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Saturday 22 June 2024

Dewar's New Limited-Edition Scotch Is a Blend That Will Win Over Single-Malt Snobs

Dewar’s is one of the best-known names in blended Scotch whisky, up there with brands like Johnnie Walker, Famous Grouse, and Buchanan’s. The distillery's new Dewar’s 19-Year-Old The Champion’s Edition is the brand's fourth annual release in partnership with the Professional Golf Association's U.S. Open Championship, which took place last week. Each year, the limited-edition expression allows Dewar's to experiment with a unique double aging cask finishing method—and this year is no different.

Double aging refers to whisky that's aged, then blended, then put back into barrels to age again. In 2021, the first year of the brand's partnership with the PGA, Dewar's doubled-aged the limited-edition Scotch in first-fill ex-bourbon casks. The brand used American oak and rye casks in 2022, and Napa Valley red wine casks in 2023. Master blender Stephanie Macleod brought rye whisky barrels back into the mix for the 2024 bottling.

The rye barrels used to age the new Scotch come from Louisville's Angel’s Envy. To be considered American rye, the whiskey's mashbill must consist of at least 51 percent rye grain. Angel’s Envy is different, as the brand often pushes that up to 95 percent rye, which adds distinct spice and fruit flavors.

As a result, the new Dewar's features notes of creamy vanilla, caramel, apple fritter, chocolate, and orange to the palate, with a range of spices, including cinnamon, pepper, and nutmeg, flitting about underneath.

Bottled at 86 proof, Dewar’s 19-Year-Old The Champion’s Edition seems to be designed to be a sipping whisky, either neat or over some ice. But given the attainable $80 price tag, this is a fantastic whisky to experiment with in cocktails. Anything from a highball to an old fashioned to a penicillin would likely be upgraded by subbing this expression for any other blended Scotch whisky.

As a quick refresher, blended Scotch refers to a blend of malt and grain whisky that's produced at different distilleries, as opposed to single-malt Scotch, which is made from a mashbill of 100-percent malted barley at a single distillery. There are many whisky drinkers who believe that blends are the inferior of the two styles, but the proof is in the popularity: blended Scotch outsells single malts by a wide margin. And if you’re a single malt drinker who doesn't like blends—or a blends fan looking for something new—this new Dewar’s release is worth a try.

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Here's the Best Places in the U.S. to Find a Home Under $200,000

Housing in many parts of the United States doesn't come cheap, and in this day and age, buying a home for less than $200,000 can seem like a pipe dream. But it is possible, and it turns out there are some hotspots across the U.S. with a wide selection of sub-$200K houses.

New data published by Realtor.com outlines just where to look if you want to find an affordable home. It includes the top 10 cities in the U.S. with the most homes currently available for less than $200,000.

"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, real estate prices skyrocketed and, for the most part, have not yet come back down to earth. The average U.S. home is now valued nearly 50 percent higher than this time four years ago. And that’s before we get into current interest rates and their effect on monthly mortgage payments," the site explained. "In fact, there’s stark proof of shrinking affordability across the country: Over the past several years, the number of homes under $200,000 has gone from around half of all sales to less than a quarter of sales in 2023."

While these cheap homes appear to be a dying breed, they're not impossible to find, even on the outskirts of major metropolitan areas. Topping the list are two suburbs of Fort Lauderdale, Florida just north of Miami: Lauderdale Lakes in first and Lauderhill in second. Eighty-five percent of listings in Lauderdale Lakes are under $200,000, while it drops to 70 percent in Lauderhill. However, it's not all single-family homes, as the housing stock in both cities is almost entirely condominiums.

"Areas that were once popular for downsizing are now out of reach for many," Realtor.com senior economic analyst Hannah Jones said. "Florida markets like Lauderdale Lakes are seeing a surge in affordable condos, providing viable options for those looking to downsize without breaking the bank."

The cities on the list are concentrated on the East Coast and in the Midwest. Two Ohio cities made the list with Akron in third and Cleveland in 10^th. And while Detroit might be in fourth with a 64-percent rate of sub-$200,000 properties, it boasts the biggest inventory of the 10 with more than 1,500 homes under $200K currently on the market.

Read up on the best markets to find a home under $200K and check out the median home prices of the top 10 most affordable below.

