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Every IHOP Pancake, Crepe, And Waffle (Including The New Holiday Menu), Reviewed And Ranked

IHOP has a lot of pancakes. I know that kind of goes without saying, I mean this is the International House of Pancakes we’re talking about so you’ve got to assume if anyone has an abundance of different pancakes, it’s them, but have you ever stopped to think about just how many ‘a lot‘ is? A month ago, off the top of my head, I could name at best five possible flavors: buttermilk, chocolate chip, blueberry, banana, and strawberry.

Imagine my surprise when I actually learned that IHOP currently has thirteen, including their limited-time holiday options (available until January 2nd). THIRTEEN, and that’s after streamlining the menu during the pandemic. How are there that many? Like, okay, I get it, you’ve got wheat, and there is probably a pumpkin thrown in there for the season, but thirteen? Who designed this menu, the same maniac behind the Cheesecake Factory?

That got us thinking: okay, thirteen, that’s a lot, but how many of those are actually good? So we ordered them all, reviewed them, and ranked them and we had such a good time binging on pancakes in a single marathon sitting that we decided to also throw in IHOP’s crepes and waffle options too. Ask me if I’m sick of pancakes. The answer is no.

With our efforts, we’re hoping to provide you with the definitive guide to hitting the International House of Pancakes (just ask us to hit the omelets next, we dare you). You’re going to thank us when you’re stoned out of your mind and jonesing for a pancake and are suddenly hit with the desire to have whatever the hell a Tres Leches pancake is.

17. Cupcake

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

Cupcake icing on top, rainbow sprinkles in the batter, if you’re able to read the description of this pancake… or any of the menu for that matter, then you’re not the target audience of this pancake. It’s sweet, obviously, and the frosting on top makes the whole thing taste like a cupcake, but overall it comes off as a better dessert than something you’d want to eat at breakfast.

Best Syrup Pairing I don’t know… Butter Pecan? It’s sweet enough, you maniac.

The Bottom Line: This is a pancake for children. If you’re stoned and this seems like a good idea, it’s not, order the chocolate chip.

16. Pumpkin Spice

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

The Pumpkin Spice pancake is part of IHOP’s seasonal winter menu. To begin with, I’m not the biggest pumpkin spice fan. When the leaves start turning brown and suddenly the smell of pumpkin infuses everything, it does nothing for me. So these pancakes are just never going to be a winner in my book. To my taste buds, this isn’t anything remarkable, it tastes like pumpkin spice. You’ve got notes of clove and ginger mixed in with the normal flavor of a pancake.

Topping this pancake is a dollop of creamy whipped cream. It doesn’t do much to win me over and is a far cry from the experience of a pumpkin pie if that’s what IHOP was going for.

Best Syrup Pairing Old Fashioned

The Bottom Line:

Butter doesn’t taste right on this pancake, the flavors clash, but it’s not quite sweet enough to hit that dessert quality of some of the other pancakes on this list. It lives in this weird in-between world. This one needs more thought on IHOP’s end.

15. Waffles

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

It’s made with IHOP’s buttermilk batter so it must be good right? Not really. It’s not bad, it’s a waffle, but it isn’t worth your curiosity. Ultimately it’s a better idea than the end result. The waffle is crispy and well toasted with a soft and fluffy inside. It’s just not as good as most of the pancakes.

Best Syrup Pairing Old Fashioned or Butter Pecan.

The Bottom Line:

It’s IHOP not IHOW and there is a reason for that.

14. Swedish Crepe

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

IHOP’s crepes are a bit thicker than your average crepe, but they still have a great flavor and consistency. The Swedish crepe is topped with sweet and tart lingonberries. It’s good, just a little unimaginative. I wish IHOP would give savory crepes a try.

Best Syrup Pairing No syrup necessary.

The Bottom Line:

It’s good, but not IHOP’s best crepe.

13. Mexican Tres Leches

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

“Tres Leches, yeah right IHOP,” is what I thought when I looked at the menu and discovered this pancake. I’ve had a lot of Tres Leches in my life, I grew up in a Latino family, in a Latino neighborhood, I’ve had so much damn tres leches that I’m sick of it. I find the idea of making a pancake taste anything like this ridiculously moist cake, and yet, somehow IHOP has kind of nailed it.

