Month: May 2025

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Is it safe to say Cinco de Mayo is America’s favorite underdog holiday to celebrate, even though 95% of people celebrating it don’t know the significance of the holiday? Now granted, there is a case to be made that July 4th is technically the ultimate underdog’s holiday, being that it marks the formal declaration of independence from the British Empire, but what sounds better? Hot dogs, hot weather and fireworks, or tequila, Mexican beer and tacos at the height of spring? Cinco de Mayo wins on all fronts, and that’s not just the bias of my Mexican heritage talking.

So to celebrate the country’s best — and tastiest — underdog holiday, we’re shouting out the 10 absolute best additive-free tequilas your money can buy this Cinco de Mayo. This list features a mix of blancos, high proof expressions, reposados, and añejos, so hopefully we have a little bit of something for every kind of tequila drinker. Unless of course you like cristalinos, but let’s face it, nobody likes cristalinos (we’re kidding, we love them).

Here are all the tequilas you should sip this Cinco de Mayo and beyond.

10. Dulce Vida — Añejo

ABV: 40%
Average Price: $40.99

The Tequila:

An organic additive-free aged tequila for just $40.99? Sign us up! Dulce Vida’s entire line of expressions are worth checking out, but our absolute favorite right now is the añejo thanks to its smooth finish, and sweet character.

Dulce Vida is produced at NOM 1443, Grupo Industrial Tequilero de Los Altos de Jalisco, and uses agave that is cooked in a high-pressure autoclave, roller mill extracted, finished with well water, and aged in select American Oak whiskey barrels.

Aged in select American Oak whiskey barrels, rich golden amber color, aroms of vanilla and cinnamon, full-bodied flavor, and smooth finish. Agave from the highlands of Jalsico, 100% oraanic Bourbon note, fruity and vanilla, sweet and smooth

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Sweet vanilla and agave massively dominate here. There is a thick syrupy vibe that is very inviting.

Palate: More vanilla on the palate, joined by caramel tones, some barrel spice, and cinnamon. I’m not getting a lot of green or vegetal notes, but I don’t miss them, this is very pleasing.

Finish: The finish is clean. You taste hints of oak, hints of alcohol, and some chili pepper spice, but none of it sticks around too long.

The Bottom Line:

A high-quality, additive-free organic añejo full of sweet dessert tones that are a pleasure to sip.

9. Alto Canto — High Proof Blanco

ABV: 48% (96 Proof)
Price: $89.99

The Tequila:

High proof, yet surprisingly tame and inviting, Alto Canto has quickly become my go-to bottle on days I want a little more heat than your typical 80-proof tequila, but is not so hot that it’s easy to misjudge how much you’re drinking.

This addtive-free blanco offers a silky smooth experience and is made from stone oven cooked agave that is tahona extracted and mixed with natural spring water at NOM 1636, Tequila El Rocio.

Tasting Notes:
Nose: Creamy and a bit lactic with notes of rich cocoa and raw agave.

Palate: Surprisingly soft with a grassy green agave forward quality. As those initial flavors pass the palate, I’m getting some asparagus and green pepper with a tart green apple skin that hovers gently on the backend.

Finish: Buttery with a kiss of roasted agave that produces a gentle heat on the aftertaste.

The Bottom Line:

Buttery, a bit spicy, and very agave forward with a gently hot finish.

8. Cazcanes — Rosa Reposado No. 9

ABV: 50% (100 Proof)
Price: $96.99

The Tequila:

Another hot sipper, right now we’re feeling higher proof tequilas and Cazcanes Rosa Reposado is one the finest on the market.

This additive-free agave forward tequila is produced at the famed NOM 1614, Tequilera Tap, using agave that is cooked in an autoclave, roller mill extracted, mixed with spring water, and aged for 82 days in French Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, which give it a nice blush pink tone.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Rich layers of roasted agave, leather, cocoa, cinnamon, and ripe cherries.

Palate: A blend of vegetal flavors and rich stone fruits. Think cherry, plum, any fruit with a tart dark skin and flesh. I’m also getting roasted jalapeño and vanilla.

Finish: Dry with more plum on the finish.

The Bottom Line:

Cazcanes Rosa Reposado is as eye-catching as it is delicious. Its dark and fruity flavors will keep you coming back for more, and it excels equally as a sipper and a liquid that’ll elevate and add lots of nuance to your cocktail.

7. Valor — Tequila Reposado

ABV: 42%
Average Price: $79.99

The Tequila:

If you’re a fan of the delicate floral and herbaceous flavors of Valor’s blanco — or just fans of that flavor profile in general — you’re going to love Valor’s reposado.

This tequila takes the base blanco and ages it for four months in white oak barrels, adding some spicy cinnamon and sweet honeyed notes to an agave-forward, herbaceous, and citrusy foundation.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Rosemary, sage, and citrus, with a wet earth quality to it.

Palate: Agave hits the palate first, with a bit of citrus and black pepper, joined by notes of floral honey.

Finish: Citrus, minerality, and cinnamon join notes of roasted agave and barrel oak.

The Bottom Line:

Agave forward and earthy, yet wonderfully mellow. Simply one of the best reposado tequilas you’ll drink all year.

6. Volans — Tequila Reposado

ABV: 40%
Average Price: $66.99

The Tequila:

Volans offers a mix of warm, earthy flavors and smooth dessert-like mellowness that makes it one of those rare reposados that serve equally as a great sipper and mixer.

This tequila is produced at NOM 1579, El Pandillo Distillery, using agave that is steamed for three hours before being slow roasted for 19 to 22 hours, rested for 24 to 36, and then tahona crushed. The tequila utilizes well and rain water, which gives it a nice minerality.

To reach the repo state, it is then rested in American White Oak bourbon barrels for just under a year.

Tasting Notes:
Nose: A rich mix of caramel and roasted agave with a strong oak character and the slightest hint of wet grass.

Palate: Cinnamon, caramel, and vanilla mingle with lots of minerality, a bit of salt, and wet soil quality. It’s earthy and warm, but rich and luxurious. A real bouquet of experiences here.

Finish: A mix of dessert-like sweetness and black pepper with an oily buttered mouthfeel. It leaves the tongue wanting more.

The Bottom Line:

Volans strikes the perfect balance between natural earthy flavors, and sweet palate pleasing tones that’ll keep you coming back for sip after sip.

5. Tears of Llorona — Tequila Extra Añejo

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $279.99 (1L)

The Tequila:

If you’re looking to impress someone or appeal to whiskey drinkers who claim that they aren’t fans of tequila, serve them a pour of Tears of Llorona. This extra añejo is made from agave harvested from the highlands of Jalisco that is cooked in a low pressure autoclave, screw mill extracted, mixed with deep well water, and aged for five years in Scotch, sherry, and brand barrels.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Lots of chocolate and dessert flavors with some dark berry characteristics and some herbal notes.

Palate: There is a lot of sweetness here in this wonderful mix of vanilla and winter spice flavors. Underneath that is a warm roasted agave base with a twist of citrus.

Finish: Savory and deep, you get a lot of the barrel here with a smooth finish that is a joy to sip.

The Bottom Line:

A heavy dessert tequila crafted for slow sipping. The quintessential tequila for bourbon fans.

