Sabrina Carpenter is riding some huge momentum going into 2025, as she emerged as one of the world’s biggest breakout pop stars in 2024. “Espresso” was the year’s most-streamed song on Spotify (until it wasn’t), Short N’ Sweet was a No. 1 album, and her tour in support of the project was also a hit.
As for how Carpenter has processed all of this, she doesn’t really seem to have quite yet.
“I don’t think I have fully reflected yet, as I’m also trying to be present in the moment. But I’m just happy to see my songs connect with so many people from all walks of life. That’s why I love to write songs.”
In terms of how she got to this point, she also said, “I’ve always been true to myself and believed in my work since I was young. I’ve realized that it’s always been about the small baby steps that you take over time to get you to this point.”
Meanwhile, the 2025 Grammy Awards are coming up on February 2, and Carpenter is in the running for a handful of awards, including the four majors: Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Record Of The Year, and Best New Artist.
Electronic duo Odesza have become known for their jaw-dropping live shows. While the “Across The Room” musicians are a music festival fixture, this coming summer they have more intimate plans.
Yesterday (January 7) on Instagram, Odesza announced their residency with luxury hotel and casino, Wynn Las Vegas. Beginning in May, fans can catch DJ sets from Odesza at multiple Wynn affiliated nightclubs (including Encore Beach Club and XS Nightclub).
Due to where the performances will take place, supporters should know that you must be at least 21 years of age to snag a ticket to any of Odesza’s five residency dates. For those who aren’t able to jam out, Odesza ensured they won’t be left off by teasing new music plans. “2025, back in the studio,” they wrote. “We’ve been finding a ton of new inspiration while we’ve been working on new music. We want to share some of it with you all—so we’re gonna do some DJ sets this year at Wynn Las Vegas.”
Tickets for Odesza’s 2025 Wynn residency is on sale now. Find more information here. Continue below to view Odesza’s full residency schedule and official poster.
Odesza’s 2025 Las Vegas Residency Dates: Odesza Wynn DJ Set
05/15/2025 — Las Vegas, NV @ XS Nightclub
05/24/2025 — Las Vegas, NV @ Encore Beach Club
07/04/2025 — Las Vegas, NV @ XS Nightclub
08/29/2025 — Las Vegas, NV @ XS Nightclub
09/13/2025 — Las Vegas, NV @ Encore Beach Club
One thing that the Atlanta Hawks probably want to avoid as they try to make it above the Play-In line in the Eastern Conference is a loss to the Utah Jazz, which are trying to take things to build on this year as they also shoot for ping pong balls in the upcoming NBA Draft Lottery. While it looked like that had a chance to happen on Tuesday night, Trae Young had other ideas.
The two teams played a tense game in Utah, one that came down to the final moments. With four seconds remaining and the Hawks up by three, Collin Sexton pulled up from way behind the three-point line and buried a triple to tie things up. The Hawks, unsurprisingly, put the ball in the hands of Young, who did this:
Young has produced plenty of moments of magic during his time in Atlanta, but this is right up there with any impressive shot that he’s knocked down in his career. Thanks to this, the Hawks were able to pick up a 121-118 win, with Young’s 24 points and 20 assists leading the way. While he only went 3-for-10 from behind the three-point line on the evening, well, he knocked down the most important one he took, so we assume that he and everyone else in Atlanta are pretty content right now.
For Lucy Dacus, that included a few intimate solo tour dates. Today (January 7), the “Night Shift” singer revealed that fans should expect new music.
Over on Dacus’ official TikTok page, she teased her forthcoming single, “Best Guess.” While she was sure to treat supporters to a taste of what’s to come, her snippet served two purposes. To support the audio clip, Dacus used the visual component (viewable here) to announce an open call for its promotional video.
The note displayed on the screen outlined what Dacus envisions for the video, writing: “Attention, I am seeking some people to be in the music for this song. If you are smooth or suave or can pretend to be. Maybe you’re a hot masc. Maybe you are simply willing and able and not afraid to be on camera.”
Dacus then went out to provide followers with instructions on how they can throw their hats in the ring. “Use this sound with a video of yourself looking cool,” she wrote. “My team will reach out from this account by next week with more info.”
To close it out, Dacus stressed the time sensitive nature of the outcry. But, she shouldn’t have any issues as fans began to flood the comment section expressing their interest to be involved.
In December, Fat Joe released his eleventh studio album, The World Changed On Me. Although the project marked the end of his full length hiatus, Fat Joe has seemingly moved on to greener pastures (his Fat Joe Talks TV Series).
The “All The Way Up” rapper has all but explicated stated that he wants to hang up his microphone. However, during a recent interview with Billboard, Fat Joe revealed that if he does come out of retirement, fans should thank Killer Mike and his historic Grammy wins.
