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Experience beachside bliss, local culture, ice-cold cocktails and brand-new luxury suites at W Punta de Mita. The Hotels We Love editorial covers only the best properties; the ones worth your coveted vacation days, and this hotel hits that sweet spot on many levels.

Complete with newly renovated beachfront suites, ceviche served out of the back of an old Chevy truck, local LIVE music on the beach, and my husband by my side, I’m not sure I could have scripted a better quick Mexico getaway.

There’s something refreshing and nostalgic about sitting on the beach with no shoes listening to The Cranberries’ “Zombie” followed quickly by Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time” by a local singer with an unworldly voice while sipping wine with your loved one. The simplicity of drinking Malbec after a delicious Surf & Turf dinner watching other guests dance like no one’s watching is the exact reason vacations were invented.

WHY IT’S AWESOME:

The only thing better than being welcomed into a W Hotel with their branded scent (IYKYK) is being welcomed with a perfectly strong handcrafted Mezcal cocktail with local ingredients and the sound of crashing waves nearby.

On brand for a W Hotel, W Punta de Mita is just as edgy as their other properties, but it’s the local flair and homage to culture that immerses you into Mexico’s rich local history. Not only the most notable and epic photo spot but also incredibly culturally driven is where you’ll find the vibrant Camino Huichol walkway inspired by the area’s natives with 751,184 individual tiles extending from the lobby down to the beach. The hotel takes great pride in the meaning behind the tiles, which represent the local tribe and seen on the staff’s uniform shirt as well as a drink named in its honor, “751,184” (made with orange, pineapple, maracuya, lime, and a blue simple sugar) in The Living Room.

So many things elevate this W Hotel like their brand-new Wow Suites with rooftop pools (more on that below), but it’s the lengths in which the property honors the stories and culture of natives throughout every culinary dish, artwork, activities, and more that is truly impressive.

If you’re really looking to get after it, you’re in luck. The resort has Tierra de Agave, its very own Jose Cuervo Reserva de La Familia speakeasy, hidden within its international restaurant Venazu Thursday-Saturday you can usually fine a live DJ who plays at the Living Room Bar. Again, dance like no one’s watching, because that’s how it’s done on vacation.

When it comes to the pool scene, two things stuck out: the main pool was open 24/hours a day which is a rarity in Mexico and there is a separate adult pool area for those of us traveling without kids.

The upscale hotel offered plenty for friends and lovers alike. We even met a couple from Chicago who joined us for an authentic Mexican dinner at Venazú. When’s the last time you met complete strangers and invited them for a sit-down dinner (especially when it’s not an all-inclusive resort?). What began as complete strangers at the adult pool with similar vacation styles has since turned into forever friendships (via Instagram, of course).

IN-HOUSE FOOD + DRINK:

When I tell you the best ceviche I’ve ever put in my mouth came out of the back of a vintage 1950 Chevy truck, believe me. While not as good for obvious reasons, try making your own at the resorts ceviche-making. During this 45-minute lesson, you’ll learn local techniques like letting the fish cook in the lime juice as well as preferred tequila and Mezcal pairings and even see who in your group made the best ceviche. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t me.

Be sure to check in with the concierge on the resort’s daily programming, like the Surf & Turf dinner on Tuesday nights, cocktail-making classes, and other activities like live music and more. You can’t go wrong with a pre-dinner Carajillo in The Living Room, which is also where I finally tried a Tequila Espresso Martini. In case you’re wondering, I may never go back to the vodka version again.

Also worth noting is that W Punta de Mita has 40 signature cocktails, including a cocktail inside a watermelon versus the all-too-popular coconut beach cocktail. Can’t say that I’ve tried them all, but we came close. And it gives us another excuse to revisit the hotel again in a few months. Talk about leveling up here for cocktails and their six onsite dining venues.

AMENITIES:

• • Air conditioning
• • Bath amenities
• • Bathrobes and slippers
• • Bathroom with shower
• • Daily maid service
• • Direct dial telephone
• • Hair dryer
• • Safe deposit box
• • Turn down service
• • WiFi
• • Coffee machine
• • Mini bar (items at additional cost)
• • Bug spray
• • Music speaker
• • Private pool (all of the oceanfront suites have private plunge pools!)
• • Outdoor lounge area
• • TV
• • Reading lights

ROOM TYPES:

New this year are the Wow Suites, which is where we stayed, but the resort boasts 16 unique room types. The Wow Suites are impeccably designed, making me crave an at-home reno upon returning home. Inside the suite, enjoy a plunge pool, a fire pit that staff will set up for you, and side-by-side indoor and outdoor showers and tub, and more. Just the aesthetic of the outdoor shower and tub alone was what Pinterest dreams are made of.

If we went back, I’d stay in one of the suites where the plunge pool was on the same level as your room. The 360-degree rooftop views were exquisite, but with the sun shining on your private pool all day, it was almost too hot to enjoy without much shade in sight. Worth noting, each of the private pools had an immense amount of privacy, which is a huge plus when we travel.

