Orange Blossom has the classic Strongbow dry cider yeast base that creates a not too sweet yet refreshing palette that is opened up by the orange aromas on both the nose and in taste. It finishes extremely smooth with just the right amount of citrus on the end creating a delectably subtle experience.

Cherry Blossom pours a deep and bright red that is reminiscent of rosé wine and it leaves a red tinge on the otherwise bright white foam head that forms. Cherry notes dominate the nose yet in true Strongbow fashion the taste is in no way overly sweet; it is the perfect balance of sweet notes, cherry tart, and dryness added by the yeast. Cherry Blossom is the closest in style and taste of the three new flavors to the original Gold Apple as apple notes provide the base that the cheeky cherry notes rest atop. Cherry Blossom is definitely my favorite flavor other than the classic Gold Apple.

Strongbow Honey is actually my least favorite of the three new flavors since the natural honey notes dominate the palette a bit and make it a bit too sweet for my taste, but this could be a huge plus for many cider fans. Floral notes accent the honey and apple base well making a surprisingly complex experience.

My favorite of the mini four pack is the original Gold Apple; while the other varieties are great this is the true OG of the cider world and there is no apple cider that beats it. Gold Apple pours a brilliant transparent golden color that refracts light splendidly as rich yet dry apple notes dominate the nose. The palette is defined by the taste of many different apple varieties that are dry in nature but with a bit of sour acidity on the front end; this creates the perfect flavor profile that is exciting yet easy to drink.

I honestly cannot recommend the Strongbow Limited Edition Mini Pack enough; the 5.1 oz cans are the perfect size to sample all the flavors and at only $1 per pack they make a great deal. Pick up a mini can pack to find your next favorite cider, just be warned you will probably want to return immediately to get a full six pack of the flavor you enjoy the most.

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When picking out shorts, step one is avoiding denim. Unless you 1) are named Jeb or Clyde, 2) own a 1979 Trans Am, or 3) shotgun Bud Lights on the daily, then denim jeans are permanently off the table for you. #Sorrynotsorry. For the last several years, the fit of choice has been a relaxed one with a length falling just above your kneecap when standing. Any longer and you risk being unwillingly initiated into the ICP Fubu brigade; any shorter and you are now sporting swimming trunks.

Adsum recently sent us a pair of their Camp Hero shorts I’ve nicknamed “The Weekenders.” With comfy levels off the charts, an expandable waistband for relaxed movement, and classic styling these trunks have been getting heavy rotation on my derrière on the weekends. Made of a nylon blend, they are much more casual than a short I would wear out on a bar night, and they lean heavily into the athleisure category much to their comfortable advantage. Easy to wear, easy to clean, easy to pair with a T-shirt and sandals – what else could you want from a summer short?

A well executed short will help you enjoy summer more, help you cool off, and expand your wardrobe in one swoop. Adsum has a great fit and style, but whatever you pick keep it basic and classic looking. Then the beaches and BBQs with cool legs and cooler style.

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You need more Texas blues in your life. That’s just a fact. Lightnin’ Hopkins was the undisputed master of this very unique sound, and his utterly smooth guitar picking coupled with his gravel-road delivery created “The Texas Sound” that so profoundly grabs your soul. His catelogue is deep and steller, but to pick just one song leads to the inexorable Jailhouse Blues.

Keeping it old school, the Beta Band cranked out some vicously good tunes, but also a lot of total weirdness. For that reason, it’s not fair to say they are “underrated” or “overlooked”. No, they made some great music and a lot of not-so-great music. But if you are willing to take the time to sort through the not-extensive catalogue to find those gems, it is very worth the journey. Or you can just wait for someone like to us to tell you which tracks to grab.

Stepping out of the Way-Back machine and back into the present, we have this delightful little spring roadtrip song from Alvvays. Filled with sunshine and soaring melodies, “Archie Marry Me” is your prescription for window’s down motoring this warming season. It’s lightweight, non-filling, and slightly frivolous – like a perfect fling. You’ll forget this song in 2 weeks, but for now it just hits the spot.

The Helio Sequence’s new “Stoic Resemblance” is what would happen in Beck ever had a good day. Not that he would. This droning and methodic pop tune harkens back to 50’s surf tunes of old without becoming overtaken with nostalgia. Instead, they layer their wandering guitars underneath abrasive cymbals and a steady beat to make one hell of a song.

Finally ending back on a classic note, I positively DARE you to put this New Order song on and not feel like the king of the world when the lead guitar comes in over the drums during this stellar intro. Go ahead, try. You just failed. Because its a great song that gets you ready to go kick ass and chew bubblegum. You’re welcome.

The post Now Hear This appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

Say goodbye to light colored shirts. Yes, I know it’s the summer and you want to wear those pastels but the truth is sweat will show up easily on gray, light blue, red etc. Gray is one of my favorite colors to wear, but in the summer it looks like I smashed two water balloons underneath my arms. I now opt for an indigo t-shirt, which hides the sweat marks perfectly. Other colors that have worked are maroon, army green, and color block shirts where the top block is a darker shade.

Get a high strength antiperspirant. Certain-Dri has been a mainstay in my repertoire of toiletries for the past few years. Before using this product, consult your physician and see if it is right for you. I apply it before bed and I’m good to go the following day. Without getting too graphic, I have noticed I get clogged sweat ducts from time to time which are pretty uncomfortable and resemble a zit you can’t pop. Beauty has its price, as does not looking like swamp monster.

Fun fact: Sweating doesn’t cause the pit stains; it is the aluminum in the antiperspirant. The aluminum is what stops the sweating and is generally harmless because it is in a controlled area, but clothes hate it. I recommend putting on any antiperspirant at night to minimize the pit stain effect. In the morning, apply your deodorant as normal and you’ll be fresh the entire day.

The final step if none of these tips have worked: Botox. That’s right, LA’s favorite age-defying Botox. If you have arrived at this step, consult a professional as I am not an expert on Botox. It is better to hear it from specialist in the field than a guy who gives out fashion advice on the internet.

If you viewed our post on linen, we remind you that a linen shirt is a light layer that will hide the sweat. While these methods can’t stop hyperhidrosis or excessive sweat, they can conceal sweat just enough to provide you that confidence you need. Now you’re ready to head back out into the world with tell-tale rings around your arms and collar. Go forth dry man!

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