Lifestyle
Gifts To Show Dad You Care
Next month we will be celebrating Father’s Day. Ditch the tie and coffee mug routine. You need to step up your game to show dear ol’ dad that you care. Here are some great gift ideas that your dad will love to open up on the day that celebrates him!
The Gifted Horse
Suggested Retail Price $50
Just like the dad who newly welcomed a little one home, Orphan Barrel recently added The Gifted Horse to the family as its first American whiskey. The Gifted Horse is a cask strength whiskey with a unique composition unlike any other Orphan Barrel, thanks to a fortunate mishap at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery.
I.W. Harper 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Suggested Retail Price $75
To celebrate dad’s homecoming after long travels, gift him I.W. Harper 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for Father’s Day. After nearly 20 years abroad, I.W. Harper has returned to the United States with this limited release inspired by the original I.W. Harper variants.
Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Suggested Retail Price $150
Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a limited release whiskey that pays homage to the artful passion and renowned craftsmanship of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Only available in a number of states and winner of the coveted double gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this whiskey is sure to receive the approval of the most discerning whiskey-loving dads.
The Hilhaven Lodge
Suggested Retail Price $50
The Hilhaven Lodge is a new-to-world whiskey developed in collaboration with Hollywood director, and current owner of Hilhaven Lodge, Brett Ratner. The Hilhaven Lodge features a distinctive blend of three different styles of whiskey spanning across three decades – Bourbon from the 2000’s, Tennessee Whiskey from the 1990’s and Rye Whiskey from the 1980’s. Combined, these whiskeys offer an unbelievably smooth tasting experience.
The American Soap and Hatchet Set
This kit provides men all the supplies they need to get stuff done. In addition, it provides some awesome tools that all dads would be happy to own, including a survival hatchet for camping trips, two Big Ass Bricks of Soap, Tactical Soap on a Rope, Heavy Duty Hand Soap, Bloody knuckles Hand Repair Balm, Cannon Balm Tactical Lip Protectant and a steel bottle opener. All Duke Cannon items and the survival hatchet are made in the USA. The kit comes packaged in an old military ammo can completing one of the most kick-ass gifts any dad can receive this summer.
Working Man’s Supply Can
This gift pack provides the working man some of the topline tools they need for everyday grooming. Items include a Big Ass Brick of Soap, Tactical Soap on a Rope, Heavy Duty Hand Soap, Working Man’s Face Wash, Bloody Knuckles Hand Repair Balm, Cannon Balm Tactical Lip Protectant and an 8-in-1 STIHL Screwdriver/Flashlight tool. In addition; all Duke Cannon products are made in the USA and will come in an old military ammo can to make your dad feel like the man he is.
Golf and Grooming Supply Gift Set:
Duke Cannon Supply Co. has the golfers covered this Father’s Day. Give your dad the ability to hit the golf course smelling like a man should. This gift pack includes two Big Ass Bricks of Soap, Bloody Knuckles Hand Repair Balm, Cannon Balm Lip Protectant, 3-count of Callaway Warbird Golf Balls (with Duke Cannon Logo) and a steel bottle opener. All items are made in the USA and come packaged in an old military ammo can that would make your dad the talk of the country club.
The Dapper Dad Sack:
Your dad knows what it means to be a man, so why would he limit himself on his grooming game? Help your dad keep his cool this summer with the Duke Cannon Dapper Dad Sack. This kit comes in a rustic burlap sack and includes two Big Ass Bricks of soap, Heavy Duty hand soap, Superior Grade shaving cream, Bloody Knuckles Hand Repair Balm and Cannon Balm Tactical Lip Protectant. Do your dad a solid and provide him with the gift of grooming this year – your mom will thank you later.