Don’t get me wrong, this is nowhere near as deliciously decadent as actual tres leches, but IHOP has somehow managed to mimic the wet spongey and soft texture of tres leches, and this pancake is punishingly sweet, just like the cake it tries to mimic. That earns IHOP a solid A for effort.

But we’re grading on flavor not effort, and this is a bit too sickly sweet for me. A bite or two is fine, but even a short stack might be enough to make you feel sick from sugar overload.

Best Syrup Pairing Blueberry

The Bottom Line: Blueberry on a pancake I said was already too sweet? Hey, when in Rome — or in this case, when in the International House of Pancakes.

12. Original Gluten-Friendly

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

IHOP’s Gluten-Friendly pancakes, we should note, shouldn’t be confused with gluten-free pancakes. Technically, IHOP’s gluten-friendly pancakes share a flat grill with their Original pancakes, so they can’t guarantee that your pancakes will be completely free of gluten, as measured by the FDA. That’s a distinction that might be important to people.

Unfortunately, these pancakes aren’t really for me, I’m not trying to avoid gluten but it feels harsh to rank these low because it’s not like they taste bad. Let’s get this straight, they don’t taste nearly as good as IHOP’s Original Buttermilk, they have a more natural and grainy texture to them and don’t have that soft fluffy texture that results from the buttermilk, but they’re not gross. I just like a lot of other pancakes more, so take my opinion here with a grain of salt.

Best Syrup Pairing Old Fashioned

The Bottom Line:

It’s not technically gluten-free.

11. Strawberries Creme Crepe

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

It’s IHOP’s Swedish Crepe but with glazed strawberries and vanilla cream drizzle instead of tart lingonberries. Overall I think that makes for a better experience. This is a nice little dessert to order for the table if the idea of strawberry pancakes sounds too heavy.

Best Syrup Pairing More Whipped Cream.

The Bottom Line:

IHOP’s best crepe option.

10. Crispy Potato Pancakes

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

This shouldn’t count, but hey, it has pancake in the name so technically this is an IHOP pancake. It fills weird to rank this above our bottom choice but… it’s kind of hard for me to not like this. It’s fried potato, and it tastes like the flat grill, you know, the same one IHOP cooks bacon and grills onions on. That’s what this tastes like.

How does this differ from a hash brown? It’s all crisp, with hardly any fluffy potato left.

Best Syrup Pairing Salt, ketchup and pepper.

The Bottom Line:

It’s technically a pancake, I guess. It’s definitely not a hash brown. Better than our bottom pick.

9. Strawberry Banana French Toast

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

It covers up some of the shortcomings of IHOP’s French toast thanks to the generous inclusion of strawberry, banana, and strawberry glaze. It’s sweet and incredibly filling. I know I attempted this entire tasting in a single day but I’m still pretty comfortable saying this is way more than most people can eat in a single sitting. It’s definitely a dish worth sharing though!

Best Syrup Pairing Old-Fashioned.

The Bottom Line:

Order it for the table, it’s the best way to experience IHOP’s French toast.

8. New York Cheesecake

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

The IHOP pancake menu attempts to mimic two other delicious sweet treats: Mexican Tres Leches, and New York Cheesecake, in one of those attempts they fail and that failure is the New York Cheesecake. It’s just nothing really like cheesecake, it has a slight tang to it thanks to the cheesecake bites they throw on the top, but with the topping of glazed strawberries, it just feels overall a bit redundant.

It feels like a flavor combination that IHOP is doubling down on. Enough with the strawberries already, bring back Rudy Tootie Fresh and Fruity in place of this, please!

Best Syrup Pairing Strawberry. Double up baby!

The Bottom Line:

If you want cheesecake, you’re not in the right place my friend.

7. Winter Wonderland

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

Another pancake that is part of IHOP’s limited-run winter menu, this pancake is easily IHOP’s most frightening. I know what you’re thinking, you see this pancake and you’ve lost all respect for me. How is this not ranked at the bottom of the list? Because… it kind of slaps. Hear me out, it has that same delicious and fluffy buttermilk base that you’re expecting out of a good pancake, but is gently dusted with powdered sugar, marshmallows that are totally optional (let’s face it, you’re going to eat them), and a delicious vanilla icing on top that pulls sweet sugary flavors together.

It’s like eating a giant fluffy cookie. It’s delicious. Are you going to tell me you don’t like cookies?

