Hey all! Welcome to our weekly roundup of joyful finds! Hope these nuggets of delight bring a smile or 10 to your face.

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Enjoy!

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1. Some solid words of wisdom for the college-aged crowd

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As someone who’s been called “Gordo” for 25 years, can confirm. You have to be careful.

2. Sibling trio from South Africa sings an incredible rendition of ‘Stand By Me’

@bikosmanna

🫶🏾🫶🏾 Stand by me Song by Ben E. King Covered by BikosManna #TauLion🦁 #BikoStar #MannaHero #TauLion🦁 #BikosManna #BKMN

That angelic voice. Those harmonies. The dancing body percussionist. Utter perfection. Read more about this dynamic trio here.

3. Dog grampa goes all out babysitting his daughter’s pooch

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Swipe through these texts. Could Gramps be more adorable?

4. Timothy Fletcher brings the house down with his jaw-dropping drum performance on AGT

The drumming is great, but the showmanship is next level. Read the full story here.

5. Woman sings in historic Iranian mosque, despite women being forbiddden to sing in public

— (@)

Her voice is beautiful, but it’s her courage and confidence—and that single finger stopping the man in his tracks—that make this video so incredible to watch.

6. Three cheers for all the Ronnies of the world

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That’s a young man who knew exactly what to do to put a mom’s heart at ease in this situation. Way to go, Ronnie.

7. Girl calls her stepfather ‘Dad’ for the first time and it’s just so beautiful

Here’s to the dads who step in and step up to fatherhood. Read the full story here.

8. It’s excitement over the little things like Egg Day that make a marriage

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So dang sweet.

9. Sean Astin says just the right thing to a fan with depression (f-bomb warning)

@easttnelvira

I met one of my childhood heroes Sean Astin today and he offered me some words of wisdom and encouragement over the battles of depression that I needed to hear. I am so glad this was captured on video to remember this moment, cherish, and reflect on anytime I am feeling down. I hope anyone else who struggles with depression takes his words and kindness to heart too. 🖤 #seanastin #samwisegamgee #lordoftheringstiktok #lotr #lotrtok #lordoftherings #fanboyexpoknoxville #fyp #trending

A little empathy and understanding can go a long way. Read the full story here.

10. Watch a whole stadium sing their hearts out to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ at a Harry Styles concert in Poland

The music of Queen and the legacy of Freddie Mercury will live on forever, and listening to thousands of human voices lifted together in song will never get old. Read the full story here.

Have a fabulous weekend and come back next week for more smiles!

Medieval times can be fascinating, especially when thinking about how far we have come with industrialization and technological advances. It can be hard to imagine what life would’ve truly been like during those times, which is why people attend festivals or learn how to do things that were prominent then.

Annie Rauwerda decided that she was going to try cooking a “perpetual stew” and made the announcement via a quick video with a caption that read, “more medieval behavior!” Thankfully, for those of us not versed in medieval dishes, she put a definition of perpetual stew on the screen.

“A perpetual stew, also known as forever soup, hunter’s pot or hunter’s stew, is a pot into which whatever foodstuffs one can find is placed and cooked. The pot is never or rarely emptied all the way, and ingredients and liquids are replenished as necessary. Such foods can continue cooking for decades or longer if maintained properly,” the Wikipedia definition reads.

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Imagine going to a dinner party with new friends and they offer you soup that’s been cooking for about ten years. There would probably be some confusion and some pretend spoonfuls as you quietly DoorDash something to your home. But this stew has captured the attention of the internet, and not a single person who has come to try it seems concerned that it’s been cooking for weeks.

Since the stew is constantly cooking, then it is likely eliminating the chance of bacteria getting too comfortable. Rauwerda started her journey with the stew on June 7 and has been documenting the progress on TikTok and her website perpetualstew.club.

@depthsofwikipedia

more medieval behavior!

Since her posts have gone viral, people have lined up to bring ingredients and have a taste of the now-famous stew. The ingredients are constantly changing as everyone brings something different. On tasting day, Rauwerda and her boyfriend dump the stew from the crockpot into a large cauldron and drag it to the park on something that looks like a small wagon.

So far, the stew is a hit and is still cooking. Rauwerda isn’t the first person to recreate perpetual stew. There have been a few restaurants over the years that started and are still cooking perpetual stew for their customers. Would you eat perpetual stew?

@depthsofwikipedia

come to the next one on sunday!

Just before the historic 1848 Woman’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York, a woman on the other side of the globe was making her own call for women’s rights. Tahirih, a Persian theologian, poet and social activist, walked into a gathering of men without wearing her veil. While a veilless woman hardly seems notable to Western sensibilities, in 19th-century Persia—what is now Iran—it was an unspeakable act of heresy.

Baring her full face, Tahirih boldly proclaimed that the day of the equality of men and women had arrived. Gender equality was a core tenet of the Babí faith she had embraced, and she would be executed for it just four years later—choked to death with her own scarf, her body unceremoniously tossed into a well.