Lauderdale Lakes, Florida ($149,350)
Lauderhill, Florida ($175,000)
Akron, Ohio ($138,600)
Detroit, Michigan ($90,000)
Rochester, New York ($161,194)
Niagara Falls, New York ($114,500)
Albany, Georgia ($104,000)
Lansing, Michigan ($143,950)
Rockford, Illinois ($164,950)
Cleveland, Ohio ($135,475)

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Friday 21 June 2024

REI's Bestselling Tent That's 'Durable' and Has 'Plenty of Standing Room' Is an Astounding 50% Off Right Now

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

REI's 4th of July Clearance Sale just went live with up to 40% off tons of summer gear, including hiking boots, bicycles, and even Yeti coolers, if you're a member. There are a few extra-special deals on camping equipment peppered into the sale, but the most shocking discounts are on tents, including REI's current bestseller that's nearly $200 off.

Right now, the REI Co-op Skyward 4 Tent is on sale for just $187—a massive 50% discount on the normal $374 price. This model is currently trending as REI's No. 1 bestselling tent of the 400-plus available and is a top-selling clearance item, just behind multiple Hoka hiking shoes and Arc'teryx jackets. The Skyward also comes in a larger 6-person size that's only $37 more.

REI Co-op Skyward 4 Tent in Blue Shale, $187 (was $374) at REI

This tent measures roughly 100-by-86 inches and has a whopping 60 square feet of floor space with a gigantic 78-inch peak height, so fitting several campers and standing up won't be an issue. It's made from lightweight but strong 75-denier fabric with twice-as-strong floor fabric and has a full mesh ceiling to maximize the view. It features a single D-shaped door with an awning and a twin-stake vestibule that creates more living space and shelter for gear, and it even has multiple pockets on the inside for phones, chargers, and daily essentials. It's also rain-ready, with a cap-style fly cover and a DWR coating.

There's a lot that shoppers love about this tent, but many reviews mention the massive amount of space inside. "Plenty of standing room," a shopper said. "I purchased this tent for a 7-day trip. The tent held up great…Very roomy, and I really like the vertical-standing walls. You will need a second person to put it together, but other than that, I'm very happy with this tent." Another shopper agreed, saying, "I chose this tent for the height and that aspect is great; I loved being able to stand up and stretch out."

Others commended the tent for its durability and performance. "This tent exceeded my expectations," a shopper said. "I had this tent in the rainforest in the Pacific Northwest, where it rains a lot, in winter, and had no leak issues whatsoever. Stayed super dry and warm…This tent is very durable, roomy, and keeps you dry—nothing bad to say about it."

If you're looking to get in some quality camp time this summer, REI Co-op's Skyward 4 should be your first choice, especially now that it's 50% off. This line of tents is selling fast, and once they're gone that means they're gone for good, so don't wait to get yours.

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Makita's 18V Battery Kit Is Over $300 Off Right Now, and Shoppers Say It's the 'Best Price' You'll Find Online

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

If you're looking for deals on power tools, Amazon needs to be the first place you look. This month has been host to massive price breaks on everything from oscillating tools to cordless fans, but some of the best discounts have been on DeWalt and Milwaukee replacement batteries. If your tool set is Mikita, you might know how rare it is to find extra batteries on sale, but right now, one of the brand's most powerful sets is over $300 off and is a must for summer yard work.

The 5Ah Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Battery and Rapid Optimum Charger Starter Pack is on sale for $170 right now on Amazon—a 66% discount on the normal $498 price. This kit has earned over 700 five-star ratings from customers who say it's the "best price on batteries" they've found online and that they're "the real deal." Though we highly recommend the power-packed 5Ah model, there's also a 4Ah battery kit available for about $50 less.

Makita 18V LXT 5Ah Lithium-Ion Battery and Rapid Optimum Charger Starter Pack, $170 (was $498) on Amazon

These Makita 18V batteries are packed with 5Ah of power and were designed for the brand's collection of LXT outdoor tools, including its brush cutters, chainsaws, and even lawnmowers—everything needed for summer landscaping. Each battery takes a mere 45 minutes to charge fully and it's even equipped with controls that prevent the unit from overloading, over-discharging, and overheating. It also has an LED power indicator on the front to let you know how much juice is left.