“He’s the guy who inspired [me],” he said. “I retired. I was gone. I had an infamous phone call with Eminem, where he was trying to talk me into not retiring. ‘Joe, we need you. You’re one of us.’ I was super done, but I got back outside because of Killer Mike. The man won that Grammy.”
But with Killer Mike’s recent sweep in the rap categories, Fat Joe’s hope seems to have been restored. “When I seen [Killer Mike win], I called [Dr.] Dre, I was like, ‘Yo. It’s possible. Let’s get back in the kitchen and cook.’ So, he inspired me to come out of retirement,” he said.
The Beniffer romantic reunion is officially over–according to reports. Back in July 2022, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck finally made their way down the aisle, tying the knot in a surprise ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada. Unfortunately, just over two years later, the “Cant’ Get Enough” singer had filed for divorce.
Now, according to People, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have settled their divorce.
While the details of the settlement have not been released, the outlet spoke with a source close to Lopez about what’s next for her. The insider claims Lopez is focused on kicking off her “fresh start.”
“The fairy tale she was promised turned out to be a nightmare in the end,” said the person. “She’s in a really good place and just wants to close the door on this crazy chapter.”
Neither Lopez nor Affleck have issued a statement following their separation. But while promoting her latest film, Unstoppable, Lopez implied that she had no regrets about walking away from the union.
“You kind of go, ‘That’s who I was at that time,’” she said. “There were things that I needed-There was a part of my soul that needed to grow. And it grew and in its perfect timing with in its perfect way when I was ready. That’s part of the journey I think of life and of healing those parts of ourselves that we don’t understand sometimes.”
Beyoncé is arguably one of the most imitated global music stars. So, once a year, the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer likes to step into the shoes of another celebrity for a night–Halloween.
But the actor’s tribute featured a whopping three looks in total (a Baywatch bathing suit, as well as Anderson’s 1995 Cannes Film Festival and 1999 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet looks)–plus a civic engagement video. During 92Y’s screening of The Last Showgirl, Pamela Anderson shared her thought on the kind tribute (spoiler she loved it).
“I had no idea,” she told moderator Josh Horowitz. “A friend sent me this picture of the fuzzy pink hat and I thought, ‘Oh, another Halloween costume.’ Then, they said, ‘No, it’s a video. I saw [the video] and said, ‘Wow.’ Plus, the [go] vote [messaging], I thought that was cool–it’s fun.”
Although Anderson admits to having evolved from that moment in her life, she is still flattered by the gesture. “I feel far removed from it,” she said. “I don’t take offense to it, it is always a compliment. But it is funny that back in the day, those looks weren’t celebrated outfits. I was crazy.”
Watch the full discussion with Pamela Anderson above.
Winter and spring are officially the new seasons for unforgettable music and outdoor festivals, proving the party never has to stop. While summer gets all the hype, the colder months are quickly becoming a haven for epic gatherings, from beachside ragers to jungle hideaways. Whether you’re vibing to house, techno, or live performances, these months are packed with world-class parties you won’t want to miss.
From the lush, tropical beats at Ocaso Festival in Costa Rica and the Caribbean vibes of SXM Festival in Saint Martin, to the sun-soaked Coachella in California and the high-energy atmosphere of Ultra Music Festival in Miami, winter and spring 2025 are shaping up to be legendary. These festivals are your perfect excuse to escape the winter blues.
Whether you’re grooving under the tropical sun, dancing in the desert, or living it up by the beach, this season’s festivals are all about creating unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, grab your friends, and get ready for the wildest parties of the year. Let’s dive into the hottest events of winter and spring 2025 that will keep you moving and grooving across the globe, one dancefloor at a time.
BPM Festival Costa Rica – Playa Avellana, Costa Rica
Wednesday, January 8th-Sunday, January 12th
CHRIS LAVADO
BPM Festival Costa Rica will host a transformative edition in its new jungle paradise, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Playa Avellana. Taking place January 8th-12th, the festival will welcome over 90 artists to deliver 120 hours of music for daytime beach parties and nightlife jungle soirees.
With enhanced production and a commitment to its roots, BPM Festival continues to push boundaries, offering unparalleled experiences for die-hard fans and newcomers alike in its quest to redefine the global electronic music landscape. Headliners for Costa Rica’s edition include Adriatique, ARTBAT, Apache, Camelphat, Francis Mercier, Hugel, Jan Blomqvist, Parallell, Sinego, and more.
Tickets and additional information can be found here.
