Cream liqueurs are a wintertime favorite for good reason. They’re a little indulgent, work well in coffees and hot chocolate, and give you the same warm and fuzzy feeling as your favorite sweater.
While Baileys Irish Cream is arguably the most well-known in the realm of cream-based beverages (it is the original, after all), it’s not the only one worth drinking. In fact, a growing number of distilleries are dabbling in cream liqueurs and pushing the boundaries of the style. Some call upon nontraditional spirits, like rum, while others use unusual additions like saffron, peanut butter, and mango to put their own spin on the liqueur and create new flavor profiles.
While there’s nothing wrong with your beloved Baileys—it’s popular for a reason—here are six other options to help you spice up your bar cart.
This single-batch Irish cream from County Cork, Ireland has the Goldilocks factor. It’s not too viscous, not too syrupy, and not too sweet. It has a well-rounded flavor with notes of butterscotch, vanilla, stroopwafel, and honey-tinged whiskey, and it’s perfect for drinking all on its own. We’re also fans of the swing-top bottle—it looks just like an old-fashioned milk container.
Unlike other distilleries, Somrus uses rum rather than whiskey in its trio of cream liqueurs: coffee, mango, and chai. While each is good in its own right, we’re partial to the chai for its prominent pistachio, cardamom, and saffron flavors that pair beautifully with (and help neutralize the spice of) Indian and Caribbean dishes.
Coquito, which means “little coconut” in Spanish, is a boozy Christmas drink typically found in Puerto Rico. It’s similar to eggnog but generally not as thick. Bacardi’s version is a 13-percent ABV liqueur that combines the brand’s white rum with cinnamon, coconut cream, and vanilla.
Black Button Distilling Bespoke Bourbon CreamCourtesy Image
4. Black Button Distilling Bespoke Bourbon Cream
If you drizzled bourbon over a butterscotch-infused crème brûlée, it would give you a pretty good idea of what Black Button Distilling’s Bespoke Bourbon Cream tastes like. It’s a delightfully smooth standalone sipper, but it also works well in dessert cocktails like a chocolate martini or a mudslide.
Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping CreamCourtesy Image
5. Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream
If you’re looking for liquid dessert, this is it. Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream from Pennington Distilling Company in Nashville, TN makes very sweet concoctions. Each of the four offerings—original, mocha, peanut butter chocolate, and pumpkin spice—is made from the brand’s whiskey base with cream and more than 30 flavors added in. We’d recommend using them in coffee or a dessert recipe like bread pudding.
While not strictly a cream-based spirit (it’s a ready-to-drink canned cocktail made with Cutwater vodka and coffee cream liqueur), this White Russian is worth a mention for the convenience it provides. Creamy with bold vanilla, espresso, and chocolate notes, it’s like a boozy malted milkshake, except you can grab it off a shelf at your local liquor store. You can sip it from the can, but we’d recommend pouring it over ice.
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Canadian gamers have no shortage of casino sites to choose from, and whether they’re after slots, tables, or live dealer options, the list of choices seems almost endless.
While this variety is no doubt a blessing it can also be a curse.
Knowing which online casinos are worth your time, and which are not, can be a time consuming process – one that can cost you both time and money.
Because of this, we’ve taken the time to review and research the options available, using our findings to compile a list of the best online casinos for Canadian players.
PlayOJO nullifies the narrative of wagering requirements as a core tradition of online casinos, and was a clear choice for our ‘Best wagering requirements’ award.
Royal Panda is the most well-rounded Canada casino we tested. Hosting every type of casino game, from table games, to bingo, to baccarat, to sports betting. Making it a clear choice for our ‘Best variety’ award.
Spin casino is the highest scoring Canadian casino in our review. What really stands out as you explore the site is their impressive slot collection. You’ll find all the biggest slot software names and the newest releases with some really fun stories, easter eggs, and graphics.
Additionally, since Spin Casino is licenced by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission of Canada (KGC), you can be sure you’re playing at a safe and secure site that offers fair games.
What many players enjoy about the site is that they can play from their mobile devices. At Spin Casino, you can use the casino’s app or website to play games without issues. That said, you’ll have a great mobile gaming experience and have access to everything on the desktop version.
Whether you’re a new or existing player, you can find an offer where you can significantly pad your bankroll.
PlayOJO has hundreds of games in its catalogue, including table games, slots, and live dealer options. There are also numerous progressive jackpot slots titles, and with a little visit from Lady Luck you might just land a life changer.
This site gives players generous daily bonuses. The casino calls these offers ’Kickers,’ and every 24 hours, the offer is reset to give players another chance.
Another great thing about the site is the daily tournaments. The higher you rank on the leaderboard, the more prizes you’ll win. This casino allows players to use several different payment methods that have low minimums to manage their money.
That said, one thing that makes PlayOJO stand out is its wagering conditions. Unlike some other sites that resort to high playthroughs, PlayOJO doesn’t feature any.
As you work off the bonuses you can opt for withdrawals without doing anything extra – and unlike other sites they’ve even got no win cap if you happen to hit it big.
If you’re after large progressive jackpots then Royal Panda is the place to be. The site features many popular slot games like Gonzos Quest, Book of the Dead, and Age of Loki along with several live dealer options.