THE BEST THING TO DO WITHIN A 15 MINUTE WALK:

If you want a walk and want something free, go for a walk on the beach. Sometimes the little joys of vacation are as simple as that. Grab a cocktail from one of the hotel bars before venturing out.

THE BEST THING TO EAT/DRINK WITHIN A $20 CAB RIDE:

Thirty minutes away is the quaint surf town and fishing village of Sayulita. There is so much to see and do here, but you can’t go wrong with a La Passion cocktail at Escondido Bar, made with locally grown passion fruit, tequila and of course garnished with Tajin. The same quaint town of Sayulita turns into an upbeat nightlife experience with tons of incredible bars and great drinks where you can dance the night away.

BED GAME:

Either our beds were super comfortable, or all the Tequila Espresso Martinis hit me a little harder than I’d like to admit, but nonetheless, good sleep was had.

Bed game aside, the automatic curtains that allowed us to kick off our day from bed with the sun and ocean greeting our fresh faces were the real winners here. Another thing I’ve added to my home reno list.

Rating: 9/10

SEXINESS RATING:

There’s something about a W Hotel that exudes sexiness, and W Punta de Mita does not disappoint. A day at the 4,000-square-foot AWAY Spa surrounded by the jungle is about as sexy as this place gets and the couple’s massage is just a bonus.

The private plunge pools in the Wow Suite also allow for topless tanning – if that’s your thing.

Rating: 9/10

THE VIEWS & PICS SPOT:

The details and cultural touches alone make practically every corner of this beach resort picture-worthy. Rather than taking my word or scouring my travel-lust Instagram for the best spots, up your selfie game and take advantage of their brand-new Instagram Concierge program.

Here’s how the genius program works: guests email a link to their Instagram profile to the concierge before or during their stay to receive an infographic map marked with the most Instagram-able spots on the property. Based on your interests and aesthetic, the Instagram Concierge recommends several spots on the map you should snap pics. The experience ends with a cocktail at the resort’s Living Room bar — you just need to show the infographic map to redeem it.

A free cocktail for taking a bikini pic? Say less.

Rating: 9/10

BEST SEASON TO VISIT:

Like most Mexico beach resorts, I typically try to avoid the dead of summer from June – August as temperatures are toasty. I also prefer to avoid holiday travel simply from a crowd and cost perspective, and my personal favorite time to visit Punta de Mita is December – February.

IF I HAD TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ONE THING:

Don’t @ me, but the beaches aren’t nearly as dazzling and spectacular as other Mexico beaches from a pure picturesque standpoint. Though I prefer the backdrops of Cabo beaches, the beaches here are much more swimmable, which adds to the allure of being a family-friendly destination and being able to take full advantage of a beach vacation.

BOOK HERE:

Book direct here. Be sure to add your Marriott Bonvoy number for perks like free breakfast during your stay.

Marvel Studios is attempting to return to blockbusters status this year with two tentpoles, Thunderbolts* (in May) and Captain America: Brave New World (in February). This follows a period where the MCU has taken a breather from cranking out several movies and TV shows each year after audiences appeared to be burned out on superhero tales. That’s a far cry from 2019, when Chris Evans told the Avengers to assemble against Thanos, but it’s now Anthony Mackie’s turn to formally take the shield after the U.S. government finally made the right decision in The Falcon And The Winter Soldier finale. How long can you expect to be in theaters for Captain America: Brave New World?

The good news (for those who do not enjoy sitting in theaters for three hours including trailers) is that this appears to be the shortest Cap movie yet. Via Comicbook, Discussing Film reports that Brave New World arrives with a 1 hour, 58 minute runtime.

In comparison, Captain America ran 2 hours, 4 minutes; Captain America: The Winter Soldier carried on for 2 hours, 16 minutes; and Captain America: Civil War told its story in 2 hours, 28 minutes.

Brave New World will co-star Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross/Red Hulk, but there has been no indication that Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier will pop in for a visit. In other words, Cap might be flying solo, and the trailer also omitted any mention of the Power Broker, who was a pivotal reveal at the end of Sam Wilson and Bucky’s Disney+ show. Oh well. From the synopsis:

After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford in his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.

Captain America: Brave New World hits theaters on Feb. 14.

Earlier today, Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against his label, Universal Music Group, a day after withdrawing his previous information request. In the lawsuit, he claims that UMG hyped up Kendrick Lamar’s diss song “Not Like Us,” in order to devalue his own music and gain leverage in future contract negotiations. Among other claims on the song, “Not Like Us” is notable for its “certified pedophile” and “A minor” lyrics, which appear to accuse Drake of sexual misconduct.

