Like most British actors, Gary Oldman scored a plum role in the Harry Potter-verse. He played Sirius Black, the notorious wizard who turns out to actually be one of the goodies. When he started, with the 2004 threequel Prisoner of Azkaban, Oldman was one of Hollywood’s go-to villainous hams, and playing Sirius gave him a chance to show both his darker and warmer sides. Someone who wasn’t impressed with his Harry Potter work? Gary Oldman.
“I think my work is mediocre in it,” the Oscar-winning thespian said during an appearance on the podcast Happy Sad Confused, per Entertainment Weekly. He even confessed one of his actorly failings. “Maybe if I had read the books like Alan [Rickman], if I had got ahead of the curve, if I had known what’s coming, I honestly think I would have played it differently.”
Perhaps Oldman didn’t mean to single out his work as Sirius Black. After all, he’s always hard on himself, never content , which is what keeps him going.
“I’ll tell you what it is,” Oldman explained. “It’s like anything, if I sat and watched myself in something and said, ‘My god, I’m amazing,’ that would be a very sad day, because you want to make the next thing better.”
In other words, you don’t have to be too hard on Oldman’s three Harry Potter turns (four if you count the cameo in Deathly Hallows Part II), because you’re not Gary Oldman. Indeed, one could argue his work there helped him transition into nicer roles, like the earnest do-gooder Commissioner Gordon in the Christopher Nolan Batmans. Today he can mix it up, playing nice guys, troubled guys like in Mank, or hissable scoundrels like Oppenheimer’s Harry Truman.
You can watch Oldman’s entire Happy Sad Confused appearance in the video below.
(WARNING: Spoilers for the most recent Power Book III: Raising Kanan episode will be found below.)
We have finally reached the halfway point in Power Book III: Raising Kananseason three. The good news is we’ve had five great episodes in the season, but the bad news is there are only five more left this season. Following “In Sheep’s Clothing” from last week, we now check in with Kanan and the Thomas family for season three’s fifth episode, “Brothers And Keepers.” Kanan is back under his mother’s roof which has him more frustrated than ever. However, when Famous gets arrested by the police, Kanan’s anger reaches a whole new level.
The first practices are underway for Jukebox and her new girl group Butta. There are good and bad things about the group’s dynamic, but for now, Jukebox is enjoying the experience and being a great groupmate at the same time. Raq continues to work on her newly bought plaza while Lou-Lou gears up for the first Hip-Hop Night at Cafe Vous. Despite their respective desires to be out of the drug game to create a new lane for themselves, Raq has no desire to patch things up with Lou-Lou even when he extends an olive branch to her. Finally, we have Marvin, who continues to be an extremely supportive friend, sibling, and father, making him the best character on the show this season.
Here are some of the major points we had after the fifth episode of season three:
Jukebox Keeps The Balance
Jukebox has an important role in her family. As the one most distant from the drug game, Jukebox is more or less the “normal” one despite her unique qualities. Furthermore, she seems to balance everyone out. She puts Kanan in his place when needed and defends him in any situation that calls for it. She’s the child who doesn’t stress Raq out and she’s helped Marvin be a better man by calling him out on his sh*t. Let’s not forget Lou-Lou as he ventures into the music world with Jukebox as his prodigy.
The qualities that make Jukebox the balance of her new girl group Butta alongside female singers Iesha (played by Liv Symone) and Krystal (played by Aliyah Turner). Krystal believes she is the group leader and carries herself like such while belittling her groupmates, though, their manager doesn’t hesitate to remind Krystal of her place and lack of power. On the flip side, Iesha, though talented, fails to master the group’s dance routine, and her struggles appear in the group’s next practice. Krystal and their manager scold Iesha, but Jukebox, instead, takes the time to comfort her and offers to help her learn the routine outside of practice. Once again, Jukebox proves that she’s willing to be the glue to keep things together and at least be the one to keep the balance.
Unique Underestimated Ronnie’s True Capabilities
Trouble was undoubtedly on the horizon after Ronnie’s release from jail. His eerie presence was hard to ignore on the show as he walked around with a menacing look that even the most threatening people and multiple guns failed to deter. For Unique, he figured that getting his brother back in the game would be enough for him, but that was not the case for Ronnie. Instead, Ronnie spent his days frustrated at both Unique and the changed landscape of the game.