Bonus-wise, the online casino offers deposit options for both new and existing customers. What’s more, the wagering requirements attached to most promotions are very reasonable.
Royal Panda is also compatible with mobile devices and regardless of the medium you use to foster gameplay (mobile or desktop), you’ll find a sleek design that’s easy to navigate.
This Canadian casino also uses the Random Number Generator (RNG) software to ensure that all games are safe and fair. Along with its licence from the MGA this casino site is safe and secure.
4. Jackpot City – Best Canada Casino for High Rollers
An extensive catalogue of games
Seven-figure progressive jackpots
Regular promotions and bonuses
Licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority
Hard to meet bonus requirements
Players love this casino because of the enormous jackpots up for grabs. Jackpot City offers the chance for massive payouts with progressive jackpot slot titles whose payouts can potentially (but very rarely) rake in millions.
Also, there are several promotional offers available. For instance, you can claim a 100% match bonus of up to C$1,600 with the welcome offer.
However, do keep in mind you’ll need to meet a 70x minimum wagering requirement to withdraw – something we found quite high, so be prepared to put the gaming time in.
You can also find hundreds of games to play from the best software providers in the iGaming scene. Another significant aspect of this online Casino is its loyalty program, which will give you many perks and rewards.
Jackpot City’s mobile app and web-based version have features and games available on desktop. At Jackpot City, games are separated into sections for easy selection. In addition, there’s a good variety of banking options to aid CAD deposits and withdrawals.
5. Casumo – Best Welcome Bonus of Any Canadian Casino
• All games from top software providers
MGA-licensed
No transaction fees
Accepts multiple banking options
No phone customer support
Casumo offers many daily and weekly bonuses. These offers can land you free spins on slots, bonus funds to play with, alongside many other rewards.
Of course, the piece de resistance and the reason we named it best deposit bonus is for its high C$1800 ceiling on their 100% first deposit package. The 30x playthrough is manageable too – and the 183 day expiry is one of the industry’s best.
Overall, this is a grand casino with over 2,000 games in its library. Compared to some other gambling sites, Casumo has the game variety department sorted. With all the great things about this site, you can also play most of the site’s games directly on your mobile device.
When you’re ready to play, you can process site-related transactions through one of the many banking options. What’s great about these options is that there are no transaction fees on any of them.
With over 1700 titles in its collection, Genesis has one of the largest catalogs of slot games around. Along with popular titles like Fire Joker and Big Bass Bonanza, the site also hosts several lesser-known slot games, including Train Money and Moon Princess.
Genesis has a fairly extensive live dealer selection, one that includes several versions of baccarat and blackjack. Additionally, the live dealer section has many other, less common, games, including Monopoly Live and Deal Or No Deal.
Although Canadian players won’t be able to fund their account using cryptocurrency, Genesis does support several payment methods, the most convenient of which being Interac E-transfer.
E-transfers allow users to instantly send money from their bank account to their Genesis account. Interac e-transfer is also available for withdrawals, although we found the processing of up to 5 days to be a bit on the long side.
7. LeoVegas – Best for New Slot Releases in Canada
Over 2,000 games
Regular promotional offers
Has free play modes on some games
Compatible with mobile devices
Limited payment options
LeoVegas has a game library with over 2,000 titles, one of the most extensive catalogues from an online casino. As a fully licensed casino, games are powered by some of the best providers in the gambling industry.
LeoVegas also has some of the top progressive slots with payouts that can reach seven figures. Additionally, new bonuses crop up weekly, so there’s always an offer to claim.
A remarkable feature of this casino is that it allows users to play some games for free. This addition enables newbie gamblers to know more about the games they want to play before risking their hard-earned cash.
Once you feel comfortable, you can deposit in CAD using several safe and secure payment methods. However, there aren’t many options as you can only use InstaDebit, MuchBetter, Neteller, MasterCard, Skrill, Visa, and PaySafeCard.
That said, while we advocate for more alternatives, the available mediums are pretty efficient.
8. Ruby Fortune – Best Live Dealer Casino in Canada
Licensed by the KGC
Numerous games from top providers
Generous perks from the loyalty program
Slow withdrawal times
Ruby Fortune offers players access to numerous games. These offerings are powered by top developers who take pride in making immersive and innovative games.
At Ruby Fortune, all the features on the desktop site are available on the mobile app and the website. However, what’s disappointing about this Canadian casino is the few banking options it accepts.
That said, players with optical issues can deviate from the white background to a dark theme that’s much easier on the eyes. However, sign-up is required to activate this addition.
However, the rewards program at Ruby Fortune provides players with many generous perks like profitable leaderboards, premium support, and random draws. This program is quite generous especially since there aren’t many bonuses and promotions at this online casino.
Casinonic has over 3,500 games in its collection from the biggest names in the gambling industry. You can find titles from fair and immersive companies like Microgaming, NetEnt, BetSoft, and many others.
In addition, all the games in the Casinonic library use an RNG to help randomize outcomes, which adds another extra level of fairness.
That said, you can play gaming alternatives without hitches on the desktop and mobile versions of this Canadian casino. So, whether you like retro-styled games or those that are a tad bit modern, you can find an alternative tailored to suit your gambling aspirations.