But her reported final words echo to the present day: “You can kill me as soon as you like, but you will never stop the emancipation of women.”

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Nearly two centuries later, the women of Iran are still fighting for their emancipation from oppressive laws. We’ve seen waves of protests in the streets since the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022, with women demanding the right to choose whether or not to wear the hijab, the Islamic head covering, without fearing for their lives.

The current Islamist regime enacted the hijab law in 1983, the same year the Iranian government publicly hanged 10 Bahá’í women—most of whom were in their 20s, one only 17—for refusing to recant their faith. Those executions, conducted one by one so the women were forced to watch each other die, showed the lengths the regime would go to in their extremism, drew condemnation from around the world and further demonstrated the courage and fortitude of Iranian women who refuse to bend to injustice.

Acts of civil disobedience are dangerous for women in Iran to this day, but that hasn’t stopped them from happening. In a video shared by Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad on Twitter, we see a woman standing in what Alinejad shared is in one of Esfahan’s historic mosques. All the woman is doing is singing, but that alone is a crime in Iran, where the government has forbidden women from singing in public.

This woman insists that her beautiful voice be heard, however. Even when a man approaches to stop her, she doesn’t skip a beat. Rather, she continues her chanting while holding up her finger as if to say, “Nope. You will wait until I’m finished.” Incredibly, he immediately backs off in the face of her calm confidence and courage.

Watch and listen:

— (@)

In a country where women have been killed for daring to question authority and challenge the status quo, such an act of defiance is all the more impressive. According to ClassicFM, the woman was singing a poem from the Sufi tradition, a mystical form of Islam that gave us the widely beloved poetry of Rumi and Hafiz.

People in the comments responded with awe at the woman’s voice and the way she commanded respect with her very presence.

— (@)

— (@)

— (@)

Iranian women have a long history of using their voices—and their actions—to proclaim their inherent right to freedom. And until their basic human rights are secured for good, the rest of the world will continue to stand with them in support and solidarity.

Shortly after seeing Wes Anderson’s star-studded motion picture, Asteroid City, I gazed up at the stars and chewed on some fundamental questions. Most of it was related to what I’d seen at work, like: Where do the creators of South Park get the gusto to do whatever the f*** they want? What’s the best Whiskey on the planet? Does Shake Shack’s non-dairy chocolate shake deliver the goods?

And then, more relevant to this piece, how does one articulate the unique charm of a Wes Anderson film without copping out to just saying “the Wes Anderson look” or “Wes Anderson vibes” or — worst of all — “Wes Anderson-esque”?

Why does this question matter?

Well, “The Wes Anderson look” is so iconic that millions have actually started using the hashtag #wesanderson to re-create the aesthetic themselves, and some pages, like @accidentlywesanderson, even highlight spots around the world that embody the style. With all the hyped and some excellent imitators (both AI and IRL), it’s handy to be able to put a finger on this style — so here we go:

According to film aficionados, The Wes Anderson look, feel, vibe (whatever you want to call it) includes symmetrical framing, unique color palettes, picturesque backdrops, and set designs with vintage fonts and odd knickknacks (tchotchkes). Another one of Anderson’s tics is filming tiny structures to humanize them and annunciate the quirky/endearing feel that many of his characters inhabit. And of course, there’s the omnipresent symmetrical framing.

To see if we could find the style in the wild and help you plan a vacation based on this very defined aesthetic, I scoured Airbnb for properties that fit the bill. Check them out below and maybe reserve a night or two after your Asteroid City at-home watch this weekend.

Kind of Blue 1959 Airstream (Joshua Tree, CA, United States)

Out in the high desert lies a newly renovated 1959 Airstream, an oasis of modern minimalism amidst an iconic boulder landscape. Immersed in a serene atmosphere, this is the perfect place to disconnect from the crazy bustle of the world and share a space with some like-minded adventurers. The amenities offered—restrooms, kitchens, a pool, hot tub, solar shower, and outdoor tables—are all a part of a shared space with up to eight other guests.

When night falls, solar-powered lights illuminate the property, but if you prefer to sleep in, bring a sleeping mask to hide from the rising sun. This cozy airstream gets a Wes pass for its small cozy construction, as well as bringing guests into a communal setup bound to attract some quirky characters.

Price Per Night: $162

Colorful Canalside Flat (Venice, Italy)

Throw cheap Vegas simulations out the window when trying to find the ultimate romantic Venetian retreat, where vibrant colors complement iconic canal views. The solution could be this charming canal-side flat, which offers two stunning perspectives: a lush green oasis on one side and the captivating Rio Marin Canal on the other. From a well-equipped kitchen, guests can step out into the garden where two inviting sitting areas await—a perfect setting to relax, savor delicious meals, and even indulge in a glass of wine. Conveniently within range of Venice’s enchanting sights, this swanky spot is situated in a neighborhood that exudes intimacy and authenticity, distinct from tourist hotspots.

