Little Book Whiskey is the yearly release where Beam gets to spread its wings. It’s also a very specific whiskey made by one person who has whiskey-making deep in his DNA — Freddie Noe. Since this is a yearly one-off (that means we only see it once a year and each release is 100% unique and not replicated), we thought we’d break down what we know so far about the 2024 Little Book whiskey drop.
Read our reviews of the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Little Book Whiskey releases by clicking the years.
Before we get into the bottle, it’s important to know one thing: This is Master Distiller Freddie Noe’s baby. Noe is the eighth-generation Master Distiller of James B. Beam and responsible for the second best-selling American whiskey in the world — Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. You’ve all seen it. The white label, the cherry palate, the easy shooting vibe … it’s iconic worldwide for a reason.
Anyway, Noe started “Little Book” when he started working with his father, Master Distiller Fred Noe. Long story short, Freddie earned the nickname “Little Book” thanks to his deft, almost preternatural skill at distilling like his grandfather, bourbon legend Booker Noe. Booker, Little Book, you get it.
Freddie Noe set out to honor his heritage by creating a brand of Beam whiskeys that was 100% unique … and his. That became the Little Book brand. Each year, Freddie Noe creates a uniquely blended and finished whiskey that’s the best of the best that Beam’s warehouses have to offer. Sometimes that’s a mix of their bourbons and ryes. Sometimes Freddie adds in American single malt or corn whiskey or something he made in the lab years ago. Often there’s a finishing barrel involved too — last year’s was applewood smoked, for instance.
The point here is that these bottles are always amazingly unique, delicious, and fleeting. People clamor for them because of that but also because you’re getting something new and fresh when you open one of Freddie’s Little Books. That’s exciting. Let’s get into it.
Little Book Chapter 8
ABV: 59.5%
Average Price: $150 (MSRP)
What We Know:
This year’s release will be a Straight Whiskey — so a blend of likely straight bourbons and ryes though there might be single malt in there again. We also know that this will be a Sherry cask finished whiskey. That should be very exciting for anyone who’s been following Beam for the last couple of years. They released Legent Bourbon a few years back, which is a partial sherry-finished whiskey and it’s magnificent. So adding a full-on sherry finish to a Beam product is going to slap.
When Will It Be Available?
August. However, you’ll start to see some bottles leak out in July (as it always tends to go with these things). In reality, expect to see it on shelves leading into fall, and plan to buy for the holidays.
We should also note that the price for these tends to reach closer to $199-$220 a bottle, especially if you wait until late fall to buy one. Still, given the unique nature of the juice in the bottle, it’ll certainly be worth it.
Also Read: The Top 5 UPROXX Bourbon Posts Of The Last Six Months
On Monday night Jon Stewart returns to the show that made him a titan of political comedy. From now until Election Day, the comic will hosting The Daily Show, at least on Mondays. Surely he wouldn’t have come back had his last show not abruptly come to an end. Speaking of, why did that show — Apple TV+’s The Problem with Jon Stewart, that is — abruptly come to an end? Stewart has a vague-ish answer for that.
Per Variety, Stewart stopped by CBS Mornings before his maiden re-voyage, where he explained why he decided to do what he swore he’d never do and return to the Daily Show desk.
“I wanted a place to unload thoughts as we get into this election season,” he explained. “I thought I was going to do it over at — they call it Apple TV+. It’s a television enclave, very small. It’s like living in Malibu. But they decided … they felt that they didn’t want me to say things that might get me in trouble.”
Stewart didn’t go into specifics or anything like it. Were they censoring him? Or were they truly trying to stop him for his own good? Perhaps a bit of both.
During Problem‘s run, Stewart was an older, more serious version of his more clownish Daily Show self. No longer did he do what he often did and claim he was just trying to tell jokes (except when he wasn’t). Instead he was an often savage interviewer, trying to hold the powerful to task for the wrongs they allegedly did, for the heinous positions they refused to stop taking.
But The Problem with Jon Stewart is kaput but that’s fine because now he’s got a new home, at least every Monday, at least through November — or, who knows, maybe longer if things get a little weird again. Which they almost certainly will. Whatever the case, sounds like he’ll have to do a lot of work to win back Meghan McCain.
Below, I’ve called out 20 great-tasting bourbons that you can get for under $80. As I mentioned above, these are a bit more special than your average bottle of bourbon. That means that some of these will be a little harder to find. Some of them will be regional or distillery-only releases while others will be very available. The throughline is that they’re all tasty bourbons that are worth $70 to $80.
Naturally, I did rank these whiskeys. They’re all good, sure. But some are freaking amazing while others are just really, really good examples of bourbon from people who care deeply about their product. Let’s dive in!
Also Read: The Top 5 UPROXX Bourbon Posts Of The Last Six Months
Kentucky Peerless Distilling takes its time for a true grain-to-glass experience. Their Small Batch Bourbon is crafted with a fairly low-rye mash bill and fermented with a sweet mash as opposed to a sour mash (that means they use 100% new grains, water, and yeast with each new batch instead of holding some of the mash over to start the next one like a sourdough starter). The barrels are then hand-selected for their taste and bottled completely un-messed with.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Expect notes of blackberry next to worn leather, rich toffee, vanilla oils, and wet tobacco leaves on the nose.
Palate: The taste holds onto the toffee and vanilla as the tobacco dries out and spices up with touches of cedar bark and a few bitter espresso beans.
Finish: The end is long and holds onto the vanilla and tobacco while touching back on the berries as it fades through your senses.
Bottom Line:
This is a great crafty Kentucky bourbon, especially if you’re looking for something from the smaller producers on the scene. Overall, you’ll want to taste this one neat and then experiment. Add rocks, and water, and then try it in your favorite cocktail for the best results.