4. Tequila Ocho — Plata Puntas 108

ABV: 54% (108 Proof)
Average Price: $80.99

The Tequila:

Released last year, Tequila Ocho’s Plata Puntas 108 is the brand’s highest proof expression, so if you love Tequila Ocho and high-proof tequilas (we do), this is a no-brainer pick up. Generally, I suggest someone new to the brand start with the typical blanco, but right now this one is taking precedence, despite the higher price point.

Plata Puntas 108 is produced at NOM 1474, Tequilera Los Alambiques, with agave cooked in stone ovens, roller mill extracted, and mixed with deep well water. It is then fermented in open-air wooden vats, and twice distilled through a copper pot.

Tasting Notes:
Nose: Roasted agave, dry earth and lime, with a hint of green olive.

Palate: Buttery and earthy, with a briny-olive flavor, and a lot of black pepper.

Finish: A nice warm heat with a touch of mint.

The Bottom Line:

Tequila Ocho’s Plata Puntas captures everything great about the brand, and filters it into one near-perfect expression. It’s earthy, green, and briney flavors cut through any cocktail, and infuse each drink with an agave-forward quality that tequila lovers will fall head over heels over.

3. Fuenteseca — Reserva Extra Añejo 8-year

ABV: 42%
Average Price: $329

The Tequila:

Now granted, putting a tequila that costs upwards of $300 is flat out unfair — we get that, but we said we were going to point you in the direction of the best of the best, and without a doubt, Fuenteseca 8 year is one of the greatest tequilas we’ve ever had the pleasure of drinking.

This tequila hails from NOM 1146, the famed Tequileña, where 75% of the liquid was distilled in a double copper column still with plates removed for lower distillation proof, and the other 25% distilled through alembic pot stills. It is then rested in two casks, one ex-wine American white oak and a dark French oak, and aged for eight years in a damp-climate cellar. It is supremely smooth and stunningly flavorful.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Warm toasty caramel notes joined by a sweet coconut vibe, a hint of maple syrup, and chocolate. It’s warm and inviting, definitely a late night sipper, I can tell from the nose alone.

Palate: Those warm dessert tones translate to the palate, with some added zesty interest via citrus and black pepper notes. After a few sips, I started to get a fruity red apple vibe, more cinnamon, and vanilla.

Finish: A super smooth finish with warm oak tones and some lingering heat that begs to be satiated by another sip.

The Bottom Line:

A warm, sweet, slow sipper with a lot of addictive spiced notes. The way it lingers on the palate makes it clear that this is tequila designed to be savored. Simply one of the finest extra añejo tequilas on the market.

2. Mijenta — Maestra Selection No. 1 Blanco

ABV: 50%
Average Price: $99.99

The Tequila:

This new expression from Mijenta dropped late last year, and for months I’ve been trying to get my hands on a bottle. Once I acquired a bottle it not only exceeded my expectations, but has quickly become my favorite expression by the brand.

The Maestra Selection No.1 is a high proof blanco tequila made from single estate, eight-year-old agave (grown from seed) that is cooked in a low-pressure autoclave, roller mill extracted, made from deep well water, and twice distilled through a stainless steel pot, resulting in a focused and rewarding flavor that is a joy for the palate to explore.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: A warm rush of agave joined by charred honey dew, chocolate, and caramel.

Palate: That fruity flavor translates to the palate, I’m tasting pineapple, more melon with a layer of anise and mint, some vegetal interest and a crack of black pepper.

Finish: More fruit and pepper on the finish. This one ends with a sweet kiss.

The Bottom Line:

Mijenta has knocked it out of the park with this one. The Maestra Selection No. 1 is the brand’s all time best expression, it’s sweet, fruity, and a true joy for the palate.

1. Wild Common — Tequila Añejo

ABV: 47%
Average Price: $95

The Tequila:

Our number one spot as the absolute best additive-free tequila to start sipping on right now goes to Wild Common’s Añejo. This is the newest expression on this list, released just this year, and is produced at NOM 1123, Tequila Cascahuin, using agave that is slow roasted for 72 hours in brick ovens, tahona and roller mill crushed, and rested for one year in ex-bourbon barrels.

The results are nothing short of masterful. This is one of the best tequilas released all year, easily.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Flecks of jasmine, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom, with a light tinge of fruitiness lurking beneath the dessert notes. There is a lot to explore here!

Palate: That nose doesn’t lie, there are a lot of shifting and blooming flavors here. An herbaceous licorice note is joined by a floral rush of honey, stone fruit, caramelized agave sweetness, spicy ginger, and cinnamon, with a subtle sweet and tangy kiss.

Finish: Lots of bourbon sweetness on the finish with a mix of barrel spice and a bit of heat that sizzles gently on the tongue.

The Bottom Line:

Spice, herbaceous, floral, Wild Common’s Añejo is the best kind of tequila. The sort that takes you on a journey and leaves you somewhere surprising. This is the kind of liquid worth getting lost in.

Beyoncé is no stranger to the national anthem.

She’s performed it for presidents, at a Super Bowl press conference, and before massive sporting events. And typically, it is performed faithfully, just one of music’s most iconic voices singing a song every American knows deeply, even if our relationship with said song shifts in a mercurial fashion depending on the context.

And on her “Cowboy Carter Tour”, which kicked off at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium last week, Beyoncé is once again delivering “The Star Spangled Banner,” but not quite in a manner she’s done before. It’s performed relatively early in the set, with Bey serving stunning vocals, yet the whole presentation is unsettling. There’s Hendrix guitars in the background, strobing reds and blues on the LED screens, and an overall unease. She doesn’t even finish the anthem, returning back to her Beatles’ cover of “Blackbird” while messaging is presented behind her: “Never Ask Permission For Something That Already Belongs To Her.”

The moment has, typically, led to some truly worm-brained criticism, that somehow Beyoncé was supporting the current administration or political climate by singing the patriotic number. But that reading ignores literally everything else about the concert and what we know about Beyoncé as a person. Within a few minutes of this moment, Beyoncé would be performing “Freedom,” a song that she notably provided to the Kamala Harris campaign for an ad. Sure, one option in the current world is to distance ourselves from all political signifiers, but Beyoncé’s interests right now are more rooted in the Black contributions to culture and history that get pushed into the shadows and stolen. If you actually think she’s out on stage celebrating the USA, it’s seriously time to log off.

What followed over the next nearly three hours of music was a performance that underscored her multi-act vision of this chapter of her career, that shines a light on Black contributions in genres where it’s often minimized. We’ve seen it in dance with Renaissance, and now in country with Cowboy Carter, an album that finally netted her a long-deserved Album Of The Year Grammy. And there’s plenty of evidence to suggest one more act is coming.

For the second performance of the tour last Thursday, Beyoncé laid out a few possibilities for how this Cowboy Carter run might unfold. The setlist changed notably from the kickoff, with some portions shuffled and a section added that served as a greatest hits medley, with “Single Ladies,” “Irreplaceable,” and “If I Were A Boy” all making their first concert appearances since the 2010s. Future performances will tell whether this move will remain in subsequent concerts, whether the songs will shift, or whether this was just a special move for a special night. But while these massive tunes might not hold the political weight of her recent music, it felt like a necessary juxtaposition, that Beyoncé still connected to her own pop-star roots, even if her vision is now set beyond the charts and more to an all-encompassing creative legacy. Both can exist in the same place without detracting from the other. To borrow from Whitman, Beyoncé contains multitudes.