A colorful palette, mirror symmetry, and wide-angled paintings? Big Royal Tenenbaums vibes.

Price Per Night: $411

Retro Caravan Nights (Auckland, New Zealand)

The untouched beauty of Omana Cliffside Park is all for the taking with this charming little find. Nestled in the Pohutukawa Coast, guests get to experience sparkling views of Hauraki Gulf, mangrove walks, and pristine white sandy beaches. “Claris,” the lovingly restored 10.4′ Clipper Caravan, captures the nostalgic essence of Kiwi holidays while also delivering a swath of features like a bespoke kitchen, a JVC surround sound system, not to mention a roomy double bed adorned with cozy Wallace Cotton sheets and handcrafted wool blankets.

A coastal paradise on the edge of the world in a tiny camper van named Claris? The only thing to make this more Wes would be if Jason Schwartzman, Owen Wilson, and Adrien Brody had to deal with sharing “Clarice” for a week.

Price Per Night: $101

Camp Grits Solar Yellow Camper (Cosby, TN, United States)

Trek out into the smoky Appalachian wilderness and you’ll be astounded to find a quaint little Solar Yellow Camper. Again, Airbnb’s found another perfect spot to unplug from the world, sleep under the stars, and enjoy the simplicity of campfire meals and heartfelt conversations. The airy 14 x 7-foot Vintage Camper offers a cozy shelter, complete with a full-size bed dressed in soft linens and quilts.

Note that Camp Grits is a device-free retreat where nature takes center stage. While there’s no Wi-Fi, if cute fox bandits become a problem, guests can find a signal a few miles up Rocky Flats Rd. It’s easy to imagine some claymation critters drinking apple cider and devising a plan by the campfire here.

Price Per Night: $52

Futuro Styled Flying Saucer (Redberth, United Kingdom)

Exploring the UK? Check out this unique extraterrestrial getaway in the heart of South Pembrokeshire at a one-of-a-kind UFO Airbnb. Sleeping up to four guests, this spaceship-inspired accommodation is conveniently located near the idyllic seaside resorts of Tenby and Saundersfoot. Inside the UFO, you’ll find a comfortable double bed and two single beds that can also be used as sofas. Enjoy dining and gaming in the retro-themed space, complete with classic 80s games and a remote-controlled hatch.

Wes vibes spill from this UFO Airbnb that’s part of a larger site which includes a farmhouse, yurts, a Funky Dome, bell tents, and even a plane.

Price Per Night: $252

Pop Art Apartment (Puglia, Italy)

Designed by “SALENTO POPpiti ART,” this one-of-a-kind studio showcases the creativity of Salento artisans and young artists, touting itself as “opportunity to live in a work of art.” A truly unique stay surrounded by vibrant colors and playful furnishings, it’s the perfect spot to set out and adventure the southern tip of the Italian peninsula. Located in a peaceful village, the Airbnb offers a tranquil escape within reach of local attractions and nearby amenities, including a bar with hot table service, supermarkets, and all Salento has to offer.

Vintage paintings, a tchotchkesque bed frame, and a robust color palette all make this one stand out visually.

Price Per Night: $86

Secret Suite (Santorini, Greece)

Imagine a sweeping pan to some characters gawking over this view and it becomes apparent this hidden gem is a perfect getaway. A beautifully refurbished haven just minutes away from Oia’s vibrant center, the secret suite is the ideal base camp to indulge in mesmerizing comfort while soaking in the Aegean sea. The suite features a queen-size bed, a modern bathroom with a shower, and a kitchenette with a dining area.

Perched atop Amoudi Bay, renowned for its breathtaking sunsets lined with crystal clear waters and exceptional seafood restaurants, Secret Suite gets a big thumbs up.

Price Per Night: $388

Dreamy Vintage Trailer at No.9 Farms, Tennessee

25 minutes from downtown Nashville, this completely restored 1949 Spartan Mansion, nestled in a private, wooded section of No.9 Farms, offers a luxurious and secluded experience. Designed by owner and local musician Brian Oaks, the vintage camper, lovingly named “Blueberry,” features cozy sleeping quarters, dreamy bedding, and intimate lighting. The farm’s personalized amenities include an outdoor bathhouse, a well-equipped kitchen, and a seductive claw-foot tub. Explore the woods, unwind by the fire, and experience the tranquility of No.9 Farms—a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Might be a stretch, but the Spartan Mansion gives off a train feel, kind of like in Darjeeling Limited. Being named “blueberry” really solidifies this inclusion.

Price Per Night: $285

Off Grid and Forty Feet Up (Tiller, OR, United States)

One of the coolest (and damn near impossible to book) vacation spots around, this tranquil off-grid retreat perched atop a 40-acre meadow in the heart of Oregon stands a class above most typical Airbnbs. Lucky guests can immerse themselves in serenity and listen to rustling trees and the melodic calls of birds in the valley below. The lookout tower, inspired by historic Fire Lookout Towers, offers modern comforts, including a full kitchen, cozy beds, and panoramic windows to embrace breathtaking views. This haven is the ideal launching pad to explore nearby attractions like Crater Lake, Ashland’s Shakespeare Festival, or the scenic Rogue River.