Day Zero Tulum – Tulum, Mexico
Saturday, January 11th
ALIVE COVERAGE
In 2012, on the dawn of a new era commemorated by the end of the Mayan calendar, a tradition was born in the jungles of Tulum. Tribes of party people from all corners of the earth set out to gather bringing with them their own unique perspectives, all seeking an opportunity to reflect on the year past and renew a shared energy born from the collision of ancient and modern, creative and hedonistic. The result was Day Zero, a party for the ages bred from the mind and team of Damian Lazarus. The party returns once again on January 11 with one its most astounding lineups to date.
A true testament to the curatorial genius of its founder, Day Zero is soundtracked from sunset to sunrise by trailblazing tastemakers, forward-thinking selectors, and live acts found on the outer fringes and biggest stages of electronic music. The lineup features the likes of Fatboy Slim, Major League DJz, DJ Harvey, Patrick Mason, Lee Burridge, Dubfire, Victor Calderone, Carlita, Adam Ten, as well as host Damian Lazarus.
Day Zero is also working closely with the local community and Mayan spiritual leaders. Initiatives include turning plastic waste from production into fuel to power the festival in partnership with Mexican company Petgas, a partnership with UNESCO endorsed project SOS MARES to restore and clean coral reef barriers in Mexico and Colombia, funding a local children’s music school, organizing beach cleanups, and collaborating with local organizations to donate trees and reforest areas of Tulum.
Tickets and additional information can be found here.
Igloofest Montréal – Old Port, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Thursday, January 16th – Saturday, March 8th
IGLOOFEST
The chill is setting in, and the world’s iciest festival is back for its 17th edition to turn up the heat. The festival will shake Montreal from January 16th to February 8th, then bring the heat to Gatineau from February 13th to 15th, before ending with a bang in Quebec City on March 6th to 8th.
Four Tet, Michael Bibi, Claptone, Apashe, Zeds Dead, Tape B, Skepta (Más Tiempo), Bon Entendeur, Steve Angello, Adriatique, and more will headline its stages for a winter and spring full of weekend parties. Attendees can expect winter decor blending into steel structures, striking architectural scenography, a playful Igloovillage and an improbable snowsuit contest, and more.
For tickets and additional information, click here.
Brunch Electronik – Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, January 18th
BRUNCH ELECTRONIK LOS ANGELES
Barcelona’s beloved Brunch Electronik will host its second U.S. edition, taking place in Los Angeles on January 18th at Exposition Park. In partnership with premier underground event collectives, Minimal Effort and SBCLTR, Brunch Electronik’s Los Angeles lineup features some of today’s brightest house and techno stars to soundtrack the daytime, open-air experience.
The lineup features a live set from German techno and trance titan Stephan Bodzin, pioneering SCI + TEC label boss Dubfire, French party starter Apache, and eclectic LA-based DJ and producer Julia Sandstorm. The second LA edition will also feature Brunch’s signature food & beverage truck selection, an expansive vendor village, art installations, and more.
Tickets and additional information can be found here.
X Games Aspen – Aspen, CO
Thursday, January 23rd-Saturday, January 25th
X GAMES ASPEN
Since its inception in 1995, X Games became the leading action sports competition and lifestyle brand, spotlighting the world’s best action sports athletes and global artists against the backdrop of each individual host city. This year, X Games is returning to Buttermilk Resort in Aspen, CO to deliver world-class ski and snowboard competitions and global DJ performances.
From Thursday to Saturday, attendees can watch several women’s and men’s snow competitions, including knuckle huck, snowboard big air, snowboard slopestyle, ski superpipe, and more. At night, Belly Up Aspen will turn into a wintery rave to host the X Games Music Week, featuring sets by Daily Bread, ILLENIUM, deadmau5, and Big Gigantic.
All tickets will include entry to SuperPipe, Street Style, Slopestyle, Big Air and Knuckle Huck competitions as well as nightly musical appearances
Tickets and additional information can be found here.
Ocaso Festival – Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
Friday, January 31st-Saturday, February 1st
BENDITO DESCONTROL
Ocaso Festival, the boutique underground music event that has become a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s vibrant music scene, is set to return with an exciting new chapter in 2025.
Taking place on January 31st to February 1st at its new location sitting right next to one of Costa Rica’s premier surf beaches, Playa Hermosa, Ocaso Festival offers an unforgettable experience that blends expertly-curated house and techno programming with the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific coast.
The festival’s eighth edition will feature performances from Chris Lake, The Martinez Brothers, Vintage Culture, Kasablanca, Riordan, Maz, Layla Benitez, and more.