And while the entire concert is the paradigm for creative vision — where riding around the arena on a horseshoe can fit neatly next to BigXthaPlug and JPEGMafia-soundtracked interludes — once again Beyoncé’s incorporation of her family created something truly special. If you watched the Renaissance concert film, you got some great insight into how Blue Ivy started appearing as a dancer on the tour, and how her initial struggle lit a fire in her to do the work and ensure she deserved her place on the stage. Now, a couple years later, Blue Ivy is basically a star. She appears frequently in the show, sometimes taking the spotlight as during “America Has A Problem” but more often performing as just part of the company, usually next to Beyoncé but blending in so much that you’d easily forget she was not just one of the professionals Beyoncé has on tour with her.

And now, we also get little Rumi in on the act. During the song “Protector,” which Rumi already featured on record, Blue, Bey, and Rumi all appear together on stage at the same time. As Beyoncé has her two daughters close for a lovely lullaby, she highlights her desire to shield her family from the hardships of the world, while also letting them find their own light. Blue is practically there already, showing the world in real time that discipline and drive might be an inherited trait from her parents. And now we have Rumi, waving and smiling on stage with her mother and sister, showing the world that the lyrics to the song are not just platitudes.

On this night, Tina Knowles, Beyoncé’s mother, joined them on stage to celebrate her book Matriarch reaching the top of the New York Times bestsellers list. It was a chance to stamp their legacy in front of a stadium, with the women of this family conquering writing, music, and dance all at the same time.

If you’ve been on social media of late — an action I don’t recommend unless it is literally your job, but that’s neither here nor there — you might witness some misleading narratives regarding Beyoncé’s ticket sales and turnouts for this tour, which will be a whole three days in when this review publishes. Of course, the sources of these narratives are from rival fan groups that populate platforms with bad faith arguments and manipulated information. When you embark on your second stadium tour in three years, ticket demand might lessen, but on this night, SoFi was as packed and ecstatic as it gets, with everyone dressed up in their best cowboy and cowgirl fits. One can’t help but think about the way Sinners was recently given the same asterisk treatment to its accomplishments, and how Black excellence will often be seen as a threat to many in power. (There’s also probably a great piece connecting the themes of Sinners and Cowboy Carter, free idea if anyone wants to write it.)

But at the end of the day, one of the great artists of our time is out there playing music in the biggest of spaces on a tour that will only exist just this one time. Every moment of it is thoughtful and exhilarating, enough to win new fans and satisfy her beloved hive. There’s nothing to do but celebrate that, savor it, and tune all the other noise out.

We have all known those couples who are “too” unnaturally close, despite how miserable their body language suggests that they are behind closed doors. Together, which stars real-life spouses Alison Brie and Dave Franco, is here to make those dynamics churn stomachs in a way David Cronenberg would appreciate. As shown above, Neon‘s body horror flick has dropped a trailer that suggests an invisible force making it impossible for an ill-fated, codependent pair to separate, and an eyeball scene is already telling Mubi’s The Substance to hold its beer. Also, what’s going on in that power drill scene? Damn, they shoulda already broken up.

According to Variety, Together‘s Sundance debut delivered such a visceral punch (including “screams, laughs and squirms of discomfort during the film’s more sickening moments”) that A24 threw its hat in the bidding ring, but Neon walked away with the indie distribution prize in what was “one of the richest deals in Sundance history.” And since Neon’s average (most recently including Best Picture winner Anora, viral sensation Longlegs, and the upcoming The Life Of Chuck) has been impeccable, it’s fair to say that they can read the room on must-see indie flicks to come. From the synopsis:

Years into their relationship, Tim and Millie (Dave Franco and Alison Brie) find themselves at a crossroads as they move to the country. Abandoning, all that is familiar in their lives except each other. With tensions already flaring, a nightmarish encounter with a mysterious, unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and their flesh.

Together drills its way into theaters on August 1.

If you missed Jessie Murph at Sparkling Ice and Uproxx’s “Sparkling Sessions: The Desert” over Stagecoach weekend, first off, you should watch the highlights. Also, there’s another opportunity to see her. Murph has shared the dates for the Worldwide Hysteria Tour, where the “Gucci Mane” singer will visit cities in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand between July and September.

The artist pre-sale for the Worldwide Hysteria Tour begins Tuesday, May 6, at 10:00 a.m. local time, followed by the general on-sale on Friday, May 9, at 10:00 a.m. local time. You can find more information and sign up for the pre-sale here. Citi cardmembers will also have access to pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday, May 6, through Citi Entertainment.

Check out the full tour dates below.

Jessie Murph’s 2025 Tour Dates: Worldwide Hysteria Tour

07/27 — Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Federal Theatre
07/30 — Austin, TX @ ACL Live @ Moody Theatre
08/01 — Durant, OK @ Choctaw Grand Theater
08/02 — Dallas, TX @ South Side Ballroom
08/03 — Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall
08/05 — St. Louis, MO @ The Factory
08/07 — Des Moines, IA @ Lauridsen Ampitheater at Waterworks Park
08/08 — Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory
08/09 — Oshkosh, WI @ Crossroads 41
08/10 — Indianapolis, IN @ Everwise Amphitehatre
08/12 — Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore
08/15 — Columbus, OH @ KEMBA Live! – Outdoor
08/16 — Chicago, IL @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
08/18 — Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavillion
08/19 — Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE (Outdoors)
08/21 — Buffalo, NY @ Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B
08/23 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Met
08/25 — New York, NY @ The Rooftop at Pier 17
08/27 — Washington DC @ Anthem
08/28 — Boston, MA @ Leader Bank Pavilion
08/30 — Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall
09/01 — Montreal, QC @ Mtelus
09/04 — Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheatre
09/05 — Anderson, SC @ Wendell’s
09/06 — Birmingham, AL @ Coke Amphitheater
09/08 — Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live
09/09 — Fort Lauderdale, FL @ War Memorial Auditorium
09/10 — Tampa, FL @ Yuengling Center
09/12 — Atlanta, GA @ Coca Cola Roxy
09/13 — Nashville, TN @ Ascend Amphitheater
09/17 — Kansas City, MO @ Cable Dahmer Arena
09/19 — Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium
09/20 — Salt Lake City, UT @ Union Event Center
09/22 — Vancouver, BC @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
09/23 — Seattle, WA @ WAMU Theater @ Lumen Field
09/24 — Portland, OR @ Theatre of the Clouds
09/26 — San Fransisco, CA @ Fox Theater
09/27 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Shrine
10/08 — Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg
10/10 — Brussels, BE @ AB
10/11 — Hamburg, DE @ Grosse Freiheit
10/13 — Berlin, DE @ Huxleys
10/14 — Copenhagen, DK @ Vega
10/16 — Cologne, DE @ Carlswerk Victoria
10/17 — Paris, FR @ Trabendo
10/19 — Birmingham, UK @ O2 Institute
10/21 — Glasgow, UK @ Barrowland Ballroom
10/22 — Manchester, UK @ Manchester Academy
10/24 — London, UK @ The Roundhouse
10/26 — Dublin, IE @ 3Olympia
11/12 — Perth, AU @ Metropolis Fremantle
11/15 — Sydney, AU @ Enmore Theatre
11/18 — Brisbane, AU @ Fortitude Music Hall
11/20 — Melbourne, AU @ Forum Melbourne
11/22 — Auckland, NZ @ Town Hall

For one week last year, Taco Bell introduced chicken nuggets to its menu, and quite frankly, it was a weird move. People don’t associate chicken with Taco Bell, and for good reason, so when I’d mention the nuggets to friends or family, they’d all instantly recoil at the thought. These couldn’t possibly be good, right? Initially, we wrote them off as little more than an interesting — and surprisingly tasty — novelty. So we were pretty shocked when Taco Bell announced last week that the nuggets would be joining the menu permanently.

