Category: News

This year, the whisk(e)y world brought us some true gems from around the globe. From Jack Daniel’s delivering a massive selection of quality whiskeys in the upper echelon to the use of European and South American oak in Scotland, Ireland, and the USA, this has been an truly memorable year for us whiskey aficionados. To celebrate this wonderful year we’ve had, I’m going to call out eight bottles that stood out for me this year.

Like my fellow solider in the whiskey battlefields, Zach Johnston, I’ve been honored to taste endless amounts of whisk(e)y this year at every conceivable level as a judge, critic, and whiskey fan. I’ve distilled all of that tasting down to eight bottles from 2023 that I think you should try too.

So, check out my list of exemplary whiskies below and hopefully you’ll find a bottle to add to your home bar cart in 2024!

• The 100 Best Bourbon Whiskeys Of 2023, Ranked
• The Best Scotch Whiskies Of 2023, Ranked
• The Best American Rye Whiskeys Of 2023, Ranked
• The Best American Single Malt Whiskeys Of 2023, Ranked
• The Best International Whiskeys Of 2023, Ranked
• The Best American Whiskeys Of 2023, Ranked

8. Stranahan’s Blue Peak Colorado Single Malt Whiskey

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $36

The Whiskey:

This Colorado malt whiskey is made with Stranahan’s classic double distilling high up in the Rockies. The whiskey is aged in new American oak for four years before being solera batched — that means the whiskey goes into a vat that is never emptied.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Apricots, vanilla, and some tobacco

Palate: Butterscotch, brown sugar, and hints of cayenne pepper

Finish: Mid-length, mellow, and complex — it keeps you wanting more.

Bottom Line:

I truly think that 2024 will be the year of the American Single Malt, and this category will win more awards than ever before. This bottle should always be on your bar. It has the perfect balance for drinking neat or in cocktails.

7. Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye Tennessee Rye Whiskey

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $33

The Whiskey:

The base of this new Bonded whiskey is Jack’s signature rye whiskey with a mash bill of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley fermented with their own yeast and lactobacillus. The juice is then twice distilled via column stills and then slowly filtered through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal. That filtered whiskey then rests in a barrel for four long years before batching, proofing, and bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Incredible amounts of bananas flambe

Palate: Caramel and stewed fruits coat your mouth, more bananas come to the forefront, and sweetness lingers

Finish: Long, deep, rich, and complex … an all-around perfect whiskey

Bottom Line:

Jack Daniel’s released a series of absolute top-quality whiskeys — all within one year — and erased the decades-old stigma that they don’t create any whiskies of quality. It was an incredible feat and long overdue. This whiskey is an excellent example of them sticking to their guns while offering something truly great.

6. Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Aged 27 Years Ruby Port Casks

ABV: 54.6%

Average Price: $674

The Whiskey:

This is the mountaintop of Irish whiskey and Redbreast. After triple distillation, the whiskey is left in ex-bourbon, ex-port, and ex-sherry casks for at least 27 years before batching and bottling at cask strength with zero fussing.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Tropical fruits galore, dark fruits also come in and linger

Palate: Pineapples, chocolate, and candied ginger

Finish: Long and complex with more chocolate kicking in

Bottom Line:

As one of the judges at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) this year, I can tell you that we rated Redbreast 27 a whopping 99 points. A truly unheard-of score for any whiskey, making this whiskey a must-try for any true whisk(e)y lover.

5. Nashville Barrel Co. C.R.E.A.M. Straight Rye Whiskey Aged 10 Years

ABV: 56.48%

Average Price: $119

The Whiskey:

This single barrel release from Nashville Barrel Co. is a collaboration pick between whiskey influencers Nate Gana (me!) and Willett whiskey expert Emerson Shotwell. The whiskey in the bottle is a 10-year-old 95/5 rye from Indiana that spent its final years resting in the warmer rickhouses of Tennessee before 100% as-is bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Dill, toasted oak, and fresh pastries

Palate: Cream soda is why we chose the name CREAM, as it rounds out this malt hugely on the palate with baking spices and apples.