19. Rock Town Single Barrel Cask Strength Arkansas Bourbon Whiskey
Rock Town is all about using Arkansas ingredients to make Arkansas whiskey. The mash (82% corn, 10% wheat, and 8% malted barley) is made with local corn and wheat that’s grown right outside of Little Rock. Every step of the process happens on site from the milling of the grains to the aging of the juice. After four years, barrels are hand-selected for single-barrel bottling.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: There’s a hint of minerality on the nose next to fresh honey, dark cherries, peaches, pie crust, and a touch of maple syrup.
Palate: The palate has a sense of tangerine next to bran muffins with a whisper of green grass and vanilla wafers.
Finish: The end is full of soft toffee and mild woody spiciness with a clear vanilla-orange foundation.
Bottom Line:
This is a really solid all-around bourbon with a nice balance and depth. It works wonders in cocktails. It’s also a great example of the whiskey coming out of Arkansas right now.
18. Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey Original Cask Strength
This release from actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley is an evolution of their brand. The whiskey in the bottle is a blend of three bourbons which create a four-grain bourbon. That blend was then bottled as-is, creating a deeply classic bourbon experience from founders who truly care about whiskey.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: This opens with a balance of old leather boots and freshly cracked black pepper next to a hint of walnut shell, vanilla pod, and orange zest.
Palate: The palate leans into what feels like star fruit as orange marmalade, salted butter, and fresh honey drip over rye bread crusts.
Finish: The end comes with a good dose of peppery spice and old leather as those walnuts and oranges combine with a handful of dried fruit and a dusting of winter spices on the finish.
Bottom Line:
This is a very solid whiskey. It’s a great sipper over a big rock and makes a hell of an old fashioned.
17. Jefferson’s Ocean Aged At Sea Straight Bourbon Whiskey Very Small Batch Special Wheated Mash Bill
Jefferson’s Ocean is deeply skilled at crafting unique and very tasty drams. This expression uses a wheated mash bill (instead of high rye) that’s aged for six to eight years on land. Barrels are then loaded onto a ship and sailed around the world where the spirit and wood interact the whole time thanks to the choppy seas, creating an incredibly unique whiskey in the process.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: This has a very subtle nose, with hints of vanilla, dark salted caramel, and mild eggnog spice drawing you in.
Palate: The palate holds onto those flavors fairly well, while adding a touch of popped corn to the salted caramel as the vanilla becomes more of an eggnog-spiced pudding that remains very airy and light.
Finish: The end is slightly nutty with a touch of cedar as the spice and svelte vanilla slowly fade away.
Bottom Line:
Jefferson’s has expanded its line of whiskeys drastically. This wheated bourbon is one of the top expressions that you can get right now. It’s subtle yet runs deep with a varied but classic profile. The low ABVs also mean that you can enjoy this neat all day long.
This whiskey was released for Veteran’s Day late last year. The mash is a mix of 25% Bloody Butcher corn, 25% heirloom white corn, 25% Bruce’s Blue corn, 20% malted rye, and 5% malted barley. That juice is aged for at least four years before blending, proofing, and bottling for this special once-per-year release.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose opens with hints of wicker, old leather, apple and pear cider, and a good dose of burnt orange and old oak.
Palate: The palate has a salted caramel vibe that leads to pecan waffles with plenty of maple syrup and butter next to burnt orange tobacco leaves and a touch of holiday spices.
Finish: The end leans into those woody holiday spices with a sense of caramel candies and allspice-spiked apple cider with a hint of old apple orchard wood and bark.
Bottom Line:
This is another great example of crafty Kentucky bourbon. There’s a real distinction here and this whiskey feels fresh, new, and fun. I really dig sipping this one with a little water or ice to see what new flavor notes surface. There’s always something new lurking just beneath the surface.
This whiskey from Bob Dylan’s brand celebrates the singer’s home, Minnesota. The whiskey is a Minnesota bourbon made with Minnesota grains and distilled in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The massive temperature swings — up to 116F in the summer and -80F in the winter — make for a very unique aging experience. Still, this whiskey was ready after seven years of rest and bottled in a small batch as cask strength.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Creamed honey and salted caramel draw you in on the nose with a sense of prunes and dates mixed with rum raisin and brandy-soaked pears kissed with rich vanilla and freshly ground nutmeg.
Palate: That creamy vibe remains on the palate as creamy vanilla buttercream cut with equally creamy honey dances with soft sweetgrass and smudging sage next to a hint of old oak staves soaked in brandy and just touched with old cellars.
Finish: The musty old cellar vibe accents the sweetgrass and sage with rich pipe tobacco laced with marmalade and brandied pears before the lush vanilla takes back over on the very end.
Bottom Line:
Minnesota is another state to keep an eye on when it comes to great whiskey. This new-ish expression from Bob Dylan’s Heaven’s Door is a stellar example of the great juice coming out of the Land of a Thousand Lakes. It’s a quality sipper
14. Lux Row Four Grain Mash Bill Double Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
This new Lux Row release is a very unique “double” single barrel. What does that mean exactly? The four-grain (corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley) whiskey was aged twice for five years at a time in two different barrels. The second barrel was then bottled with a whisper of water.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Dark winter spices, old boot leather, and cigar humidors greet you on the nose with a sense of old vanilla pods, dark stone fruit, and a fleeting sense of freshly ground black peppercorns.
Palate: That spiciness translates to rich and creamy cinnamon frosting on the palate as vanilla sheet cake with caramel drives the sweet taste toward warming apple cider spices and nutty candy.
Finish: The cinnamon is joined by clove and allspice on the warming finish as a hint of cedar and tobacco round things out.
Bottom Line:
This is just good whiskey. It’ll shine in any application you want from poured neat to complicated cocktails, and all stops in between.
