Lifestyle
And The Cocktail Goes To
This weekend coming up we get see which films will be bringing home the golden statues. Which film are you pulling for? I hope “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” wins a few awards.
No matter if you are going to a party or staying at home for the big event Courvoisier Cognac created some themed cocktails that you will enjoy during that night. The cocktails are evocative of the exceptional journeys and triumphs experienced by some of this year’s most talked about nominees such as Michael Fassbender’s portrayal in Steve Jobs, Matt Damon’s performance in The Martian, and Sylvester Stallone in Creed.
As always please enjoy responsibly.
Apple of My Eye
1 part Courvoisier VSOP Cognac
1 part Fresh Lemon Sour
½ part DeKuyper Apricot Brandy
4 parts Apple Cider
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lemon spiral twist and a dash of fresh ground cinnamon.
Courvoisier One-Two Punch
2 parts Courvoisier VS Cognac
1 part Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
½ part Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
½ part Honey Syrup
Mix all ingredients in punch bowl with sliced grapefruit & lemon wheels. Serve over fresh ice.
Zero Gravity
½ part Courvoisier VSOP Cognac
Fill Glass with Champagne
1 Sugar Cube (optional)
Serve in a champagne flute.
Feb 23rd
Jack Daniel Distillery Offers A New Single Barrel Rye
Fans of Jack Daniel’s will be happy to hear this news. The Jack Daniel Distillery announces the nationwide release of the brand’s third offering within the Single Barrel Collection and first new grain bill in 100 years, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye. This expression marks the first time consumers can experience a fully matured rye product from Jack Daniel’s. The newest member of the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands will be on shelves February 2016 and will be available across the U.S.
“Rye was one of the earliest forms of American whiskey and as the Master Distiller at Jack Daniel’s, I’m proud to honor that history with the release of Single Barrel Rye. There is a reemerging trend of rye whiskeys and we are excited to be able to give friends of Jack Daniel’s a chance to experience it,” said Jeff Arnett, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “You never want to over-barrel a rye whiskey so it was important for us to stay true to the style with grain forward character rather than barrel character while still allowing our barrels to interplay with the whiskey. I’m confident that everyone will be as impressed as I am with the taste and character of this bold new rye offering.”
Rye, at 94-proof, is the Jack Daniel Distillery’s third offering in the Single Barrel Collection which includes Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select and Barrel Proof. Select is a 94-proof single barrel Tennessee Whiskey and Barrel Proof ranges from 125 to 140 proof. Each expression in the Single Barrel Collection offers a robust, full-bodied flavor complemented by Jack Daniel’s smooth character. Together, Select, Barrel Proof and Rye combine to create the world’s finest collection of single barrel Tennessee Whiskey.
Single Barrel Rye completes the distillery’s journey into rye whiskies, following limited release batches of Rested Rye in 2014 and Unaged Rye in 2012, allowing fans to taste the maturing rye over time. Rye starts off lightly sweet and mid-palate opens up to a dried fruit and trail mix flavor, finishing slightly shorter than the other Single Barrels as Rye is much more about grain rather than barrel character. Rye is a complex and robust whiskey that brings something unique to the palates of Jack Daniel’s friends and whiskey enthusiasts alike.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye will be available nationwide beginning February 2016. The product will be priced approximately $49.99 per 750ml.
Feb 12th
Reebok Question Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary With The Unworn Version
To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of one of the most iconic sneakers of all-time, the Question, Reebok is releasing 20 different colorways throughout the year to commemorate the shoe and the man that introduced it to the world, Allen Iverson.
This Question Mid “Unworn” is modeled after a colorway from 2000 that was originally set to be worn by Allen Iverson in February 2000 during the annual exhibition basketball game that took place in Oakland, CA.
It was set for a global release with major hype in the basketball world as it, along with Iverson, graced the cover of the most popular sneaker magazine. The colorway was ahead of its time, as no one was yet wearing crazy colored sneakers in the game.
After some back and forth with Iverson about wearing the shoes leading up to the game, he ultimately opted not to wear them and this “Unworn” colorway never saw the light of day, making this the Iverson shoe that never was.
Although these sneakers never left Iverson’s duffle bag that day, he went on to be the leading scorer in that game with 26 points, creating a unique story for this pair that was inspired by the 2000 host team in Oakland.
This Question features navy blue nubuck toe and heel hits with a yellow leather upper and a translucent blue outsole with the Reebok Question logo and Iverson’s iconic jersey number 3 on the heel. The Reebok Question “Unworn” will release for $140 on Saturday, February 20th in the US at Reebok.com and Finish Line.
As a reminder, the Question Mid OG will launch tomorrow, Friday, February 12th, for $140 at retailers including Reebok.com, Finish Line and Sneaker Villa.