There are frequent promotional offers available for both new and existing players. Additionally, when you’re ready to make a deposit or withdrawal, you can use one of the many accepted payment options.
However, the wagering requirements on the welcome package come in at 50x which is a tad high—though certainly not the worst—so a bit of sleeve rolling will be involved.
Bodog is the Canadian version of Bovada, one of the world’s largest and most popular sports betting and online casino sites.
The site offers a wide array of sports betting options including hockey, football, UFC, horses, and much more. Several e-sports options are also available.
Bodog is also popular amongst online poker enthusiasts as their catalog of tournaments and games is fairly robust. The site also features a players forum where gamers can log and discuss all things related to online gambling.
The forums also allow users to post complaints, suggestions, or comments. And while in Canada you don’t have as many sportsbook app options as American states like Pennsylvania do, you can still play via the mobile site to make bets on the go.
• Several 3D slots games
• C$45 minimum deposit on card payments
• Live chat available for members
SOME ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM OUR SPONSOR:
What to Look for When Choosing a Casino Site in Canada
Safety and fairness – The most critical thing we considered is the site’s licence. We made sure that the casinos we recommend aren’t only legal but safe for players. In addition, whatever game you choose to play must be provably fair by releasing randomized outcomes.
Game selection – When you’re at an online casino, the point is to play games. Therefore, there must be numerous alternatives on display. Consequently, we made sure that we looked at the casino’s lobby to determine if there were enough games to appeal to various players.
Bonuses and promotions – To draft this list of best Canadian online casinos, we looked at bonuses and promotions the site offers to its customers. We also checked to see if these offers are available to new players and if existing players could qualify. In addition, we consider the frequency of promotions, the size of the incentive, and the requirements you’ll have to meet.
User experience – The last thing we looked at is the user experience you’ll have at the casino. We considered the site’s layout to see if it’s easily navigable and whether moving through sections was intuitive. Additionally, our checks included the themes on display, currencies they accept, and the number of payment methods for transactions (deposits and withdrawals).
Beginner’s Guide to Online Casinos in Canada
Are Online Casinos Popular in Canada?
Yes, since gambling has become more accessible, more people have started to play at online casinos.
Gambling laws in Canada are also some of the most relaxed globally, which has earned the country a great deal of revenue in the past year alone. As more online casinos launch, it’s expected that this amount will continue to grow.
What Are the Most Popular Games in Canada?
Everyone has a favourite game. However, here are the most popular options amongst Canadian gamblers:
Slots – The most extensive section of games, by far, at Canadian online casinos is slots. There are many different types of slot games, as you can find multiple reels, progressive jackpots, and video slots, all with exciting themes.
Blackjack – Canadian gamblers love several variations of this game, including the classic and live versions. Blackjack is the most popular table game at online casinos due to its simplicity.
Roulette – As a popular table game, many people head to the roulette table to try their luck. Common roulette variations include French Roulette, American Roulette, and European Roulette in virtual & live formats.
Poker – Another fan favourite due to the incorporation of select strategies, you’re likely to find at least one poker variation at an online casino. Many sites also have a live dealer option for this game, attracting those who crave a real-world gaming experience.
Are Canadian Online Casinos Safe?
Yes, online casinos in Canada are 100% safe as long as they’re licenced and regulated. Casinos with a licence have to follow strict regulations to protect user data as they engage in gambling activities.
How Do I Know if a Casino Is Licensed?
All the casinos we listed in this article are fully licenced, and you’ll be safe playing at them. However, if you ever want to check who issued a casino’s licence, it should be displayed at the website’s footer.
Are Online Games Rigged?
No, casinos with a licence are fair due to strict regulations and testing from reputable gambling bodies. In addition, these sites use the RNG for an extra blanket of fairness.
How Do I Choose the Best Canadian Online Casino?
The first thing you should look for at an online casino is its licence, which tells you if the site is safe or not. After that, everything else is up to personal preference.
For example, if you want to bet on casino games and sporting events, look for a website that incorporates a casino, sportsbook, and racebook. If table games are more your style, look for a platform with different variations and tournaments.
Additionally, you can look at the site’s layout, customer support options, device compatibility, payment mediums, and the incentives offered.
Do Online Casinos Accept Canadian Dollars?
Yes, many casinos accept CAD and many other currencies, including cryptocurrency. However, it’s always a good idea to check before you sign up on your preferred casino site. Thus, consider looking for what payment methods are available and the currency they accept.
What Software Providers Do Online Casinos Have?
The best online casinos in Canada offer games from top providers such as Playtech, Evolution Gaming, Microgaming, NetEnt, and many more.
These companies are industry leaders who have developed immersive and innovative games for many years. Therefore, you can be sure to have a great gaming experience playing games from these reputable providers.
What Is Banking Like at Canadian Online Casinos?
At a legal Canadian online casino, you can be rest assured that your banking information will be kept safe. You’ll be able to use popular payment options to fund your play and receive funds when you make decent winning combinations.
Ensure to check the banking methods the casino accepts to see if they fit in your preferred choice. Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account should be an easy and safe process.
So What’s the Best Canada Casino Online?
Many excellent online casinos use software from the best providers to deliver immersive and exciting gameplay for Canadian players.