Makita makes an effort to warn against using non-genuine batteries with its products for compatibility reasons, but those who have purchased this set have attested that it's legitimate. "A good deal and the real deal," one shopper said. "I have many Makita tools—three chargers and a selection of batteries. The charger is the same as the one I already own. The batteries are exactly the same as my others." Another shopper found the same, saying, "This is a genuine Makita bundle…Packaging is factory sealed."

Other shoppers who have gone the non-genuine route previously say there's a night-and-day difference in performance. "I tried the cheap knock-off batteries," one shopper stated. "They wouldn't even charge right out of the box. Makita's are the only batteries I'll buy now. I need to be able to pick a Makita tool and use it and not worry about the batteries working." Another shopper similarly said, "I have purchased a few off-brand Makita-style batteries and they have been pretty decent, but none of them outperform true Makita batteries!"

Staying true to the brand counts when it comes to power tools, but batteries are often expensive. That's why at $170, this Makita battery set is such a steal. We're not sure how much longer the price will stick around, so make sure to pick up a set for yourself while they're under $200.

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Thursday 20 June 2024

TaylorMade's 'Extremely Forgiving' Irons Set That's a 'Game Changer' for Consistency Is $200 Off Right Now

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

PGA Tour Superstore is coming off a huge Father's Day sale that saw everything from TravisMathew's best-fitting golf pants to mobile launch monitors drop in price to help get golf dads the gear they want for less. Though the sale has ended, select golf clubs are still marked down, including a can't-miss set of TaylorMade irons that's still $200 off.

The TaylorMade Sim2 Max Irons set is on sale at PGA Tour Superstore for only $600—a 25% discount on the normal $800 price tag. This set of steel-shaft irons has earned over 350 five-star ratings from shoppers who say it's "extremely forgiving" and "nukes golf balls," making them one of the most popular deals on golf clubs currently on the site. The rest of the Sim2 Max collection is also on sale right now, including the Sim2 Max driver, the hybrid, the graphite irons set, and the fairway wood.

TaylorMade Sim2 Max Irons with Steel Shafts, $600 (was $800) at PGA Tour Superstore

This seven-piece irons set from TaylorMade is available for left- and right-handed golfers in either a stiff or regular flex. They're made with a stainless steel back cap that was designed to help improve distance, enhance forgiveness, and bring a buttery smooth feel to the club with a low center of gravity. The face is also very forgiving, using the brand's Inverted Cone Technology (ICT) to help shots stay true in the face of a bad hit.

Hundreds of shoppers are saying that it's a tremendous set of clubs, but some go as far as admitting they've helped lighten up the scoresheet. "I bought these clubs about six weeks ago and they have not only improved my game, but also made it a lot more enjoyable out on the course when hitting good shots more consistently," a shopper said. "I definitely recommend these clubs for anyone struggling with consistency. They really have been a game changer."

Newer golfers have been particularly keen on this set, too. "I am by no means a stellar player and was a bit apprehensive about buying up to this level of club, but they are without a doubt the best clubs I've ever swung," a shopper said. "There's just enough forgiveness for a player of my skill level, but the clubs will put the ball where you want it to go."

Whether you're a scratch golfer or you're just getting into it, it pays to have a great set of irons that'll help you play better while honing your skills, and TaylorMade's Sim2 Max set is one of the best-priced for the job. PGA Tour Superstore is offering free shipping right now on orders over $99, so if you're thinking about getting a set for yourself, make sure to do it soon.

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Activists Arrested After Trying to Cover Taylor Swift's Jet in Paint

Taylor Swift's private jet has become a hot topic in recent months as her travel records seemingly indicated she's quite a frequent flyer. Activists with the U.K. climate advocacy group Just Stop Oil were just arrested after trying to make a statement using the pop star's aircraft.

On June 20, 22-year-old Cole Macdonald and 28-year-old Jennifer Kowalski were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with national infrastructure after getting onto the tarmac at London Stansted Airport and covering multiple private airplanes with orange paint. According to The Independent, they were apparently looking for Taylor Swift's jet, but per the BBC, Stansted Airport denied that her jet was ever there.