Ronnie felt Unique was lazy in his hustle, and Unique assured him that things would pick up in time. Though Unique was getting an operation underway, he underestimated how far Ronnie would go to get one started and get Unique out of his way. Add in Ronnie finding out about Unique’s fling with Raq, and you can see why Ronnie grew irritated and impatient. Unique thought Ronnie would be more willing to listen to him in regards to the drug game since he was locked up for so long. Instead, we see that Unique underestimated Ronnie’s true capabilities as the extremely menacing and ruthless villain here to shake up Power Book III: Raising Kanan.
Lou-Lou Finally Has A Good Thing Going
The first Hip Hop Night at Cafe Vous finally happened in episode five, and if one thing is clear, it’s that Lou-Lou finally has a good thing going for himself. Thanks to an announcement from a radio host, who was more or less persuaded/threatened by Lou-Lou to promote the event, Cafe Vous was packed for its first night under Lou-Lou’s leadership. To make things better, there was great entertainment all night. There was a woman who stepped on stage with impressive bars, so much so that even Famous was blown away. Speaking of Famous, he also stepped to the mic and delivered a fire performance that impressed everyone in the room, even folks like Lou-Lou who previously doubted Famous’ talents.
Hip Hop Night is off to a great start, which is amazing for Lou-Lou as he could use a win in his life after a lengthy stretch of ups and downs.
Raq And Kanan Are Two Stubborn Peas In A Pod
This episode really tells us where Kanan gets his stubbornness: from none other than Raq. To recap a bit, Kanan is back under his mother’s roof after a gun was found in his backpack at school. As a result, the school issued a social worker to Raq’s home, and Kanan is expected to be there for at least the next six months. Now that Kanan is home, rather than at Famous’ apartment where he’d rather be, the tension is cut-throat between him and his mother. Kanan is still on bad terms with Raq, and the reason dates back to the season two finale. Despite how much she tries, Kanan has no desire to repair their relationship. This frustrates Raq on multiple levels, but Kanan’s stubbornness isn’t surprising.
In this same episode, Marvin approaches Raq at her newly purchased plaza to inform her that Lou-Lou has taken over the Manhattan bar Cafe Vous to start hosting a Hip-Hop Night. Marvin came on behalf of Lou-Lou, who wanted to patch things up with Raq after their argument last season. Despite this, and true to the stubbornness she passed on to her son, Raq dismisses Marvin’s invitation and shuts him down when he tries to remind her that Lou-Lou is still a part of their family. The Hip-Hop Night goes down without Raq as Kanan continues to live under her roof without a conversation with his mother. Raq or Kanan being less stubborn will benefit them and make their lives easier. We’ll have to see who person budges first.
New episodes of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ are available on the STARZ app on Fridays at 12:00 am ET/PT and on the STARZ TV channel at 8:00 pm ET/PT.
(WARNING: Spoilers for the most recent Power Book III: Raising Kanan episode will be found below.)
We have finally reached the halfway point in Power Book III: Raising Kananseason three. The good news is we’ve had five great episodes in the season, but the bad news is there are only five more left this season. Following “In Sheep’s Clothing” from last week, we now check in with Kanan and the Thomas family for season three’s fifth episode, “Brothers And Keepers.” Kanan is back under his mother’s roof which has him more frustrated than ever. However, when Famous gets arrested by the police, Kanan’s anger reaches a whole new level.
The first practices are underway for Jukebox and her new girl group Butta. There are good and bad things about the group’s dynamic, but for now, Jukebox is enjoying the experience and being a great groupmate at the same time. Raq continues to work on her newly bought plaza while Lou-Lou gears up for the first Hip-Hop Night at Cafe Vous. Despite their respective desires to be out of the drug game to create a new lane for themselves, Raq has no desire to patch things up with Lou-Lou even when he extends an olive branch to her. Finally, we have Marvin, who continues to be an extremely supportive friend, sibling, and father, making him the best character on the show this season.
Here are some of the major points we had after the fifth episode of season three:
Jukebox Keeps The Balance
Jukebox has an important role in her family. As the one most distant from the drug game, Jukebox is more or less the “normal” one despite her unique qualities. Furthermore, she seems to balance everyone out. She puts Kanan in his place when needed and defends him in any situation that calls for it. She’s the child who doesn’t stress Raq out and she’s helped Marvin be a better man by calling him out on his sh*t. Let’s not forget Lou-Lou as he ventures into the music world with Jukebox as his prodigy.