So many films come to mind with this one: Isle of Dogs, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Moonrise Kingdom, and dare I say even Rushmore for the sheer optimistic ingenuity. Open dates start in 2025, so get planning.

Price Per Night: $257

Private Island in Sunny Hvaler (Vesterøy, Norway)

If you find yourself in Norway, give this private island in the breathtaking archipelago of Hvaler a look. This exclusive retreat even offers the freedom to explore the surrounding waters with a private motorboat. The cozy off-grid cabin, powered by solar energy, provides a rustic escape with a hidden double bed, a loft bed, and charming amenities. Enjoy the tranquility of small private beaches, mesmerizing rock formations, and private evenings gathered around the fire pit for perhaps the perfect honeymoon spot. This personal kingdom in Hvaler screams Moonrise Kingdom.

Price Per Night: $232

Greek Retro Decor & WesAnderson’s Movies Design, Thessaloniki

Step into a vortex where Greek retro charm meets the enchanting aesthetics of Wes Anderson’s films right in the heart of Thessaloniki. This extraordinary apartment is part of a collection of concept lofts housed in a historic industrial building. Embrace the unique entrance and hop into the vintage-style elevator that adds further Wes ambiance. With vibrant cultural and nightlife scenes of Thessaloniki, the bustling port, Aristotelous Square, and the trendy Valaoritou just steps away, this is the place to indulge in the lively energy of the city.

Warning, be prepared for vibrant weekend beats, as this is the perfect choice for those seeking a captivating urban experience.

Price Per Night: $85

Madrid city center, Madrid

Modern and vibrant, this chic Spanish flat is located near the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta del Sol. With Coolateria San Ginés close by and Sol metro station just steps away, guests have everything at their fingertips. Perfect for up to four guests, this well-appointed flat features a living-dining area, open kitchen, two bedrooms with double beds, and two bathrooms.

Warning, being centrally located, there may be some noise. Regardless, any and all Madrid adventures can start here and there’s definitely a pink Grand Budapest Hotel palette going on.

Price Per Night: $155

As summer travel continues to raise the question of, “Just how did this person afford this European trip?” over and over again, it’s time to finally pay our respects to our tried and true travel companion: the smart phone. Long ago in a time far, far away, people actually had to religiously research, memorize, and print out maps of wherever they may be going. There were things called… *checks notes* phrasebooks meant to help you speak a foreign language. A trip to the mall an hour away? Gotta pull out the trusty state map and get out your yellow pages to find the address.

The era of modern-day travel has been upon us for arguably 15 years, since the rise of the first smartphone circa 2008. As someone who hasn’t ever been able to navigate her local city without Google Maps, let’s just say that we are thankful for this technological advancement. Yet… there’s something to be said for anyone who was brave enough to venture out into the great wide world before smartphones.

Twitter users began reminiscing about this forgotten age of travel after freelance writer Hannah Docter-Loeb reached out to people for a piece she is writing about pre-smartphone travel.

The prompt inspired many Twitter users to share some memories of those years traveling smartphone-less. While smartphones have certainly made everything about travel easier, the memories of these golden days without our trusty tech companion surely bring up some fun memories.

Travel influencers make travel look like a walk in the park nowadays (in fact, one could argue they’re far less resilient when things go sideways), so kudos to all those brave souls who made the journey with pockets full of coins, endless maps, and smiles on their faces. We’re looking forward to reading Hannah Docter-Loeb’s full piece on Slate.

Tequila and whiskey are two very different beasts … kinda. Tequila derives its sugars from Blue Weber agave plants (a succulent) while whiskey is a grain product (barley, wheat, rye, corn, rice, etc.). But beyond having different sources for its fermentable sugars, the actual fermenting, distilling, and eventual aging (when necessary) is pretty much the same, all things considered.

That means that there are some serious flavor overlaps at times. This, in turn, means that it’s time for a list of great tequilas for whiskeys drinkers.

For this list, I’ve collected the tequilas I’d professionally and personally recommend that whiskey aficionados give a shot. Since aging reposado, añejo, and extra añejo is often done in ex-bourbon or ex-whiskey barrels (among other varieties), there are big parallels to be found in a lot of these tequilas. Vanilla, butterscotch, caramel, winter spices, dark orchard fruits, and tobacco notes all come through and will remind you of a great whiskey (by way of roasted agave). The point being, it’s a fun profile that’s very easy to savor.

I did rank these whiskey-forward tequilas. While I like all of these and stand behind every single one of my picks, some just slap harder than others — my number is an all-time favorite spirit from any category. My advice is to read my tasting notes, find the one that grabs your attention, then hit that price link to grab a bottle to call your own. Let’s dive in!