This article has gone over the top ten reliable, legal, and safe online casinos that accept Canadian players. These sites offer generous promotions, a large selection of fair games, and a pleasant experience for players.
With these criteria in play, Spin Casino ranked as the best online casino in Canada. It’s fully licensed, ensuring that safety and fairness are prioritized on every wagering-related activity. You can also expect to see frequent and generous promotions for both new and existing players.
That said, the other sites also meet our stringent requirements, albeit sporting a con or two. So, whichever casino you choose, ensure that you do your research and gamble responsibly regardless of how great your fortunes are turning out to be.
As a rule of thumb, we always emphasise the riskiness of gambling and why it should never be seen as an activity to solve nagging financial problems. The saying “the house always wins” isn’t just a catchphrase as it should help shape your wagering adventure.
Are you suffering from a gambling problem, or do you know someone that does? If so, it’s crucial to call the Gamblers Anonymous at 1-626-960-3500 to seek help from one of the numerous advisors on ground. Speaking to these professionals is instrumental in making gambling a safe venture for you and your loved one. You also have to be aware that gambling sites and other related products are for those aged 18 and above.
Several casino sites listed in our reviews might not be available in your region. To this end, you might want to go through your jurisdiction’s local laws and rules to have an idea of online gambling’s legality. Since our reviews are unbiased and geared towards regular players’ needs, we may receive a commission for casino site features. However, this doesn’t affect our online casino ranking as we always make concerted efforts to bring to you sites that deliver a wholesome casino experience at all times.
If you’d like some top-notch information that focuses on gambling and everything in-between, check out these organizations:
Dwayne Johnson has a reputation for being a very likable guy—he really goes out of his way to connect with fans on social media—but there’s one person he definitely does not get along with: Vin Diesel. The pair had a falling out during the filming of 2016’s The Fate of the Furious, in which Johnson played the role of Hobbs. That feud has been simmering ever since, but it returned to the spotlight this fall when Diesel posted on Instagram asking “little brother Dwayne” to return to the franchise. In a recent interview with CNN, Johnson made public his response to that request: Absolutely not.
“I was very surprised by Vin’s recent post,” Johnson told CNN. “This past June, when Vin and I actually connected not over social media, I told him directly—and privately—that I would not be returning to the franchise.”
That makes Diesel’s post, which came months after he and Johnson apparently spoke in person, even more bizarre. For Johnson, however, these kind of tactics are exactly why he and his Fast and Furious co-star didn’t get along in the first place.
“Vin’s recent public post was an example of his manipulation,” Johnson said. “We had spoken months ago about this and came to a clear understanding.”
Diesel, for his part, speculated to Men’s Health in June that Johnson didn’t appreciate his “tough love” approach on the set of The Fate of the Furious. Johnson disagreed with that view.
“I laughed and I laughed hard,” he toldThe Hollywood Reporter. “I think everyone had a laugh at that.”
Despite the conflict on the 2016 film, it wasn’t Johnson’s last appearance in the franchise: He went on to star in 2019’s The Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. In the CNN interview, he made it clear that he has no hard feelings toward the rest of the cast or the series in general—a sentiment he made clear to Diesel when they spoke earlier this year.
“I was firm yet cordial with my words and said that I would always be supportive of the cast and always root for the franchise to be successful,” Johnson said, “but that there was no chance I would return.”
Diesel will return for the final two installments of the Fast and Furious franchise, Fast 10 and Fast 11. The first of the two films is slated for a May 2023 release date, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Although he’s leaving Fast and Furious in the rear view mirror, Johnson has been staying busy with other projects. His latest film, Red Notice, has smashed Netflix streaming records and become the platform’s most-watched movie of all time. (Check out our interview with the film’s director, Rawson Marshall Thurber, here.) His upcoming superhero flick, Black Adam, is scheduled for a summer 2022 release.
We’re in a golden age for vintage vehicles. Aside from the usual Corvettes and Mustangs that have held collectible status for decades, a whole generation of Radwood-era rides is finally getting its due (see the skyrocketing prices on ’90s Hondas, for example), along with other cars and trucks that have suddenly become enthusiast icons. Browsing today’s lineup of online car auctions gives you a front-row seat to all the action—and a fun way to put one of these rides in your garage.
We scoured auction sites like Cars & Bids, Bring a Trailer, Hemmings, and more to put together a short list of some of the most intriguing vehicles up for grabs right now. See something you like? Bid on it. Not interested in our picks? Check back later—we’ll update this page with a fresh batch of car auctions every week.
The Best Car and Truck Auctions
1963 Chevrolet Corvair SpyderCourtesy Image
1. 1963 Chevrolet Corvair Spyder
When introduced, the Corvair was a radical car for Chevrolet (and for American automakers in general). It utilized an air-cooled engine mounted over the rear wheels, similar to the layout of a Volkswagen Beetle. The original Corvair made about 80 horsepower, but Chevy upped the ante in 1962 with the introduction of the Corvair Spyder, which featured a turbocharged motor good for 150 horsepower. This restored 1963 example shows a few dents and chips but is otherwise in fantastic shape—a great chance to own a unique and sporty mid-century classic.