Best Syrup Pairing No syrup necessary, but might as well go Butter Pecan if you’re feeling wild.

The Bottom Line:

Yes, it looks insane, but it actually pulls off whatever the hell it’s trying to pull off. This is a great dessert pancake.

6. Strawberry Banana

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

IHOP’s Strawberry Banana pancakes are the menu’s best decadent pancake choice. This is the sort of pancake you order when you really want to go HAM on that sweet tooth. The pancakes here are filled with fresh banana slices and topped with more bananas (chill IHOP) drowning in a healthy dose of strawberry glaze. And by “healthy dose” I mean more than you should probably have in a single sitting. But f*ck it right? We’re at IHOP!

Best Syrup Pairing Old Fashioned

The Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for IHOP’s most extra but best-tasting sweet pancake, Strawberry Banana is it!

5. Cranberry Vanilla

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

I never thought I’d describe anything on the IHOP menu as “fancy,” but this Cranberry Vanilla pancake is f*cking faaancy. Vanilla bean mousse topped with cranberry topping, powdered sugar, and whipped cream? Is this what the royal family eats? For IHOP, this pancake has an impressive level of craft, I’d love to see it blind taste-tested alongside some high-end pancake houses (are those a thing?)

This is IHOP’s best holiday menu item, it’s sweet and complex with a sharp tang that snaps the palate to attention.

Best Syrup Pairing It’s a toss-up between the Old-Fashioned and the Blueberry.

The Bottom Line:

A short stack of this for the table is a must-order, considering it’s a limited-time pancake.

4. Harvest Grain ’N Nut

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

I walked out of IHOP thinking these were the best pancakes I’ve ever eaten, so I knew that was the incredible amount of sugar I consumed and had to check myself. After a few days of ruminating on it, I need to put these in their proper place, and that’s the number three spot. I love these, the texture of the pancake is enhanced by bits of oats, almonds and walnuts, embedded into deliciously chewy and fluffy bread. I guess this is supposed to be IHOP’s healthy option, but you wouldn’t know it.

A splash of Butter Pecan syrup and extra butter will intensify the earthy flavors of this delicious pancake.

Best Syrup Pairing: Butter Pecan

The Bottom Line:

If you’re interested in pancakes outside of IHOP’s Originals, this is a great choice. It’s so good you’ll return to see how the other flavors stack up.

3. Chocolate Chocolate Chip

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

It’s hard not to fall in love with a chocolate chip pancake so IHOP could’ve easily tossed a handful of chocolate chips into their Original Buttermilk and called it a day, but they went a little deeper, and we appreciate them for that. Not only is this pancake filled with, honestly, way more chocolate chips than was necessary, they also drizzle chocolate sauce into the batter while the pancake is cooking.

Not pouring the chocolate drizzle on top of an already cooked pancake makes all the difference because the chocolate drizzle carmelizes in the pancake, giving this pancake a really delicious explosion of chocolatey sweetness with every bite.

Best Syrup Pairing Honestly no syrup necessary, but if you must I’d go with Old Fashioned.

The Bottom Line:

A thoughtful chocolate chip pancake that delivers on the most important part — the chocolate.

2. Blueberry

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

Like the blueberry muffin, the blueberry pancake is essential. If you’re a restaurant that insists on having a variation on a buttermilk pancake, blueberry is the obvious play. There is something so complementary about these flavors, the earthy salty sugary taste of a good pancake is instantly elevated with the sweet and tart bite of blueberry. Add the sugary overload of blueberry compote to the top and you’ve got the perfect dessert pancake.

It’s not what you want all the time, but if you’re looking for a blueberry pancake that hits that particular craving, IHOP delivers beautifully.

Best Syrup Pairing Old Fashioned. That maple flavor also combines beautifully with the tartness of blueberries.

The Bottom Line:

The perfect dessert pancake.

1. Original Buttermilk

IHOP RANKING
Dane Rivera

Simply the best. Really, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to see Original Buttermilk at the number one spot. You can throw whatever fruit you want into a pancake, go nuts and throw some nuts in there, by all means, add chocolate, no matter how you f*ck with a pancake, it’ll always pale in comparison to a well-made buttermilk and in the world national restaurant chains, few make a better one than IHOP.