In response, UMG has issued a statement calling Drake’s claims “illogical” and reframing the suit as an attempt to prevent Kendrick from performing “Not Like Us” and profiting from the two rappers’ feud. “Not only are these claims untrue, but the notion that we would seek to harm the reputation of any artist — let alone Drake — is illogical,” it reads. “We have invested massively in his music and our employees around the world have worked tirelessly for many years to help him achieve historic commercial and personal financial success.”

The statement continues, “Throughout his career, Drake has intentionally and successfully used UMG to distribute his music and poetry to engage in conventionally outrageous back-and-forth ‘rap battles’ to express his feelings about other artists. He now seeks to weaponize the legal process to silence an artist’s creative expression and to seek damages from UMG for distributing that artist’s music. We have not and do not engage in defamation — against any individual. At the same time, we will vigorously defend this litigation to protect our people and our reputation, as well as any artist who might directly or indirectly become a frivolous litigation target for having done nothing more than write a song.”

Drake initially hinted at planning legal action back in November, when he filed pre-action documents demanding the court order UMG to turn over any docs that could prove it had illegally promoted Kendrick’s song. To its part, UMG has maintained that everything was aboveboard, asserting that Drake’s legal arguments are nothing more than a case of sour grapes.

The Phoenix Suns have been one of the weirdest teams in the NBA this season. While they have a dynamite 1-2 punch in Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the decision to bring in Bradley Beal last year just has not worked out at all. They’re all-in, expensive, not especially deep, and face quite the uphill battle in the Western Conference to even make the playoffs, as they sit at 19-20 and in 11th place midway through January.

Unless Phoenix decides to try again by moving at least one of Booker or Durant for a haul, they’re in the unfortunate spot where they can only continue to go further all-in. And on Wednesday, the team made a move to reinforce that, as it decided to send Josh Okogie and second-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets for Nick Richards, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. Additionally, the Suns are slated to get a second-round pick back from Charlotte, per Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports.

Phoenix may not have a bigger need on their roster than the center position — rolling with the duo of Jusuf Nurkic and Mason Plumlee has just not worked — and Richards should be able to impact the game on both ends of the floor. As Bourguet noted, he also has the added bonus of being under contract beyond this season at a great number, as he’s owed $5 million in 2025-26.

On the year, Richards is averaging 8.9 points and 7.5 rebounds in 21 minutes per game while shooting 56.1 percent from the field.

The new year is just beginning, but we’re already excited about the bourbon landscape in 2025!

Thanks to public label filings with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, we whiskey fans have a semi-reliable crystal ball to peer into the future of bourbon releases. While not every label that a brand files comes to fruition (and there’s certainly no accounting for the timeframe when these releases will hit stores if they are indeed coming), it’s still fun to stretch our imagination and predict what may be coming down the pipeline.

Again, we can’t guarantee that all of these expressions will see the light of day and a fair bit of this is purely speculative, but we’ve certainly got our fingers crossed! To compile this list, we took a combination of public declarations from brands (i.e., Heaven’s Door and Penelope), public label filings with the TTB, and speculation based on previously announced release schedules (i.e., Daniel Weller). Lastly, we’re hoping all of these releases hit liquor stores, so instead of ranking them, we’ll lay out the full wishlist alphabetically and include a note on whether or not the brand has confirmed each release.

With that out of the way, let’s get into our list of the top 25 upcoming bourbons we’re excited about in 2025!

• • The 50 Bourbons You Need To Try Before You Die, Ranked
  • The 21 Most Important Bourbons Of All Time, Ranked
  • The 50 Best Rye Whiskeys Of 2024, Ranked
  • The 100 Best Bourbon Whiskeys Of 2024, Ranked
  • The Most Iconic Bourbon Drinkers In Film History (And The Bottles They Loved Best)

Booker’s Bourbon The Reserves 2025

Release Status: Confirmed Annual Release

The Whiskey:

When Booker’s The Reserves was launched in 2024, Jim Beam made it clear that this would be a new annual expression intended to expand the Booker’s lineup and allow newly minted Master Distiller Freddie Noe some leeway to tinker with his grandfather’s most prized bourbon brand.

The inaugural release was a smash hit, and given how many incredible new releases Beam put out in 2024, there should be no doubt that 2025’s The Reserves will be another winner.

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

Release Status: Confirmed Annual Release

The Whiskey:

While previous years have seen one member of Buffalo Trace’s vaunted Antique Collection held back due to quality control concerns, you can pretty much expect each of these bottles to hit shelves each year in early November. Last year’s lineup featured a stellar Thomas H. Handy bottling and a predictably impressive George T. Stagg, and we’re definitely excited to see how the 2025 bunch compares!

Buffalo Trace O.F.C. 2006

Release Status: Unconfirmed TTB Filing

The Whiskey:

One of the newest TTB-approved labels on our list understandably comes with some of the fewest details, but based on previous O.F.C. releases, it’s also one of the bottles we’re most pumped about! Here’s what the back label will reportedly say:

“The Year is 2006. Walt Disney announces the acquisition of animation studio Pixar in a groundbreaking all-stock transaction. Twitter launches, sparking the rise of microblogging. The International Astronomical Union redefines Pluto as a dwarf planet, sparking a worldwide debate over the understanding of our Solar System.”