This Tahoe offers a lot of features you won’t find on even the most adventurous crossovers today: a big V8 engine under the hood, real four-wheel drive, and a barn door tailgate. In other words, it’s an honest-to-goodness truck, and with just 73,000 miles on the odometer and a leather interior, it’s an especially nice one, too.
The performance wagon has long been the domain of European automakers, but when it was introduced in 2009, the Cadillac CTS-V challenged the status quo. Powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 paired with a limited-slip differential, this wagon could really haul, and its sharp, angular styling helped it stand out from the crowd. Optioned with a six-speed manual transmission, this well-kept example is even more special.
Looking for a backcountry escape vehicle? This Suburban might be just what you need. It checks all the boxes for off-road exploration (like a 4×4 drivetrain and a locking rear differential), and it offers a cavernous rear cargo area for hauling all your gear, especially with the seats folded down. But let’s be honest: With its bright Catalina Blue Metallic paint, it’ll put a smile on your face even when it’s parked in your driveway.
And now for something completely different: What you see here is an Alfa Romeo SZ, a rare (just over 1,000 units were built) sports car with head-turning styling. This two-seater features bold bodywork made from molded composite panels, and with its bizarre angles, six square headlights, and bright red paint, it’s enough to make a Ferrari seem boring. Better yet, it’s powered by a 210-horsepower Busso V6 with a five-speed manual transmission, so it has the performance to match its looks.
One of the greatest joys seasoned (and wannabe) home chefs can experience is unboxing a brand new knife and immediately cutting into a slab of meat or slicing vegetables razor thin. The effortlessness of plowing through prep work with a sharp knife tailormade for certain tasks is akin to reaching culinary nirvana. You see there’s no one knife that does it all. There are a number of knives every home cook needs in their kitchen.
So if you’ve planned on making a resolution this new year to maybe cook more or just whip up some healthier meals, there’s no better motivation than spending a little money on one of these high-quality kitchen knives. We’ve selected a range—from santokus to slicers—that’ll make your time in the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable. Here are the knives every home cook needs.
7 Knives Every Home Cook Needs in Their Kitchen
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1. Kilne Chef’s Knife
Well-known and respected in Canada for bringing high-quality blades to consumers at affordable prices, Kilne just entered the U.S. market this fall—which is probably why you’ve never heard of them. Add this classic French-inspired chef’s knife to your roster. Crafted from German chromium-molybdenum-vanadium steel with a full tang—solid steel from tip to tail—makes this all-rounder strong and balanced. This knife does it all in the kitchen, from delicate cuts to heavy-duty chopping or slicing.
The Nakiri is a wonderful blend of a chef’s knife and cleaver. Supremely useful in the kitchen, it’s squared-off shape and straight blade (no rocker) makes it ideal for chopping and slicing veggies. Made in France by fifth-generation bladesmiths, it has an 11.5 inch total length and weighs only 7 ounces for awesome agility around your cutting board.
The Japanese santoku kitchen knife design has been popular in the West for decades now and it’s clear to see why: The multi-purpose blade configuration combines the best of traditional chef’s knives and a small cleaver to make it worthy of its name, which means “three virtue” of slicing, dicing, and chopping. This beautiful rendition, which is made in Idaho, has a blade crafted from high-performance S35VN steel that uses an etched rendition of the Teton mountain range in Wyoming in place of the traditional dimples, which help keep food from sticking to the blade while prepping. The super-tough handle is made from G10, a fiberglass epoxy composite that comes in multiple color combos.
This massive knife might not be one you use every day (unless you’re running a barbecue restaurant), but when you need it, it’ll turn any big slicing jobs into easy tasks. The intricate 66-layer Japanese Damascus blade is forged from high-carbon AUS-10 steel that’s honed to a wickedly sharp edge using the traditional Honbazuke method, which is a three-step process that ends with a fine polish. The G10 handle offers a comfortable and ergonomic grip that’ll pull you confidently through any tough kitchen task.
Not every knife in your block has to be some super-fancy, high-dollar purchase. You can still get great-quality knives at rock bottom prices, like this boning knife from legendary knife maker Case. A staple for thousands of butcher shops around the country, this classic blade is made from durable, long-lasting stainless steel that’s mated to a solid walnut handle. This simple-but-effective cutter will quickly debone everything from ham to venison and can even pitch in for some slicing duty.
Created by bladesmith Quintin Middleton, who makes bespoke blades for such culinary luminaries as Emeril Lagasse and Michael Antony, this light and nimble paring knife is a wonder to wield. It has a featherweight feel and an amazingly sharp blade crafted from a stainless steel called AEB-L, which is known for it’s toughness and corrosion resistance. The special steel also allows the blade to be forged to an extremely thin degree, giving it a delicate, deft feel when taking care of a multitude of small kitchen jobs.
Toss out your old steak knives that are, by now, dull and uninspiring. Because when you slap down a perfectly cooked ribeye that’s slightly charred on the outside and red-pink on the inside, you owe it to the cow to cut into that meat with a worthy knife. This four-piece set—which is customizable—is made from Benchmade’s special SelectEdge stainless steel and comes with a small serrated edge near the tip for separating tougher cuts of meat like game. This versatile blade is also at home helping out with prep as it’s sitting on the table next to your sizzling steak. Intrigued but don’t need the whole set? You can also pick up a single knife for $160.