Volcano taco and Mexi-Melt fans can f*ck off I guess, because those classics aren’t permanent, but chicken nuggets are. What a world we live in! Anyway, since Taco Bell has decided to make the nugget a permanent fixture of their menu, we’re going to have to put these nuggets through some taste tests.

So we picked up Taco Bell’s chicken nuggets, along with three of our other favorites from McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Chick-fil-A, and put all four to a blind taste test. All four restaurants are relatively close to me, so I was able to pick up each nugget with ease, have my girlfriend shuffle them around, and try all four at random under the cover of a blindfold while they were still warm and fresh.

The results were so surprising that we’re going to have to revamp our 25-nugget ranking that we published last year. We’ll get to that (eventually), for now let’s see how these new nuggets compare to the classics.

Part 1: The Blind Nugget Taste Test

Taste 1:

This is a big nugget! I’m not sure the photo accurately represents the size of this thing, but I’d say you need at minimum three bites to finish it. The breading is crunchy, and well seasoned, I’m tasting garlic, pepper, paprika, onion powder, cumin, and the slightest hint of chili powder. The meat itself is tender, and surprisingly, not very processed. It comes across like a whole piece of white meat. A great nugget for sure.

Taste 2:

Incredibly crunchy and airy, the breading is light and flaky, and likely corn or potato starch-based rather than flour. I can see how this nugget is perfectly designed to soak up sauce. But without sauce? I’m just not tasting a lot here. The breading is minimally seasoned, all I’m tasting is white pepper and salt, and the chicken itself is virtually flavorless and highly processed.

Taste 3:

I feel like it should be noted that the breading on this fried chicken nugget is sharp enough to cut the rough of your mouth. So be warned. I’m a bit torn on this one — the meat here is, well, I’m not sure we can call it meat. It’s spongy, highly processed, and strangely wet. Of the three so far, it’s by far the lowest, quality-wise. But that flavor!

Heavy seasoned in cayenne and black pepper, salt, and I want to say MSG, as there is an umami quality here that makes the thing come across as incredibly savory. I like the flavor here a lot, but I can’t get past that awful texture.

Taste 4:

I’m starting to feel like it’s not even fair to include this one. Look, straight up, blind taste test be-damned, I can tell this is Chick-fil-A. It has that faint peanut oil aroma, and what it lacks in crunch, it makes up for in tenderness and flavor. The chicken is so juicy and perfectly cooked here that it melts in your mouth. And that’s just the meat! The breading is packed with black pepper, salt, a hint of paprika, and MSG with a slightly sweet aftertaste that makes each nugget addicting as hell.

Not only is this easily the best nugget in this lineup, it might just be the best chicken nugget in all of fast food.

Part 2: The Chicken Nugget Ranking

4. McDonald’s — Chicken McNuggets (Taste 2)

Our Verdict:

You have to give credit where it’s due — chicken nuggets probably wouldn’t be as big a thing if it weren’t for McDonald’s. We have this brand to thank for inspiring just about every other fast food brand to take a stab at this dish. Unfortunately, while McDonald’s has improved the nugget considerably over the years, these still can come across as a bit hit or miss.

But a lot of people out there are going to have a nostalgic soft spot for these nuggets, even when they’re bad. And we can respect that!

The Bottom Line:

If you love them, you love them, but you’re kidding yourself if you consider these the best fast food has to offer.

3. Wendy’s — Spicy Chicken Nuggets (Taste 3)

Our Verdict:

Now I fully recognize that Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Nuggets are, well, weird. The chicken here is spongy, wet, and flavorless, three words that shouldn’t be used to describe meat. And yet, here we are.

Now, let me be clear here, I don’t have any nostalgia for Wendy’s whatsoever. I grew up a McDonald’s and BK kid, so it’s not fond memories of my childhood that are informing my love for these nuggets; it’s the spice. Wendy’s spicy nuggets are legitimately hot, there is a pronounced kick from a heavy dosage of cayenne pepper. That flavor is delicious — and distracting — enough, the MSG so heavy, that I can forgive the weird texture of this chicken.

The Bottom Line:

Hot, tasty, but weird. The less you think about how weird the texture of the meat is, the more you’ll enjoy these.

2. Taco Bell — Crispy Chicken Nuggets (Taste 1)

Our Verdict:

Let’s be real, nobody associates Taco Bell with quality. We know the ground beef is cheap. We know the beans are questionable. You don’t come to Taco Bell for well-sourced, high-quality ingredients. That’s not the brand. Which is what makes the Crispy Chicken Nuggets so surprising.

Rather than going the highly processed route, the Crispy Chicken Nuggets are made with chunks of whole chicken breast meat. It’s tender rather than mushy, and is heavily breaded and well-seasoned. They’re way better than they have any right to be. Taco Bell has a tendency to make the food you wouldn’t think they’d make well (fries, wings, and now, nuggets) incredibly tasty.

Rather than going the highly processed route, the Crispy Chicken Nuggets are made with chunks of whole chicken breast meat. It’s tender rather than mushy, and is heavily breaded and well-seasoned. It seems Taco Bell has this strange tendency to make dishes you wouldn’t think they’d be good at, like fries, wings, and now, chicken nuggets, taste delicious.

The Bottom Line:

Taco Bell is way better at making chicken nuggets than you could ever imagine. Try these, they’re certainly not the best chicken nuggets in fast food, but they’re undeniably pretty damn delicious.

1. Chick-fil-A — Nuggets (Taste 4)

Our Verdict:

Like Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A’s nuggets are made from whole breast meat, but that’s pretty much where any similarity ends. They’re juicier, more tender, more sumptuous, more savory — the only thing Taco Bell’s nuggets have over these is the crunch. Chick-fil-A’s nuggets are virtually crunchless, but what you lose in crunch, you gain in flavor.

As I said in the tasting portion of this piece, aside from the perfect blend of paprika, black pepper, and salt, you can taste the MSG here, and it adds a layer of savory umami goodness that makes each nugget more addictive than the last.

The Bottom Line:

If you want the best nugget in all of fast food, Chick-fil-A is the move, and it’s not even close.

The Big Takeaway

We’re a bit surprised just how well Taco Bell’s chicken nuggets performed against two of the most popular chicken nuggets of all time. As good as these things are, they aren’t quite top tier. If you’re in search of the best chicken nuggets, you need to hit up Chick-fil-A, but we wonder how Taco Bell’s new nuggets would stack up against other premium offerings like Shake Shack and Dave’s Hot Chicken. For that verdict, you’ll have to wait for our next big ranking.

With more than 400 bottles in my personal stash, I know a thing or two about building a whiskey collection.

Look, I know how quickly it can get out of hand — trying and buying new bottles can sneak up on you! The eagerness to taste as many bottles on the shelf as humanly possible is completely rational (or so I keep telling myself), so you’re among friends here. But, just for argument’s sake, let’s say buying every bottle that tickles your fancy isn’t an option.

We have to entertain the thought at least!