The festival also boasts a plethora of experiential excursions that offer attendees the chance to explore and connect with Costa Rica’s natural beauty. During the festival weekend, attendees can explore Jaco and purchase activity packages such as ATV rides, catamaran cruises, and crocodile tours ensure an immersive weekend adventure. In the days after the festival, patrons can participate in curated group tours with fellow Ocaso attendees to some of the country’s most idyllic locations, from the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna and hot springs to the natural wonders of Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Park.
Tickets and additional information can be found here.
Tool Live in the Sand – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Friday, March 7th-Saturday, March 9th
TOOL LIVE IN THE SAND
Festication and Tool will host its first-ever “Tool Live in the Sand,” a destination festival taking place at the all-inclusive luxury, five-star resort, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino & Royalton Resort, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. “Tool Live in the Sand” will bring Tool diehards together from around the world for an island escape for three days on March 7th-9th.
This once-in-a-lifetime event will also feature two Tool sets and performances joined by some of the most iconic and influential rock bands in the world, including Primus, Mastodon, Eagles of Death Metal, and Coheed and Cambria. Also on the lineup, King’s X, Fishbone, Wheel, CKY, Moonwalker and joining them as special guests are longtime Tool visual collaborators Alex Grey and Allyson Grey.
Tickets and additional information can be found here.
SXM Festival – Saint Martin, The Caribbean
Wednesday, March 12th-Sunday, March 16th
JAMES BRIDLE
SXM Festival is famous for transforming the gorgeous Caribbean island of Saint Martin into North America’s most famous party island for five days each year. From March 12th-16th, the carefully-curated mix of music, art, culture and tropical escape returns with a magical 8th edition. For five days, attendees can expect to be immersed in a paradise with endless cultural explorations, once in a lifetime island experiences, and parties all with a focus on inclusivity and environmental conservation.
The 2025 edition will introduce three stunning new locations with signature hand-crafted decor and artsy design: Mimosa, chic rooftop spot in Mah with delicious cocktails in the heart of Maho; Orient Bay, JOA is a sophisticated beach bar with laid-back daytime vibes from 12-7pm where attendees can soak up the sun and enjoy the beachfront charm; and Balaou is a floating bar just off the shore of Grand Case that will host a unique charity event and raise funds for La Réserve Naturelle de Saint Martin to protect marine life and underscore the festival’s commitment to environmental conservation.
Headliners for this year’s edition include Azzecca, Camelphat, Francis Mercier, Layla Benitez, Nico De Andrea, Nicole Moudaber, Sam Divine, Themba, Tinlicker, and more.
Tickets and additional information can be found here.
Ultra Music Festival – Miami, FL
Friday, March 28th-Sunday, March 30th
ALIVE COVERAGE
Is there a festival as iconic as Ultra? Spanning six continents with multiple editions throughout the year, none are quite as perfected as the original in Miami. Returning for its 25th anniversary celebration on March 28th to March 30th at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami, Ultra will make the world remember its reputation as being the premier electronic music festival.
The milestone event will present history-making performances including the world-exclusive Anyma B2B Solomun, Carl Cox’s Evolution’ live show global debut, the first-ever deadmau5 b2b Pendulum DJ set, the Miami debut of Dom Dolla and John Summit’s Everything Always superduo, the world debut NGHTMRE b2b Sullivan King set, and the U.S. debut of Chase & Status’ new live show. Additional heavyweight performances include Above & Beyond, Afrojack, Armin van Buuren, LSZEE, Hardwell, Subtronics, Zeds Dead, Gryffin, Knife Party, Steve Aoki, Infected Mushroom, Odd Mob, and many more.
Tickets and additional information can be found here.
Tecate Pa’l Norte – Parque Fundidora, Monterrey, Nuevo León
Friday, April 4th-Sunday, April 6th
TECATE PA’L NORTE
One of Latin America’s greatest festivals Tecate Pa’l Norte returns to Monterrey, Nuevo León in April, hosting more than 180 acts across nine stages over three days. Set in Parque Fundidora, the festival’s lineup celebrates a blend of genres—from rock and indie to reggaeton and electronic—showcasing both international stars and local talent. Headliners for the 13th physical edition include Olivia Rodrigo, Green Day, Justin Timberlake, Massive Attack, Charli XCX, Benson Boone, Gesaffelstein, The Chainsmokers, Claptone, Nervo, and more.
Attendees can expect a cultural hub with not only music but also regional food vendors, interactive installations, and activities, embodying the spirited traditions of Mexico’s north.
Tickets and additional information can be found here.