Feb 11th
MTN DEW Gears Up For The NBA All-Star Game
If you are in Toronto for this weekend’s NBA All-Star Game you need to check out the good stuff that Mountain Dew will be bringing out. Mountain Dew announced its plans as an official NBA partner to deliver a damn good time throughout NBA All-Star 2016, including “Court Vision: An Interactive Virtual Reality Art Experience” and “Make An Introduction,” a television spot airing in the U.S. and Canada featuring DEW athletes and 2016 NBA All-Stars Russell Westbrook and Jimmy Butler, and rising star Julius Randle.
In 2015, PepsiCo and the NBA announced a multi-year marketing partnership to unite the passionate fans of the NBA with the power of PepsiCo’s food and beverage brands, including Mountain Dew, Aquafina, Brisk and Ruffles. Mountain Dew serves as the lead brand in North America for the partnership, joining longtime PepsiCo brand Gatorade, which has been an NBA partner since 1984.
Mountain Dew plans to unleash a number of interactive and energizing events in and outside of Toronto during NBA All-Star 2016.
Feb 11th
The Air Jordan IV Retro Cements Itself As An All-Time Favorite
Sneakerheads have been waiting a long time for this shoe’s return. A classic in every sense of the word. Jordan Brand launched the Retro Remaster initiative in spring of 2015. In response to consumer feedback, it incorporated enhanced color options, cushioning, materials and shapes while retaining each shoe’s original character. The brand sustains this initiative by evolving the remastering process and reintroducing the Nike Air logo on the heels of storied silhouettes. The decision, which honors original designs like never before, was approved by Michael Jordan and continues with the Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Cement’.
The fan-favorite Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Cement’ returns for the first time since 1999, complete with randomized paint splashes, premium leather uppers and the famous NIKE AIR logo on the heel. Available February 13 on Nike.com (10am EST/7am PST).
Feb 9th
Tribe Wallet Review
With so many things battling for position in your pockets, the days of carry around a George Costanza wallet are long gone. It’s just not practical to pack brick in your back pocket with every receipt, card and form of identification that you’ve ever owned. Plus, it’s uncomfortable as hell to sit down with one butt cheek padded extra high with an overstuffed wallet. You find yourself pulling out your wallet whenever you want to take a seat and that can lead to forgetful wallet misplacement. No one wants that.
Enter the Tribe Wallet. A super-slim alternative to that back pocket brick you’re lugging around. The Tribe Wallet features two plates made with aerospace-grade materials fastened together with a tight band. It’s available in carbon fiber, texalium or titanium. You place all your cards in between the two plates and use a push and pinch motion to access the specific card you need. The outer band let’s you quickly fold and slide bills for safe keeping. This thing features RFID-blocking to shield your card chips and it can even open bottles and prop up your cell phone for hands-free video viewing.
This wallet has front pocket utility written all over it. It takes up minimal space and still let’s you keep all your essentials handy. The one gripe is that it’s almost too space saving. If you have 20 cards that you want to carry around with you, things are gonna get pretty tight. But do you really need to have your Vegas player cards and SCUBA certification card handy on a daily basis? I didn’t think so. The Tribe wallet forces you to streamline your wallet and be judicial about what you carry around with you. And that’s a good thing.
To learn more about “the sexiest minimalist wallet” out there, check out the Tribe Wallet Kickstarter page.
Feb 9th
Reebok Brings Back The Club C Sneaker
The Reebok Classic Club C originally launched in 1985 as a tennis sneaker, but quickly became adopted as an essential fashion staple due to its sleek, timeless silhouette. The highly coveted shoe returns for Spring/Summer 2016 as the Court franchise re-launches with the NPC, NPC UK and introduces a casual apparel range of heritage inspired pieces, for a collection that combines classic design with contemporary execution.
The term ‘holding court’ is often used to describe individuals who are at the very peak of their game, commanding a situation and being the center of attention. Drawing inspiration from the Court franchise’s tennis heritage while representing each sneakers’ standing as a lifestyle item, Reebok Classic has collaborated with influential creative doubles who each ‘hold court’ in their respective field and inspire the notion of standing out from the crowd and blazing your own trail in life.
Musical collective and fashion stalwarts The Misshapes’ Leigh Lezark and Geordon Nico present a relaxed look in matching slouched tracksuits which complement the paired- back aesthetic of the Club C sneaker. Bartoli Style, highly coveted stylists to the stars, match the deep red and blue kicks with sleek black leather trousers, skinny jeans, and oversized Reebok Classic logo tees for a chic spin on the collection. Marcus Troy and Naskademini, creative directors and lifestyle influencers, cut a bright stylized look in varsity inspired tracksuits and stand-out tees for a contemporary twist on the typically paired-back Court aesthetic.
Reebok’s Court franchise takes its lead from the 80’s, with each silhouette featuring soft garment leathers for luxurious fit and original Reebok Classic logos for a heritage spin. Re-introducing the sneakers’ OG colorways in an array of colorways including white, black, red, plum, navy and khaki green, each design lets you style the shoe in your own way, enabling expression of stylish individuality in whichever court you hold.