13. Henry McKenna Single Barrel Aged 10 Years Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
This very affordable offering from Heaven Hill is hard to beat at its price. The juice utilizes a touch of rye in the mash bill and is then aged for ten long years in a bonded rickhouse. The best barrels are chosen by hand and the whiskey is bottled with just a touch of water to bring it down to bottled-in-bond proof.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose opens slightly tannic with rich orange zest and vanilla cream next to woody winter spice, fresh mint, and wet cedar with a hint of gingerbread and burnt cherry.
Palate: The palate hits on soft vanilla white cake with a salted caramel drizzle and burnt orange zest vibe next to apple/pear tobacco leaves dipped in toffee and almond.
Finish: The end has a sour cherry sensation that leads to wintery woody spices, cedar bark, and old cellar beams with a lush vanilla pod and cherry stem finish.
Bottom Line:
This is one of the whiskeys that rang the bell of the current bourbon boom. That made it very hard to find (especially at MSRP) for a very long time. Well, that bell toll has faded and this whiskey is back on shelves for its real price. That’s great in that this is still a great bourbon that hits “classic” from top to bottom as a sipper or cocktail base.
12. Mary Dowling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Tequila Barrels
This new whiskey celebrates Mary Dowling, who helped create and then save the whiskey industry in Kentucky back in the early 20th century. The whiskey in the bottle is a three-year-old bourbon from Rabbit Hole. Those barrels are batched and the whiskey is rested again, this time in reposado tequila barrels, until just right.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Floral honey and soft black licorice lean toward fresh and real root beer on the nose with a light moment of white pepper and roasted agave that’s accented by bold winter spice barks and berries with a whisper of orange rind.
Palate: That orange drives the bright palate toward a moment of smoked winter spices (smoldering barks if you will) before creamy eggnog and vanilla buttercream drive the palate back toward warming winter spice and a fleeting note of pepper.
Finish: That pepper builds towards sharp black peppercorns on the finish with sharp winter spice, a hint of buttermilk, and softly spoken notes of roasted agave attached to candied orange and vanilla paste.
Bottom Line:
This is where we really start getting into the special stuff. This is a deep and fresh whiskey that goes beyond the expected and delivers … just more. Take your time with the flavor profile and it’ll reward you with great flavor notes that build toward a crescendo on your senses. It also makes a mean whiskey sour.
The folks at Still Austin have spent the last six years perfecting their grain-to-glass whiskey experience. The juice is rendered with grains from Texas and water from the ground beneath their feet, all imbued with a crafty Texas vibe in every sip. The actual whiskey is a two-year-old high-rye bourbon (25% Elbon rye grown in Texas) that’s batched to highlight the bright fruits of the new and crafty whiskey.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: This is really fruity. Think of a tropical, hazy IPA with clear notes of pineapple, lemon-lime, and maybe a slight hint of savory papaya next to more typical bourbon notes of vanilla, holiday spices, and caramel.
Palate: There’s a clear sense of those spices on the palate with a hint of dark chocolate leading back to all that fruit, a touch of marzipan, and a dash of vanilla cream pie.
Finish: The end warms a bit with the fruitiness waning towards a spicy, choco-tobacco end.
Bottom Line:
This whiskey blends the worlds of craft (beer and whiskey) to create something bigger. It’s a whiskey that feels classic but then goes beyond with a great fruity depth and freshens. It works so well in sours and fruity seasonal cocktails. But don’t sleep on sipping this one over some rocks either.
10. Redwood Empire Bottled In Bond Grizzly Beast Straight Bourbon Whiskey
California’s Redwood Empire is made with a unique mash bill of 68% corn, 20% rye, 5% wheat, 5% malted barley, and 2% triticale. That whiskey was left to mellow for years in California before it’s small batched and proofed with pure water from the Russian River Valley.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Raspberry crumble with a big dollop of vanilla buttercream mingle with spiced nut cakes, salted caramels, and orange chocolates with a hint of buttermilk biscuit.
Palate: Rich dark molasses leads the palate toward more spiced nut cake with an almond oil edge and a hint of lemon, like a good sugar cookie, before soft buttery biscuits and Graham Crackers hipped in honey arrive.
Finish: The end leans into woody spices and a hint of sweetgrass before veering back toward fresh dark fruit and nuttiness.
Bottom Line:
This is another whiskey that just delivers. Sometimes it’s as simple as that.
9. Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 3 Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey
This year’s Wyoming Whiskey Fall 2023 release is the third edition of the National Park series. This year Grand Teton National Park is the star of the show with a minimum five-year-old batch of bourbon aged in the plains of Wyoming as they descend from the Rockies.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Wyoming Bourbon’s signature orange creamsicle opens the nose with a sense of wet brown sugar, fresh unsalted butter, and little cups of toffee pudding before a hint of dry black tea leaves arrives.
Palate: The orange attaches to floral honey on the palate with a sense of coffee cake, Nutella, and soft vanilla pudding swimming in caramel sauce.
Finish: Pecan waffles with pancake syrup sweeten the finish before that black tea sneaks back in with a mild sense of leathery tobacco and the stick from an orange creamsicle.
Bottom Line:
Wyoming Whiskey has really dialed in their identity and these special releases are a shining example of that. The orange running through the profile is accented by fun, exciting, and iconic bourbon notes that help elevate it beyond the ordinary. Sip it slow and enjoy the ride.
8. Penelope Architect Straight Bourbon Whiskey French Oak Staves
This bourbon is all about precision blending. The MGP barrels create a four-grain whiskey that’s finished in oak staves from Tonnellerie Radoux in France. Those staves are added to the barrels to create a unique finish that’s part Kentucky and part France.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: This starts fairly familiar with notes of sugar pie and vanilla cream with orange spice and a hint of dried florals that then veer into dried mushrooms and firewood bark with a bit of black dirt.