The Un-Droppable Shower Soap Set
Your dad already has a stocked bar in the basement, a golf set that your neighbors are envious of and a man-cave your mom can’t keep him out of. Time to shake things up this year by giving your dad the gift of grooming. Duke Cannon Supply Co. has the perfect gift to help keep your dad smelling like a man should. Not your grandfather’s soap on a rope, the Un-Droppable Shower Soap kit comes with a tactical soap scrubber, (1) Big Ass Brick of soap and (1) Heavy
May 28th
Three Ways To Enjoy World Whiskey Day
This Saturday is World Whiskey Day. To celebrate we are sharing some fantastic recipes. One is from Bay Area mixologist Eric Grenier. He created The Cooper’s Cocktail. It has a classic feel. He also created the Meltwater Effect, boasting a strong, but sweet flavor profile; both made with easy-to-find ingredients for re-creating at home.
Another great way to celebrate this classic spirit is to enjoy it the same way the legendary Frank Sinatra did; two fingers of Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select, a splash of water and three cubes. Raise up a glass this World Whiskey Day and have your whisky “Frank’s Way.”
The Cooper’s Cocktail
2 oz. Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select
.5 oz. Cynar
.5 oz. Coffee Liqueur
Ice: One large cube or ‘on the rocks’
Glassware: Rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass
Tools: Mixing Vessel, Barspoon, Hawthorne Strainer
Directions: Stir all ingredients in mixing vessel (about 20-30 seconds). Strain over ice. No garnish
The Meltwater Effect 
2 oz. Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack
1 oz. Sorel Liqueur
.75 oz. Amaro Ramazzotti
2 Dashes Orange bitters
Thin Lemon peel
Tools: Mixing Vessel, Barspoon, Hawthorne Strainer
Glassware: Rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass
Directions: Stir first four ingredients in mixing glass filled with ice until properly chilled and diluted, about 20-30 seconds. Strain into glassware and garnish with lemon peel.
Frank’s Way
2 fingers Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select
1 splash Water
3 Ice Cubes
Directions: Serve over ice in a rocks glass.
May 19th
MTN Dew Looks To Hoop It Up This Summer
Coming this summer to a city near you is the Dew NBA 3X. If you are lucky enough to be near a city for one of the tournaments you will be able to check out the games. Mountain Dew and the NBA teamed up to create Dew NBA 3X, an elite 3×3 basketball competition tour that will make stops in six NBA markets between May and October, tipping off in Atlanta this Saturday, May 21. NBA players and legends, including Gary Payton and Dominique Wilkins, will also be on hand to interact with fans as they enjoy high-level 3×3 play, participate in exciting skills contests, listen to Atlanta’s biggest DJs and get a taste of Atlanta at local food trucks.
Beyond the above activities, fans can check out Dew’s #CourtsideCollection which includes:
On-site Gallery – Mountain Dew will create a pop-up gallery showcasing artwork created by local artists and fans that have been inspired by basketball and youth culture. Local artist, Joe King (@JOEKINGATL) will be on-hand to curate the gallery and illustrate around the artwork featured so that the gallery is constantly evolving during the tournament. Fans on-site will also be able to vote for their favorite artwork and take home limited-edition prints.
Court Design – Local artist, Greg Mike, was commissioned by Mountain Dew to design the courts at THE GULCH for the tournament. Greg’s design was inspired by and is unique to Atlanta. This art installation will remain after the tournament to create a lasting art piece for the Atlanta community to enjoy.
Dew NBA 3X is an elite 3×3 basketball competition infused with unique basketball lifestyle and entertainment elements. The inaugural U.S. tour will visit basketball fans in Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles. The invite-only competition will tip off Saturday, May 21 in Atlanta and culminate on Sunday, October 23 in Los Angeles with the Dew NBA 3X National Finals. NBA 3X, the League’s global 3-on-3 platform is part of the NBA‘s ongoing commitment to growing and celebrating the game of basketball.
Plus NBA Legend and Hall of Famer, Gary Payton, serves as the Dew NBA 3X Ambassador and will make appearances at all six stops.