If that’s the reality you’re facing, then what bottles should you prioritize buying as you build your collection? You’re in luck. I decided to break down the art and science of building a bourbon collection with the functional categories below. Rather than simply listing 100 great bottles that any bourbon enthusiast would be happy to own, I figured it would be easier to categorize each purchase. That way you can rest assured, not only that you’re getting a great bottle, but you’ll know exactly why each selection is perfect for your collection.

Are you ready to begin the hunt? These are the bottles that every bourbon fan needs in their collection!

• • We Blind Taste Tested Bourbons Between $35-$230 In Search Of The ‘Smoothest’ — The Winner Shocked Us
  • We Put Buffalo Trace’s Best Bourbons To A Six-Flight Blind Taste Test Against Its Biggest Competitors
  • The Best Full-Flavored Bourbons Under 100-Proof, Power Ranked
  • The 100 Best Bourbon Whiskeys Of 2024, Ranked
  • The 20 Best New Whiskeys You Need To Chase Down This April, Ranked

The Entry-Level Bourbon: Michter’s US*1 Bourbon

ABV: 45.7%
Average Price: $35

The Whiskey:

Michter’s was recently voted the World’s Most Admired Whiskey Distillery, and its flagship bourbon is the most readily available example of why. For this expression and the rest of its whiskey lineup, Michter’s uses a proprietary filtration process to optimize the flavor coming from its barrels.

Here’s Why You Need It:

Michter’s US*1 Bourbon is consistently near the top of our lists, whether that be for silky sipping or thanks to its widespread availability, this is a seriously delicious bourbon that you should always have on hand. Thanks to its relatively low proof, it serves as a great gateway into the wider world of bourbon, but even once you develop your palate, it’s an excellent bottle to revisit and enjoy.

Basically, this bottle will never get old.

The “Everyday Sipper”: Evan Williams Bottled in Bond Bourbon

ABV: 50%
Average Price: $20

The Whiskey:

Evan Williams Bottled in Bond is often named as one of, if not the best, bourbon under $20. Aged for at least four years, per the Bottled in Bond regulations, this 100-proof bourbon is almost as readily found around the country as Evan Williams “black label.”

Here’s Why You Need It:

An everyday sipper should be a bottle that outpaces its cost by delivering high-quality bourbon at a bargain price. While there are a lot of affordable bottles that do just that, Evan Williams Bottled In Bond is the one you should target.

Delicious Heaven Hill juice at a sturdy price, capable of standing tall in a cocktail, over the rocks, or taken neat? That’s the versatility every “everyday sipper” needs, but only a few reliably deliver. Evan Williams Bottled in Bond is one of them.

The Affordable High Proof Bottle: Old Grand Dad 114

ABV: 57%
Average Price: $30

The Whiskey:

Old Grand-Dad 114 is frequently cited as one of the best budget bourbons on the market, and for 2024, that still hasn’t changed. The high-rye recipe from Jim Beam also goes into its lower proof versions, Old Grand-Dad standard, and Old Grand-Dad Bonded.

Here’s Why You Need It:

Somewhere along your journey, someone is going to rant and rave to you about how good Old Grand Dad 114 is. Let them talk. That person is there to help you, and if that person is me, then that goes double!

The high-rye mash bill of this bourbon gives it a bit more spice, and while the elevated ABV might be concerning to newcomers, once your palate is acclimated to higher proof bourbon, I’m confident that this one will become one of your best friends.

The Premium High Proof Bottle: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

ABV: 65.3% (Varies by batch)
Average Price: $85

The Whiskey:

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is often heralded as the single best value in all of bourbon. Why? Because it’s a consistent product, released three times a year, that clocks in at full barrel strength and is aged for at least 11 years. This one is last year’s “B” Batch, B524, and it was matured for 11 years and two months.

Here’s Why You Need It:

There are very few bottles over which bourbon enthusiasts develop such a strong consensus, but the classic Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is one of them. You might, at times, hear it casually called “the best value in bourbon,” and honestly, that’s a pretty good way of summing it up.

Cask strength, 11+ year bourbon is still a scarcely available commodity, so to be able to reliably find this one right around the $80 mark is a joy worth celebrating. Oh, and specs aside, it’s consistently one of the best bourbons released each year. Don’t sleep.

The Easy-To-Find Single Barrel Bourbon: Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon

ABV: 50%
Average Price: $44

The Whiskey:

This bottle, a single-barrel version of Four Roses’ OBSV recipe (learn about all of their recipes here), is an absolutely classic bourbon. The brand describes the OBSV recipe as having a delicate, fruit-forward yeast and a high-rye mash bill.

Here’s Why You Need It:

Single-barrel bourbons are like snowflakes — no two are alike. One of the first bourbons I ever bought on my whiskey journey was this bottle right here, and I loved it! The second one I bought was slightly different, and every subsequent bottle has continued that trend, but they’re all reliably delicious, and rolling the dice on that variety is exactly what makes single-barrel bourbon so fun to chase.

The Difficult-To-Find Single Barrel Bourbon: Willett Family Estate Bourbon

ABV: 71.2% (Varies by barrel)
Average Price: $950

The Whiskey:

Willett Family Estate Bourbon is well-known as some of the most exclusive, exorbitantly priced, and, yes, excellent bourbon on the market. Drawing barrels from a number of sources (including their own self-distilled whiskey, which is now in the ten-year age range) and maturing them at the distillery’s property in Bardstown, Kentucky, is part of the magic, making every single barrel unique and never to be seen again. This particular barrel produced just 124 bottles and was selected by Bill Thomas for the Jack Rose Dining Saloon in D.C., who was famously among the first three people to select a single barrel from Willett.

Here’s Why You Need It:

Look, some people consider the Willett Family Estate bottles as the final frontier of bourbon enthusiasm (aside from “dusty hunting” aka chasing bottles from years ago). I warn you of that because they’re both extremely rare and generally very expensive, so if you never make it to this stage of being a whiskey nut, that’s perfectly fine.

However, if you’re a completionist who will stop at no cost to acquire some of the most sought-after bottles in all of bourbondom, well, then this one will cost you. Truth be told, they’re typically worth it, too, if you find a bottle from the right barrel.

The Craft Bourbon: Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled in Bond

ABV: 50%
Average Price: $52

The Whiskey:

Holladay Distillery in Weston, MO, is a beautiful destination where a new generation of bourbon makers is casting the dye for an incredible future. With Master Distiller Kyle Merklein steering the ship, Holladay is putting out two excellent 6-year bourbons from a rye-based and a wheat-based mash bill.

Here’s Why You Need It:

Holladay is one of those craft distilleries that came on the scene and immediately started sweeping up awards, but more than that, they actually got real deal bourbon enthusiasts excited. The brand took the atypical step of waiting six long years before releasing its debut bourbon, and the results speak for themselves: two years later, this is undoubtedly one of America’s premier craft distilleries.

You absolutely need some craft bourbon in your collection, and there are few brands doing it as well as the folks in Weston, Missouri.

The Bottled in Bond Bourbon: Early Times Bottled In Bond

ABV: 50%
Average Price: $25

The Whiskey:

Early Times is a historic brand first launched in 1860 by John Henry “Jack” Beam, Jim Beam’s paternal uncle. In 2021, it was announced that the production of this bourbon would be moved from Brown-Forman, the brand’s previous owner, to the Barton 1792 Distillery under new owner Sazerac.

