida Roble Fino Reposado Cristalino
According to Partida their Reposado is “the world’s highest-rated 100% Blue Agave Tequila,” and while we can’t confirm that claim we can confirm its exceptional quality. So when Maestro Tequilero José Valdez turns his attention to a Cristalino you know it’s worth sampling. Part of Partida’s Roble Fino luxury line, the new Reposado Cristalino was inspired by a recent trip the Maestro took to Scotland, where he sampled single malts and was intrigued into experimentation.
So Valdez takes this superb Reposado and finishes it in ex-single malt casks that previously held sherry for another 2 months, and then naturally filters out all color while retaining its luscious body. Since it’s a Reposado-based Cristalino vs Añejo, the juice isn’t as vanilla sweet as other Cristalinos on this list. $115
What to Drink It With?
Riedel Ouverture Tequila
Single malt has its Glencairn glass, champagne the flute and seemingly nowadays every strain of wine from Albarola to Zinfandel has its own purpose-made glassware. So why not tequila? Esteemed crystal and glassware house Riedel — which is currently celebrating 265 years as a family-owned glassware business — collaborated with some of the best minds (and palates) in the tequila world to design the ideal tequila-enjoying glassware.
The Ouverture crystal’s shape is perfectly designed to retain as much aroma of the agave spirit as possible while allowing the strongest alcohol fumes to escape un-sniffed. Add a pair to the box to elevate your gift to the next level. $33 for a pair
Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing for the top court still sticks in the minds of those all along the political spectrum; it’s the subject of several books, including a new one by Jackie Calmes.
I’m sharing fitness favorites from sporty sneakers to cozy crops and colorful baseball caps that I’m loving for spring and summer.
With summer around the corner, I’ve put my warmest leggings away for winter and have been reaching for airy shorts and breezy tanks – in all the bright colors! If you’ve been wanting to revamp your fitness attire and gear for the summer months ahead, I’m sharing some fitness favorites that I’m loving lately. Whether you’re doing at home workouts, or back to hitting the gym, these cute and colorful finds will help you feel good no matter how you’re moving.
Fitness Favorites For Spring & Summer
This Lululemon long sleeve top is breezy and sweat-wicking, and the perfect light layer for spring walks and runs.
These shorts are a fast favorite of mine – stretchy waistband, zippered pocket to hold my keys, and the perfect length. Plus, they come in a bunch of fun colors!
The tie-dye craze is still going strong this spring and summer. This Athleta Printed Pullover is not only cheerful and fun, but the perfect thing to throw on after yoga or for running errands.
If you’re H20 bottles have seen better days, grab a new Yeti Rambler – they keep your beverages icy cold on hot days!
I always throw on a hat when I’m running in the Canyon. This Traveler Baseball Hat from Abercrombie is cute and functional.
This cozy cropped cutoff crew sweatshirt would be the perfect thing to throw on with leggings before hitting a workout or a walk around the neighborhood.
Roll into a new season with a fresh yoga mat. These Alo Warrior Mats have the perfect amount of cushion.
White sneaks are a must for spring and summer. These Tree Dashers from All Birds are so cute! They go with anything and are machine washable.
I’ve also been ordering a lot from Carbon38 these days. If you decide to try it out, use my code GINAHAR for 15% off your first two orders of $100+.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts meets today to review designs for all kinds of American cultural symbols. It’s the first such meeting for four new commissioners recently appointed by President Biden.
(Image credit: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)