Finish: Long peppery and sweet

Bottom Line:

Even though I am the co-creator of this bottle with my dear friend Emerson Shotwell (@wfefanclub), the overwhelming response to this bottle was truly second to none, and I am honored. I’ll let the whiskey speak for itself.

4. The Dalmore Select Edition: Distilled in 2005 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

ABV: 49.3%

Average Price: $499

The Whisky:

This new limited edition The Dalmore takes classic bourbon-barrel-aged single malt and adds a little bit of Spain into the mix. The whisky was distilled back in 2005 and left in ex-bourbon casks until vatted and re-barreled into Matusalem sherry and Vintage 2005 sherry casks for a final rest. Those barrels were then vatted and proofed before bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Orange citrus, peels, and orange pekoe tea

Palate: Sherry, dark chocolate, and orange

Finish: Long lingering chocolate-covered orange that Dalmore is known for

Bottom Line:

This is a classic series of The Dalmore that delivers a serious throwback to Dalmore of old. Exquisite pair of bottles between this and the 2008 edition, but this is the one to try if you’re looking for a quintessential Scotch sipping experience.

3. Virginia Distillery Co. American Single Malt Whisky Courage & Conviction Double Cask Reserve

ABV: 48%

Average Price: $71

The Whiskey:

This fall release from Virginia Distillery Co. features double casking. That means that the whiskey was aged a minimum of five years in first-fill bourbon casks and European red wine Cuvée casks before slow batching with a touch of water.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Apricot notes, peaches, and butterscotch

Palate: Chocolate covered cherries

Finish: Long ginger and oolong tea notes

Bottom Line:

Virginia Distillery has been taking the ASM category up a notch alongside producers such as Stranahan’s, Balcones, and the up-and-coming Cedar Ridge. Their new double cask is a true beauty.

2. Parker’s Heritage Collection 17th Edition Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Cask Strength Aged 10 Years

ABV: 64.4%

Average Price: $749

The Whiskey:

The latest edition to Heaven Hill’s Parker’s Heritage Collection is a 10-year-old rye. The whiskey is made from 142 barrels from specific warehouses and floors, all made with Heaven Hill’s 51% rye mash bill (supported by 35% corn and 14% malted barley). Once batched, the whiskey went into the bottle 100% as-is at cask strength.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Hot and Spicy, cinnamon, and ginger

Palate: White pepper, ginger, and candy corn

Finish: Chocolate and peanut brittle

Bottom Line:

Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll is at it again, this time with exceptional high-proof rye that speaks volumes to the quality currently being produced at Heaven Hill. While this is a rare find whiskey, it’s worth the effort to hunt down and sip slowly!

1. Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Series #11

ABV: 59.05%

Average Price: $139

The Whiskey:

The latest release from Bardstown Bourbon Company is a full-on Kentucky bourbon blend. The whiskey is made with 73% 13-year-old Kentucky bourbon, 21% 10-year-old Kentucky bourbon, and 6% of Bardstown’s own six-year-old Kentucky bourbon. Once batched, the whiskey mellows before bottling 100% as-is at cask strength.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Dark fruits, maple syrup, and toasted oak

Palate: Nutmeg, oatmeal, cinnamon, and very warming and delicious

Finish: Maraschino cherries, and leathery tobacco

Bottom Line:

Coming off a win of Global Producer of the Year at the IWSC Awards in London this past October, Bardstown has cemented its name as a truly world-class whiskey producer. This latest version of their Discovery Series is the perfect place to start your journey on great bottles of whiskey and get excited about what’s to come in 2024!

Although Lil Baby treated fans to two new singles, it seems he is shutting down his Instagram and activity on other apps so he can focus on his upcoming album. The rapper alerted everyone in a recent post.

“Mention My Name An Bring The Whole City Out …… Ps . I’m Gone Until The Album,” he captioned. Before that, he gave fans an update on the status of the record. “Don’t Mind Me I’m Just Living Finishing Up The Album,” Lil Baby wrote on a separate post, which showed him working from a studio in the Bahamas.