May 19th
New Atlanta Falcons Stadium Lowers Concession Prices
We always think that once a pro sports team gets a new stadium it will mean more out of pocket expenses for us fans. Well thanks to the Atlanta Falcons they are flipping the script on that. In 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will offer food and beverage options developed to deliver what fans want – variety, speed of service, quality and value. The fan-first menu at Mercedes-Benz Stadium will include the most popular items priced as follows without compromising quality:
•$2 – Non-alcoholic beverage products with unlimited free refills (at freestanding refill stations)
•$2 – Dasani bottled water; hot dogs; pretzels; popcorn
•$3 – Peanuts; pizza; nachos; waffle fries
•$5 – 12 oz. domestic beer
Pretty cool right? I don’t think these prices have been around since Jimmy Carter was in the White House. (Kids, Google President Jimmy Carter’s term if you want to know that time era.) The menu and pricing model – which will allow a family of four to consume the typical game-day purchases for $28 or less – will be in effect for Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United games, as well as major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium including the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, SEC Championship Game, the College Football National Championship (2018) and the NCAA Men’s Final Four slated for 2020. The pricing and product offerings will be the same for concerts, conventions and other special events booked at the stadium.
To improve speed and quality of service, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has partnered with its design team, construction partners and Levy Restaurants to create what will be an exceptional experience for fans, employing several new operational and design elements that include:
•More than 670 concession points-of-sale (65 percent more than our fans currently enjoy)
•Self-service soda refill stations away from the concession stands (to increase speed, shorten lines)
•Increased on-site kitchen and cooking capacity to ensure freshness, quality and speed of service
•Whole-dollar pricing for ease and efficiency
It looks like Atlanta Falcons fans will get a stadium upgrade without the new stadium prices. I hope this will be a continuing trend when teams get a new stadium.
May 16th
Reebok Looks To Ice Up The Summer
The temperatures maybe rising, but your look can stay cool as ice. Reebok has another created a new colorway for another classic. Chill out and style up in the Classic Leather Ice. This timeless Reebok silhouette switches out its signature gum bottom for a crisp, ice-blue sole to keep your look infinitely cool. Known as “the Classic” for a reason, this signature shoe stays true to its roots with a full-leather upper for stability, while an EVA midsole offers lightweight comfort underfoot. The light blue outsole is the perfect way to add a shattering blast of color to stay endlessly fresh for the summer.
The Reebok Classic Leather Ice is available on Reebok.com, Finish Line, and V.I.M. For $74.99.
May 2nd
Make This Cinco De Mayo One To Remember
Next week it is when we get to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. It is a great time to hang out with friends and enjoy all the fun and celebration that comes with this day. To help you out we have some great cocktail recipes as well as some food ideas that will make your party one to remember especially when you use Peligroso Tequila!
“The Queso Fundido Con Chili a la Tequila” is a fun recipe for adults ages 21+ that contains just over 10 ingredients, including half a cup of tequila.
Parking Lot Punch – Serves 8
1 Cup Peligroso Silver
4 Cups Margarita mix
Half a cucumber, sliced
Half a jalapeño, sliced, seeds removed
Limes wedges for garnish
Ice
The Jalapeno Paloma
1oz Peligroso Silver
5oz Grapefruit Juice
Sliced Jalapeño
Ice
The Fiery Margarita
1.5oz Peligroso Silver
.25oz Peligroso Cinnamon
.25oz agave nectar
.75oz lime juice
Lime Slice
Salt
The Queso Fundito Con Chili A La Tequila
1 tablespoon olive oil 
1 small red onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 poblano pepper, diced
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
½ cup chopped red bell pepper
½ cup tequila
1 (15-ounce) can Hormel® chili
1 (8-ounce) block sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 (8-ounce) block Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Garnish: jalapeño slices, corn tortillas
Directions: Heat oven to 400°F. In 12-inch cast-iron skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and next 4 ingredients until softened. Remove from heat, stir in tequila, return to heat and cook 2 minutes or until reduced by half. Stir in chili, remove from heat and sprinkle evenly with cheese. Gently stir and bake 30 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with cilantro and garnish with jalapeño slices, if desired. Serve in martini glass with corn tortillas.
Apr 27th
Oak By Absolut Launches in LA
Whiskey is really popular these day, but people still like to party with vodka. Whiskey wins the sipping competition easily. If you’re going to sit and sip and you really want to enjoy a well-crafted spirit, you’re probably going to reach for whiskey, Scotch or bourbon. But if you want a shot or a cocktail, you may want to explore some vodka options. But what if you can’t decide? What if you want the mixability of vodka without sacrificing the flavor of whiskey?