Palate: The palate circles back to the sweetness with a big pile of pecan waffles covered in vanilla/maple syrup before soft orange-infused tobacco leads back to that wet firewood and black dirt on the backend of the sip.
Finish: The very end has a touch of charred oak that’s more like singed red-wine-soaked-oak staves.
Bottom Line:
This is a great pairing bourbon for a big meal. The flavors are deep and so varied but all make sense as a whole. Pour this over some ice and serve it the next time you sit down with your crew for a feast.
7. Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
The first whiskey from Frank August is a sourced bourbon. The whiskey is made in Kentucky, where it’s also aged. The team at Frank August then takes roughly 10 to 15 barrels per batch and builds this bourbon painstakingly to fit their desired flavor profile. The whiskey is then lightly proofed down to 100 proof before bottling.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose is pure classic bourbon with hints of salted caramel with a twinge of soft grains next to spicy cherry syrup, a whisper of sour apple, and a touch of aged oak staves soaked in mulled wine.
Palate: The palate moves on from the soft grains towards rum-soaked raisins with a warm winter spice matrix — cinnamon, ginger, clove, allspice — before a brown sugar/rock candy sweetness takes over on the mid-palate.
Finish: The finish is long and sweet with a nice dose of sharp cinnamon and soft nutmeg that leads to a supple vanilla cream with a thin line of dry cedar and tobacco spice just touched with dark cherry on the very end.
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent example of the amazing bourbon barrels still hiding in Kentucky barrel houses. While you can easily sip this any old time, you really want to make your favorite whiskey-forward cocktail with this one. It’ll pop as brightly as a firecracker.
This brand-new whiskey brand from Graham McTavish (Outlander, House of the Dragon, etc.) is a lovely built batch of whiskey. The whiskey is made from a classic mash of 75/21/4 (corn/rye/barley) that’s left to rest for seven years. Those barrels were proofed down to bottled-in-bond standards and bottled as-is otherwise.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Caramel chocolate candies and vanilla cake with sprinkles drive the nose toward cinnamon and clove heavy nutcake, eggnog, and a soft layer of burnt orange zest.
Palate: The vanilla creates a lush buttercream on the palate as dark Black Forest Cake with spicy stewed cherry and very dark chocolate leads to more nutmeg and cinnamon with a fleeting sense of pipe tobacco and smoldering marshmallow.
Finish: The end leans into old oak and a light sense of fall orchard leaves, more stewed cherry, and creamy vanilla with a line of spiced winter bark warmth.
Bottom Line:
This is a shockingly good bourbon for a first foray from the label. It’s everything you could want from a quintessential Kentucky bourbon and more — this one goes deep. Pour it neat, take your time, and then add it to your rotation.
2024’s first Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a unique one. The batch is made from barrels that averaged out to 10 years and nine months old, which is on the young side for these releases. Moreover, the ABVs are much lower than usual as well, coming in under 60%.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Rich salted caramel, apple fritters, cherry pie, winter spice, old leather tobacco pouches, and deep oakiness drive the nose with a touch of rye bread crust and nutty … I want to say granola covered in dark chocolate.
Palate: The sweetness really gets buttery on the palate with rich toffee and salted caramel ice cream next to creamy cinnamon chews, vanilla malt, dark and smooth chocolate sauce, and a counterpoint of sharp oak spices with a touch of old spicy tobacco.
Finish: That tobacco and oaky spice sharpen on the finish before the creamy caramel, vanilla, and chocolate base returns for a soft and lush end.
Bottom Line:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a must-have for anyone looking to take bourbon seriously. It’s essential, delicious, and palate-expanding while still feeling deeply Kentuckian.
4. Knob Creek Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 12 Years
This is the classic Beam whiskey. The whiskey is left alone in the Beam warehouses in Clermont, Kentucky, for 12 long years. The barrels are chosen according to a specific taste and mingled to create this aged expression with a drop or two of that soft Kentucky limestone water.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: This opens with clear notes of dark rum-soaked cherry, bitter yet creamy dark chocolate, winter spices, a twinge of a sourdough sugar doughnut, and a hint of menthol layered with smudging sage and orchard barks.
Palate: The palate leans into a red berry crumble — brown sugar, butter, and spice — with a hint of dried chili flake, salted caramels covered in dark chocolate, and a spicy/sweet note that leads toward a wet cattail stem and soft brandied cherries dipped in silky dark chocolate sauce.
Finish: The end holds onto that sweetness and layers in a final note of pecan shells and maple candy before leaning into a creamy vanilla cream spiked with tobacco and stewed prunes, dates, and figs.
Bottom Line:
This is the Knob Creek to buy. It’s a fantastic sipper, an amazing example of Kentucky bourbon, and one of the best whiskeys to make simple whiskey-forward cocktails with out there. The best part is that you can generally get this at this price at most places where good liquor is sold.
3. Starlight Distillery Carl T. Huber’s Bottled-In-Bond Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey Toasted Series
This starts with Starlight’s high-corn bourbons that are four to six years old. Once batched, the whiskey is refilled into new toasted oak from France for an additional six to eight months.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose opens with a sense of soft apricot leather next to dark fruit layered with dry spice barks and berries, toasted oakiness, and fluttering moments of woody tobacco imbued with red chili pepper spice.
Palate: A clear dry cedar kindling vibe leads to creamy eggnog, plenty of moist winter spice cakes, and black tea cut with creamed honey on the palate.
Finish: The dark fruit darkens on the finish as dry kindling, sweet oak, and rich chewing tobacco dance with dates, figs, and plums with a distinct almond shell nutty/woody feel that ends on a warm hug of a fireplace on a cold fall day next to a fallow orchard.
Bottom Line:
This is a phenomenal example of the craft whiskey coming out of Indiana right now. It’s deep, delicious, and delivers far beyond any standard bottle of bourbon. It’ll be a little harder to come by but worth the effort once you nose and taste it.