• The Absolute Best Tequilas Under $100, Ranked
• The Best Tequilas You Can Find For Under $30, Ranked
• The Absolute Best Tequilas Under $50, Ranked
• Every Bottle From The Core Line Of Don Julio Tequila, Blind Tasted And Ranked
• The Best Añejo Tequilas On Earth, According To The ‘Oscars Of Alcohol’

10. Cierto Tequila Private Collection Reposado

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $98

The Tequila:

This tequila — from NOM 1146 (Tequileña, S.A. distillery) in Tequila, Mexico — is made from 100% Weber agave cooked in an autoclave (pressurized chamber). The juice from the agave is extracted by a roller mill and then fermented in open stainless tanks with local spring water. That mash is then twice-distilled in copper pot stills before aging in a combination of used French and American oak.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: That “roasted” agave really breaks through on the nose with a touch of grilled pineapple in brown butter, a hint of vanilla, a touch of espresso bean, and a sweet note of caramel sauce.

Palate: The palate largely delivers on the butter, caramel, and tropical fruits as the agave takes on a greenish mid-palate, leading towards a black pepper spiciness.

Finish: That pepperiness drives the finish towards a sweetgrass note and a little more of that grilled pineapple with a dusting of clove.

Bottom Line:

This tequila has a nice sense of rye whiskey just sneaking in on the end with that sweetgrass and clove. There’s a nice layer of caramel throughout that helps drive home the sweeter American whiskey vibe too.

Overall, try this either over a big piece of ice, as a tasty shot, or in a simple cocktail (think old fashioned).

9. Casamigos Añejo

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $61

The Tequila:

Famously known as George Clooney’s billion-dollar tequila brand, Casamigos delivers the goods. The piñas are slow-roasted in brick ovens. The juice is then fermented for nearly four days, allowing the flavors to run deep in the juice. Finally, the tequila is aged for 14 months — resting through the hot highland days and cool nights.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose opens with a bourbon aura of caramel and vanilla with a touch of cherry bark, singed marshmallow, and woody winter spices with a layer of roasted agave underneath.

Palate: The palate has a cherry rock candy sweetness with a hint of winter spice cake full of dates and cinnamon with a touch of nutmeg and candied citrus.

Finish: The end is fruity and spicy with a rich roasted agave base, more of that creamy vanilla, and plenty of cinnamon cake.

Bottom Line:

This is as close as you’re going to get to a classic Kentucky bourbon in a tequila glass. Caramel, vanilla, cherry, winter spice — these are all tenants for good bourbon. The only reason this is lower on this particular list is that this is a tad thin. There is depth here, it just doesn’t last that long. That means that I’d recommend using this for killer whiskey cocktails with this in place of the whiskey.

8. El Tequileño “The Sassenach Select”

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $107

The Tequila:

This tequila is a collaboration between third-generation Master distiller Antonio Salles and TV star Sam Heughan of Outlander and Sassanach Blend Scotch Whisky fame. The tequila in the bottle is a limited edition release that highlights autoclave cooked agave, roller mill extraction, open-air fermentation in stainless steel tanks, double distillation in copper pot stills, and an initial rest in old American whiskey barrels with a finish in French oak. Lastly, the tequila is batched, proofed, and bottled with no additives!

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Caramelized roasted agave and soft and sweet dark spices mingle on the nose with a hint of dried raisins and old oak cellars.

Palate: That caramelization comes through on the front of the palate with a smooth vanilla bean oiliness next to a cinnamon cake, deeply roasted agave, white pepper, and a hint of green sage.

Finish: That white pepper and caramel pop on the finish as the sip slowly fades through sweet cinnamon and soft vanilla sweetness.

Bottom Line:

This is a great bridge between barley and agave. There’s a clear scotchiness that’s underpinned by fine roasted agave-forward tequila. This is a nice sipper, especially over a big rock.

7. Dos Primos Añejo

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $57

The Tequila:

This tequila brand was founded by country singer Thomas Rhett and his cousin, Jeff Worn. The actual tequila in the bottle is an añejo that spent 13 months resting in old bourbon barrels at Destiladora Gonzalez Lux.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose is layered with dark berries, rich tobacco, black peppercorns, clove buds stuck in orange peels, and buttery salted caramel just kissed with dark chocolate-covered espresso beans.

Palate: The soft caramel sweetness meets sharp spice barks and more black pepper with a deeply roasted agave that feels still warm from the oven next to dark fruit leather and cherry tobacco.

Finish: That woody and sweet tobacco leads the finish to a spice bark end with plenty of dark agave vibes and sweet bourbon vanilla.

Bottom Line:

This is a real bourbon lovers’ tequila. It’s deeply sweet and spicy with a clear sense of that deeply roasted agave taking this pour beyond the baseline of either spirit.

I’d recommend pouring this neat and getting a taste in before adding a little water or ice to let it really bloom in the glass. That step will open up very creamy bourbon-like characters that work perfectly with the caramelized agave and woody spice.