The Reebok Classic’s Spring/Summer footwear collection retails from $65 to $80 and will be available starting February. Men’s styles will be available at Reebok.com, Urban Outfitters, Shoe Palace, Sports World. Women’s styles will be available at Reebok.com, Shoe City, Cool J’s, BX Footwear.
Feb 3rd
Get Your Spring Look Ready With Reebok
We just got into the month of February and Spring is just around the corner. Is your closet ready? If not no worries. Reebok Classics had you covered. Reebok Classic recently released the Spring/Summer 2016 collection of the dual gender Furylite, a bold, stylish sneaker fusing stand-out fashion with technologically advanced architectural features. The dynamic new campaign, ‘Free Your Fury’ shot by Warwick Saint, tells a story of freedom and escape while showcasing the shoe’s fashion credentials by pairing it with a series of upscale yet wearable looks.
Inspired by daring adventures and escaping normality to uncover limitless potential, the campaign is an expression of Reebok’s fierce, fearless attitude. Epic landscapes, striking skies and tropical backdrops provide the environment against which powerful fashion looks, striking poses and a theme of movement celebrate the new collection.
One of Reebok Classic’s most fashion forward styles, the Furylite’s architectural, molded details are juxtaposed by a sleek silhouette and finished with premium materials and on-trend colors. For SS16, monochrome styles provide a chic and stylized look while multi-color executions offer a powerful, tropical feel. The design ingenuity and fashion versatility of the shoe are brought to life through styling with some key fashion looks for SS16, showing that the Furylite can be paired with any look.
A dual gender sneaker with subtle design cues taken from the iconic Reebok Instapump Fury, the slimline Furylite features a molded quarter panel, unique open side panel cutout for breathability, easy on/off lacing construction, and added comfort through Ortholite sockliner and 3D Ultralite bottom foam. The SS16 Furylite range has been designed to offer something for everyone, through a truly thought-out color selection and material application. An intricate custom jacquard upper is specifically designed for the men’s rendition, while a clean and classic woven pattern features on the women’s sneaker, adding visual interest to the otherwise minimalistic design. The Furylite arrives in SS16 with another season of eye-catching sneakers that deliver on both style and substance.
The Furylite Spring Summer 2016 collection retails for $75 on February 1, 2016. Women’s Furylite styles will be available at retailers including Reebok.com, Urban Outfitters, Lady Foot Locker, Finish Line and East Bay. Men’s Furylite styles will be available at retailers including Reebok.com, Finish Line, East Bay, Urban Outfitters, Packer Shoes, Jack Threads and Sneaker Villa.
Feb 2nd
The Right Valentine’s Day Gift For Guys
Hey ladies, I know we might say finding the right gift for you on Valentine’s Day is tough. To be fair it is not all that simple for you getting the perfect gift for us. So with that romantic day not too far away I am going to help you out with a very cool whisky guide.
If you have been dating for less than six months you can’t go wrong with picking up either the George Dickel No. 12 Tennessee Whisky or the Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye. The George Dickel Tennessee Whisky is known for their signature chill charcoal mellowing which makes it the smoothest sipping whisky around. Recently crowned the 2016 World Whisky of the Year by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is meant for the loved ones you think are world-class.
If you are dating for a bit longer like six months to a year the I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey or Bulleit Bourbon is a great choice. After 20 years abroad, I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon has come home to the U.S. to satisfy significant others struck with wanderlust. Bulleit is a staple, whether included in a Hot Toddy, Old Fashioned, or enjoyed neat or on the rocks. It’s a must-have in any liquor cabinet.
If you are in a long term relationship you might want to go for the Orphan Barrel’s Rhetoric 21-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Progressively aged with hints of baked caramel and cinnamon, Rhetoric 21 is part of the Orphan Barrel Project where nearly forgotten whiskeys are resurrected from the depths of distilleries. There’s no doubt he will geek out over this fact.
You can also wow him with either the Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey or Crown Royal XR LaSalle. 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 and winner of the coveted double gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The second addition to the Crown Royal Extra Rare Whisky Series is an exquisite blend crafted to include a small reserve of the final batch of whiskies that were saved from the renowned LaSalle Distillery. A special blend to elevate any romantic evening!
Feb 2nd
Pizza Hut Goes For The Gold With Their Golden Garlic Knots Pizza
This Sunday marks the 50th anniversary of the football championship game. This is the golden anniversary for that sport. To celebrate this Pizza Hut is looking to celebrate with the Golden Pizza.
It’s called the Golden Garlic Knots Pizza because it is garnished with more than $100 worth of edible 24-karat gold. Football fans won’t need to shell out that money to enjoy the new pizza. All you need to order the Stuffed Garlic Knots Pizza from Pizza Hut on Super Bowl Sunday for your chance to win one of 50 limited-edition golden versions. The Golden Garlic Knots Pizza will be delivered in a limited-edition gold box, along with a $100 Pizza Hut gold gift card. And later this week in San Francisco, wide receiver Golden Tate will be making the rounds to share the #GoldenPizza with fans and media.
Feb 1st