While the label doesn’t include this detail, the TTB filing clarifies that this is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Finally, this edition of O.F.C. was distilled in 2006 (thus the name), which means this is potentially 19-year-old bourbon!

Buffalo Trace Distillery Prohibition Collection 2025

Release Status: Confirmed

The Whiskey:

The 2025 Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection has officially been announced, and it marks the second time that Buffalo Trace has mined its archives to revive brands from the Prohibition era to recreate them for the modern drinker. This year’s collection features five expressions: Anderson’s Belle, a wheated bottled in bond bourbon, Very Oldest Procurable, an aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Silver Wedding, 125-proof rye, Mountain Corn, a corn whiskey, and Mirror Brook, a bottled in bond whiskey blend.

Each label is directly tied to the former President of the then-George T. Stagg Distillery, Albert B. Blanton. Those connections were traced by Sazerac’s Lead Archivist, Nick Laracuente, through copious notes and correspondences that Blanton kept.

Fun fact: much of that original archiving was done by a single longtime Buffalo Trace employee who simply thought the pictures were cool!

Colonel E.H. Taylor Distiller’s Council Bottled In Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Release Status: Unconfirmed TTB Filing

The Whiskey:

What can we say about E.H. Taylor Distiller’s Council Bourbon? Well, not much. The release has not been confirmed by Buffalo Trace, and with the only news about it coming from the scant TTB label filing, the only thing we know for sure is that if this expression is coming, and if it’s released in 2025, it will be a bottled in bond bourbon.

That, however, doesn’t mean we aren’t excited! Watch this space for any potential updates throughout the year.

Colonel Randolph 16-Year Single Barrel Bourbon

Release Status: Confirmed

The Whiskey:

If a 16-year, single-barrel, Kentucky Straight Bourbon selected by Gordon Hue doesn’t make your heart start racing, either you aren’t into bourbon, or we need to educate you. Hue is behind the iconic A.H. Hirsch bourbon, famously known as “the best bourbon you’ll never taste.” You can learn a little bit more about that bottle here.

Hue was also responsible for the original Colonel Randolph 16-Year Bourbon, an offshoot of A.H. Hirsch, and now Old Commonwealth Distillery is reviving the brand with this 2025 offering. Made from a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% wheat, and 12% malted barley, this bourbon will be released in only a matter of weeks, and if it’s half as good as the original, expect it to be an instant whiskey of the year contender.

Daniel Weller

Release Status: Safe To Assume

The Whiskey:

When the first release of Daniel Weller was announced, Buffalo Trace said there were “plans to release one limited expression every other year.” Well, because that inaugural expression hit the market in 2023, we’re going to go ahead and say that we can likely expect Daniel Weller’s 2nd edition to land in 2025, which is cause for celebration.

Buffalo Trace has slowly been expanding their premium portfolio, and if Eagle Rare 25 being named UPROXX’s Whiskey of the Year in 2023 is any indication, we’re ready to welcome that expansion with open arms.

Dream Spirits “It Was All A…” Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon

Release Status: Confirmed

The Whiskey:

This single-barrel bourbon was hand-selected by Dream Spirits founder Prav Saraff in collaboration with UPROXX’s Head Whiskey Writer Frank Dobbins, and obviously we’re really excited about this one! This 11-year bourbon was distilled in Indiana and grew of age at Dream Spirits’ Leesburg, Virginia facility before being selected for non-chill filtered bottling alongside a core of additional industry veterans Da’Mon Brown and Denaya Jones.

Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon 2025

Release Status: Confirmed Annual Release

The Whiskey:

Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon is perhaps the most underrated annual limited edition in the bourbon world. This is seriously delicious stuff, and by our count, the lineup hasn’t had a single “off” expression throughout its history. Sure, some years are better than others.

Still, Brent Elliott has been operating at a consistently high level since ascending to the role of Master Distiller in 2015, and with 2025 marking his tenth anniversary, it’s possible he could have something truly special up his sleeves for this year’s release.

Heaven’s Door Bootleg Series Volume VI

Release Status: Confirmed

The Whiskey:

This expression is 100% confirmed, and it’s already available for pre-sale here. So, what is it? How does a 12-year, wheated straight bourbon that was finished in air-dried, lightly toasted Limousin cigar barrels sound? Typical of all the Bootleg Series releases, this bottle features custom artwork by Bob Dylan himself (whose having quite a year already), and it’s packaged inside a leather carrying case.

Jack Daniel’s 14-Year Tennessee Whiskey

Release Status: Safe To Assume

The Whiskey:

We’ll be honest: this is the most “confirmed” of the “unconfirmed” bottles on this list. Several images of this bottle and label have hit the net recently, but we’ll hold off on making that call until Jack Daniel’s officially announces it.