Coachella Music & Arts Festival – Indio, CA
Friday, April 11th-Sunday, April 13th // Friday, April 18th-Sunday, April 20th
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The three main headliners of Coachella 2025 will be Lady Gaga, who closes on Fridays, April 11 and 18; Green Day, who’ll wrap up on Saturdays, April 12 and 19; and Post Malone, who’ll shut down the whole thing on Sundays, April 12 and 20. Meanwhile, Travis Scott, who was previously billed to headline twice but missed out both times — his 2020 headlining set was canceled along with the rest of the festival due to COVID-19, while his 2022 set was nixed in the wake of the Astroworld disaster — is billed as a special guest. This comes after it was reported that both Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna turned down offers to play the 2025 fest.
Other big-font performers for the festival include Missy Elliott, Charli XCX, Megan Thee Stallion, Lisa, Anitta, and Jennie, while recent breakouts like GloRilla, Thee Sacred Souls, Shaboozey, Rema, and d4vd join longtime festival fixtures like Japanese Breakfast, Ty Dolla Sign, Jimmy Eat World, and T-Pain for another eclectic, forward-looking lineup of hitmakers both old and new.
Passes are sold out, but there is a waitlist on the Coachella website.
Ubbi Dubbi – Fort Worth, TX
Saturday, April 26th-Sunday, April 27th
UBBI DUBBI
The celebrated electronic music powerhouse Disco Presents will host its sixth edition of Ubbi Dubbi Festival, returning to Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth, Texas on April 26th and 27th. Back for another unforgettable year, Ubbi Dubbi promises a galactic celebration that has grown into an essential destination for fans across the globe, marking the start of the summer festival season in style.
This year’s festival features three stages, each bringing a unique flavor to the weekend. Fans can look forward to headline performances from Subtronics, Fisher, Daily Bread, INZO, Whipped Cream, Adventure Club, Boogie T B2B Dirt Monkey, Dombresky B2B Patrick Topping, and more.
Tickets and additional information can be found here.
Another 365 days may be gone but a fresh 365 set of days await. While most people have set new goals and resolutions for the new year, like getting healthier, working out more, or fulfilling any personal aspirations, we’ll be planning our travel and how to maximize our out-of-office days for the year.
Among these top trends for 2025 includes “Following the Music.” Uproxx had its boots on dance floors around the globe this year, and it’s only expected to grow even more in this upcoming year as experience-based travel continues to resonate with music lovers in search of iconic venues and destination music festivals.
To get the most of Lonely Planet’s guide, we asked the team’s VP of Experience Tom Hall to tell us more about the must-visit island destinations and the iconic music venues that should be incorporated in travel itineraries for 2025.
Fiji
iStockphoto
[Fiji] feels like a true paradise destination. If you look closely, it really stands out as a sustainable travel destination due to its ongoing preservation and protection efforts of the South Pacific, specifically for diving. It has 460 protected marine areas. It’s a community-driven reef destination and resorts are working to protect this delicate ecosystem.
Vanuatu
CHRISTOPHER HORSLEY
Vanuatu isn’t super developed, making it a beautiful, ancient land brimming with ancient culture to explore. With fewer than 45,000 tourists a year, it really is a perfect getaway in the South Pacific without the crowds. You can visit Tanna Island’s Yasur volcano and see lava spurt into the air and also sip on its signature beverage, kava. There are also many resorts working with fisheries to protect various marine areas.
Trinidad & Tobago
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There is so much culture between these two islands, it’s full of vibrancy. Trinidad is more of a party destination, where its months-long celebration, Carnival, takes place. Tobago is a place to explore for its people and beaches. Both share an amazing selection of food flavors with African, East Asian, French, Spanish, English, Dutch, Chinese and Indigenous influences.
Launceston and the Tamar Valley, Australia
NESS VANDERBURGH
In Tasmania, many people automatically go to explore the capital of Hobart, the largest city of the island. Instead, go to the second-biggest city of Launceston within the Tamar Valley to explore the world’s best selection of sparkling wine. The Tamar Valley Wine Route spans 30 vineyards and also offers amazing food. There’s also the “Australia’s Grand Canyon” Cataract Gorge to explore, with plenty of trails to trek your boots on. It’s truly a happy marriage of nature and play here.
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
FELIPE SANTIBAÑEZ
Palma de Mallorca is a fantastic alternative to the European cities in Spain and Portugal that visitors may be more familiar with. It’s really a true European beach destination, which can be few and far between out there. It hosts a flourishing food scene full of markets, while the nightlife scene welcomes going out late and popping around the town. Many of the hotels and accommodations are converted historical buildings, such as Palma Riad, Portella Palma, and Can Cera. Also in 2025, this ancient, Mediterranean-hugging regional capital will debut a 2.2 mile waterfront promenade. Try to go in one of its shoulder seasons in May or September to beat the crowds.