6. Gran Coramino Añejo

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $169

The Tequila:

This is Kevin Hart’s tequila brand and it’s really goddamn good. The tequila is made from brick-oven-roasted agave hearts that go through slow fermentation and copper pot distillation. That hot juice is then left to age in ex-bourbon and French oak casks before batching and blending with another añejo that was aged in cognac barrels.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: That caramelized roasted agave comes through on the nose with a sense of salted caramel, winter spice cakes full of cinnamon and nutmeg, rum-raisin, and a dusting of white pepper.

Palate: That cinnamon spice cake moistens on the palate as dark chocolate and espresso beans move the taste toward a lush vanilla creaminess with a hint of chili tobacco lurking in the background.

Finish: The finish takes on a lightly dried apricot and summer flower vibe before veering back toward that rich vanilla, chocolate, and winter spice all rolled up with fresh pipe tobacco and burnt agave spears.

Bottom Line:

This is the perfect collision of cognac, whiskey, and tequila. There’s a real depth here that’s unhindered by any individual part. It all works and builds toward a wonderfully soft and nuanced sipping experience, especially over a big rock.

5. Don Julio Private Cask Reposado

ABV: 42.7%

Average Price: $84

The Tequila:

This special release is classic Don Julio in single-barrel form. The hand-picked tequila is from a 10-month-old barrel (ex-bourbon) that was pretty much bottled as-is with a hint of water.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose leans into spiced woods — think apple-cider-soaked cinnamon bark, cedar, and smoldering oak staves — before hitting on candied orange dipped in dark chocolate with a hint of roasting herbs and fresh agave spears.

Palate: That candied orange and dark chocolate drive the palate toward fresh agave juice cut with cardamom, clove, and anise before a hint of white pepper and vanilla arrives.

Finish: That white pepper peaks and then falls as the vanilla and caramel create a lush finish.

Bottom Line:

This is a nicely balanced agave-forward tequila that’s been expertly accented with whiskey notes. So if you’re looking for a deep and dark tequila experiment that hints at your favorite whiskey, this is the one to buy.

4. Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $164

The Tequila:

This is the mountaintop of the Jose Cuervo line. Time is key with this expression, as the agaves are slowly cooked, the juices are slowly fermented and distilled, and the tequila is given lots of time to mature. It takes three years of resting in ex-bourbon and French oak casks to reach the “extra” anejo heights of this tequila.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose draws you in with hints of marzipan, spicy stewed apples, raisins, and soft cedar.

Palate: The taste delivers on those notes while dialing them in, as the marzipan becomes more like a candied almond, the spice leans into hot sticks of cinnamon, the apple gets tart, and the vanilla brings a creaminess to it all.

Finish: The end is long and touches on a spicy apple tobacco chew with a silky vanilla pudding softness.

Bottom Line:

This tequila is a damn near perfect marriage of bourbon and tequila that’s just touched with cognac. These are all good things.

This is probably the best overall sipper that’s the most accessible. There’s nothing challenging about this pour but it is 100% delicious from top to bottom. This over a single rock is … chef’s kiss.

3. Código 1530 Double Cask Finished Single Barrel Añejo

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $201

The Tequila:

This single-barrel añejo isn’t aged in old whiskey barrels but it sure feels like it is. The tequila is double aged first in Napa Valley Cabernet French white oak casks and then it’s re-barreled in Spanish sherry casks. A single sherry barrel was chosen for this limited edition release and bottled with a touch of water for proofing.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Marzipan and ground espresso beans come through with a rich vanilla cream, rum-soaked Graham Crackers, and a hint of charred caramel chews with a whisper of grassy roasted agave.

Palate: Burnt orange dipped in dark chocolate leads to a luscious crème brûlée with salted caramel and deep oily vanilla before heading toward powdery white pepper, dry roasted agave, and chewy pipe tobacco.

Finish: The almond and white pepper combine on the finish as the orange and chocolate get creamier and creamier and meld with the vanilla and caramelized agave.

Bottom Line:

This is just damn tasty. Over a rock, it gets so creamy it’s almost like a malted vanilla shake cut with orange creamsicle, chocolate-covered espresso beans, and caramelized agave bites.

2. Tres Generaciones Tequila Añejo

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $49

The Tequila:

This añejo from Sauza’s high-end brand is a long-rested tequila. The tequila is rested for 12 long months in heavily toasted ex-bourbon barrels before batching, proofing, and bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: A grassy agave note draws you in on the nose with a rich caramel vanilla cake covered in clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg with a hint of apple fritter and white pepper.

Palate: Creamy vanilla and soft spiced winter cakes with plenty of rum-raisin drive the palate toward a sense of lightly roasted agave with a touch of creamy aloe and tender sweetgrass wrapped in fresh pipe tobacco just kissed with cinnamon.

Finish: That cinnamon gets woody on the finish with clove buds and allspice berries next to dry white pepper, old vanilla pods, and cedar bark rolled with chili-kissed tobacco and old smudging sage.