What we know for now is that this is expected to be the newest member of Jack Daniel’s age-stated lineup, bottled at “batch proof”, and matured for 14 years, making it the oldest and highest ABV expression in the series to date. That alone is enough for us to start eagerly awaiting an official confirmation from the folks out of Lynchburg, Tennessee.

K. Luke Barrel Strength Single Barrel Bourbon

Release Status: Unconfirmed TTB Filing

The Whiskey:

K. Luke’s barrel-proof batches have been flying under the radar as some of the best bourbons in the game for far too long. If this TTB filing is to be believed, K. Luke’s introduction of a single-barrel product to their portfolio should help drum up some genuine excitement. Expect that excitement to reach a fever pitch if they open a single-barrel program to retailers and private groups.

Of course, we’ll have to wait and see because, for now, this one is purely speculative.

King Of Kentucky Bourbon

Release Status: Confirmed Annual Release

The Whiskey:

Brown Forman’s King of Kentucky has ascended to the throne of annual bourbon releases quite quickly in the seven years since its inaugural relaunch in 2018. Now, in 2025, it’s fair to say that this is the best and most sought-after annual bourbon release year in and year out, so it’s only right we give it a slot on this list.

There aren’t currently any details on 2025’s release, but 2024’s outstanding expression was age-stated at 16 years and earned an impressive spot on our Best Bourbons of the Year list.

Knob Creek Cask Strength Single Barrel Select Bourbon

Release Status: All But Confirmed

The Whiskey:

We’ve covered the full Knob Creek lineup here on UPROXX before, and to sum it up for the TL;DR crowd: it’s loaded with bangers. If this TTB filing is accurate (and imminent), then the top of that list should face some stiff competition when we see barrel-proof Knob Creek single barrels hitting the market.

Notably, the TTB filing says this is a single-barrel select bourbon, which indicates that this expression will exclusively feature private selections and not distillery selections. Word is that these selections have already begun, so we’ll surely see them hitting liquor store shelves soon.

Update: A label was just TTB-approved for a rye version of this expression as well.

Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2025

Release Status: Confirmed Annual Release

The Whiskey:

We’ve been outspoken fans of every Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged release, so naturally, we’re pumped to see what the legacy distillery has in store for us this year. You know the details by now: Maker’s Mark delicious wheated bourbon matured for at least 12 years, with the latter part of that maturation cycle taking place in their cellar, which naturally slows oak extraction while continuing to develop flavor.

The bottom line is that last year’s release was some of the best bourbon produced in Maker’s Mark’s 71-year history, and we have no doubt that they can one-up that offering this year.

Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon 2025

Release Status: Safe To Assume

The Whiskey:

We’re only wary about this one because Michter’s quality control team is tight. So much so that they actually opted not to release the 2022 version of this expression, holding it back an extra year before dropping the award-winning 2023 edition. The Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon that we got in 2024 was equally exceptional, earning high praise on a bunch of our blind tastings and premium bourbon round-ups from last year.

With that kind of wind beneath its wings, we’re anxious to see the heights that Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon can reach in 2025.

Old Fitzgerald Bottled In Bond Decanter Series Bourbon

Release Status: Confirmed Biannual Release

The Whiskey:

The Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond Decanter Series has always kept us guessing. With different age statements coming with each release, things were already unpredictable. Then, in 2024, Heaven Hill decided to dust off some whiskey distilled in 1999 and dumped in steel tanks in 2013, where it rested for 11 long years before seeing the light of day.

Who knows what 2025’s Old Fitzgerald releases will be, but let’s just say our expectations are sky-high after a successful 2024 campaign.

Old Forester 1924 Batch 2

Release Status: Confirmed

The Whiskey:

News of this expression was recently released, and though Old Forester is sticking to the same script as 2024’s inaugural release, we’re perfectly fine with that. Last year’s initial offering from this lineup was a kingslayer that held its own in several of our toughest blind-tasting matchups.

The best thing we could ask for with Old Forester 1924 is more of the same, and thankfully, for 2025’s release, the good folks at Brown-Forman will be obliging.

Parker’s Heritage Collection 19th Edition

Release Status: Confirmed Annual Release

The Whiskey:

For the 18th Edition of Parker’s Heritage, whiskey fans were treated to 14-year-old Malt Whiskey aged in the upper floors of Rickhouses O and Q that was finished in reconstructed ex-Cognac barrels that included new heavy-toast staves. Each year’s Parker’s Heritage expression to date has featured a curveball to create a lineup that counts bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskey, among other styles in its number.

It’s anybody’s guess what Edition 19 will be, but given the consistently impressive quality of each release, we can’t say that we care. We just can’t wait to get our hands on it.

Penelope Havana Bourbon

Release Status: Currently Available For Purchase

The Whiskey:

Penelope has always excelled at creating wholly unique blends that others in the industry either fall over themselves to imitate or whisper behind closed doors that they wish they had thought of first. The latest iteration in that enviable legacy is “Havana,” a straight bourbon whiskey double-finished in Caribbean rum and 100% farm-sourced maple syrup barrels.