2. Pursuit United Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Toasted American and French Oak
This release from the Bourbon Pursuit team is a blend of four to six-year-old bourbons. The three bourbons involved are a Finger Lakes whiskey (70/20/10 corn/rye/malted barley), an MGP bourbon (60/36/4 corn/rye/malted barley), and an undisclosed Tennessee whiskey (80/10/10 corn/rye/malted barley). Those whiskeys were finished in both American and French toasted oak barrels before batching and bottling with a touch of Kentucky water.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Dark chocolate nut clusters (pecan and walnut heavy) mixed with burnt orange, a hint of mulled wine, and rum-raising with an echo of fresh cedar on the nose.
Palate: The palate has a sense of Nutella over scones with a Cherry Coke on the side while singed cedar and cherry bark mingle with clove-studded oranges and a hint of freshly cracked black pepper.
Finish: The end has a nice spicy warmth and a touch more of that singed wood next to spicy cherry tobacco.
Bottom Line:
This is a great sipper. Get some. You’re sure to savor it!
This age statement released from Jack Daniel’s is a throwback to a bygone era in Tennessee Whiskey. The whiskey is aged for at least 10 years before batching. During that time, the barrels spend time in the “Buzzard’s Roost” at the top of the rickhouse. Once they hit the right flavor profile, those barrels are moved to the bottom floors of other warehouses to slow the aging down. Finally, the whiskey is batched, proofed, and bottled.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: This opens with a rich matrix of cherry syrup, apple cores, sticky toffee, vanilla ice cream, and a bold line of wet and sweet oak with a mild earthiness.
Palate: The palate opens up towards the dark fruit but dries it out and marries it to a woody and spicy tobacco leaf alongside toasted cedar soaked in salted caramel paired with dry corn husks that are just singed.
Finish: The finish really takes its time as the cherry attaches to an old cinnamon stick and the tobacco takes on a sticky chewiness with an almost smoked oak woodiness.
Bottom Line:
Normally, this whiskey would be on a much pricier list. But this whiskey is about to hit shelves and you will be able to find it for MSRP this year. That makes this the best whiskey at this price point kind of by far. This is one of the best bottles of Jack Daniel’s released in the modern era. Buy a case if you can.
Not every city has a reputation for partying like New Orleans. Each year, the city comes alive with the vibrant spirit of Carnival season, and amidst the kaleidoscope of parades, indulgent cocktails, and delectable king cakes, there’s an undeniable energy that captivates both locals and visitors alike. In short, it’s lit.
As the iconic Fat Tuesday approaches – this year on February 13th – the streets of New Orleans undergo a two-week transformation of a tapestry of colors and festivities, creating a truly unparalleled atmosphere. Amidst all of these extravagant celebrations, New Orleans never falls short for its culinary prowess, offering a diverse array of dining experiences, from traditional Creole dishes to innovative culinary creations — earning a spot on Uproxx’s acclaimed Fall Travel Hot List back in September.
If your week started with this sort of text…
Uproxx
Then your first question after “Are there cheap flights?” is probably, “Where am I going to sleep?”
New Orleans boasts a plethora of hotels that cater to every preference — from historic accommodations steeped in charm to modern luxury establishments. Check out our list of the best hotels the city has to offer to maximize your Carnival celebrations below.
PART I — The French Quarter
The epicenter of Mardi Gras celebrations with lively parades, vibrant street life, and iconic Bourbon Street festivities. Staying here ensures you’re at the heart of the action.
Hotel Monteleone
Since 1886, the Hotel Monteleone has provided luxury and style for travelers to New Orleans. Known for its timeless charm and NOLA’s first and only rotating Carousel Bar, it stands as a landmark in the city.
The brand’s central location on Royal Street places guests in the heart of Mardi Gras festivities, making it an ideal choice for revelers. The hotel offers classic accommodations with high-end touches, providing a comfortable retreat amidst the vibrant energy of New Orleans.
BOTTOM LINE:
With its rich history, iconic bar, and proximity to the excitement of Mardi Gras, Hotel Monteleone promises an authentic and memorable experience in the heart of the festivities.
Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter at the intersection of St. Louis and Royal Streets in New Orleans, Omni Royal Orleans offers a luxurious escape with a prime location overlooking the St. Louis Cathedral. Perfectly situated for Mardi Gras celebrations, guests can immerse themselves in the festive spirit just steps away from parade routes.
The hotel exudes elegance – from its marble lobby, crystal chandeliers, rooftop pool deck, and wrought iron balconies– providing upscale accommodations and amenities that complement the lively atmosphere of the city.
BOTTOM LINE:
With its historic charm and proximity to Bourbon Street (just two blocks away), Omni Royal Orleans is a sought-after hotel to get right in the action of Mardi Gras.
Right on the iconic Bourbon Street, Royal Sonesta New Orleans, stands as a vibrant hub for Mardi Gras enthusiasts. With its prime location in the heart of the French Quarter, guests are immersed in the lively spirit of carnival celebrations. The hotel offers a perfect blend of luxury and festivities, featuring comfortable accommodations and a lively atmosphere equipped with wrought-iron balconies and a lush courtyard.
BOTTOM LINE:
The hotel’s proximity ensures a front-row seat to Mardi Gras parades and festivities — making it a popular choice for those seeking a (big) easy festive experience during this iconic celebration in New Orleans.
Offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the French Quarter. Beautiful tree-lined streets and historic architecture provide a charming backdrop while being close to St. Charles Avenue for parades.
The Pontchartrain Hotel
THE PONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL
The Pontchartrain Hotel, located on St Charles Ave in New Orleans, stands as a beacon of Southern elegance along the historic St. Charles Avenue. Built in 1927, this Uptown gem offers a sophisticated stay with its well-appointed 14-story accommodations, blending modern comfort with classic charm through its four dining options, rooftop lounge, and unique architectural design.