Summer’s balmy embrace is long gone. Winter and the holidays are barreling toward us like an out-of-control locomotive. And while a crackling fire can replace the warmth of the sun on your skin, we prefer to warm up from the inside out. Because, truthfully, there’s no greater feeling than staving off a chill with the season’s greatest warming whiskeys.
When we say whiskey, we don’t mean we’re sticking to just one category. The fall calls for Scotch, rye, and bourbon. And, when it comes to warming, this usually means a high proof.
When we need a respite from the cold, we turn to barrel-strength and cask-strength whiskey. These are highly potent potables in the 100-plus range—the kind of heat that sets a fire in your belly and radiates warmth to your bones. But not just any cask-strength whiskey will do. Below, you’ll find 10 of our favorites, chosen for their balanced ratio of quality to warming effect.
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1. George Dickel Bottled in Bond
When people think of Tennessee whiskey, one name immediately comes to mind: Jack Daniel’s. But an argument can be made for the second most popular brand from the Volunteer State: George Dickel. That’s because of expressions like Bottled in Bond. Released a few years ago, this 100 proof expression was aged for 13 years, giving it rich charred oak, dried fruit, toffee, and sweet vanilla flavors.
When it comes to warming whiskey, you definitely shouldn’t overlook Irish bottles. One of the best is Redbreast Cask Strength. This high-proof version of its iconic 12-year-old was aged in both ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts. The result is a bold, nuanced whiskey with hints of caramel apples, dried cherries, caramel, vanilla, rich oak, and toasted vanilla beans.
3. Alberta Premium Cask Strength Canadian Rye Whisky
This previously under-the-radar Canadian whisky’s popularity exploded when Jim Murray named it “Whisky of the Year” in his Whisky Bible. Distilled in Calgary with a mash bill of 100 percent Alberta rye, it’s aged for at least five years and bottled at cask strength. This results in a warming, spicy whisky with notes of dried fruits, butterscotch, vanilla beans, and a gentle, spicy cracked black pepper finish that leaves you craving more.
Made in the same style as its original straight bourbon, Woodinville Cask Strength is crafted only with corn, rye, and malted barley sourced from its home state of Washington. It spends five years in the barrel before being bottled at cask strength, creating a unique, flavorful whiskey highlighted by flavors of fudge, wood char, caramel corn, dried fruits, and a gentle, warming finish.
In the past decade, a new frontier of whiskey has begun in Texas. One of the best examples is Balcones. And, if you’re looking for a warming whiskey from the Waco-based distillery, give True Blue 100 a try. This award-winning corn whiskey is known for its sweet, mellow flavor with notes of clover honey, sweet corn, and just a hint of spice to bring everything together.
A doozy to pronounce, this single malt Scotch whisky is a great example of a high-proof, sherry-finished whisky. A favorite among fans of the distillery, this whisky got its name from a loch near the distillery. The non-chill-filtered whisky is loaded with flavors like salted caramel, dried cherries, sweet sherry, sticky toffee pudding, and a heavy dose of campfire smoke to remind you that it’s from Islay.
Sagamore Spirit has made quite a name for itself in the rye whiskey world in the last few years, racking up countless awards. Its Cask Strength Rye is not only one of its best, but one of its most warming. It’s a blend of straight high-rye and low-rye whiskeys aged between four and seven years. The result is a bold expression with notes of butterscotch, dried fruits, clover honey, and a wallop of cracked black pepper.
If you took a poll of bartenders’ favorite sherry bombs in the single-malt world, there’s a good chance many of them would mention Aberlour A’bunadh. This high-proof, single-malt Scotch was aged completely in Oloroso sherry casks, resulting in a decadent, dessert-like expression with flavors of dried cherries, sweet sherry, caramel, vanilla, and a gentle, nutty sweetness.
When it comes to bargain bourbons, it’s difficult to beat the price-to-quality ratio of classic Maker’s Mark. A step up would be its Cask Strength. This non-chill-filtered expression is surprisingly smooth and soft, with notes of candied pecans, cinnamon sugar, caramel corn, vanilla beans, and just a hint of spice at the very end.
10. Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Laphroaig is a truly unique single-malt Scotch whisky. Known for its medicinal, briny, smoky flavors, its flagship expression is its 10-year-old. Recently, the distillery released a cask-strength version of the beloved tipple. It’s bold and potent, matured for 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels, and carries flavors like ocean brine, salted caramel, dried cherries, candied orange peel, oaky wood, and the peat smoke Islay drinkers have grown to expect.
The first few weeks (months?? yearrrrs??) after giving birth pass by in a blur that feels like forever but also like five minutes. Days and nights are interchangeable, dry shampoo is your best friend and you’re so focused on this tiny, defenceless human you’ve been tasked with keeping alive that it’s easy to forget to look after yourself. Whether you’re breastfeeding or not, you need to fuel your body with good quality food, and that’s why these post partum bliss balls should be within reach at all times.
I’ve adapted them from an Ayurvedic cookbook and they’re so super quick and easy to make you could do it while your babe is asleep (even if he’s in a carrier snoozing on your chest). Better yet, forward the recipe to your partner or a friend and ask them to do it for you. And Team, if you’re off to visit a new mum anytime soon, make a batch and take them with you; I know I feel incredibly grateful to every friend and family member who dropped food off to us in those early days.