While the specs make this sound like a decadent dessert in a glass, we have faith that Penelope Master Blender and co-founder Danny Polise will thread the needle and deliver a whiskey that can serve as a main course as much as a nightcap.

Pinhook Bourbon Vertical Series Aged 10 Years

Release Status: Confirmed Annual Release

The Whiskey:

Pinhook’s Vertical Series of bourbon and rye has been one of the most intriguing, innovative lineups in the American whiskey world over the past few years.

The idea is simple enough: use the same stock of 1,350 MGP-distilled bourbon barrels over their life cycle for an annual release to showcase their growing maturity and continued evolution. Now that these barrels are finally hitting double-digits, we’re in the 7th year of an anticipated 9-year journey that will conclude once these barrels hit 12 years of age.

Preservation Distillery Very Olde St. Nick Bourbon “Straight Outta Bardstown” Aged 10 Years

Release Status: Safe To Assume

The Whiskey:

Details on this expression are scant, after all, we are basing our excitement on an unconfirmed TTB filing. Despite that, what we do know is that we loved Preservation Distillery’s 9-year “Straight Outta Bardstown” bourbon, and with an additional year of maturity, we expect this release to be even better than its predecessor.

Update: Images of this bottle sporting a green label, similar to the 9-year release, have hit the net, so we upgraded this from “Unconfirmed TTB Filing” to “Safe To Assume.”

Rare Character Old Cassidy II

Release Status: Unconfirmed/Speculative

The Whiskey:

Rare Character’s founder, Pablo Moix, has always been adamant that last year’s wildly successful Old Cassidy Single Barrel Bourbon (selected by yours truly) would be the only release from the brand in 2024. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean we won’t see a sequel to the historic release in 2025.

This one is purely speculative right now, but if there is a follow-up release of Old Cassidy, we’re here for it, no matter what form it takes.

Russell’s Reserve 13-Year Bourbon

Release Status: Safe To Assume

The Whiskey:

It seems that this spectacular age-stated series from Russell’s Reserve is something us bourbon fans can look forward to for the foreseeable future! Last year brought us Russell’s Reserve 15-Year Bourbon, which was arguably the most critically acclaimed release of the year, and now the brand is returning to the age statement that kicked the series off with a 13-year bourbon.

The first few batches of Russell’s Reserve 13-Year immediately received a warm welcome from the bourbon community and it’s continued to hold up even against an onslaught of new releases from other top brands, and within the Wild Turkey portfolio itself. With that said, we know this is going to be another can’t-miss release.

Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Bourbon

Release Status: Confirmed Annual Release

The Whiskey:

The Single Rickhouse series from Russell’s Reserve has been shining a light on the unique characteristics and stellar whiskey of various Wild Turkey campuses and warehouses for three years now. Last year’s Camp Nelson B expression soared high enough to be awarded our number-two bourbon of the year and it’s safe to say our expectations are higher than they’ve ever been for the lineup as we eagerly anticipate 2025’s entry in the series.

Starlight 10-Year Bourbon

Release Status: Unconfirmed/Speculative

The Whiskey:

Starlight has been a darling of the craft bourbon world for years now, and it’s clear they’ve only polished their products and added luster to that rising star with fantastic finished offerings and straight whiskey that keeps getting better with age.

While this upcoming expression ain’t exactly confirmed, it ain’t exactly not confirmed. In speaking with the brand’s Spirits Director, Andrew Jerdonek, he told me that though they haven’t publicly announced this release, he’s been excitedly sharing the news with visitors to the Huber Orchard. Now, the wider world can start getting excited. Double-digit age-stated Starlight bourbon is a major milestone.

Widow Jane The Vaults 2025

Release Status: Confirmed Annual Release

The Whiskey:

Widow Jane The Vaults used to be our absolute favorite expression from the brand, which we’ve always held in high regard. Although 2024 marked the introduction of our new favorite Widow Jane offering we’re still pumped to see what 2025 brings for one of the Red Hook, Brooklyn distillery’s crown jewels: The Vaults.

Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Aged 8 Years

Release Status: Unconfirmed TTB Filing

The Whiskey:

Is the 8-year age statement coming back to Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon? There’s been speculation that the brand could be making the complete switch after last year’s 70th Anniversary, 8-year 101-proof bourbon expression. That tracks with the recently filed label fitting these specs and whispers we’ve been hearing around the distillery.

Time will tell whether this marks the end of the non-age-stated version or it represents an expansion of Wild Turkey’s core lineup, but either way, we’d be overjoyed to see those dreams come true in 2025.

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Beacon

Release Status: Confirmed Annual Release

The Whiskey:

While the Master’s Keep series has been stunning Wild Turkey fans for a tidy ten years now, rumors ran rampant in 2024 that “Triumph” would be the final edition. Well, thanks to a recent TTB filing, fans are rejoicing as it seems we’ll see at least one more Master’s Keep expression, which appears to be called “Beacon.