Following these teasers, those who followed Lil Baby had a few thoughts.

“What album he haven’t released no album since October 2022…” one wrote, according to HipHopDX. “He needs to hurry up and give us fans what we deserve and me I’ve been a fan since late October 2018 when him and Gunna collaborated together on Drip Harder keep doing what you doing proud of him.”

“Album better be no skips how long it’s takin u too drop it son,” another added.

Right now, not much else is known about Lil Baby’s next album, except that his previously released “350” and “Crazy” songs will be on it. He also recently held his birthday show in Atlanta, where he brought out J. Cole.

Check out Lil Baby’s post about his social media break above.

Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is back at the top of the charts, putting her in a tie now with Elvis as the solo artist with the most weeks spent at No. 1 on Billboard‘s 200 albums chart.

The two both now hold the record for 67 weeks having an album of theirs take the top spot. According to NME, Swift’s album got a boost with Christmas sales, as parents were likely gifting it as presents. If the pop star can stay there for another week, she will hold the record purely by herself.

She also has two other albums in the Top 10 this week, with her 2022 record, Midnights, at No. 3, and her 2019 one, Lover, at No. 7. Overall, The Beatles take the No. 1 record for any act, solo or band, with 132 weeks having albums in that spot.

This would continue a record year for Swift. Her Eras Tour became the first to reportedly gross over a billion dollars, with North American, South American, and European legs planned. This pushed her over to officially becoming a billionaire this year as well. And she was even named Time‘s Person Of The Year for the massive impact she’s had on the culture.

Even if Swift doesn’t get another week this time, she also has more re-recordings on the way to break the tie.

It’s simply expected for parents—especially moms—to create holiday magic for their kids. But sometimes, kids have their own Christmas surprises in store. And often, those thoughtful gifts are so pure it shoots straight to the heart.

Ruthie Hagmann recently had one of these touching experiences, courtesy of her 8-year-old son.

In an emotional video that has close to 14 million views on TikTok, Hagmann is seen opening a gift from him on Christmas morning. He had been asking her for months what her favorite toy was growing up.

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Her answer never changed: Molly, an American Girl doll. Hagmann lost Molly during her childhood since her family moved around so much, which made her son “so sad” to hear. Which is why he had secretly planned (since April!) to get his mom a replacement Molly.

In the clip, Hagmann first opens up a small box that only contains Molly’s glasses. She clearly recognizes them, as indicated by the “no you didn’t” look on her face.

Then comes the next box, with the doll itself. Which, of course, sends Hagmann instantly into tears. And giggles.

@ruthhagmann best christmas present ever ❤️ #innerchildhealing ♬ To be loved Is to be changed – gosiahballer

“He truly healed my inner child with this gift. I can’t believe how sweet he is. I’ll never forget this Christmas,” she wrote, adding, “Best Christmas present ever ❤️ #innerchildhealing,” in the caption.

People who watched the heartwarming video couldn’t help but commend Hagmann’s son for his empathy. And Hagmann—for clearly doing a fantastic job of raising good kids.

“Imagine at 8 being so loving, attentive, caring and compassionate as your son,” one person wrote.

“This is a reflection of your amazing parenting! Good job, Mom,” added another.

It’s moments like these that show the truly magical side of parenting. Getting reacquainted with that special kind of joy and wonder, feeling love in a brand new way, experiencing the wonders of youth and the groundedness of adulthood all at the same time. All these things make the tough parts all the more worthwhile.

Some expecting moms cannot wait to tell their partners that a new baby is on the way. Others prefer to use more creative means to reveal the good news.

Of course, while this latter approach is fun, it could always fail spectacularly. Just ask Liz Rose Short.

As Liz shared with TODAY.com, she is no stranger to clever pregnancy reveals to her husband Codie. For her previous two children, she incorporated a scavenger hunt and a onesie with the announcement put on it. Each time was a success.

For the third pregnancy however…that’s a different story. And a hilarious one at that.

