When you pack loads of delicious tropical fruit aromas and flavors into an IPA, you get Lawson's Sip Of Sunshine. But don't get it confused with the hoards of hop-centric beers crowding store shelves, because this is quite simply one of the best IPAs on the planet. Often overshadowed by its Vermont neighbor Heady Topper, Sip of Sunshine stands just as tall, especially when served cold and enjoyed fresh. It's good enough to make you plan a spontaneous trip to Vermont, just to buy beer.
The next time you reach for a beer, but have calorie intake on your mind, you can't do much better than a Saison like Vieille Artisanal from Crooked Stave Brewing. Vielle means "old" and is a barrel-aged Saison that is lightly dry hopped and brewed using Brettanomyces — the yeast strain that helped put Crooked Stave on the craft beer map. It's light, with great floral notes, subtle tartness, and an ABV of only 4.7%.
Inspired by visits to Belgian Abbeys, Abigale from Sixpoint Brewing is yet another creative, canned experience from the Brooklyn based brewery. Sixpoint first experimented with this brew 10 years ago, creating some small batches for trusted tasters only. After loads of experiments, it's ready for a widespread release in the form of 12 oz. slim stained-glass cans. Made using candi sugar from beets, and traditional Belgian yeast, it doesn't hide its influences, but it also doesn't compromise Sixpoint's roots, as the addition of plenty of American hops make this a true Belgian hybrid.
2025 is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac. Nike is celebrating with a special version of the iconic Air Force 1. The cream-colored leather upper has a coiled snake pattern at the rear, a motif continued on the lace charms, and in the stitching at the rear of the green Swooshes. Underneath the facade lies Nike Air cushioning and a rubber sole with a classic traction pattern. They're finished with matching red tongue tags and a removable red lace bow.
Worn by His Airness during the Bulls' record-setting 1995-96 season, the Air Jordan 11 is among the line's most iconic entries. To celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and the Year of the Snake, Nike is giving them a serpentine makeover with the Retro LNY. Replacing the normal patent leather mudguard is an iridescent snakeskin pattern that gives the shoe a fresh look, paired with a translucent outsole and white upper. As always, Nike Air technology keeps feet comfortable, whether lacing them up for a pickup game or a night on the town.
When Arrogant Bastard debuted all the way back in 1997, it put Stone Brewing on the map and changed the way we think about craft beer. The Bastard family continues to grow this year with the release of Bourbon Barrel Arrogant Bastard. This version debuted last year, but in 2015, it's not only going to be on more shelves, it's also being offered for the first time in six-pack 12oz bottles. With vanilla, oak, bourbon, and the familiar arrogance you've come to expect from the grandfather of craft, it's time to welcome the newest member of the Arrogant Bastard family.
The hottest style in craft beer right now is undoubtedly the Gose. And Kirsch Gose from Victory Brewing not only takes advantage of the trend, but lands among some of the best around right away. The new spring seasonal pours a light red shade with plenty of carbonation and is both refreshing and tart thanks to the addition of fresh cherries. Subtly sweet, salty, and session-able at 4.8% ABV, this refreshing brew is a great place to start if you've been interested in the Gose style.