While we don’t have any additional details yet, stay up-to-date with the latest news in the bourbon world by tapping in with UPROXX throughout 2025.

Welcome to SNX DLX, your weekly roundup of the best sneakers to hit the internet. Nike’s release strategy this year is an interesting one. While generally, these early months of the year tend to be flooded with afterthought releases or leftovers from the previous year, Nike has been sure to drop at least one banger a week.

Last week we got the return of the Black Cat Jordan 3, a release that would be hard to follow up, and yet this wing brings the highly anticipated Travis Scott Nike Zoom Field Jaxx. The Field Jaxx may not have the legendary status of a Black Cat 3, but it certainly has more hype!

So, despite this very short drop week, we can’t help but be excited. So let’s dive into the best sneakers dropping this week.

Sandy Liang x Salomon XT-Whisper

Price: $150

The NYC-based fashion designer, known for her ’90s girlhood aesthetic, has teamed up with Salomon for a special take on the brand’s XT-Whisper silhouette, and you know what? We can’t think of a bigger match made in heaven.

This runner features a lightweight mesh upper, lugged outsole, a lace-tie system, and a mixed pink and metallic silver colorway.

The Sandy Liang x Salomon XT-Whisper is set to drop on January 16th at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $150. Pick up a pair at Sandy Liang.

Adidas CLOT Superstar By Edison Chen

Price: $200

Multi-hyphenate superstar Edison Chen is back with Adidas for yet another take on the Superstar. Inspired by the Lunar New Year, this Superstar features opulent details, like a red string tassel at the laces and gold detailing (classic LNY colors), a snakeskin three-stripes (2025 is the year of the Snake), and a black leather design, which really serves as a nice contrast for the more elegant details to pop.

The Adidas CLOT Superstar By Edison Chen is set to drop on January 16th at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $200. Pick up a pair at Adidas.

Nike Air Force 1 Black and Metallic Silver

Price: $130

A black Air Force 1 isn’t cool, you know what’s cool? A black and metallic silver Air Force 1. We’re kidding, we just always wanted to drop that Sean Parker/Justin Timberlake line from the Social Network. A black Air Force 1 is dope, and quite possibly the best colorway to ever hit the legendary silhouette, but this week’s black and metallic silver version is also cool.

The sneaker features a suede base with waxed laces, metallic panels and a matching swoosh. It’s dope, enough said.

The Nike Air Force 1 Black and Metallic Silver is set to drop on January 16th at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $130. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.

Fenty x Puma Avanti LS

Price:

Rihanna is dropping another Puma Avanti! The new colorway features a royal blue suede upper with a hairy suede heel, gold foil branding, gum outsole, and a cream Puma Formstrip. Like all Avanti drops so far, this looks elegant and elevated. And given that crazy heel, that’s no easy feat.

The Fenty x Puma Avanti LS in Team Royal is set to drop on January 16th at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $120. Pick up a pair at Puma.

New Balance 993 Mushroom/White

Price: TBA

New Balance has been incredibly quiet this year so far, but luckily we have third party collaborators coming in to pick up the slack. This week brings a new JJJJound take on the 993 silhouette.

The sneaker features a mesh upper with suede overlays, reflective notes at the tongue, JJJJound branding at the heel and sock liner, and premium Made in USA construction. JJJJound, with its minimalist approach, is a natural collaborator for New Balance’s understated designs.

The New Balance 993 Mushroom/White is set to drop on January 16th at 7 AM PST for an unannounced retail price. Pick up a pair at JJJJound.

Travis Scott x Nike Zoom Field Jaxx Light Chocolate

Price: $170

Here it is, the most hyped release of the week! The Field Jaxx first debuted as a ComplexCon exclusive last year, and it’s a pretty significant release because not only is it an original design, but it’s an original Nike design, rather than a Jordan design, where Scott more comfortably sits.

While the colorway, a mix of brown, beige, and white tones is very much in La Flame’s wheelhouse, there is a noticeable difference between this release and the Jordan drops. The lack of a backwards Swoosh. So if that’s always been a gimmick that you hate about the Cactus Jack branded sneakers, this just might be the remedy.

The Travis Scott x Nike Zoom Field Jaxx Light Chocolate is set to drop on January 19th. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.

Disclaimer: While all of the products recommended here were chosen independently by our editorial staff, Uproxx may receive payment to direct readers to certain retail vendors who are offering these products for purchase.

Get your Outies ready to watch the Innies go through it again.

Severance‘s second season has been three years in the making, but it’s almost time to find out how horribly Milchick treats Mark, Helly, Irving, and Dylan after their whistleblowing adventure. As expected, this season will present as much confusion as the first run, but answers do begin to surface. Not every answer, obviously, since Severance creator Dan Erickson and director Ben Stiller have acknowledged a four-season plan to finish this story.