It’s gummy, fluffy, the perfect sponge for soaking up both butter and syrup. A forkful from a short stack is the kind of flavor experience that makes you close your eyes, say your favorite curse word and savor life’s beauty. It’s the sort of thing that makes waking up early in the morning worth it. Yes, I realize I’m talking about a pancake.

Best Syrup Pairing: Old Fashioned

The Bottom Line:

All those other flavors are fun novelties, but nothing beats an original buttermilk pancake.

Find your nearest IHOP here.

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The NBA Rescinded Kevin Porter Jr.’s Triple-Double Despite His Teammates’ Best Efforts

After a dreadful, 1-16 start to the 2021-22 NBA season, the Houston Rockets have won three games in a row. The third victory came against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, and Kevin Porter Jr. drew headlines for his first career triple-double. The 21-year-old guard exited Toyota Center in Houston with a stat line of 11 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, but Porter Jr.’s triple-double attracted the attention of the league office.

In short, Porter Jr.’s 10th and final rebound occurred with approximately one minute to play in the game, and he had some help.

As you can see, Alperen Sengun attempted to deflect the ball toward Porter Jr. and both Josh Christopher and Jae’Sean Tate seemingly conspired to make sure Porter Jr. snagged the rebound for milestone purposes. By Tuesday evening, though, ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported that the NBA took the 10th rebound away, instead crediting it to Sengun as a “controlled tip.”

Ultimately, this may be the right call by the league, and it was openly discussed on Monday that the league might weigh in with this kind of ruling. That is unfortunate on some level for Porter Jr., who has 32 assists in the last three games, but he is talented enough as a player to potentially generate a triple-double without shenanigans in the future. In the meantime, the Rockets will have to take solace in the three consecutive wins, and Porter Jr. may be remembered alongside Ricky Davis in triple-double fame.

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Devin Booker Left The Suns’ Showdown With The Warriors With A Hamstring Injury And Won’t Return

Perhaps the most highly-anticipated regular season game to this point of the NBA’s regular season took place on Tuesday evening in Phoenix, but it didn’t take long for a damper to be thrown on the occasion. During the second quarter in the Phoenix Suns‘ showdown with the Golden State Warriors, the team announced that standout guard Devin Booker would have to leave due to a hamstring injury.

Booker left the game at the 5:59 mark of the second quarter and was ruled out shortly after. At the time he exited the game, Booker had 10 points on 4-for-9 shooting with two rebounds in 15 minutes of work, and the Suns trailed by five. They would go on to take a two-point lead into halftime.

The game pits the two best teams in the league against one another. While the Warriors possess the best record in the NBA, sitting 18-2 and winners of their last seven games, the Suns have been scorching since starting the season 1-3. Phoenix are winners of their last 16 games in a row, with Booker unsurprisingly performing at a high level. One of the lynchpins of the team’s run to the NBA Finals, Booker is averaging 23.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 33.1 minutes per game.

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Ye And Kim Kardashian Reunite At The Late Virgil Abloh’s Last Louis Vuitton Fashion Show

Earlier this year, Kim Kardashian filed for divorce from Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) after seven years of marriage. The split was a fairly peaceful one from both sides, but in recent weeks, Ye has made a push at reconciliation. In the midst of this, Kim has been seen on serval occasions with comedian Pete Davidson, which has sparked several dating rumors. In the meantime, Ye and Kim were reunited in public for the first time since Ye’s attempts to mend their relationship.

The pair were photographed together at the final Louis Vuitton show for Virgil Abloh, the famed designer and DJ who tragically passed away on Sunday following a two-year battle with cancer, which he chose to keep private. Ye and Kim also attended the show with their eldest daughter North West.

This comes after he dedicated his most recent Sunday Service to Abloh. A message that appeared at the end of the service read, “In loving memory of Virgil Abloh, the creative director of Donda.” Ye and Abloh worked together on several occasions, with the latter helping craft the cover art for Ye’s albums My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Yeezus, as well as Watch The Throne, his 2011 joint album with Jay-Z.

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Transgender ‘Jeopardy!’ Champion Amy Schneider Opened Up About Her ‘Surprising’ 10-Show Winning Streak And How She’d Love To Beat ‘Very Confident’ James Holzhauer

Remember when Jeopardy! was overrun by a ridiculous scandal involving someone named “Mike Richards”? Luckily it didn’t destroy the nations’ brainiest prime time game show. Instead it quickly bounced back with some record-busting winners. First there was Matt Amodio, whose streak coincided with the Richards affair. Then there was Jonathan Fisher. Now there’s Amy Schneider.