The qualities that make Jukebox the balance of her new girl group Butta alongside female singers Iesha (played by Liv Symone) and Krystal (played by Aliyah Turner). Krystal believes she is the group leader and carries herself like such while belittling her groupmates, though, their manager doesn’t hesitate to remind Krystal of her place and lack of power. On the flip side, Iesha, though talented, fails to master the group’s dance routine, and her struggles appear in the group’s next practice. Krystal and their manager scold Iesha, but Jukebox, instead, takes the time to comfort her and offers to help her learn the routine outside of practice. Once again, Jukebox proves that she’s willing to be the glue to keep things together and at least be the one to keep the balance.
Unique Underestimated Ronnie’s True Capabilities
Trouble was undoubtedly on the horizon after Ronnie’s release from jail. His eerie presence was hard to ignore on the show as he walked around with a menacing look that even the most threatening people and multiple guns failed to deter. For Unique, he figured that getting his brother back in the game would be enough for him, but that was not the case for Ronnie. Instead, Ronnie spent his days frustrated at both Unique and the changed landscape of the game.
Ronnie felt Unique was lazy in his hustle, and Unique assured him that things would pick up in time. Though Unique was getting an operation underway, he underestimated how far Ronnie would go to get one started and get Unique out of his way. Add in Ronnie finding out about Unique’s fling with Raq, and you can see why Ronnie grew irritated and impatient. Unique thought Ronnie would be more willing to listen to him in regards to the drug game since he was locked up for so long. Instead, we see that Unique underestimated Ronnie’s true capabilities as the extremely menacing and ruthless villain here to shake up Power Book III: Raising Kanan.
Lou-Lou Finally Has A Good Thing Going
The first Hip Hop Night at Cafe Vous finally happened in episode five, and if one thing is clear, it’s that Lou-Lou finally has a good thing going for himself. Thanks to an announcement from a radio host, who was more or less persuaded/threatened by Lou-Lou to promote the event, Cafe Vous was packed for its first night under Lou-Lou’s leadership. To make things better, there was great entertainment all night. There was a woman who stepped on stage with impressive bars, so much so that even Famous was blown away. Speaking of Famous, he also stepped to the mic and delivered a fire performance that impressed everyone in the room, even folks like Lou-Lou who previously doubted Famous’ talents.
Hip Hop Night is off to a great start, which is amazing for Lou-Lou as he could use a win in his life after a lengthy stretch of ups and downs.
Raq And Kanan Are Two Stubborn Peas In A Pod
This episode really tells us where Kanan gets his stubbornness: from none other than Raq. To recap a bit, Kanan is back under his mother’s roof after a gun was found in his backpack at school. As a result, the school issued a social worker to Raq’s home, and Kanan is expected to be there for at least the next six months. Now that Kanan is home, rather than at Famous’ apartment where he’d rather be, the tension is cut-throat between him and his mother. Kanan is still on bad terms with Raq, and the reason dates back to the season two finale. Despite how much she tries, Kanan has no desire to repair their relationship. This frustrates Raq on multiple levels, but Kanan’s stubbornness isn’t surprising.
In this same episode, Marvin approaches Raq at her newly purchased plaza to inform her that Lou-Lou has taken over the Manhattan bar Cafe Vous to start hosting a Hip-Hop Night. Marvin came on behalf of Lou-Lou, who wanted to patch things up with Raq after their argument last season. Despite this, and true to the stubbornness she passed on to her son, Raq dismisses Marvin’s invitation and shuts him down when he tries to remind her that Lou-Lou is still a part of their family. The Hip-Hop Night goes down without Raq as Kanan continues to live under her roof without a conversation with his mother. Raq or Kanan being less stubborn will benefit them and make their lives easier. We’ll have to see who person budges first.
New episodes of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ are available on the STARZ app on Fridays at 12:00 am ET/PT and on the STARZ TV channel at 8:00 pm ET/PT.
So continue to scroll, folks. Read those tasting notes and find the whiskey or whiskeys that speak to you. Then smash those price links to grab a bottle before the ball drops and 2023 becomes 2024. Let’s dive in!