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Liz went the more traditional route this time, playing on the phrase “bun in the oven” using a single dinner roll. She placed her yeasty messenger on the back rack and closed the door, knowing that when Codie came home, he would see the surprise, and instantly be elated.

At least, that was the plan. Liz told TODAY.com that soon after she placed the bun, Codie called her to remind her to make a Target run for dinner that night. Liz hopped in the car and tried to beat Codie home, but of course he got there first.

Hoping to help, Codie then preheated the oven…unaware of what would end up baking inside.

The fire alarm started going off, causing Codie to call Liz, who raced home from Target, and immediately began recording his reaction once she landed.

In the clip, posted to Liz’s TikTok, we see a frustrated Codie pulling out what looks like a charred piece of coal with tongs and trying to figure out why on earth Liz would “a single roll” in to cook. A classic comedy of errors ensues.

“It’s not a roll…it’s a bun,” Liz says, giggling.

Trying to move him along, she then asks “What did you pull out of the oven?”

“A burnt roll,” he answers, annoyed and dubious.

“No, it’s not a roll. It’s a bun.”

“OK, a burned bun,.”

“No!” she laughs. “It’s a bun…In the oven.…We have a bun … in the oven”

Still nothing. Finally Liz just gives it to him straight: “Codie, we’re having a baby.”

And boy, the complete 180 Codie does from agitated confusion to sublime elation. The throwing of the tongs and huge smile. It’s a happy ending, for sure.

Watch:

@lizroseshort Replying to @addy❤ Announcing our burnt roll 🤍🤍 #submarinefamily #pregnancyannouncement #milso #miltok #pregnant #pregnancyreveal #husbandwife ♬ original sound – Liz 🌸

Liz’s video entertained a whopping 23.3 million people, with thousands commenting on her husband’s priceless, sassy reaction.

“He says ‘ok’ like a Valley girl,” one person quipped.

Another added, “‘okayyy?’ 🤨 💅 HE’S SO REAL.”

And obviously, people loved how he literally dropped everything once he realized what was going on.

“THE WAY HE DROPPED THE BUN AND IMMEDIATELY WENT TO HUG HER 😂💕” one person wrote.

There are countless ways to announce a pregnancy with a partner. But no matter how it’s delivered, if a mom decides to simply state it, or have a creative plan that backfires, the news is still the same: a new, exciting chapter awaits for both parents. That’s a precious memory no matter what.

Cardi B is not holding back about her thoughts on the reconciliation rumors that have recently surrounded her and Offset. During a recent Twitter space, she called out fans who were spreading it, according to HipHopDX. This started from the two spending Christmas together with their two children, and then being reportedly spotted grabbing food in Manhattan.

Yet, Cardi is making it very clear that they are in fact, still separated.

“Shut the f*ck up!” she said. “Bout to delete my whole social media because y’all don’t shut the f*ck up. And it’s the same f*ckin’ dumb—my own f*ckin’ fan base. The last time I got dragged was because my f*ckin’ fan base. I don’t see nobody talking sh*t but my own f*ckin’ fan base.”

“Sh*t is f*cking annoying,” Cardi added. “For f*ckin’ three days, y’all been doing the same sh*t. Did I say I was back together with somebody? I say that? Did ya heard that? Did I say it? Did he say it? No!”

Over the past few weeks, Cardi has continued to live her best life, even after she called out Offset on social media — which confirmed the two had split once again.

Check out Cardi B’s full callout above.

Cardi B is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Soulja Boy recently did an interview with Kids Take Over, where he discussed his hit song, “Crank That (Soulja Boy).” He also had a theory that it would do even better in terms of virality if he had dropped it in 2023, instead of 2007.

“This was before streaming, really,” Soulja shared. “This was still in iTunes and ringtones. I would have went more viral right now than I did back then. Actually, the f*cking numbers and sh*t that I did back then is f*cking legendary, amazing compared to today’s, from the technology that I was using.”

“Imagine if I had TikTok! What the f*ck?” he added. “You know how many people would have been doing the ‘Crank That’ dance?”