Bottom Line:

This has no business having as much depth as it does at this price point. It’s a great value! If you’re looking for a balanced agave/whiskey experience that you can find and afford, this is the play. That’s especially true if you’re looking for a tequila to replace the whiskey in your favorite whiskey cocktails or looking for an on-the-rocks pour that lightly conjures bourbon.

1. Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo Tequila

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $279

The Tequila:

This is special stuff. Master Distiller Germán Gonzalez only uses high-altitude late-season Blue Weber agave hearts (they have more sugar) that are grown in volcanic dirt for his mash. Once he makes his tequila low-and-slow, the juice is left to age for five years in a trio of oak that held Scotch whisky, sherry, and brandy. Those barrels are batched and the tequila is proofed before bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Summer wildflowers, pipping hot apple crumble, salted dark chocolate-covered buttery toffee, the richest vanilla cream ever, and brandy-stewed black cherry mingle on the nose with this whisper of fresh pipe tobacco that’s just been kissed with Tellicherry peppercorns and sweet fresh smudging sage.

Palate: That vanilla turns into silky crème brûlée with spiderwebs of crystalized caramel sugars strings leading to black currant jam cut with clove and anise before salted caramel layers into mincemeat pies, mulled wine, and sharp winter spice barks rolled with burnt orange and dried roasting herbs just kissed with roasted fat and white pepper.

Finish: The raisins get brandy-soaked and spice on the finish as the creamy vanilla crème brûlée creates a finish that’s as lush as the softest silk you’ve ever felt.

Bottom Line:

This is an amazing tequila and one of the best overall spirits on the shelf right now. If you love great whiskey, you’ll love this.

Try this over a single large rock. It’ll somehow get creamier and more luscious while extending the finish toward this berry bramble cobbler topped with stiff whip cream cut with orange oils, almond oils, and poppy seed before a cinnamon tobacco vibe takes over. It’s divine.

St. Louis rapper Sexyy Red capitalizes on the moment, dropping the video for her Hood Hottest Princess song “Hellcats SRTs.” While her breakout song was the raunchy “Pound Town,” she has much more to offer than just raps about her anatomy and proves it here, name-checking high-performance Dodge Challenger beloved of the roughnecks around her way. The song’s an ode to the D-boys and hustlers who love fast cars and the girls who love those boys. The lo-fi video for the track sees Red and friends turning up in the streets and throwing money with cameos from fellow rap it-girls like GloRilla.

It certainly is Red’s moment right now. Thanks to the viral popularity of “Pound Town” — and the resulting conservative backlash to it — her profile has rapidly risen in just a few short months from relative unknown to “Drake dating rumors” levels of fame. Now, she’s showing up the honorees at the BET Awards and booking floating festivals, while just an appearance at a local high school can set the internet abuzz with debate for days. And just like the cars driven by the guys she likes, she is showing no signs of slowing down.

Watch Sexyy Red’s “Hellcats SRTs” video above.

Hood Hottest Princess is out now via Open Shift.

While it might not be a huge surprise for an Airbnb host to show a guest around, no one would anticipate their local guide to be a friendly neighborhood dog. But this was a sweet, unexpected perk for Hannah Brown and her family.

Brown had booked a stay at Sail Away Cottages, nestled right along the coast of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Little did she know that a surprise amenity would be morning guided walks to the beach, led by Soldier, a deaf and blind dog who lived on the property.

Brown posted a video of their daily ritual to TikTok, showing Soldier confidently strolling along the stone path, effortlessly moving through the sand and finally making it to the water for a refreshing dip.

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Soldier quickly became famous online, as the video racked up over 12 million views with thousands praising his concierge skills.

“I would follow that dog anywhere it wanted to take me,” one person wrote.

Several even chimed in with their own experience of having Soldier as a tour guide. One person shared, “I took my family there in 2019…he hung out with us the whole time. Best Airbnb ever!” This pup has certainly earned a good reputation.

Watch Soldier in action below:

@notalabamahannah We get so scared that Soldier is going to fall off the front walkway every single time #airbnb #vacation ♬ Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison

Sail Away Cottages quickly hopped on Soldier’s virality to share his backstory, writing on their Instagram page that he arrived one afternoon with a pack of roaming feral dogs (as is customary for the area) on Canadian Remembrance Day, hence his name.

By the way—the mixed breed dogs found on the Turks & Caicos Islands are called potcakes. How adorable is that?

Although the other potcakes chose to leave the next morning, Soldier stayed. And in doing so, he gained not only a new home but a new brother named Skipper.

“This is how Soldier started his walks to the beach – he went every day after his morning walk with his brother Skipper for a quick cool down before the day starts 🐾” Sail Away Cottages wrote.

See on Instagram

Skipper has sadly crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, but Soldier continues their tradition with each new friend he meets through Airbnb. Sail Away Cottages playfully notes that in addition to accompanying folks to the beach, he even “guards” their stuff. As much a blind, deaf dog could, anyway. He’s also quite fond of sitting in his new friends’ lap while in the water.