BOTTOM LINE:
While not in the immediate vicinity of Mardi Gras celebrations, the hotel provides a tranquil retreat from the bustling crowds, and guests can reach the French Quarter and major parade routes within a short taxi ride.
Located right on St Charles Ave, The Columns Hotel offers a unique stay in the picturesque Uptown district. Originally built in 1883 as a private residence, it was converted into a boarding house during World War I and eventually a hotel in 1953. Today, it stands listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Known for its Victorian-era elegance overlooking St. Charles Avenue, this historic hotel provides a distinctive experience with its charming accommodations and classic ambiance, featuring an array of gardens, patios, salon, curated retail collection, and more.
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Also not directly amidst Mardi Gras celebrations, guests can enjoy a tranquil escape from the festivities. The French Quarter and prominent parade routes are easily accessible by a short drive, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant Mardi Gras atmosphere and then return to someplace less chaotic.
Situated in the Garden District, the Henry Howard Hotel offers a boutique retreat with historic charm in New Orleans. Originally constructed in 1867 as a double gallery townhouse, it is now a reimagined 18-room hotel boasting stylish accommodations while holding much of its original architectural elements.
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Guests can easily access the vibrant atmosphere of the French Quarter and parade routes via a car ride and then savor the hotel’s quiet yet thriving neighborhood during their “down times.”
Adjacent to the French Quarter, these neighborhoods offer a bohemian vibe, local art scenes, and a slightly quieter setting while remaining close to Mardi Gras activities.
The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery
THE OLD NO. 77 HOTEL & CHANDLERY
The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery offers a distinctive blend of historic charm and modern comfort right in the heart of New Orleans. While not directly in Marigny/Bywater, its proximity ensures a unique New Orleans experience. To reach Mardi Gras celebrations and parades, a short drive or walk leads to the festive atmosphere of the French Quarter.
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The hotel’s stylish accommodations reflect the city’s artistic spirit, including its featured exposed brick walls. Try it for a modern-stylish feel that’s a little out of the fray.
Amenities:
Water bottles
Complimentary bike rentals
Free wifi
24-hour fitness center featuring Peloton bikes & MIRROR
Originally known as the Audubon Hotel in the early 1900s, the hotel was restored and renamed The Quisby in 2017. Located in the Lower Garden District, it embodies New Orleans’ bohemian spirit, exuding a budget-friendly atmosphere while offering a unique blend of affordability and style. The hostel stands close to both the French Quarter and the nearby eclectic neighborhoods, ensuring a short walk to some of the best restaurants, shops, and Mardi Gras parties in New Orleans.
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The Quisby’s accommodations exude a laid-back charm with modern amenities, including complimentary check-in cocktails and its 24-hour Quartz Bar full of local and touring musicians. Guests can choose a hostel-style shared room or opt for private rooms.
Ace Hotel New Orleans is a trendy and artistic haven capturing the city’s vibrant energy. Its unique atmosphere is just a short distance from these eclectic neighborhoods and the Mardi Gras action of New Orleans. The hotel’s accommodations are stylish, blending modern design with local flair while also offering world-class dining onsite with its award-winning chefs.
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Ace Hotel provides a chic and culturally infused retreat with regularly programmed art and music events, offering a perfect starting point for immersing oneself in the dynamic festivities and cultural richness of New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Features include a rooftop garden, pool, and bar, coffee shop, and two restaurants.
Known for its rich cultural history, Treme provides an authentic New Orleans experience. It’s close to the French Quarter and offers a unique Mardi Gras experience.
Lamothe House Hotel
LAMOTHE HOUSE HOTEL
Lamothe House Hotel enchants guests with its historic charm in the heart of New Orleans. This Victorian-style property offers a tranquil and intimate stay with elegantly appointed accommodations and a picturesque courtyard framed by magnificent oak trees.
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Guests can easily access the vibrant atmosphere of parades and celebrations with a short walk or drive, while the location on Esplanade Avenue provides a cultural backdrop to the Mardi Gras festivities.
New Orleans Guest House offers a cozy and welcoming bed and breakfast experience near the vibrant Treme neighborhood. Housed in a historic building, it provides well-appointed accommodations with a charming atmosphere, full of posh antique furnishings. While not directly in the heart of Mardi Gras festivities, its proximity allows guests to enjoy the lively parades and celebrations with a short walk or drive to the French Quarter.
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This quaint guest house offers 14 guest rooms in a tranquil retreat, providing a unique blend of local charm and easy access to the energetic spirit of New Orleans.
Maison Treme Guesthouse immerses guests in the heart of the historic Treme neighborhood with its unique character and cultural significance. The guesthouse offers stylish accommodations within a historic setting, featuring a two-story pool house overlooking a new luxury saltwater pool. Its central location allows guests to easily access the vibrant parades and festivities in the nearby French Quarter with a short 10-minute walk to the French Quarter.
BOTTOM LINE:
Having a pool in New Orleans feels like a relaxing luxury that’s hard to pass up.
Amenities:
Private accommodations for two guests
Fully equipped kitchen
Complimentary toiletries
Quaint, private balcony
Free wifi
TV with Sling, Netflix, Hulu
Romantic courtyard with an outdoor table and loungers
A good option for people who want proximity to the French Quarter and parade routes but with a slightly more business-oriented and “work hard, play hard” atmosphere.
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
THE RITZ-CARLTON, NEW ORLEANS
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans exudes luxury and elegance in the heart of the city. Offering opulent accommodations within the 1908 Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building, the hotel stands as a refined sanctuary. Positioned on Canal Street right on the edge of the French Quarter, it provides a central vantage point for Mardi Gras celebrations, with easy access to the lively parades and festivities.