As of the last day of November, the Oakland native had plowed through 10 shows without a defeat. With over $300,000 in winnings so far, she already qualifies for the show’s annual “Tournament of Champions.” On top of that, she’s the first transgender contestant to do so. As Schenider’s streak continues, she spoke with Clue Crew’s Jimmy McGuire about her game-changing run.

“I’m not going to pretend that I didn’t think I could do good, but this has just been so much better than I thought I could do,” Schenider said, adding, “it’s really hard to say what it means yet.”

After only 10 days, Schneider is already within striking distance of some of the show’s all-time greats. When asked who she’d most like to beat, she went big. “I mean, I’d like to beat James Holzhauer, I think,” he said, laughing. “He seems very confident, I guess I’ll say. I would sort of feel good, in a way.”

Schneider also spoke about someone who inspired her after she moved out to San Francisco and got involved in the comedy scene. She was moved by local comedian, Natasha Muse, who’s also trans. “Growing up in the Midwest in a conservative family, I got kind of a distorted idea of what it meant to be trans,” Schenider said. “So seeing her, being smart and funny and cool and just a normal person with a normal life and kids and all that, just showed me that it was something that I could possibly be.”

You can watch Schneider speak in the video above.

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Bartenders Name The One Tequila They Could Drink Forever

There’s no “bad” season for tequila, even in December as the holidays approach. We have no trouble enjoying a well-made, warming blanco (un-aged) tequila during the colder months — it’s such a versatile mixer. But winter is an even more ideal season for a bottle of reposado (aged up to a year), an añejo (aged up to three years), or even the deep, oaky extra añejo (aged three years or more).

To find the best bottles of tequila on the market — regardless of the time of year you’re doing the sipping — we once again turned to the pros who spend their time mixing and pouring drinks behind the bar. We asked a handful of well-known bartenders to tell us the one tequila they’d drink forever if they had to pick one and stick with it for the rest of their days.

Keep scrolling to check out all of their selections.

Fortaleza Reposado

Fortaleza Reposado
Fortaleza

John Dal Canton, assistant general manager and beverage director at La Stella Cucina Verace in Dallas

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $60

Why This Tequila?

Fortaleza distills and ages their tequilas according to tradition. Each year different terroirs are expressed and distilled, making each batch distinct from the last. If I could only drink one tequila for the rest of my life, choosing this one would mean I could still enjoy a different tequila every year.

Calle 23 Reposado

Calle 23 Reposado
Calle 23

Lauren Parton, general manager of Viceroy in Chicago

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $30

Why This Tequila?

Calle 23 Reposado is made and owned by a woman who came to distilling tequila via cognac. The reposado has roasted vegetable qualities alongside a sweetness reminiscent of figs, most likely from the aging in ex-bourbon barrels.

It’s an interesting tequila that’s easy to drink and would be an easy one to drink for the rest of my life.

Cimarron Blanco

Cimarron Blanco
Cimarron

Nicholas Karel, director of bars, lounges, and beverages at Windsor Court in New Orleans

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $20

Why This Tequila?

Cimarron Blanco is the most delicious 100 percent agave tequila for its price point I’ve found. Clean and flavorful, it has notes of green agave, pepper, and a slight fruitiness. It goes down well in a shot or a sip and is perfect for cocktails.

Avion Reserva 44

Avion Reserva 44
Avion

Christopher Rodriguez, lead bartender at Lucy Restaurant & Bar in Yountville, California

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $130

Why This Tequila?

I have to choose Avión Reserva 44 because it was the first tequila I enjoyed sipping. Because of this, it would be the one tequila I would choose to drink for the rest of my life. To me, the oaky añejo has whiskey-like notes but the agave shines through and finishes with vanilla notes.

ArteNOM Seleccion de 1146 Añejo

ArteNOM Seleccion de 1146 Añejo
ArteNom

Slava Borisov, mixologist at Adorn Bar & Restaurant in the Four Seasons in Chicago

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $100

Why This Tequila?