Needless to say, guests adore him.

If you’d like to try to book this good boy host, you can do so through Airbnb or directly through Sail Away Cottages.

See on Instagram

To follow along on more of Soldier’s adventures, you can find him on Instagram.

Plus follow Potcake Place K9 Rescue to learn about other potcake dogs just like Soldier who are still looking for a home (a resource shared by The Dodo).

The best new hip-hop this week includes albums, videos, and songs from Babyface Ray, Nas, and more.

Although it’s not technically a “hip-hop album” per se, the Barbie soundtrack stands out this week thanks to contributions from rappers like Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, and Kaliii. Speaking of soundtracks, another movie which hasn’t received as much promotion but is equally worth your time is Netflix’s They Cloned Tyrone. Its soundtrack is also stuffed with rap mainstays like Big KRIT, Kamaiyah, Project Pat, Saba, Ski Mask The Slump God, and Trinidad James. I recommend giving it a spin.

New releases this week came from the likes of Travis Scott, Ice Spice, Jay Rock, and NLE Choppa, along with the albums and songs listed below.

Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending July 21, 2023.

Albums/EPs/Mixtapes

Babyface Ray — Summer’s Mine

The Detroit rapper makes an ambitious declaration in the title to his latest project. Fortunately, he’s mostly got the chops to back it up.

Black Milk — Everybody Good?

The J Dilla disciple digs deep on this new project, drawing out the best in himself and collaborators like Mick Jenkins, Phonte Coleman, and Quelle Chris.

Big Boss Vette — Resilience

The “Pretty Girls Walk” rapper continues to find her footing with seven new tracks highlighting her determination to embed herself into hip-hop’s collective consciousness.

Ice Spice — Like…? (Deluxe)

Is it an EP? An album? Does it even matter what you call it when what it means to hip-hop — Ice Spice’s continued dominance of our attention — seems to be more important?

Nas & Hit-Boy — Magic 2

There will likely be plenty of fans who’ll say the dynamic duo has gone to the well one too many times. To them, I say: Whatever, man. Nas owes us this for forcing us to pretend to like Street’s Disciple and Untitled. The best part might be the newly hungry-sounding 50 Cent.

Valee & Hit-Boy — Virtuoso

The slurry Chicago MC has been released from the confines of his GOOD Music deal (and from the accompanying expectations), allowing him to make indulgent stuff like this. It’s much more suited to his loose style.

Singles/Videos

ASAP Rocky — “Riot (Rowdy Pipe’n)”

ASAP Rocky’s new Don’t Be Dumb single suggests a new direction for his upcoming album that strips down the experimental formula of his last one in favor of punishing bass and an increased focus on Rocky’s fully-automatic raps.

Bas — “Passport Bros” Feat. J. Cole

The past few months have seen more and more rappers embracing diaspora sounds, and Bas’ new single featuring J. Cole slips easily into that wave — which suits the globe-hopping theme of the song itself.

Denzel Curry — “Blood On My Nikes”

The Floridian rapper gets back to his roots on his threatening new single, pulling from mid-90s goth rap tropes and his own deft lyricism to forewarn foes of his looming sequel to 13lood In + 13lood Out.

Duckwrth — “Big Bewts”

With the ongoing trend of rappers blending hip-hop and house as strong as its ever been, it’s the perfect time for what of the torchbearers of hip-house — who has been doing it before and will likely continue to do it after — to return, and he picked the perfect song to do it with.

Sam Silver & Hefna380 — “Choppa”

Take the above statement and stretch it even more into the much more glitchy sounds of 2010s EDM.

Stormzy — “The Weekend” Feat. RAYE

Stormzy’s continued rollout for his follow-up to the vulnerable This Is What I Mean brings another example of the sort of diasporic genre blending that’s been making nights out this summer sound like tropical vacations.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

While making Babylon, Margot Robbie improvised a kiss with Brad Pitt because, as she put it, “When else am I gonna get the chance to kiss Brad Pitt?” She had the chance to kiss her Barbie co-star Ryan Gosling, as well, but she didn’t take it. And her friends will never let her forget it.

When asked by People whether she was pleased she didn’t have to lock lips with Gosling, the Ken to her Barbie, Robbie replied, “Uh no! That didn’t feel like a win for me.” She continued, “All of my girlfriends were like, ‘Well you did a whole movie with him and you don’t kiss? What’s wrong with you? I thought you were kind of in charge on this one!’ I was like, ‘I know, I can’t check that one off [my list].’” Barbie is saving all her smooches for Allan.

It wouldn’t have made narrative sense for Barbie and Ken to romantically embrace, and Gosling doesn’t seem to mind that it was left out of the movie. “It was so funny trying to figure out what their idea of kissing might be,” he said. “I’m so glad all of that got cut out.” Besides, it seems like most people who owned Barbies as a kid made their dolls kiss other toys that were lying around. What a shame we’ll never get to see Ken make out with the Stretch Armstrong on the big screen.

(Via People)