The team from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, and Rob McElhenny) have released their first permanent mainstream whiskey. This new release is an Irish American whiskey made with American rye and Irish whiskey (a blend of malt and grain whiskeys). The whiskey is batched in the U.S. and proofed down to a very dive-bar-friendly 80-proof.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Hints of dried chilis, old leather, vanilla-laced honey, apple tarts, and caramel candy mingle on the nose.
Palate: The Irishness arrives in spades on the palate with bright apple orchard vibes next to flora honey, a hint of yellow straw, light nutshells, and a moment of sultanas just kissed with caramel.
Finish: The apple swings back around on the finish with a sense of fresh apple cider just kissed with cinnamon and caramel before fading toward leathery malt.
Bottom Line:
This is a great place to start. This whiskey is built as a crowd-pleaser from top to bottom. There’s no pretension in the juice but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a refined pour that’s perfect for cocktails, highballs, and on-the-rocks sipping.
19. Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye Tennessee Rye 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: Ripe peaches, bananas, and Granny Smith apples lead on the nose with a light sense of molasses winter ginger cakes, a touch of cinnamon bark, and light hints of dry sweetgrass that’s just smoldering.
Palate: The taste really leans into the toffee with a good dose of banana creaminess before veering toward roasting herbs and more sweetgrass braided with cedar bark, pipe tobacco, and smudging sage.
Finish: The end warms up just enough with banana bread cut with dried ancho chili layered into light dark chocolate tobacco leaves and more of that sweetgrass.
Bottom Line:
This is the whiskey you want to mix with all night. The subtle rye is nicely spiced in a sweet way, making this great for wintry cocktails with a festive vibe.
18. Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 3 Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey
This year’s Wyoming Whiskey Fall 2023 release is the third edition of the National Park series. This year Grand Teton National Park is the star of the show with a minimum five-year-old batch of bourbon aged in the plains of Wyoming as they descend from the Rockies.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Wyoming Bourbon’s signature orange creamsicle opens the nose with a sense of wet brown sugar, fresh unsalted butter, and little cups of toffee pudding before a hint of dry black tea leaves arrives.
Palate: The orange attaches to floral honey on the palate with a sense of coffee cake, Nutella, and soft vanilla pudding swimming in caramel sauce.
Finish: Pecan waffles with pancake syrup sweeten the finish before that black tea sneaks back in with a mild sense of leathery tobacco and the stick from an orange creamsicle.
Bottom Line:
This whiskey has the promise of travel built into the label and juice. Who wants to go to a National Park in 2024? Let’s make plans while sipping this on New Year’s Eve! Seriously though, this is a subtle and wintry sipper that’s sure to wow as the ball drops this year. It also makes a mean orange-forward old fashioned.
Lost Lantern released one last set of whiskeys to close out 2023 and it included this great American malt blend. The whiskey is a peated American malt with smoky single malts from Boulder Spirits in Colorado, Cedar Ridge in Iowa, and McCarthy’s in Oregon. Each barrel was four to seven years old when batched for this release, yielding only 500 cask-strength bottles.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: A rich and full smoke flavor draws you in on the nose with a sense of berry brambles burning on a fall burn pile as spiced oak and dark spiced plums stewing in brandy round things out.
Palate: Blackberry crumble with a good dose of cinnamon crumble leads on the palate as the smoke arrives from smoldering smudging sage and spice barks next to a deep brandy-soaked plumminess.
Finish: The end leans into the plumminess and dark berries with a deep sense of smoldering fall leaves and orchard barks on a cold and rainy day.
Bottom Line:
This is a wonderful spicy fruity dessert course whiskey for after a big meal. Pour this one over a big rock and let it wash over you.
This is a quintessential Islay peaty whisky. The juice is aged in a combination of Pedro Ximénez, charred virgin oak, and ex-bourbon casks before being married and rested again in Ardbeg’s bespoke oak “Gathering Vat,” allowing the whiskies to really meld into a cohesive pour.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Slow-smoked peaches mingle with soft cherrywood and a bundle of smoky savory herbs — sage, rosemary, ramps — on the nose.
Palate: The palate is soft and buttery with a sweet burnt toffee vibe next to nutmeg, walnut, Earl Grey, and maybe a touch of woody maple syrup.