Well, Absolut has an answer for this scenario and it’s name is Oak. Oak by Absolut was devised by Per Hermansen, a guy who almost certainly owns the most amazing job title available at Abolsut: Director of Sensory Strategy. I mean that just sounds cool, right? Apparently, Per’s job description includes coming up with fun and unique vodka flavor combos. This is something Absolut has been doing for years with variants like Citron, Mandrin, Cilantro, Mango, Vanilla, Berri Acai, Apple, Pears, Hibiskus, Peppar. You get the idea.
So Per came up with the idea of aging vodka in oak barrels and he set about testing different barrel options to see what sort of flavors he could produce. The combination he came up with featured three distinct barrel types: American oak, Swedish oak and American oak barrels that had previously been used to age bourbon. The Swedish oak barrels produced a spicy, chocolatey flavor. The American oak barrels delivered a less spicy and more caramel forward flavor. The ex-bourbon barrels imparted a very strong vanilla vibe.
After the success of one of their most recent variants – Absolut Elyx – the brand decided to release Absolut Oak in a similar, city-by-city test program. Oak was first introduced in May of last year in Denver, Minneapolis and San Diego. Last week we attended the official launch of Oak in Los Angeles at Estrella on Sunset. I admit to being a bit skeptical of the product, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I expected a spirit that would be overly sweet and not quite sure what to make of itself, but instead I found a pretty mellow spirit that’s difficult to classify. Yes, its still vodka, but the barrel aging passes along so much additional flavor and color that it can easily be mistaken for a very light, drinkable whiskey.
Sampling the stuff straight up, it really wasn’t all that bad. It’s real power, though, comes in the form of a utility mixer. It plays nice with other ingredients. Here are the three different cocktails were served at the launch event:
Oak & Cola
- Pretty self-explanatory
Uppsala Sour
- 2 parts Oak by Absolut
- 1 part Lemon Juice
- .75 parts Simple Syrup
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker
- Shake with ice until cold
- Strain into a rock glass over cubed ice
- Garnish with a lemon wedge
Oak Mule
- 2 parts Oak by Absolut
- .5 parts Ginger Beer
- Lime Wedge
- Angostura bitters (optional)
- Pour all ingredients into a fancy mug
- Fill with ice
- Garnish with a lime wedge
The Oak and Cola was simple and not too sweet. The Uppsala Sour was tart and refreshing. The Oak Mule was a nice take on the classic cocktail served in a fancy mug. I find traditional Moscow Mules to either be too sour or too sweet, but the extra smoky oak flavor of the vodka mixed well with the bitters and ginger beer to produce a very drinkable cocktail.
I’m still a whiskey guy and Oak by Absolut faced an uphill battle with me. I didn’t expect to be fully won over or converted on the spot, but I can definitely see myself partaking in this smoky brown vodka again in the future. I may not order it straight up, but I would certainly welcome the barrel-aged flavors that Oak can introduce to classic vodka-based cocktail options.
Apr 25th
Delicious Drinks For The Derby
One of the most celebrated events in the sporting world is almost here. On May 7th people will dress up and get out their favorite hats to watch the Kentucky Derby. One other thing that goes hand in hand with the derby is cocktails. So with that said we are looking to showcase some fantastic spirits and cocktails that you might want to bring to your Kentucky Derby party.
Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Launched on Derby Day 2015, Blade and Bow pays homage to the artful passion and renowned craftsmanship of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery through a unique solera aging system. Each bottle contains some of the oldest whiskey stocks, including the last remaining bourbon ever produced at Stitzel-Weller before it shut its doors in 1992. 91 proof, Suggested Retail Price $50
I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a history of more than 100 years of style and recently returned to the U.S. after close to 30 years abroad. I.W. Harper represents courtesy and sophistication in every glass, starting with the iconic Bowing Man on every label- “Anywhere, Anytime, It’s Always A Pleasure.” 82 proof, Suggested Retail Price $35
Bulleit Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Bulleit Bourbon was inspired by a family recipe passed down through generations to founder Tom Bulleit. Only ingredients of the very highest quality are used. The subtlety and complexity of Bulleit Bourbon come from its unique blend of rye, corn, 
and barley malt, along with special strains of yeast and pure Kentucky limestone filtered water. Due to its especially high rye content, Bulleit Bourbon has a bold, spicy character with a finish that’s distinctively clean and smooth. 90 proof, Suggested Retail Price $45
The Gifted Horse American Whiskey
Years ago at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Ky., a batch of beautiful 17-year-old Kentucky bourbon was accidentally mixed with barrels of much younger Indiana corn and bourbon. This 
error turned out better than anyone could have expected as the older bourbon wasn’t marred, it was transformed into something surprisingly special. Beginning with a nose hinting at apple skin, almond, toffee, raisins and slight milk chocolate, The Gifted Horse has unique notes of creamy caramel, Bosc pear and fruit cake. This unusual blend’s fruity notes become more apparent with a splash of water. 115 proof, Suggested Retail Price $50
The Dark Maple
1.3 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
1 oz. Maple simple syrup
4 oz. Ginger Beer
.5 oz. Lime
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake Well. Strain into an ice filled rocks glass or serve as up in a martini glass. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.
Gramercy Buck
1.3 oz. Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon
1 oz. Lemon Juice
.75 oz. Simple Syrup
Muddled Strawberries
Top off with Ginger Beer
Serve in a highball glass.
Gold Rush
1.3 oz. I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
0.5 oz. honey syrup
0.5 oz. fresh lemon
Shake and Strain over ice.
The Neigh-Sayer
0.75 oz. The Gifted Horse American Whiskey
0.25 oz. Benedictine Liqueur
.38 oz. Madeira Fortified Wine
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
In a mixing glass stir all ingredients over ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with thinly sliced apple and top with freshly shaved nutmeg.
Apr 23rd
Find The Spirit Animal For Your Car
You love your car. You might even have a cute nickname for it. Now thanks to ExxonMobil you can find your car’s true identity. They recently launched the Mobil 1TM “Loved Cars Have Names.” It is a two-month promotion accompanied by an online name generator that appropriately names cars to reflect the role they play in peoples’ lives.
Customers can submit information online about their car’s personality, style and functionality, and the “Name-U-Lator” will generate the car’s new name. Customers can have the name added to a free license plate frame, which is available with a qualifying purchase –thanks to cooperation with Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, CARQUEST, NAPA and Pep Boys. Alternatively, customers can create a license plate frame proudly displaying the given moniker of an already named vehicle.
Customers completing the “Name-U-Lator” exercise can register for a free license plate frame upon purchase of five or more quarts of Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil at any participating retailer location or online. Users completing online submissions must upload the purchase receipt to be eligible to receive the customized license plate frame.
To find the perfect name to suit your car’s personality, try out the “Name-U-Lator” and learn more about “Loved Cars Have Names,” at www.MobilOil.us/FrameMe.
Apr 23rd
Budweiser Introduces Their Country Club For The Spring
Your spring and summer is about to get better thanks to Budweiser. They are looking to showcase country music where they feel that the genre whose fans and artists share the same love for authenticity and storytelling as America’s No. 1 full-flavored lager. Budweiser will be present at some of the year’s biggest country music moments to enhance fan experiences and provide surprise moments with top artists that only Budweiser can deliver.
The Budweiser Country Club is a brand new, three-level structure that will appear at four live country music events, starting with Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA in late April. Designed with the same level of detail and care that Budweiser puts into brewing its lager, the open-air build out will provide elevated views of the festival and feature two 20-foot bars, Budweiser Signature Draught towers, outdoor games, and goods for purchase from local craftsmen. The Budweiser Country Club will appear at the following events:
Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA (April 29 – May 1)
Country 500 in Daytona Beach, FL (May 27 – 29)
CMA Music Festival in Nashville, TN (June 9 – 12)
Faster Horses in Brooklyn, MI (July 15 – 17)
Apr 23rd