Soon, though, viewers will be able to judge whether this newest season was worth the wait, but if the reaction to Apple TV+’s pop-up cubicles in Grand Central Station is any indication, the enthusiasm might be off the charts when the time does come to watch.

When Will Severance Season 2, Episode 1 Come Out?

January 17. Also, the show has promised to explain those goats at some point.

Breaking with Apple TV+ tradition (and it’s only a five-year custom, which has seen previous departures), only one episode will surface each week until March 21. So, a total of ten episodes will keep this very expensive story running until frustration will abound for a third-season wait. But hey, a weekly format suggests an opportunity for water-cooler conversations, which will be particular ironic considering Severance‘s subject matter.

Marcus Mumford released his debut solo album in 2022, but now it’s time for him to reunite with his sons: Today (January 15), Mumford & Sons announced they have a new album, Rushmere, on the way. The project is set for March 28, and the first single is scheduled to be released this week, on January 17.

The band’s recent collaboration with Pharrell, “Good People,” does not appear on the tracklist.

Notably, this will be the band’s first album as a trio: Winston Marshall left the group in 2021, explaining in part, “I failed to foresee that my commenting on a book critical of the Far-Left could be interpreted as approval of the equally abhorrent Far-Right. […] For me to speak about what I’ve learnt to be such a controversial issue will inevitably bring my bandmates more trouble. […] I could remain and continue to self-censor but it will erode my sense of integrity. […] The only way forward for me is to leave the band. I hope in distancing myself from them I am able to speak my mind without them suffering the consequences.”

Check out the album trailer above and find the Rushmere art and tracklist below.

Mumford & Sons’ Rushmere Album Cover Artwork

Mumford & Sons’ Rushmere Tracklist

1. “Malibu”
2. “Caroline”
3. “Rushmere”
4. “Monochrome”
5. “Truth”
6. “Where It Belongs”
7. “Anchor”
8. “Surrender”
9. “Blood On The Page” Feat. Madison Cunningham
10. “Carry O”

Rushmere is out 3/28 via Island Records/Glassnote Records. Find more information here.

A new Justin Bieber era might be on the way, as a video he just shared on his Instagram Story today (January 15) teases.

The video sees Bieber driving a car as he listens to a song featuring him sing-rapping over a minimal instrumental. It’s also captioned with film and handwriting emojis, suggesting he’s writing music and working on visual components.

If Bieber does have a new album on the way, it’ll be his first since 2021’s Justice. He has popped up here and there with new songs since then, though, like the 2022 Omah Lay collab “Attention” and a 2023 acoustic version of SZA’s “Snooze.”

This follows recent rumors that Bieber was getting ready to make his musical comeback. Due in part to money owed to concert promoter AEG for canceling the Justice World Tour, Bieber is apparently in need of money, so he has reportedly hired a new attorney, and has been working on new music and considering performing live.

Then, there’s Mk.gee saying in September 2024 that he had been working with Bieber on new music. He said, “He’s searching. Anything that comes out of his mouth: That’s pop music. You can really do pretty wild stuff behind that, just because it represents something.”

One of America’s biggest (and most fun) music festivals has announced its 2025 lineup. This year’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a.k.a. Jazz Fest, will be headlined by Dave Matthews Band, Lil Wayne & The Roots, and Kacey Musgraves in weekend 1 from April 24 to 27, and Pearl Jam, Luke Combs, Lenny Kravitz in weekend 2 from May 1 to 4. The list of acts also includes Santana, John Fogerty, Burna Boy, Haim, Laufey, Patti LaBelle, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, My Morning Jacket, Goose, and literally hundreds more.

Weekend passes and VIP packages are on sale now, while single-day tickets will go on sale at a later date. Jazz Fest is also introducing special general admission pricing for Louisiana residents, with lower prices for Jazz Fest GA weekend passes and single-day tickets. You can find more information here.

Check out (a mere sampling of) the Jazz Fest 2025 lineup below.

New Orleans Jazz Fest 2025 Lineup: Weekend 1, April 24-27

Dave Matthews Band
Lil Wayne & The Roots
Kacey Musgraves
John Fogerty
Burna Boy
Haim
Harry Connick Jr.
Goose
Gladys Knight
Cheap Trick
Babyface
Diana Krall
Irma Thomas
The Revivalists
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
PJ Morton
Youssou N’Dour
Big Freedia
Tank And The Bangas
The Branford Marsalis Quartet
James Bay

New Orleans Jazz Fest 2025 Lineup: Weekend 2, May 1-4

Pearl Jam
Luke Combs
Lenny Kravitz
Santana
Cage The Elephant
Laufey
Bryson Tiller
Patti LaBelle
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
My Morning Jacket
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Banda MS
Kamasi Washington
The Wailers Featuring Julian Marley
Ledisi Sings Nina
Galactic Featuring Jelly Joseph
The Radiators

New Orleans Jazz Fest 2025 Poster