Here’s Why You Need It:

“Bottled in Bond” is an essential category in American whiskey. Established in the late 19th century to protect consumers from rectifiers who were placing profits before safety (ever hear about moonshine and illicit alcohol blinding or killing people in the early 1900s?), the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 was actually the first federally established consumer protection act, making it historically significant.

History aside, though, bottled in bond bourbon is considered a great equalizer because it established a set of rules that all distilleries have to abide by, making it a cool way to compare and contrast production methods and perceptions of quality across the industry. Given the fact that this juice is great and a solid value proposition ($25 for a LITER of bourbon!?), this is the one I’d recommend above all others for fleshing out your collection.

The Best “New” Bourbon: Wild Turkey 8-Year 101 Bourbon

ABV: 50.5%
Average Price: $45

The Whiskey:

Talk about making a splash! After banishing one of its most beloved offerings as an export-exclusive and teasing domestic drinkers with last year’s 70th Anniversary bottling, Wild Turkey is finally ready to make 8-year, 101-proof bourbon a part of its everyday American whiskey lineup. It utilizes Wild Turkey’s sole bourbon mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, made in the same way as classic Wild Turkey 101 but aged for eight years.

Here’s Why You Need It:

Every American whiskey enthusiast, maybe even every American, can be swayed by the most potent word in marketing: “new.” Well, this brand-new expression from Wild Turkey is pretty potent too. The beauty of this one is that it’s kind of a call back to the bourbon Wild Turkey was making for the domestic market in the early 90s, so it doubles as a sort of neo-dusty, and a flat-out delicious new expression that you don’t want to miss out on.

The Bourbon That Will Shock Connoisseurs: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey

ABV: 64.60%
Average Price: $70

The Whiskey:

Some bourbon lovers might be surprised to see Jack Daniel’s on this list, but it’s time to let you in on two open secrets in the enthusiast community. One: Jack Daniel’s meets all the requirements to be called a bourbon. Sorry, not sorry. Even their Master Distiller says so himself. Two: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof is one of the best values in the bourbon world, capable of going toe-to-toe with classics like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof in blind tastings.

Here’s Why You Need It:

Not enough people know how good Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey is. Hell, not enough people know that it’s a bourbon!

If you’ve got a friend who swears up and down that bourbon can only be made in Kentucky, pull this one out and blow their mind for kicks. Then just sit back and enjoy the deliciousness in your glass. You earned it.

The “Reasonable” Unicorn Bourbon: Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon

ABV: 47.2%
Average Price:$400

The Whiskey:

Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon is one of the more rigorously refined bourbons on the market. That’s not just lip service. Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation, Andrea Wilson, painstakingly comb through Michter’s voluminous well-aged barrel inventory for this release annually and subject it to their own proprietary custom filtration process to dial in the flavor. Sure, there’s a big fat 10-year age statement on it, but as the two of them are fond of saying, “We don’t just age it for 10 years and a day.”

Here’s Why You Need It:

This bottle can get to be a bit pricy, but it is worth every single penny from a quality standpoint. It’s a decadent, oak-laden pour that a large contingent of bourbon fans consider an annual threat for the title of “best bourbon of the year.”

Best of all, is that while it is pretty tough to find, it can be found within reason if you’re persistent. The thrill of the chase is part of the hobby, and bagging this unicorn is as thrilling as almost any other.

The “Unreasonable” Unicorn Bourbon: Michter’s 20-Year Single Barrel Bourbon

ABV: 57.1%
Average Price: $1,200

The Whiskey:

Heralded as one of the most exceptional bourbons of the modern era, Michter’s 20-year bourbon is a rare treat that hasn’t been released since 2022. For the production of this expression, Michter’s — which was recently named the World’s Most Admired Distillery — utilizes bourbon of the highest quality, which has rested for a minimum of 20 long years in new American white oak barrels before it’s approved for bottling by the distillery’s tasting panel which includes Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

Here’s Why You Need It:

Not only was this bourbon number one on the UPROXX list of 2024’s best bourbons, but it rightfully deserves a spot as one of the best bourbons of all time. It’s that good.

It’s expensive, it’s extremely rare, and the average bourbon enthusiast might never have the opportunity to purchase one for both of those reasons. Again, if you’re willing to go to the edge of the Earth for that one bottle everyone says is impossible to find…then this is the one you’ll need to seek out.

The Mixing Bourbon: Jim Beam Black Label 7-Year Bourbon

ABV: 45%
Average Price: $40

The Whiskey:

The new and improved Jim Beam Black Label is the result of tireless tinkering from Master Distillers Fred and Freddie Noe. New for 2024, the long-standing Jim Beam expression now has an age statement and a slightly altered flavor profile designed to optimize the distillery’s 7-year-old bourbon profile.

Here’s Why You Need It:

This is a bottle that fits into several categories: entry-level, “everyday sipper”, you name it. I’m slotting here because it also quietly makes some of the best damn bourbon cocktails in the game. Whether you’re going for an Old Fashioned or a Mint Julep, this bottle can do it all, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to pour it into mixed drinks.

The Non-Distilling Producer Bourbon: Binder’s Stash 9-Year “Swing Juice” Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 58.75%
Average Price: $200

The Whiskey:

Binder’s Stash releases used to be black and white: either you loved them, or you hadn’t tried them yet. The same could be said for the brand’s color scheme, which previously only came in black and white, but for 2025, Binder’s Stash is shaking things up and debuting new colorways, including this one, reminiscent of Tiffany blue, to house some premium 9-year bourbon from Indiana.

Here’s Why You Need It:

Non-distilling producers, or NDPs, are extremely common in the bourbon industry, so you’d do well to familiarize yourself with all of the best. Rare Character, Pinhook, and Frank August are among the most popular brands that fit under the banner, and major brands like Bulleit, Wild Turkey, and Penelope, formerly fit into the category.

Binder’s Stash is a new brand that has quickly risen in the ranks to become one of the most enviable purveyors of high-quality single-barrel bourbon in the entire industry, and that’s no easy task. A word to the wise: most of their bourbon expressions sport an all-black label and wax top, but in 2025, they’ve been slowly introducing new colors. Rest assured, they’re all f*cking delicious.

The Bourbon All Your Friends Will Ask For: Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

ABV: 46.5%
Average Price: $135

The Whiskey:

One of the most polarizing and hyped bourbons in all of the land, Blanton’s is the original single-barrel bourbon. Launched in 1984, each bottle of Blanton’s is the product of a single barrel, an idea hatched by Buffalo Trace’s then Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee.

Here’s Why You Need It:

Look, I’m not saying Blanton’s isn’t a good bourbon. It’s tasty stuff that sometimes gets a bad rep because it’s “John Wick’s favorite whiskey,” and a ton of casual bourbon fans know enough to ask for it by name. That’s resulted in it disappearing from liquor store shelves as its popularity has skyrocketed, resulting in eye rolls from whiskey hipsters who were sipping the stuff before it was cool.

But because of that, your friends are going to want to try it when you offer your bourbon collection to them. Be nice, and have it on hand even if you prefer something slightly further off the beaten path.

The Bourbon All Your Friends Should Be Asking For: Rare Breed Bourbon

ABV: 58.4%
Average Price: $60

The Whiskey:

Wild Turkey Rare Breed was initially introduced as Wild Turkey’s (really Jimmy Russell’s) response to the launch of Jim Beam’s Booker’s. Launched at a time when high-proof bourbon was less en vogue, it reflects Jimmy’s prescience in predicting the market’s future.

