Seasonal Suds
The changing season brings more than cooling weather and turning leaves; it signals a shift in beer tastes, as the light, chuggable brews of summer are replaced by more-complex concoctions made for a brisker season. To determine the best, we tried more than 20—and the winner, surprisingly, was a can beer. Dale’s Pale Ale, from Colorado, beat out the rest of the bunch with its fruity, intense (but not metallic, thanks to a polymer coating inside the can) taste. Its beautiful amber hue begs to be displayed to the world, ideally via a frosty mug or pint glass. For the rest of the beers and where to buy them, click here.
Play It Safe
The NBA will be using a different game ball this season: a Spalding with a moisture-wicking microfiber that lets sweaty palms grip the ball more securely. It’s available to civilians starting October 31 ($99.99 at the NBA Store NYC, 666 Fifth Ave., at 52nd St.; 212-515-6221).
Let the Rain Fall Down
Whimsical patterns belong on 9-year-olds. Tretorn’s Ballena boots are styled after a decades-old hunting boot, and can lace up over calves and still accommodate a skinny jean ($140, in four colors, at Clearly First, 980 Madison Ave., nr. 76th St.; 212-988-8242).
So Much Softer Than Plastic
This tufted leather Duke chair from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams is clubby old-world comfort, down to the buttons sewn on by hand ($2,195 as shown, ABC Carpet & Home, 888 Broadway, at 19th St.; 212-473-3000).
High-Impact, Low-Maintenance
All the pieces in Frances Palmer’s new Pearl collection are ovenproof and dishwasher- and microwave-safe, making for speedy holiday-meal clean-up (water pitcher also available in white; $250 at Barneys, 660 Madison, nr. 61st St.; 212-826-8900).
A Cowhide That’s Not a Cliché
The Op Art feeling of this hand-stitched patchwork rug makes it a lot more interesting than the usual flattened-cow shape ($45 per square foot at the Rug Company, 88 Wooster St., at Spring St.; 212-274-0444).
In Case of Unexpected Darkness
Every home should have at least a few flashlights; this new design throws light both ahead of you as well as downward ($42, batteries and bulbs included, at MoMA Design Store, 81 Spring St., nr. Crosby St.; 646-613-1367).
SEE ALSO
Ales in Comparison