Finish: The end takes its time and meanders through salted black licorice, wild florals, more singed savory herbs, and a hint of black-pepper-covered brisket fat that’s been heavily smoked over sea-soaked driftwood.
Bottom Line:
Okay, this probably going to be the most divisive pick on the list. This is a peat monster and not for the light of heart. But if you have some folks in your crew who want bold and ashy, then this is going to be a delight, especially over a big rock as a slow sipper. This also makes a great smoky old fashioned.
Nelson Bros. Whiskey Rye is a marriage of Kentucky and Tennessee in a bottle. The whiskey was made in Kentucky and then sent to Tennessee where it finished its maturation before batching, proofing, and bottling in Nashville.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Dark and sharp cloves floating in piney honey open the nose toward hints of star anise, allspice, coriander, and red chili … you know what? It’s five-spice with a touch of fresh mint and dried apricot.
Palate: That apricot stars dried on the palate as freshly ground nutmeg over a spiced creamy nog that circles back around to syrupy mint with a sense of old leather boots and cedar bark.
Finish: That leather and cedar bark braids with menthol tobacco on the finish as almonds and dark and sharp cinnamon leads to another whisper of five spice on the very end.
Bottom Line:
This ended up being a great cocktail whiskey this holiday season at my house (we killed two bottles already). This whiskey just works wonders in any wintry cocktail or as a slow sipper on the rocks when you want something a little grassier. This will be a crowd-pleaser, trust me.
14. Virginia Distillery Co. American Single Malt Whisky Courage & Conviction Double Cask Reserve
This new fall release from Virginia Distillery Co. features double asking. 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: The nose opens with deep honey and candied orange next to apricot jam over scones with a hint of malted spice and brandy-soaked oak staves.
Palate: Black Forest cake by way of honey-pear-floral malted crackers drives the palate toward winter spice barks, soft milk chocolate sauce, and a dash of lemon malt meringue.
Finish: Fresh gingerbread and soft oak round out the finish with a nice dose of spice, chocolate, and malt.
Bottom Line:
This is one of the best American single malts of 2023. It’s a beautifully balanced whiskey that shines over a single large ice cube.
13. Knob Creek Small Batch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Aged 7 Years
This new 2023 rye version from Beam marks the age-statement return of their iconic Knob Creek Rye. The whiskey in this case was aged seven years before batching, slight proofing, and bottling.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Salted caramel sweetness with a vanilla underbelly drives the nose toward rye bread crusts, a hint of dried savory herbs, apple blossoms, and a whisper of soft leather gardening gloves.
Palate: The spiciness arrives after vanilla cream and salted caramel with a dose of freshly cracked red peppercorns, dried red chili, and sharp winter brown spices next to a spiced oak.
Finish: The sweetness and spiciness coalesce on the finish with a deep sense of fruit orchards full of fall leaves and apple bark.
Bottom Line:
This is another stellar rye that works wonders in cocktails — think Manhattans, boulevardiers, and Sazeracs. Our recommendation is to make a batched Manhattan with this one for ease of pouring all New Year’s Eve long.
This whiskey — a revival of a centuries-old dead brand — is from the new company founded by partners Pablo Moix and Peter Nevenglosky, based around the Rare Character Whiskey shingle. The whiskey in the bottle is rendered from six barrels of six-year-old whiskey that’s expertly batched and bottled with just a touch of local Kentucky water.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Fresh orange blossom and nasturtiums mingle on the nose with honeycomb next to stewed plums with hints of clove and allspice.
Palate: The palate is luxurious with a sense of salted caramel, cherry Dr. Pepper, and sticky toffee pudding with plenty of winter spice, dark orange zest, brandy butter, and black-tea-soaked dates.
Finish: The end has a sense of plum pudding with burnt sugars and orange tobacco kissed with star anise and clove, rolled up with wild sage and cedar bark, and wrapped in old leather pouches.
Bottom Line:
This is a wonderfully balanced sipper from Kentucky. The sweetness and spice are like a long wintry Kentucky hug in a glass.
11. Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2013 Aged 10 Years Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
This year’s Bere Barley 2013 is a 10-year-old malt made from very specific Scottish grains. The ancient varietal of barley is grown specifically for this whisky and is long fermented to highlight fruity and floral notes in the end whisky, which is aged in ex-bourbon barrels right on the sea in Islay.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Candied oranges and peach pie drive the nose toward a sense of malted pound cake with plenty of vanilla, poppies, and streusel next to creamed lemon curd, old fudge, and a whisper of marzipan with some pear brandy.