Here’s Why You Need It:

I’ve been screaming from the mountaintops about the fact that Rare Breed is one of the best, most consistently overlooked, limited-edition-level bourbons that’s readily available today. So much so that I’ve faced my share of shushes on X (formerly Twitter) for telling people to taste it blind against expensive bottles.

Those who dare follow my advice are consistently blown away. Now it’s your turn.

The Rye For Bourbon Drinkers: Old Forester 100-Proof Rye

ABV: 50%
Average Price: $28

The Whiskey:

Originally launched in 2019, Old Forester Rye quickly became a fan favorite and a bar staple. Utilizing a historic mash bill acquired by Owsley Brown in 1940, Old Forester Rye consists of 65% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, and 15% Corn.

Here’s Why You Need It:

You might’ve been expecting one of those so-called “Kentucky style,” “barely legal” ryes, which feature as little as 51% rye in the mash bill and a beefed-up corn presence. Nope. With Old Forester’s 100-Proof Rye you’ll find a damn delicious sipper that eschews some of those more minty, earthy, dill-tasting notes for a sweet experience that will leave even the harshest skeptic impressed.

Believe me, this is the gateway rye every bourbon fan needs in their collection.

The Hidden Gem Bourbon: Premier Drams Single Barrel Bourbon

ABV: 56.8%
Average Price: $220

The Whiskey:

Premier Drams is a new brand that was launched early this summer by the same man behind Washington D.C.’s legendary whiskey bar, Jack Rose, Bill Thomas. 8 years ago, Thomas began procuring contract-distilled whiskey from an elusive producer in Bardstown, Kentucky, and aging it at the site of the historic Old Taylor Distillery, which today is the home of Castle & Key. Due to Castle & Key’s uniquely cool maturation facilities, many of the barrels that went into these Premier Drams single barrels saw a significant drop in ABV, with the majority hovering right around the 100-proof mark at cask strength.

Here’s Why You Need It:

Thanks to the IYKYK source of most of these casks (which is undisclosed due to NDAs), this bottle is a unicorn hiding in plain sight. Additionally, most people don’t know about this brand yet. What truly makes it a must-buy hidden gem, however, is that this is low-proof, cask-strength bourbon of outstanding quality.

I happen to believe that the industry will take a turn towards lower-ABV, barrel-proof bourbon, and as an early adopter, Premier Drams is poised to be the next big thing.

The Bourbon For People Who Don’t Drink Bourbon: Woodford Reserve Bourbon

ABV: 43.2%
Average Price: $40

The Whiskey:

Woodford Reserve Bourbon is frequently cited as one of the best bourbons for beginners for two main reasons: it’s bottled at a relatively low proof and has an assortment of rich, balanced, and crowd-pleasing flavors. Woodford Reserve is owned by Brown-Forman, which also includes Jack Daniel’s and Old Forester in its portfolio.

Here’s Why You Need It:

Not only is this a classic example of high-quality Kentucky bourbon, but thanks to its relatively low proof and deceptively smooth flavor profile, it’s a bottle that whiskey-averse drinkers can actually enjoy. As an industry professional, I’ve led countless tastings for newbies, and this bottle is the one that most consistently wins them over.

The Hazmat Bourbon: Garrison Bros. Cowboy Bourbon

ABV: 70.1%
Average Price: $280

The Whiskey:

Garrison Brothers has been cranking out the best craft bourbon in Texas for a long time, and as one of the OGs, it’s only right that they have a premium cask-strength expression. That expression is Cowboy Bourbon, which is made with Food Grade #1 white corn and aged for six long years under the Texas sun.

Here’s Why You Need It:

Not only is this a full-throated, bold introduction to Texas bourbon, but it also doubles as an encapsulation of what makes hazmat bourbon (bourbon over 140 proof, and thus able to be categorized as hazardous material that you can’t bring on an airplane) so sought-after. It’s brash, it’s a little rough around the edges, and it’s also jam-packed with flavor.

There are plenty of great examples of hazmat bourbon out there, but none is as unapologetically bold as Garrison Bros’ Cowboy Bourbon.

The Finished Bourbon: Jos. A. Magnus Cigar Blend Bourbon

ABV: 57.76%
Average Price: $190

The Whiskey:

Jos. A Magnus Cigar Blend is the heralded premium expression under industry icon Nancy Fraley’s purview. Eschewing the trend of releasing premium bourbon annually, Cigar Blend is released sporadically in limited batches. The one we have is Batch 208, nicknamed “Maduro,” which was released as part of a series of batches 207-212 earlier this year featuring a blend of 9-year-old MGP 36% and 21% rye-recipe bourbon, 16-year-old Barton rye-recipe bourbon, and 20-year-old MGP 36% rye bourbon.

Here’s Why You Need It:

A few years ago, creating “cigar blends” became a popular trend in American whiskey. This is the bottle that kicked off that craze. The idea behind it was to produce an elegant, nuanced bourbon capable of standing up to the bold, smoky flavors of a cigar, and able to evolve over the length of an entire stick.

Many have set their sights on that lofty goal, but none have consistently achieved it like Jos. A. Magnus, making it the ideal finished bourbon to have in your collection.

The Talking Point Bourbon: Jimmy Red Sweet Mash Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 47.5%
Average Price: $80

The Whiskey:

Jimmy Red Bourbon is made using a unique corn varietal, Jimmy Red, which the brand helped save from the brink of extinction. Ecological heroics aside, this isn’t your garden-variety bourbon – it utilizes locally grown grains, is likewise proofed with local water, and is made according to the exacting standards of the Bottled in Bond Act.

Here’s Why You Need It:

This whiskey has three intriguing factors on its side: it’s bottled in bond, it’s a sweet mash product, and it’s made from a nearly extinct corn varietal that the distillery is almost solely responsible for rescuing. Aren’t you already curious to know more?

It’s also from a distillery we named one of the best outside of Kentucky, and one of our best under-the-radar bourbons for 2025.

The Best Non-Kentucky Bourbon: Kings County Barrel Strength Bourbon

ABV: 66.3%
Average Price: $99

The Whiskey:

Kings County is New York City’s oldest distillery, and its experience is fully reflected in its Barrel-Strength Bourbon. For its premier undiluted offering, the brand uses some of its oldest barrels, which are aged between 4 and 7 years.

Here’s Why You Need It:

This expression, affectionately known in some corners as “Brooklyn BTAC” is so damn bold and flavorful, but it’s also shockingly under the radar thanks to the fact it comes from the Empire State and not the Bluegrass one. You, however, shouldn’t let that deter you from picking up a bottle of this unassuming world-beater.

It finished second only to Jack Daniel’s elusive Coy Hill offering in our “best non-Kentucky bourbon” ranking, and when factoring in availability, it easily deserves the top spot.

The One Bourbon To Rule Them All: Rare Character Brook Hill Bourbon

ABV: 65.54%
Average Price: $600

The Whiskey:

If you stay on top of the whiskey world’s current events here on UPROXX, then you’re no stranger to Brook Hill Bourbon. After emerging as one of the country’s most formidable whiskey brands in the last year, they’ve been delivering hit after hit under the Brook Hill banner. This particular single-barrel release was selected by the “Black Bourbon Run” group, co-founded and organized by Paul Holmes. This particular release is a 10-year, unfiltered, cask-strength bourbon expression.