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Guests experience a seamless blend of sophistication and proximity — ensuring an exquisite stay while immersing themselves in the vibrant energy that is New Orleans mis Mardi Gras.
W New Orleans – French Quarter invites guests into a stylish and contemporary haven on the intersection of the historic French Quarter and Central Business District. The hotel boasts modern accommodations infused with vibrant local flair, while its strategic location provides guests with a chic retreat within walking distance of Mardi Gras celebrations and parades in the heart of the French Quarter.
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The hotel is offering a special Mardi Gras package from February 6th-February 14th where guests can receive two complimentary daily cocktails from 3rd Block Depot and Mardi Gras masks and beads with the booking code CUE. Check here for details and savor those free sips!
JW Marriott New Orleans offers a luxurious escape in the heart of the Central Business District. The hotel provides upscale accommodations with modern comforts, featuring a 24-hour fitness center and rooftop pool. The hotel is offering a special Mardi Gras package from February 6th-14th, offerings two daily complimentary cocktails and two authentic Mardi Gras masks and beads with booking code CUE. For more information, click here.
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With its prime position on Canal Street, guests can effortlessly access Mardi Gras celebrations and parades, immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the French Quarter and Bourbon Street.
Cavemen must have been perpetually late, given that humans didn’t get around to inventing the sundial until 1500 BCE. The first attempts at measuring time via sun movement were shadow clocks created by the Egyptians and Babylonians. These led to the sundial, an instrument that tells time by measuring shadows cast by the sun on a dial plate. Sundials were our preferred method of timekeeping until the mechanical clock was invented in 14th-century Europe.
In 1972, Hamilton introduced the world’s first digital watch. Its $2,000 price tag was hefty, but by the ’80s, digital watches became affordable for the average person. Now, both technologies have merged in a cool invention, the digital sundial. Created by French Etsy seller Mojoptix, this outdoor clock uses the patterns on a suspended wand to mold natural shadows into a digital-looking time readout. The digital sundial has two major drawbacks: It only reports the time in 20-minute intervals, and it’s not very effective after sundown. But it sure does look cool.
Brian Gordon is a cartoonist. He’s also a dad, which means he’s got plenty of inspiration for the parenting comics he creates for his website, Fowl Language (not all of which actually feature profanity).
He covers many topics, but it’s his hilarious parenting comics that are resonating with parents everywhere.
“My comics are largely autobiographical,” Gordon tells me. “I’ve got two kids who are 4 and 7, and often, what I’m writing happened as recently as that very same day.”
Gordon shared 15 of his oh-so-real comics with us. They’re all funny ’cause they’re true.
Let’s get started with his favorite, “Welcome to Parenting,” which Gordon says sums up his comics pretty well. “Parenting can be such tedious drudgery,” he says, “but if it wasn’t also so incredibly rewarding there wouldn’t be nearly so many people on the planet.”
Truth.
I hope you enjoy these as much as I did.
1.
All comics are shared here with Gordon’s express permission. These comics are all posted on his website, in addition to his Facebook page. You can also find a “bonus” comic that goes with each one by clicking the “bonus” link. Original. Bonus.
I love Gordon’s comics so much because they’re just about the reality of parenting — and they capture it perfectly.
There’s no parenting advice, no judgment, just some humor about the common day-to-day realities that we all share.
When I ask him about the worst parenting advice he’s ever received, Gordon relays this anecdote:
“I remember being an absolute sleep-deprived wreck, sitting outside a sandwich shop, wolfing down my lunch quickly beside my 1-month-old son, who was briefly resting his lungs between screaming fits.
A rather nosy woman walked up to me and said, all smugly, ‘You should enjoy this time while they’re easy.’ It was the exact worst thing anyone could have said to me in that moment and I just wanted to curl up on the sidewalk and cry.”
Who hasn’t been on the receiving end of totally unneeded and unwanted advice? That’s why Gordon’s comics are so welcome: They offer up a space for us to all laugh about the common experiences we parents share.
Here’s to Gordon for helping us chuckle (through the tears).
Somewhere in Salt Lake City, a Girl Scout is getting allll the good mojo from The People of the Internet.
Over the weekend, Eli McCann shared a story of an encounter at a Girl Scout cookie stand that has people throwing their fists in the air and shouting, YES! THAT’S HOW IT’S DONE. (Or maybe that’s just me. But I’m guessing most of the 430,000 people who liked his story had a similar reaction.)
“I just saw the most wild thing!” McCann wrote on Twitter. “A man started walking toward the Girl Scouts cookie stand in front of the grocery store and he yelled ‘My bitches are BACK’ and this Girl Scout just yelled ‘No. Walk away.’ AND HE DID.”
So simple. So straightforward. But it gets even better.
“It was truly jarring,” he wrote of the man’s exclamation. “Like, it was sort of the last thing I expected anyone to say. My mind suddenly rebooted. The six or so other people who were all standing around in front of the grocery store froze and looked at him. I opened my mouth to say something, but then really didn’t know what to say.”
“It was unclear who he was calling ‘bitches,'” he continued. “If it was the Girl Scouts, well obviously that was terrible. If it was the cookies, I mean that’s kind of funny (don’t @ me), but totally inappropriate to say to a bunch of 12 year olds (is that how old Girl Scouts are?). Either way, he shouldn’t have said it and I don’t know what could have possibly made him think this was a fine way to approach a group of Girl Scouts.”
McCann said the girl’s response was immediate, and it floored everyone. “Her tone was so full of confidence and sass,” he wrote. “It was the most perfectly delivered line I have ever heard.”
“This dude completely froze. He just stopped walking. His face went bright red. His mouth was sort of gaping open. He did this very awkward and stilted nod, almost apologetic, abruptly turned around, and shuffled back to his car at like 6-minute-mile pace. The girl just death stared him all the way through his walk of shame.”