At the time that Soulja Boy originally dropped the song, it was a massive hit. So much so that it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and stayed there for seven non-consecutive weeks.

Earlier this year, the rapper also posted to social media about how he felt that his influence carried into hip-hop today. “Now everyone vlogs their career like me,” he said. “Now everyone uploads their music to the internet,” he wrote. “Now everyone goes live for their fans. I started it. Thank me or not. Flowers/Credit or not.”

Check out Soulja Boy’s interview about “Crank That” and more above.

The Denver Broncos are making a change at quarterback this week, as Jarrett Stidham will step in for Russell Wilson when they host the Chargers on Sunday afternoon.

At 7-8, Denver is in 11th in the AFC, with five teams tied at 8-7 ahead of them in the Wildcard chase (three of which are in the AFC South, meaning one will win the division). That means their playoff chances are effectively over, shifting their attention a bit more towards the future. While the team insists it was a football decision to bench Wilson (he has not performed well in recent weeks), there is an obvious financial component to the move, as Wilson has an injury guarantee that would put the Broncos on the hook for $37 million in 2025 if he were to suffer a serious injury late this season.

Making the optics worse for the Broncos is that they apparently tried threatening Wilson with being benched much earlier this season if he didn’t restructure his contract to remove that injury guarantee. On Friday, Wilson spoke with the media for the first time since being made the backup in Denver, and he detailed those conversations with the team during the bye week in Week 9 of the season and how the league and NFLPA eventually stepped in.

Wilson, unsurprisingly, takes a diplomatic approach to his benching and makes clear that he’s going to continue doing what he can to help the Broncos, while also saying he still wants to be with the team long term. It’s pretty obvious that feeling is not shared by Sean Payton and the Broncos, but it’s the right thing to say for Wilson, who can’t come off disgruntled as he is going to be seeking a new job next year when he’s inevitably cut by Denver.

In the latest update of Eminem’s trademark dispute with The Real Housewives Of Potomac stars Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon, the rapper has reportedly filed a protective order against the reality stars.

He first filed the dispute over Bryant and Dixon calling their podcast Reasonably Shady back in February, as he wanted to stop the duo from trademarking it, claiming it would “cause confusion in the minds of consumers.” Since then, the case has kept going.

Dixon and Bryant requested in October that Eminem (Marshall Mathers) would appear for an in-person deposition, which prompted him to seek a protective order. He claimed, according to People Magazine, that it would be “unduly burdensome” to participate in a deposition due to his “limited knowledge of the subjects at issue.”

Instead, he suggested others who could appear in his place, including his manager, Paul Rosenberg. Dixon and Bryant’s lawyer, Andrea Evans, responded to the publication for comment on the matter.

“It seems obvious to us that if you file a lawsuit, you should be made available to be deposed,” Evans shared, and that they would “like to question Mathers at least about his use of the expressions Slim Shady and Shady.”

“It’s unclear to us that Mathers can be the owner of the trademarks and file this suit against our clients but he will not make himself available to be deposed,” she added.

As of right now, it doesn’t seem like the dispute will end any time soon.

Blackpink has reportedly declined to renew their solo contracts with YG Entertainment. The news about Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo came through a statement from the label earlier today (December 29).

“Blackpink recently renewed their contracts with YG for their group activities, and we have agreed not to proceed with additional contracts for [the members’] individual activities,” it read, according to Soompi. “We will do our utmost to support Blackpink’s activities, and we will cheer on the members’ individual activities with warm hearts.”

Many fans had been wondering if the girls would focus more on their solo work, as Jennie recently launched her own record label and entertainment company, Odd Atelier. It has been described as “a space that aims to create new things that attract attention in a different way from what is usual or expected.”

“I’m also excited about what’s to come, as I start my solo journey in 2024 with a company that I have established called OA,” she wrote on social media. “Please show lots of love for my new start with OA and of course BLACKPINK. Thank you.”

Although the girls have parted ways with YG individually, they will be remaining with them for all group activities as a band. The update came after months of reported negotiations.