Here’s Why You Need It:

I get that you’ve heard great things about Pappy, George T. Stagg, and William Larue Weller, but with all due respect to Buffalo Trace, the competition has more than caught up. It’s also tempting to go with King of Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon here, but thanks to its impressive variety and superlative quality, the right call is Rare Character’s Brook Hill Bourbon.

This lineup consists entirely of premium single barrels that are curated by co-founder Pablo Moix and doled out to private groups and select retailers, and it’s representative of bourbon in 2025: Cask strength, single-barrel, elusive, and tastes every bit as expensive as it is.

If you were to scrap this entire list and just buy one bottle of bourbon for your personal enjoyment, it should be a bottle of Brook Hill.

Keeping up with new music can be exhausting, even impossible. From the weekly album releases to standalone singles dropping on a daily basis, the amount of music is so vast it’s easy for something to slip through the cracks. Even following along with the Uproxx recommendations on a daily basis can be a lot to ask, so every Monday we’re offering up this rundown of the best new music this week.

This week saw Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco continue their love on record and Ed Sheeran get nostalgic. Yeah, it was a great week for new music. Check out the highlights below.

For more music recommendations, check out our Listen To This section, as well as our Indie Mixtape and Pop Life newsletters.

Ed Sheeran

Sheeran teased “Old Phone” all the way back in March when he performed some of it on Fallon. Now, the full track is here, as are a bunch of photos from his actual old phone, which feature pop stars beyond just himself.

Quavo and Takeoff — “Dope Boy Phone”

Speaking of phones: Quavo and the late Takeoff use them to a different effect on “Dope Boy Phone.” It’s also a nice reunion for fans of the pair’s work as the duo Unc And Phew, and for Migos supporters in general.

Don Toliver — “Lose My Mind” Feat. Doja Cat

The upcoming F1 movie incorporates some heavy hitters into the soundtrack, including both Don Toliver and Doja Cat on the synthwave-inspired “Lose My Mind.” Just don’t spend too much time worrying about how many streams it gets.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco — “Talk”

Last month, Blanco continued being the most appreciative fiancé ever when he surprised Gomez with the prom photoshoot she never got to have herself as a high schooler. They also went ahead and used the footage in the video for “Talk,” from the new deluxe edition of I Said I Love You First.

Suki Waterhouse — “On This Love”

Suki Waterhouse is gearing up for a European tour later this year, and she’ll have at least one new song to play on the road: Last week, she unveiled “On This Love,” a luxuriant new single with a thought-provoking video.

Turnstile — “Seein’ Stars”

Turnstile dropped new new songs last week, “Seein’ Stars” and “Birds,” as as Uproxx’s Josh Kurp notes, “the former has a slinky groove, while the latter is all moshpit fury.” Another point of note for the former: It features Blood Orange’s Devonté Hynes and Paramore’s Hayley Williams.

Rico Nasty — “Butterfly Kisses”

Recent Sound Check guest Rico Nasty also came through with a double release last week, dropping “Butterfly Kisses” and “Can’t Win Em All.” Both tracks see her continue to push the boundaries of her genre-bending brand of hip-hop.

Westside Gunn and Doechii — “Egypt (Remix)”

The new Westside Gunn remix is a major full-circle moment: On the original “Egypt,” Gunn incorporated a Doechii sample, so now she herself has graced the track with original new contributions on the remix.

Samara Cyn — “Bad Brain”

Cyn puts a slowed-down sample of Thee Sacred Souls’ “Can I Can You Rose?” to good use on her latest, “Bad Brain.” It’ll be a good one for the stage as Cyn joins Smino on his Kountry Kousins Tour.

BigXthaPlug — “Holy Ground” Feat. Jessie Murph

BigXthaPlug and recent Sparkling Sessions: The Desert headliner Jessie Murph have both been putting their own distinct spins on country music lately. Now, the two masterminds have met up for a new acoustic version of BigX’s Take Care cut “Holy Ground.”

Music is ASAP Rocky’s primary gig, but all the while, he has also cultivated a reputation as one of rap’s biggest fashion icons. Being partnered up with Rihanna certainly makes that easier, even if her closet isn’t full of clothing made specifically for men, as Rocky will just borrow her clothes anyway.

During a recent appearance on the The Run-Through With Vogue podcast, Rocky said (at about 17:40 into the interview, as Complex notes):

“Man, pardon my language: I do what the f*ck I want. But in all fairness, I want to represent [and] be a catalyst for daring men. I don’t know who drew the line between femininity — or just being feminine — and masculinity … I don’t know who drew that line, but I don’t see any barriers for me.

He added of Rihanna, “It’s not fair that my girl could just go in my closet and just take anything from it and wear it. That goes both ways. She has pieces she don’t know that I actually stole, you get what I’m saying? […] Sometimes you can see her on an interview or see a paparazzi photo, like, ‘Wait, there goes my Miu Miu f*cking jacket! Like, what the f*ck? I was looking for that since 2021.’”

Listen to the full episode here.

To date, director Spike Lee has made four movies with actor Denzel Washington, ranging from box office hits (Inside Man) to Oscar-winning masterpieces (Malcolm X). Their fifth collaboration comes out later this year, and based on the teaser trailer, it looks like another classic.

Highest 2 Lowest is a modern-day reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s masterful crime thriller High and Low, and follows a titan music mogul, played by Washington, who is targeted with a ransom plot.

“I Know U Have Been Waiting ‘HELLA LONG’ And Here Is DA TEASER TRAILER (Finally) For Da 5th Return Of D And LEE- HIGHEST 2 LOWEST,” Lee wrote on Instagram. “And Dat’s Da WASHINGTONS/LEES FAMILY TRUTH,RUTH. YA-DIG? SHO-NUFF. STRAIGHT UP.” He added seven fire emojis for good measure.

Highest 2 Lowest also stars Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright, Ice Spice, Dean Winters, John Douglas Thompson, and in “the main role,” A$AP Rocky. The rapper was cast based on a meme, according to Lee. “What’s funny is that I was looking at Instagram four or five years ago and people were saying that A$AP looked like he’s Denzel’s son,” he said. “I seen those memes and then in the film we used that.”

Highest 2 Lowest opens in theaters on August 22 via A24, before being made available on Apple TV+ on September 5. Check out the teaser trailer above.

Better act fast if you want to listen to Doja Cat‘s new song.

For years, the “Lose My Mind” rapper’s fans have been begging for “Crack,” a track that she previewed during an Instagram Live while recording 2023’s Scarlet. It didn’t make the final cut of the album, however, and was never officially released — but on Friday, May 2, Doja Cat revealed that she would finally be sharing the song. “it’s not the lead i’m just giving it to the people who asked for it,” she wrote on X. At last, “Crack” is here…

… but only for 24 hours, and only through Doja Cat’s website.

To listen to “Crack,” head here, then enter your email address and phone number below the black-and-white present. After clicking submit, you’ll be able to listen to a stream of the song (not that streaming numbers matter), or download it.

When a fan asked Doja if “Crack” will appear on Scarlet II: Claude Frollo, a deluxe edition of Scarlet with a revealing album cover, she replied, “no relation to the album whatsoever.” There is a relation to the The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, however, since the album title references the book-turned-Disney movie’s villain. Doja covering “Hellfire” would be, well, fire.