Only one?! When it comes to tequila it is hard to go wrong and with so many high-quality producers, it can be very hard to narrow it down. If I had to choose one tequila right now, I would pick ArteNOM Seleccion de 1146 Anejo. The aging regimen is what sets this tequila apart from the rest. The total aging is almost three years split between used Cabernet Franc, French oak barrels, and Canadian and Tennessee whiskey barrels.

All of this leads to an extremely complex tequila that you can enjoy sipping for the rest of your life.

Clase Azul Reposado

Clase Azul Reposado
Clase Azul

Stephen Lasaten, food and beverage manager at The Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $160

Why This Tequila?

I have to go with Clase Azul Reposado. The luxurious-looking vessel is truly backed by its richness on the palate with vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch notes coming through. I can enjoy this by sipping it neat or on the rocks. It can also be mixed with club soda and served on the rocks with a squeeze of lime and the flavors will still come through.

Also, the silver bell top on the bottle can be rung every time you pour yourself a glass, making every occasion with it absolutely special.

Cincoro Reposado

Cincoro Reposado
Cincoro

Anthony Aviles, director of operations at The Ritz-Carlton Members Beach Club in Sarasota, Florida

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $90

Why This Tequila?

My “desert island” tequila would have to be Cincoro Reposado. It’s a bit pricier at around $90 per bottle, but it has all of the weight and complexities of more expensive tequilas. The bottle is a beautiful and tall statement piece on the back bar with the spirit itself showing off a rich, golden, reposado color that stands out. It is velvety on the palate with a slight smokiness that is complemented by its sweet, tropical fruit and quietly vegetal core.

I wouldn’t even bother mixing it with anything — just strand me on an island with an endless supply and life will work itself out nicely on its own.

Cascahuin Extra Añejo

Cascahuin Extra Añejo
Cascahuin

Steven Minor, corporate beverage director at 1 Hotels in Los Angeles

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $115

Why This Tequila?

Cascahuin Extra Anejo is a masterpiece by Salvador Rosales. Cascahuin doesn’t cut any corners from Tahona extraction to brick oven cooking (vs autoclave and diffusers, you know who you are), fourth-generation family distillers, etc. I had the pleasure of being introduced to this while taking a course in Tequila Sensory Evaluation in Guadalajara. I was part of a group of high-level distillers, scientists, and tequila industry folk from Guadalajara that really knew their stuff. I decided to ask them all what their favorite tequila was to drink. The universal response: Tequila Cascahuin.

Naturally, the first thing I did that night was to try some and I wasn’t disappointed. I do tend to have a sweet tooth and err towards juice that has been adulterated (once again, you know who you are). But this is a balanced harmony of cooked agave, orange peel, dried fruits, caramel, vanilla, cherry, and butter. I like to sip my aged tequila over a large-format ice cube. Give it a shot (no pun intended).

Casamigos Blanco

Casamigos Blanco
Casamigos

Emily Lawson, bartender and founder of Pink House Alchemy in Fayetteville, Arkansas

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $50

Why This Tequila?

Casamigos Blanco is the perfect addition to any tequila-based cocktail or drink, and that’s what makes it my pick. It’s smooth and light with the perfect smoky finish, in addition to the pronounced taste of agave, banana, and vanilla. As a shot, it’s smooth with minimal brashness or burn. In a margarita, it provides the perfect amount of sweetness. It’s our favorite addition to our signature pineapple rosemary shrub margarita.

El Tequileno Reposado Rare

El Tequileno Reposado Rare
El Tequileno

Pascal Pinalt, director of restaurants and bars at The Confidante in Miami

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $229

Why This Tequila?

My pick would be El Tequileno Reposado Rare, which is the world’s first reposado rare. Aged for six years in an American oak barrel, it is made with 100 percent Blue Agave from Jalisco. The smell reminds me of a pie baked in the oven. I get vanilla, sweet agave, and some spice. There’s a very nice balance of agave, sweet citrus, a little oak, and a slowly increasing and fading heat through the finish. This is a nice sipper.

Casa Noble Reposado

Casa Noble Reposado
Casa Noble

Elvyra Cucovic, beverage manager at Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel’s The Social Club in Miami

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $45

Why This Tequila?

Casa Noble Reposado is the one tequila I could drink for the rest of my life. It’s a wonderful slow sipper. It’s mellow at first but has a great finish. You get notes of citrus, vanilla, and spices that linger for quite a while.

