ROB MCCARTHY

I still remember my first soju experience at a Korean BBQ joint in Los Angeles. The server placed a small, sturdy glass in front of me that looked nothing like the shot glasses I was used to back home. That thick-walled vessel, perfectly sized for the chilled green bottle, sparked my fascination with Korean drinking … Read more

I first discovered the ritual of after-dinner cordials at my grandmother’s house. She would bring out these delicate stemmed glasses after Sunday dinner, pouring small amounts of amber liquid that seemed to glow in the candlelight. That memory stuck with me. The right cordial glasses transform an ordinary evening into something memorable. In , finding … Read more

There is something undeniably refined about ending a meal with a small glass of something special. Whether it is Italian amaro, French cognac, or homemade limoncello, the ritual of the digestif deserves the proper vessel. The best liqueur glasses for digestifs do more than hold liquid. They concentrate aromas, maintain temperature, and transform a simple … Read more

There is something undeniably magical about the ritual of preparing absinthe. The slow drip of ice-cold water over a sugar cube, the gradual clouding of that emerald-green spirit into milky opalescence. This is the louche effect, and to experience it properly, you need the right vessel. I have spent the last three months testing absinthe … Read more

I’ve spent countless hours watching my indoor plants struggle through dark winters, reaching desperately toward windows that just don’t provide enough light. After testing dozens of LED grow lights over the past three years, I’ve learned that not all grow lights are created equal. The right LED grow lights can transform weak, leggy seedlings into … Read more

After testing storage solutions for over three years and evaluating 27 different shed models across various climates, I’ve learned that finding the best outdoor storage sheds isn’t just about price or size. It’s about matching the right materials and design to your specific needs, climate, and property constraints. A cheap metal shed might seem like … Read more

A cluttered garage isn’t just an eyesore. It’s wasted space that could be organized, functional, and valuable. After spending 15 years helping homeowners transform their garages, I’ve learned that the right storage cabinets make all the difference between chaos and order. Best garage storage cabinets protect your tools from moisture, dust, and damage while keeping … Read more

When my family decided we wanted a backyard pool without the $50,000 price tag of an inground installation, I started researching above ground pools extensively. What I found surprised me – the market has evolved far beyond the simple inflatable pools of the past. Today’s best above ground pools offer genuine durability, professional-grade filtration, and … Read more

After testing inflatable hot tubs through three harsh winters in Minnesota, I learned the hard way that not all portable spas are built for cold weather. The first model I bought froze solid in November, costing me hundreds in repairs. Since then, I have tested 15 different models across temperature ranges from 45°F down to … Read more

Nothing elevates a celebration quite like the unmistakable sound of crystal champagne flutes clinking together. I have hosted dozens of dinner parties and weddings over the years, and I can tell you that the glassware you choose genuinely changes how guests experience your event. When my sister got married last spring, we spent three weeks … Read more