2025 Travel Trend: Following the Music
NICK AGEE
Music is a key part of traveling, and more travelers are combining music experiences while on a big trip. It’s not just seeing an artist, but where you see them, making the venue a key element in this travel trend. In the United States, we’re seeing a lot of the same venues, whether it be in the look or offerings. We wanted to showcase some venues that market themselves on individual aspects for a unique music experience.
One of these includes the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. As the historic original venue of what is now the Grand Ole Opry, many notable artists started their career there. It’s really a special set of walls with so much heritage and history, seeing a show here is a must.
There’s also the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The city wouldn’t be the same without it.
Internationally, travelers should check out St. Clement’s Cathedral at the Klementinum in Prague. It has some of the best acoustics in the world, so seeing a classical concert or orchestral arrangement while exploring the country should be on your itinerary.
If India is on your horizon in 2025, seek out The Royal Opera House. Located in Mumbai, it’s India only surviving opera house since the early 1900s.
NLÉ ARCHITECTS
For a truly unique music experience, seek out Cape Verde’s new floating venue. The Floating Music Hub sits in West Africa’s port city of Mindelo and is made up of three structures, accessed by a walkway that stretches over the water.
Lastly, there’s Dalhalla in Rättvik, Sweden. This open-air venue surrounded by limestone used to be a limestone quarry in the 1900s. Throughout the summer, a wide range of events, attracting over 100,000 visitors, takes place here.
Budget be damned, there’s great whiskey at every price point, and we’re here to prove that today.
While it’s true that many of the best whiskeys in the world hover at astronomical prices that are out of reach for the average consumer, rest assured that there’s still a ton of great whiskey to be found on the bottom shelf. In fact, many of these options can beat out whiskey four or five times the price!
So, as we kick off 2025 exploring the best whiskeys at every price point, today we’ll begin at the bottom of the totem pole to identify the whiskeys you should be buying that punch way above their cost and kick ass in spite of it.
Ezra Brooks 99-Proof Straight Rye Whiskey follows the “barely legal” precedent set by much of today’s Kentucky rye whiskeys with a mash bill consisting of 51% rye, 45% corn, and 4% malt. This whiskey makes up one-third of Lux Row’s 99-Proof whiskey lineup, joined by a Kentucky Straight Bourbon and a Port Cask Finished Bourbon.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this whiskey has a minty, sweet backbone with oak, vanilla, and honey emanating out of the glass to greet the nose. Overall, it’s a straightforward and inviting array of aromas that draws you in for an initial sip.
Palate: Once this whiskey reaches your palate, its straightforward nature is fully revealed as the flavors of honey, mint, and vanilla capture your attention while faint hints of cocoa, black pepper, oak, and tobacco leaf dance along the edges of your tongue.
Finish: The brief finish showcases how buttery this whiskey is as it gently leaves your palate with the flavor of honeyed mint tea, oak, and black pepper spice before quickly receding and readying your tongue for a second sip.
Bottom Line:
This whiskey proves that simplicity isn’t to be shunned, as it delivers a well-developed albeit short list of flavors to be enjoyed. What matters most is that each of those flavors comes across as fairly rich for the proof point, making this a tasty sipping rye that has the viscousness to crank up the volume in cocktails as well.
Old Overholt Rye is one of the most classic and iconic whiskey brands in America. With a legacy that dates back to 1810 when Abe Overholt assumed management of the Old Overton Farmstead, the contemporary version of this 4-year rye whiskey brand is owned and produced by world-famous Beam Distilling Co.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this rye is a bit restrained, but it beckons you to the rim of the glass with a whisper of orange peel, vanilla extract, rye spice, and red raisins. There’s also a touch of black pepper and youthful oak to be gleaned after a first pass.
Palate: On the palate, this whiskey continues to develop with black tea and baked green apples, joining the medley of vanilla extract, orange peel, and rye spice found on the nose. The mouthfeel is lean and sprightly, allowing the liquid to sashay over your tongue with ease, unveiling those light, sweet-leaning flavors.
Finish: The finish is brief and crescendoes in black pepper spice, walnuts, and an expressed orange peel.
Bottom Line:
Old Overholt isn’t typically deployed as a sipping whiskey, often used instead as a stellar mixer capable of punching through in a variety of cocktails. Taken on its own merits, however, it’s easy to see why this bottle stands so tall in mixed drinks, and though we’d recommend using it where it shines best, there are flavors here that you can appreciate when taken neat.
Larceny Wheated Bourbon gets its moniker thanks to a legend about a Treasury agent named John E. Fitzgerald, who was reputed to have “used his keys to the warehouses to pilfer bourbon from the finest barrels.” The crime earned him infamy and now acclaim as his name adorns the label of Heaven Hill’s most widely available wheated bourbon.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on Larceny bourbon is mellow and light with clover honey, some indistinct lemon zest, and vanilla coming across expressively. In the background, there’s a touch of smudging sage and sawdust.