Don Julio 1942

Don Julio 1942
Don Juliio

Christopher Devern, lead bartender of Red Owl Tavern in Philadelphia

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $180

Why This Tequila?

Don Julio 1942 is more than just the bottle. When I first joined the bar scene, there weren’t many premium spirits I had gotten around to trying. I was a novice, and when invited to a Don Julio tasting it changed my perception of tequila. We tasted the blanco, reposado, anejo, 70 anejo, and 1942. From that point to now, there have been so many premium tequilas hitting the market. Brands like Cincoro, Clase Azul, Teremana, and of course Casamigos. I find many qualities I like in all of these tequilas, and they all have a place and time. But, 1942 is a celebration bottle that I pour during special times with close friends and family.

If I’m going to drink one tequila for the rest of my life, it better taste celebration-worthy, and this tequila absolutely does.

Avion Silver

Avion Silver
Avion

Dan Tholen, lead bartender at Mas Amor Cantina in Hickory, North Carolina

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $40

Why This Tequila?

Hands down, I would pick Avion Silver Tequila. It’s sharp and smooth at the same time, and its peppery notes compliment the flavors of blue agave that I love. It’s versatile and perfect to use in margaritas of any flavor.

Tequila Ocho Plata

Tequila Ocho Plata
Tequila Ocho

Nick Baitzel, beverage director of restaurant group Sojourn Philly in Philadelphia

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $50

Why This Tequila?

For me, it’s Tequila Ocho. I love the fact that they produce their tequila in vintages. As someone whose background is mostly in the wine industry, this speaks to me. I enjoy both the plata and reposado but having to choose one I would pick the reposado. The smoky, slightly oaky notes really pair well with the herbal flavors in the tequila, making it a perfect sipping tequila.

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Nearly Half Of The Victims’ Families At Astroworld Have Rejected Travis Scott’s Offer To Pay For Funeral Expenses

In the days after this month’s Astroworld Festival tragedy, Travis Scott put out a statement in which he offered to pay for the funeral expenses for the ten people who died during the event. This came before lawsuits began to mount against Scott and Astroworld organizers, with one of the latest ones amounting to $750 million from over 125 Astroworld attendees. On Monday, it was reported that the family of nine-year-old Ezra Blount, the youngest victim in the tragedy, declined Scott’s offer to pay for funeral expenses. Turns out Blount’s family was not the only one to do so.

According to Rolling Stone, three additional families also denied Scott’s offer through their lawyers. Philip Corboy, who represents the families of 21-year-old friends Jacob Jurinek and Franco Patino; Tony Buzbee, the lawyer for the family of 21-year-old Axel Acosta; and Richard Mithoff, who represents the family of 14-year-old John Hilgert, each expressed distaste for Scott’s offer in separate statements.

Corboy said he held discussions with the Jurinek and Patino families about Scott’s offer and they “realized quickly that all he was trying to do was trying to lessen the public outcry on his case.” He added, “It took them each about three seconds to say ‘No, no no.’” Corboy continued, “If he’s trying to impress upon the families that he’s sincere and has concern for them and realize that funerals can be expensive, what Scott’s team did is not the way to do it.” He concluded, “You don’t get a piece of paper in the mail from a lawyer in Beverly Hills who says he represents Travis Scott. These families are raw right now; that lacks any personal touch.”

Mithoff also spoke on behalf of the Hilgerts. “It was not an offer they were going to seriously consider,” he said. “Of all the things this case is about, that’s the least of any concern. This family is set on making change and ensuring this never happens at a concert again. I find offering to pay for funerals frankly demeaning and really inappropriate to the magnitude of the tragedy that unfolded.”

Buzbee says he received a call from a local attorney but went against returning the call. “It’s bullsh*t,” he said. “If you gave a sh*t about these families, you wouldn’t have to put out a press release for everyone to see saying he’s willing to pay for a funeral.” He continued, “Let the families grieve and shut up, that’s it. When something like this happens, there’s not a whole lot someone like Travis Scott could do to assuage their pain. He says he feels sorry for them but he’s quick to say it wasn’t his fault. He’s no different than any defendant pointing fingers to someone else. They don’t want funeral expenses from him. Whatever we get from him we’re going to get through the court system.”