I still can’t process what I just saw. I don’t understand it at all. It was like witnessing the worst miscalculation he was bright red and just went back to his car. Everyone just stood in silence. This girl death stared him all the way through his walk of shame.
McCann says it took him a bit to digest what he’d just seen.
“I ended up walking into the store and the entire time I was shopping I was just trying to process what had happened. I kept replaying it over and over and wondering if I had misheard or misunderstood something,” he wrote.
“Who was this guy? Did he just make the biggest miscalculation of his life? Is he going to move away and start a new life now? Is that girl going to be president one day? Can I adopt her? Can she adopt me? Can I start a cult to follow her?”
As he was leaving the store, he went up to the girl to compliment her—then got another perfectly delivered line from the intrepid Girl Scout.
“Two adult women were standing behind the girl (the troop leaders, I assume),” he wrote. “I said to the girl, ‘I saw how you handled that man earlier. That was really really impressive. Your troop is pretty lucky to have you.'”
“And this girl. This Goddess of a human. The one I’m for sure going to worship if ever she starts a religion. Without stuttering. With perfect comedic timing. She responded:
‘You gotta be pretty tough if you’re gonna go out in THIS outfit.‘”
OMG.
I just went and talked to her (tried to buy cookies but couldn’t because cash only). I told her I was impressed with how she handled that dude and she just said with perfect comedic timing “you got learn to be pretty tough if you’re gonna go out in THIS outfit!”
Let’s all give this girl a virtual high five for her gumption and wit. It takes a lot of courage to say something to an adult when you’re a kid, especially a man who is doing something inappropriate. The fact that she seemed to have been perfectly prepared for that moment, shutting him down so immediately and decisively that everyone in the vicinity stopped to take note, is so dang impressive.
This is what happens when you teach girls their true worth and encourage them not to accept anything less than respect and dignity. Gotta love it.
Anyone who’s watched a film based on a book has experienced the disappointment of a movie character not matching their imagined version of what a character looks like. Book authors offer descriptions of characters with varying levels of detail, usually just enough to help us form a mental picture or give us necessary information about them, so we may not all imagine them the same way.
Some characters’ physical features are crucial to their story, such as Harry Potter’s lightning-shaped forehead scar, but some are just an author’s attempt to share whatever they themselves imagine a character to look like. There’s often a lot that’s open to interpretation, though, so it’s a bit of a crapshoot whether a film depiction of a book character will match a writer’s description of them—or a reader’s vision based on that description.
One artist is exploring this phenomenon with a video series in which he paints characters based solely on their written descriptions. Jazza, who has made a name for himself on social media with his creative art videos, is given the features of a character as described by a writer without being told who the character is or where they’re from. Then we see how his depiction compares to the character as shown on screen.
Sometimes his paintings are surprisingly close to the film character and he is able to guess who the character is based on what he drew. Some are more mysterious and he doesn’t know who he’s painted until it’s revealed. And occasionally, it’s not a character that’s being described but a real person, which is the case with the last painting in this video, and it’s extra hilarious. But it’s always fascinating to see someone paint a picture of what they’re visualizing in their mind, since most of us aren’t able to do that.
Watch:
If you enjoyed those attempts, check out Part 2:
The series has more parts and he also has a series where he sculpts monsters based on their descriptions. So fun to watch!
Here’s to the human imaginations that create characters on the page and those who bring them to life on screen. Different creative skills, but both so valuable to the storytelling that help us tap into our humanity.
Adam Sandler hasn’t really been in the stand-up game in ages. That’s not entirely true: Back in 2018 he did 100% Fresh for comedy special giant Netflix, marking his first special in two decades. It’s the one where he sang a song for his late pal Chris Farley. Apparently the Sandman enjoyed it enough that (six years later) he’s doing another, and this one will double as an Uncut Gems semi-reunion.
Per Deadline, Sandler will again hit the stage for a new, as yet-untitled special. 100% Fresh was directed by Steven Brill, who directed him in Little Nicky, Mr. Deeds, The Do-Over, Sandy Wexler, and Hubie Halloween. This one, though, will be handled by a slightly more esteemed auteur: Josh Safdie.
Josh Safdie, of course, is one-half of the recently broken up Safdie brothers. The other is Benny, who’s been doing just fine on his own — acting in Licorice Pizza and Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret and Oppenheimer, teaming up with Nathan Fielder to create The Curse. Uncut Gems isn’t the only project Sandler has done with the Safdies. He also appeared in the Times Square short Goldman v Silverman.
Sandler teamed up with Netflix in the mid-aughts, where he’s popped out one comedy after another, including comedies like The Ridiculous 6, Murder Mystery, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, and Leo. He’s even done more serious work for them with Noah Baumbach’s The Meyerowitz Stories and the basketball saga Hustle.
Carl’s Jr. is giving out a free burger today! We’re not sure what it is about the Super Bowl that makes food brands want to give out free food, but they’re doing it, and we’re here for it. If you plan your day out right, between Carl’s Jr and Buffalo Wild Wings you can eat multiple free meals today, which is great news whether you’re celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl win or mourning the loss of the San Francisco 49ers.
Free food is a wonderful consolation prize for either situation, so we’ll take it! For today, February 12th only, Carl’s Jr fans can pick up a free Western Bacon cheeseburger by downloading the Carl’s Jr. app and placing your order under the “My Rewards” section, or by showing a crew member in-restaurant the app installed on your phone.
If you’ve never had a Western Bacon Cheeseburger, you need to remedy that immediately. The cheeseburger combines the smokey and sweet tangy flavors of barbecue sauce with a charbroiled patty, melted cheese, and our favorite part of the burger, a layer of thick deep-fried onion rings.
It’s a damn good bacon cheeseburger, and it’ll taste even better today because it’s free.
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