Palate: The flavors in Larceny bourbon are surprisingly well-developed, as the gentler notes of vanilla, honey, and citrus really shine and complement the liquid’s lean texture and limited complexity. While it echoes the simplicity of earlier bourbons on this list, it also reflects a turning of the corner with regard to flavor development and depth.
Finish: The finish here is curt, as it fades pretty quickly, with honey, cereal grains, and a touch of white pepper providing the closing salvo.
Bottom Line:
Wheated bourbons are commonly regarded as far tamer and mellower than their rye-recipe counterparts, and that reputation is on full display with Larceny. As an easy-sipping and easily found wheated bourbon, Larceny is a rock-solid bourbon if you’re looking for something smooth.
Very Old Barton comes from the Barton 1792 Distillery and features expressions at 80, 86, 90, and 100 proof. Their 100-proof offering, the best of the bunch, has limited distribution in Kentucky and surrounding states.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: On the nose, this bourbon has banana bread, faint ripe cherry notes, butterscotch, and corn pudding. It’s a light, sweet, and harmonious blend of aromas that simply works.
Palate: Once you sip this bourbon, you’ll observe the aroma notes translating to the palate, with semi-sweet banana bread and butterscotch taking the fore while toasted corn and youthful oak round things out. The texture is unremarkable, but for a $20 bourbon, that’s to be expected, and it isn’t a bad thing.
Finish: The finish is succinct, with a bit of nuttiness joining the ripe cherries found on the nose, along with a touch of black pepper spice.
Bottom Line:
Very Old Barton’s 100-proof offering features an unassuming label that does little to distinguish among its various proof points, but for those who know, this top-of-the-line expression is fantastic bottom-shelf bourbon.
J.T.S. Brown is named after John Thompson Street Brown, who founded the wholesale liquor company that would become Brown-Forman. It is currently offered at 80 and 100 proof, though it also featured an 86-proof version until at least the late 1980s.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this whiskey has a flourish of butterscotch and clove that make it stand out from the rest of Heaven Hill’s budget bottled-in-bond offerings. A touch of lemon zest and peanut butter are also evident.
Palate: On the palate, the butterscotch and peanut butter are out in full force, along with some vanilla cream, sweet oak, and white pepper. The flavors are impressively balanced, and despite this whiskey’s restrained mouthfeel, they appear to be well-defined on the palate.
Finish: The medium-length finish again highlights the fusion of peanut butter and vanilla with a gentle white pepper send-off.
Bottom Line:
It’s a crowded bunch when it comes to Heaven Hill’s bottom-shelf bottled-in-bond expressions, but J.T.S. Brown reliably outperforms the majority of them thanks to its well-managed balance and surprisingly stout depth of flavor. Like many of Heaven Hill’s most affordable options, it won’t wow you with its complexity but rather with its consistently great quality for an equally great price.
Benchmark’s Bonded expression is yet another bottle in the revamped Benchmark lineup, which received a facelift and a line expansion in early 2023. For this Bonded offering, Benchmark follows the Bottled in Bond regulations, meaning that, among other things, this bourbon comes from a single distilling season and is bottled at 100 proof.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on Benchmark Bonded has four distinct aromas: nutmeg, caramel, oak, and brown sugar. There are gradations to those aromas, with the nutmeg coming across as less-than-fresh, while the caramel and oak are more lively next to the subdued brown sugar note.
Palate: Once you take a sip of Benchmark Bonded, you’ll find that the nosing notes perfectly indicate what to expect. Again, those four distinct notes come through, and though they’re joined by a bit of black pepper and cereal notes, it’s the nutmeg, caramel, oak (with the addition of barrel char), and brown sugar that steal the show flavor-wise. The texture is stout, allowing the liquid to occupy the entire palate before ceding the reins to the finish.
Finish: On the finish, there’s more brown sugar, black pepper, and even a bit of mocha on each sip. The finish hangs around for a medium length, befitting its proof point, and offers a balanced climax to an overall very balanced bourbon.
Bottom Line:
As the sole bottled in bond expression in the Buffalo Trace portfolio outside of the E.H. Taylor lineup, this solid budget bottle exhibits the quality standard one can expect from the Buffalo Trace Distillery. For less than $20, you can find two different expressions from the Benchmark brand, but this is the one you should grab.