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Aaron Rodgers Implied Green Bay’s Coaches Could Be Leaking His Medical Information

Aaron Rodgers hasn’t been shy about communicating during visits with The Pat McAfee Show during the 2021 NFL season. Between those appearances, his COVID misleading, and his well-publicized beef with the front office of the Green Bay Packers during the offseason, it’s been a wild ride in 2021, though the Packers are enjoying success on the field. On Tuesday, Rodgers was at it again. He seemed to suggest, at approximately the 2:10 mark of the video below, that members of Green Bay’s coaching staff could be leaking his medical information.

McAfee teed Rodgers up by asking about a report that Rodgers may need surgery on his toe and then another report that he might not need to go under the knife. From there, Rodgers leaned in to the bit, also addressing former Packers linebacker AJ Hawk, who was present.

“With these reports, I don’t know where they’re coming from,” Rodgers said. “I don’t know who’s talking. It seems like there are certain coaches that may have friends in the media that they don’t realize are actually just trying to report things.”

Shortly after, Rodgers said “there were guys for a while who had their people who they would leak stuff to.” That insinuation seemed to reflect that that active leaking was taking place, though there wasn’t much more detail within this particular exchange.

All of the back and forth about Rodgers’ toe is secondary to the suggestion, on a broadcast such as this, that things would be leaked about him from the inside. Some of this could be played up for whatever reason but, at the very least, it doesn’t seem like Rodgers is thrilled with the higher-ups in Green Bay, and that would be nothing new.

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‘Bing Bong’ Got Two Write-In Votes In New York City’s Mayoral Election

Brooklyn borough president Eric Adams became New York City’s mayor-elect earlier this month when he defeated Curtis Silwa by more than 450,000 votes. Adams will become the second Democrat in a row to hold the office following Bill de Blasio’s tenure in the role. And now, to the basketball stuff: BING BONG.

As anyone who has a Twitter account and knows what the New York Knicks are can tell you, bing bong has become a rallying cry for the team this season following a video by New York street show Sidetalk. Basically, a guy named Jordie Bloom said it in the above video, taken after the Knicks’ season-opening win over the Boston Celtics in double overtime, in reference to the noise that is made when doors on the subway close.

Saying bing bong is now the most popular thing in the world (well, at least among Knicks fans), so much so that two people decided their votes were best used in the election to write in the phrase.

Adams was gonna win the whole time, so these folks decided to have some fun with it, instead, and went in a very silly direction. In scores of other games, bing bong got more write-in votes than Derek Jeter (who got one), Barack Obama (also one), Carmelo Anthony (one), and Kyrie Irving (one). It did not, however, beat Julius Randle (he got six) or Tom Thibodeau (two, unless you wanna count the single write-in that “Tom Thibodau” got). Bing bong.

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Juicy J Says Three 6 Mafia Using ‘The Wildest Drugs’ Caused Their Break-Up

Later this week, Three 6 Mafia will go up against Bone Thugs-N-Harmony for another battle of Verzuz. Before that happens, Juicy J, who is one of two remaining members in the group, along with DJ Paul, spoke with Nas and radio personality Minya “Miss Info” about the rise and fall of the group. On the Spotify podcast The Bridge: 50 Years of Hip Hop, Juicy J admitted that “drugs really broke Three 6 Mafia up.” When asked about was specific drugs caused the group’s end, Juicy J replied, “the wildest drugs.”

“From heroin to meth to cocaine, all kinds of pills,” he continued. “A lot of drugs were consumed during the times we were together. When everybody was sober and sh*t, everybody’s on the same page But when cocaine’s involved, things change. But I’m not pointing a figure at nobody.” Juicy J added that he “can’t think of nothing else” that would’ve caused the group to break up and said it was why “people wasn’t showing up in the studio… business was crazy, everything’s folding… it was the drugs.”

Juicy J recalled a story involving Lord Infamous, DJ Paul’s late brother, who was a part of the group until 2005. “I had to bust up in Lord Infamous room before and I was almost in tears,” he said. “I thought the n**** was dead at first. So I had to go get the keys, because he wouldn’t answer the phone. I was banging on his door. So I had to bust up in his room and had to pretty much beat him [with a pillow] to wake him up.”

You can listen to the full episode of Spotify’s The Bridge: 50 Years of Hip Hop podcast here.