"We’re living in two worlds: One where billionaires live in luxury, able to fly in private jets away from the other, where unlivable conditions are being imposed on countless millions. Meanwhile, this system that is allowing extreme wealth to be accrued by a few, to the detriment of everyone else, is destroying the conditions necessary to support human life in a rapidly accelerating never-ending ‘cruel summer,'" Macdonald said in a statement, referencing one of Swift's hit songs. "Billionaires are not untouchable. Climate breakdown will affect every single one of us.”

Just Stop Oil is advocating that the U.K. government commit to end the extraction and burning of oil, gas, and coal by 2030. The group noted that these headline-making demonstrations—such as covering the Mona Lisa with soup—will continue as long as necessary and signaled that more protests are on the horizon.

"Until world leaders act to protect us, Just Stop Oil supporters, working with other groups internationally, will take the proportional action necessary to generate much-needed political pressure," they said in their statement on the matter. "This summer, areas of key importance to the fossil fuel economy will be declared sites of civil resistance around the world."

🚨 JUST STOP OIL PAINT PRIVATE JETS HOURS AFTER TAYLOR SWIFT'S LANDS

🔥 Jennifer and Cole cut the fence into the private airfield at Stansted where @taylorswift13's jet is parked, demanding an emergency treaty to end fossil fuels by 2030.

💸 Donate — https://t.co/UwALfVtRmR pic.twitter.com/aORdvUuQmU
— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) June 20, 2024

Essex police chief superintendent Simon Anslow spoke out in response to the arrests.

"I would like to reassure passengers and the wider public that we are well prepared and resourced to deal with incidents of this nature," he said in a police statement. "Almost immediately after we were made aware of this incident, which took place away from the main passenger terminal, we were on the scene. We maintain a constant presence at the airport and this presence will be heightened over the summer period."

"We have a good working relationship with Stansted Airport to ensure you can go about your travels with minimal impact," he added. "We are not anti-protest but we will always take action where criminal acts take place."

Looks like it's going to be a "Cruel Summer" indeed.

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Watch: Viral Onion Ice Cream Recipe Leaves a Bad Taste in Everyone's Mouth

Summer is at its peak, and nothing beats a big bowl of ice cream to cool us down. Whether it's a chocolatey sundae, a flavorful cassata, or a tangy orange bar, these sugary delights are our go-to for instant refreshment. But our love for ice cream has led to some seriously weird creations. From ketchup-flavoured to butter chicken ice cream, there's no end to the unusual flavours people come up with. The latest to join this list? Onion ice cream—and the internet is definitely not impressed.

Also Read: Watch: Internet Reacts To Japan's Giant Sesame Ball; Calls It "Cosmic Bhatura"

The video of this onion ice cream recipe was shared on Instagram by digital creator @FoodBeast. The clip starts with the creator chopping a large onion into small pieces. Next, he transfers the diced onions to a pan and caramelizes them on low heat. In a blender, he adds heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk and blends them until the result is thick and creamy. This is the ice cream base, which he then adds to a stand mixer and churns at a low speed. The next step involves breaking the dry ice into a fine powder and slowly adding it to the stand mixer. In the description, the digital creator wrote, “Once all of the dry ice sublimates, you can add the next spoonful. Ensure no chunks remain, as the ice cream isn't safe to eat until all of the dry ice dissipates.”

Once the ice cream starts freezing, the digital creator adds onions and increases the mixer's speed. After reaching his desired level of thickness and softness, he pipes the ice cream into a hollowed-out onion and places it over a tray filled with dry ice. In the video, the content creator's friend can be heard saying, “Oh gosh! The softest of serves. This is awesome!”

Watch the full video of the Onion Ice Cream recipe below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by foodbeast (@foodbeast)

Since being uploaded, the video has amassed 1.2 million views. But the internet was not impressed with this bizarre ice cream flavor.

One user disapproved of the ice cream flavor to the extreme and commented, “Jail.”

Another user wrote, “Ice cream (cross emoji) I SCREAM (tick emoji).”

Another user wrote, “I'm obsessed with onions, but this is too far.”

“Is onion ice cream so good it makes you cry?” a third user wrote.

A fourth user commented, “Needs ketchup, pickles, a brioche cone, and a TRASH CAN.”

Also Read: "Spider-Man: No Food At Home" - Internet Reacts To Costumed Figure Making Rotis On Rooftop

If given a chance, would you try making this onion ice cream at home? Let us know in the comments below!

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