Old Bardstown Bottled in Bond Bourbon is one of those IYKYK expressions from the Willett Distillery. It is sold exclusively in Kentucky on the bottom shelf of liquor stores. This bottled-in-bond offering is not to be confused with the 101-proof small-batch variant available nationwide.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: It begins with a really round butterscotch note with some intriguing menthol and tobacco leaf aromas that make you dig deeper in the glass to uncover additional layers of Brooks cherries, pecans, and vanilla extract.
Palate: Old Bardstown Bottled in Bond Bourbon is dense and full-bodied on the palate despite the proof, and it opens with sticky toffee and Brooks cherries while a touch of the menthol from the nose streaks up the middle of the tongue and introduces some dark chocolate at midpalate.
Finish: The moderate finish sees the blossoming of dark chocolate flavor with some fresh hazelnuts, caramel, and white pepper notes rounding things off.
Bottom Line:
This unassuming bottle packs a real wallop with a substantive mouthfeel and a dark, rich flavor profile that will have you double-checking your receipt to be sure you didn’t steal this bottle at roughly $20 USD. Rest assured, your receipt is right; hell, all is right with this bourbon in your glass.
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.”
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nosing notes open with honey, lemon zest, and a distinct peanut note on this bourbon. From there, the periphery aromas are faint — a touch of brown butter, apricots, and cumin, but otherwise nondescript.
Palate: In the mouth, those initial three notes make the most substantial impression, along with a piquant texture that slightly prickles the tongue and adds a bit of pop to the citrus flavors in the liquid. One thing I love about this whiskey is how balanced its flavors are, with none of them speaking over the others.
Finish: On the finish, you’ll find some black pepper spice and youthful oak that curtail the peanut and lemon zest flavors. The finish is short-to-medium, giving just enough room to make a satisfying impression on the palate before encouraging repeat sips.
Bottom Line:
Evan Williams’ Bottled in Bond Expression is a masterclass in delivering a high-quality, no-frills bourbon. At 100-proof, it can stand tall in cocktails, bringing an abundance of flavor to classics like an Old-Fashioned, but it has just enough depth to perform well on its own—making for a delicious, cost-friendly, everyday sipper.
Look, Jim Beam and affordable bourbon go together like America and apple pie. For this expression, they take their classic Jim Beam bourbon mash bill and make it available at a much higher 108-proof in single barrel form.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: On the nose, you get some of the characteristic nuttiness that Beam is known for, an enticing blend of hazelnut and peanut shell, while a bit of chocolate, oak, and mocha adds depth to the overall profile. There’s also plenty of caramel and a touch of clove rounding this one out.
Palate: With one sip, you can appreciate the classic Jim Beam profile in this bourbon. On the palate, it has that Cracker Jack box assortment of flavors from caramel corn to honey-roasted peanuts with a touch of graininess, graham cracker, and oak. The texture is a significant step up from both Jim Beam’s white and black labels, with a bit more oiliness, which makes this bourbon a pleasure to chew for a while.
Finish: The finish has a surprising touch of anise with black pepper, barrel char, and gobs of more gooey caramel waiting for you.
Bottom Line:
Considering its proof and overall quality, it should come as no surprise that Jim Beam Single Barrel Bourbon is one of the best value bottles in American whiskey. This seriously underrated pour combines the best elements of Jim Beam’s prolific bourbon with a budget-friendly bottle that you’ll want to buy again and again.
Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon is not only the most classic expression in the brand’s lineup, it’s one of the most iconic bourbons in America. Wild Turkey’s signature 101-proof designation was first formulated in the 1940s by Austin, Nichols & Co. executive Thomas McCarthy and it’s been a benchmark for high-quality, budget-friendly bourbon ever since.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this whiskey encapsulates what Wild Turkey is all about. There’s a lovely dusting of baking spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove resting atop stone fruits like stewed red apples, bruised peaches, and a faint dose of caramel and oak.
Palate: On the palate, Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon offers a familiar range of flavors, from apple chips, cinnamon bark, and oak to vanilla extract, nutmeg, and clove. The mouthfeel is intriguing, maintaining enough grip on the palate to heighten the impact of the various baking spices but enough give for the fruit-forward flavors to strut their stuff.
Finish: The finish is where black pepper flares up, along with a more forceful impression of the oak and clove notes. It’s a short-to-medium finish that pairs well with the flavor profile, giving the impression that this blend is perfectly proofed.
Bottom Line:
Wild Turkey 101 might conjure memories of crazy college nights for some people, but serious connoisseurs know that even with its rowdy reputation, this is one of the best-kept secrets in bourbon. With a robust, spice-heavy profile, Wild Turkey 101 is bold enough to liven up any party while offering the depth of flavor that makes it great to savor at length in quiet contemplation, too.
For less than $20, Wild Turkey 101 is the best whiskey money can buy.
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