Oat and almond post-partum bliss balls
Ingredients 2 heaped Tbsp coconut oil
2 Tbsp nut butter
3-4 Tbsp maple syrup (depends how sweet you like it – taste and adjust)
1 Cup almond meal
1 Cup oats (I use quick oats for best texture)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Generous pinch of salt
Method 1. Melt the coconut oil
2. In a large bowl, combine melted coconut oil, nut butter, maple syrup and vanilla
3. Add the almond meal, oats and salt
4. Mix well and roll into balls
5. Store in freezer.
Why are these oat and almond post-partum bliss balls so good for new mums?
Almonds are thought to be galactagogues (helping to increase quantity and quality of milk). They’re also a source of protein, calcium and minerals.
Oats are also said to help increase milk supply. They’re also low GI, anti-inflammatory and full of nutrients.
They’re high in healthy fats thanks to the nut butter, and low in sugar.
Summer 2021 marked the return of outdoor gear shows following the public health hiatus of 2020—and with it the much anticipated inaugural Big Gear Show, hosted at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. The Big Gear Show was an opportunity for your local retailers and gear testers to scope out what manufacturers have in store for the upcoming seasons. The past year has only fueled our appetite for getting outdoors. Even with the reality of ongoing supply chain issues and health restrictions, gearmakers are seeking solutions and continuing to push innovations for you to enjoy your time out there. There were 138 companies at the show, with plenty of products to comb through. So here’s a rundown of some stand-out camping lifestyle gear we had a chance to test.
Courtesy Image
1. GSI 2 Can Cooler Stack
Cold beverages for the summit anyone? GSI is fixing a long-standing problem you didn’t know you had. By elongating the body, and widening the mouth of a stainless-steel, insulated, vacuum bottle, this great little cooler provides 24 hours of cold retention. It just so happens to be the perfect fit to carry two cans of your favorite beverage. Sounds just about right for sharing a celebratory cold one with a friend, whether you’re sitting at the vista or reaching that secluded waterfall. Word on the street from GSI is they even make for a great solution to keep burritos warm. The can cooler comes in a three-piece six-pack version for your whole trail crew, or perhaps an afternoon on the disc golf course.
Ignik has taken the inspiration of the surplus ammo cans we’ve seen put to various outdoor use for years, and transformed it into a portable campfire. The goal of the Fire Can is to create a semi-enclosed, wood-free solution for sitting around that warm glow in the woods. To keep it conveniently stowable with the rest of your gear, it hooks up to any size propane tank, including Ignik’s Gas Growler. By providing an enclosed fire, lifted from the ground, Ignik is seeking to provide an option that reduces impact to campsites and also wildfire risk—a huge concern now more than ever.
Working remotely on the road doesn’t have to mean sitting in coffee shops, or being cooped up in your van. Helinox has recognized that with its new modular Tactical Field Office and forthcoming Field Office tables. Both iterations have the same overall concept, with slight differences in finished style. They include a table and cargo bag that breaks down within itself to carry like a briefcase. It all weighs less than five pounds, so you can tote a laptop, storage drives, camera gear, and complete work space all around camp.
[Tactical Field Office available now, $199.95, helinox.com; Field Office available spring 2022, $199.95, helinox.com]
4. PURTREK Trek Pole & Water Filtration System Pole
One of the most innovative and intriguing new pieces of gear in 2021 is the Purtrek water filtration trekking pole. It’s no gimmick. Founder Kyle Stringham spent five years developing the complex system. What he came up with is an ultralightweight pole constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum with an interior made of hollow fiber filter, capable of removing 99.9 percent of bacteria. This genius invention eradicates the need to carry two completely separate pieces of gear on your next long hike or backpacking trip. Why is the Purtrek better than your traditional filter? The length of the trekking pole means you’re producing up to two times more water per pump. This mean you’ll spend less time hunched over a creek to stay hydrated.
[Available late summer 2021, $189.99; purtrek.com]
The popularity of crossover paddling craft continues to grow. With inflatables rolling up to the size of a large duffel, able to fit in the trunk of a car or your van’s rear storage, why wouldn’t you pack something to get on the water? Tahe’s recently released Beach SUP-Yak is one of the most thoughtful SUP/Kayak convertible designs yet. Designer Jimmy Blakeney brings his kayak know-how to these craft that can act as a solo paddleboard or two-person kayak. The SUP-Yak has a seat you can actually spend a day on, plus adjustable foot blocks that provide the platform to drive the kayak forward. Arguably the most innovative feature is the stitched webbing loops running the sides of the board. They make the seat and foot block placement fully adjustable and, in paddleboard mode, let you strap gear where you want it, rather than being limited to set bungee positions. This makes the SUP-Yak great to paddle for a day of tandem kayaking or an overnight paddleboard trip.
I have played fantasy football for a very long time. You, too, have perhaps played fantasy football for a very long time. Something like 40 million of us do, CNN reported last year, and the business has grown into a billion-dollar endeavor as more and more people have piled in.
There are two ways to win a fantasy football league. The first is to seek out a league with a bunch of people who don’t follow football closely, take advantage of their lack of knowledge, and trick them into drafting bad players instead of simply auto-drafting. The second way is to put lots of thought and preparation into your team, and then get lucky. In other words, there’s no easy way to win a competitive league, but there are some key strategies to follow.
