BONEYAAD

Although it still makes up less than 10 percent of U.S. beer sales, craft beer has gained in popularity in recent years. Throughout the country, there are over 2,300 small breweries that are making their artisan products out of traditional ingredients such as malt barley. They sell to a loyal cult following and seem to be taking the nation by storm one mug at a time.

TRYING SOMETHING NEW

When you go to a bar and order one of the established brands of beer, you know exactly what you are getting, and it remains consistent over time. By contrast, craft beers are known for their full flavors whether they are India Pale Ales (IPAs), Belgians or seasonal varieties. Unlikely ingredients can then take a prominent position, yielding unconventional but delicious tastes and flavors. Rose, raspberry, coffee bean and pumpkin are just a few of the tastes that an enjoyer of craft beers can experience.

SUPPLY AND DEMAND

The success of craft beers is feeding on itself. As more consumers go out on a limb and sip something new and innovative, they are causing an increased demand for these types of products. Retailers, always with their ear to the ground when it comes to what their customers want, are more than happy to comply. As a result, wholesalers and retailers are augmenting the selection in their refrigerated cases.

THE CHANGING FACE OF RETAIL

As craft beer has gained a foothold in the market, it has established its own selling spaces. Many small breweries now have restaurants or tasting rooms attached where customers can try the selections that are available, decide which they like and make a purchase on the spot. Consequently, beer lovers are now beginning to make artisan beer nights a part of their social calendars.

PORTABILITY

Although there are purists who refuse to taste a beverage that doesn’t come out of either a bottle or a tap, cans definitely have their place. Lighter than bottles, they are much more portable and can be more easily carried. Furthermore, many venues such as golf courses will not allow bottles on the course whereas their less glamorous aluminum cousins are accepted.

READY FOR GIFT-GIVING

Artisan brews are a terrific option for anyone who has a beer lover on their gift list. A quick online search will reveal that there are numerous craft beer of the month clubs… Read the rest

Looking sharp doesn’t just mean throwing on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and rushing out the door (unless that’s the look you’re going for!) – it’s all about accessories. Well chosen accessories can amp-up any outfit, dressing it up or dressing it down depending on the occasion. Accessories also show that you’ve taken the time to make your outfit look good and put thought into the apparel choices you’ve made.

Some men don’t like to wear jewelry and think that’s some of the only available accessories for men, but it’s just not true! There are lots more options to choose from to add some extra bling that are not jewelry related. Here are some tips and tricks on the hottest men’s accessories and how to wear them in order to complement any outfit:

Watches

A good watch never goes out of style, and to most, a watch isn’t considered jewelry as it has a useful function beyond just aesthetically looking good. The style of your watches tells people a lot about you and your lifestyle, which is important to keep in mind when picking one out. Some men like to have a variety of watches for every occasion or outfit while others prefer to just have one good sturdy watch. You can’t go wrong with either option. Even the most high-fashion watches are very versatile.

Suit Accessories

Suits never go out of style. They are the epitome of black tie attire for men, and should be accessorized accordingly. There are many different pieces that go into creating a dapper looking suit. Start by choosing a tie or bow tie. Bow ties have had a strong comeback as of late and are a serious fashion statement. Then consider adding a pocket square or lapel pin. Pocket squares come in all sorts of colors and patterns, and if you want to be really fancy, there’s also a ton of different ways to fold a pocket square depending on the occasion. Top your look off with a pain of cufflinks. An easy way to subtly add some bling to your look without needing to wear traditional jewelry. Cufflinks are a wonderful addition to any suit and are also an expression of your personality as they can be funny conversation starters or more traditional.

Rings

We don’t just mean a wedding ring here! Rings are a more hip fashion accessory … Read the rest