Whether 2021 is your first time or your 20th time playing fantasy football, here are five tricks of the trade that I hope lead you to dominance this fall.
1. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s fine to auto-draft.
There’s a reason some fantasy GMs don’t want the other teams in their league to auto-draft: The machines have become pretty smart. You’ll wind up with a perfectly fine fantasy football team if you let a robot pick for you. Will you win your league? Probably not. But the auto-draft functions at ESPN, Yahoo, CBS, and other fantasy platforms will generally make it easy for you to field a competent roster.
These algorithms take the highest-ranked consensus player (consensus on the part of “experts” or computers, anyway), and they’ll gradually fill out your roster from there. You will not wind up taking a defense or a kicker in the fifth round.
2. If you’re not auto-drafting, put some thought into your picks.
You won’t do a better job than a machine if you do zero research and then punch in manual picks on the fly. To prepare, cross-reference some cheat sheets to see how different players stack up across them all. That makes it less likely you’ll find an outlier, fall in love with that player, and draft him way too early. ESPN, CBS, and NBC all provide fantasy rankings. Get the lay of the land, and give yourself a chance to get lucky once toe meets leather.
3. You need running backs, and you need them early.
Running backs are, generally speaking, the most valuable producers in most fantasy formats. They get the ball the most, they get carries when teams are right near the goal line, and in an NFL that increasingly relies on backs to be pass-catchers, they rack up even more points in PPR (point per reception) leagues.
Someone in your league might decide they can find a running back later in the draft or on the waiver wire later in the year. They’ll rationalize the decision by noting that running backs rise and fall quickly in the modern NFL. They do, but everyone else will also be looking to snap up some breakout star who runs for three touchdowns in Week 6. Better to grab one early. This same advice tracks if you’re using an auction draft format: Invest in dependable RBs.
4. Most tight ends are pretty much the same. Most.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce and the Las Vegas Raiders’ Darren Waller are worth early fantasy picks because they are essentially wide receivers in tight ends’ bodies. The San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle might turn out to be similarly valuable. After that, things get tricky.
I do not feel confident telling you that your season depends on whether you draft the fourth-ranked or ninth-ranked tight end on your board, especially if that ninth-ranked tight end is a young player who appears to have some upside. Maybe look at Kyle Pitts, the Atlanta Falcons rookie whom cheat sheets have ranked around No. 6 among tight ends. He might be top-three. Similarly, someone like the Baltimore Ravens’ Mark Andrews might be ranked fourth or fifth on your board and turn out to be the seventh or eighth most valuable TE.
5. Do not draft a defense or a kicker until well after you think you need one.
For one thing, it’s incredibly hard to predict which of these players will get you the most fantasy points—especially kickers, whose output often comes down to how often their offenses stall in field goal range without scoring a touchdown. For another, the difference between the best and the rest is just not that big at these positions. In a standard scoring format in 2020, the most valuable fantasy defense (the Los Angeles Rams) was worth 9.9 points per week. The 12th-best defense (i.e., the worst starting defense in a 12-team fantasy league) was the New England Patriots at 5.6.
It’s fun to say you have the best kicker in your league. It just won’t help you win the league.
Snaking over 3,000 miles from the Canadian border down to Mexico, the Continental Divide Trail passes through some of the most rugged country in the American West, and presents a daunting test for anyone willing to take it on. The trail’s reputation for scenic beauty and challenging terrain was also the point of inspiration for the latest Run Amok collection from Roark. The new installment, which is primarily aimed at trail runners, features hand-drawn graphics and a whole suite of technical fabrics—including performance fleece, a first for the collection. Taken together, these pieces are designed to perform in tough environments and feel comfortable enough for travel and everyday wear, too.
Here’s a closer look at some of the key pieces in the collection.
Alta Shorts 7″Courtesy Image
1. Alta Shorts 7″
A longer edition of Roark’s five-inch Alta shorts, this new version is made with four-way stretch nylon for a lightweight feel that won’t restrict your movement, and includes a built-in moisture-wicking liner for chafe-free miles. A drawstring waist ensures a snug fit, and two strategically placed pockets near the hips store gels and keys so they won’t bounce or distract mid-stride (it comes with a zippered rear pocket, too).
Perfect for unpredictable shoulder season conditions, the Second Wind Anorak is made from a lightweight ripstop fabric that blocks wind and resists moisture (thanks to its DWR finish) and really breathes, so you won’t overheat. And when the sun comes out, you can zip it up into its own chest pocket for easy carrying.
Named after a park in Laguna Beach, CA (where Roark has its headquarters), this fleece pant is designed for maximum comfort and versatility. It’s made from a nylon stretch fabric for unrestricted freedom of movement, features double-sided fleece for a soft feel, and has a tapered fit. A drawstring waist and zippered pockets ensure it’s good to go, even when you’re hauling around your phone, wallet, keys, and other essentials.
Made with the same materials as the pants above, the El Morro Hoodie delivers big on comfort. In addition to the cozy fleece, hand pockets at the front and the drawstring hood will keep you toasty warm when temps start drop or the wind picks up.