Palate: Malty barley biscuits greet you on the plate with plenty of wet brown sugar, Cream of Wheat cut with butter and pancake syrup, and apricot jam next to soft honeydew, more candied orange, and a sense of toasted coconut next to brandy-soaked marzipan with a hint of rose water.
Finish: A hint of milk chocolate arrives late with vanilla custard over fresh mago, more toasted coconut, rose water, and candied orange marzipan dipped in creamed honey with a whisper of lavender.
Bottom Line:
This unpeated malt from a very famous peated malt distillery is a great celebration of 2023 whisky-making. It’s so dialed in and delicious as a slow sipper. Wow your whole crew with this delightful sipping whisky.
10. Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-In-Bond Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey
This new kid on the block from Missouri is making big waves thanks to incredible juice. The whiskey in this bottle is made from a 73/15/12 mash bill of corn/red wheat/malted barley that’s grown and processed in Missouri. The whiskey is made at the Holladay Distiller in Weston, Missouri where it’s filled in Missouri white oak barrels and left to age for six years.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Rich buttery toffee leads to floral honey, moist vanilla sheet cake, and a hint of woody winter spices with a nice layer of brandy-soaked raisins and plums on the nose.
Palate: There’s a deep berry crumble on the palate with a big dollop of rich vanilla buttercream next to cinnamon sticks and spice barks over a hint of marshmallow, strawberry shortcake, and old oak staves.
Finish: Those oak staves get dipped in salted dark chocolate with a hint more of that rich vanilla buttercream next to spiced tobacco rolled with spicy winter cakes stuffed with plum jam and mulled wine.
Bottom Line:
This whiskey feels new and delivers a promise of great things to come from the distiller in 2024. This is the whiskey you pour when you want to get people excited about the whiskey coming next year.
9. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
This is a high water mark of what standard Wild Turkey can achieve. The Russells select the “honey barrels” (those special barrels that are as much magic as craft) from their rickhouses for single barrel bottling. The resulting whiskey is non-chill filtered but is cut down slightly to proof with that soft Kentucky water.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Vanilla cream spiked with orange oils and sprinkled with toasted coconut mingle with spicy oak and buttery cake on the nose with an underpinning of winter spices by way of a sour mulled wine.
Palate: The palate opens with easy notes of marzipan, subtle dried roses, vanilla pods, more winter spices, and singed cherry bark.
Finish: The end arrives with a sense of Almond Joy next to cherry tobacco dipped in chili-infused dark chocolate with a flake of salt and a pinch of cedar dust and old leather saddles.
Bottom Line:
This is probably the best all-around bourbon on the list. This makes incredible cocktails (simple whiskey-forward ones) and works wonders as a slow sipper over one big rock. It’s pretty much perfect all things considered.
8. Cragganmore 2023 Distillers Edition Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Cragganmore is an iconic Scottish distillery. This yearly whisky release is matured in sherry casks for 12 years. It’s then transferred into port-seasoned American oak casks for a final maturation phase before proofing and bottling.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Fennel leads to dried fruits — sultanas, prunes, dried fig — and fresh apples on the nose with a hint of tartness and skin next to savory (almost oily) herb branches and leaves.
Palate: The taste, on the other hand, leans into sweet oak, pear candies, fresh figs, and a softness that’s almost hard to believe while this medley of caraway, fresh fennel, and sweet cardamom dance together on your palate.
Finish: The end is full of sweet fruits — think ripe pears, green tomatoes, and star fruit — and has just the right touches of soft oak, oily vanilla, and savory green herbs as it fades towards a final note of wet wicker right after a rain storm.
Bottom Line:
This is a big outlier in that it feels green in the best ways with a delightful orchard fruit vibe. It’s vibrant and will wake up the senses while comforting them.
This whiskey from Bob Dylan’s brand celebrates the singer’s home, Minnesota. The whiskey is a Minnesota bourbon made with Minnesota grains and distilled in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The massive temperature swings — up to 116F in the summer and -80F in the winter — make for a very unique aging experience. Still, this whiskey was ready after seven years of rest and bottled in a small batch as cask strength.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Creamed honey and salted caramel draw you in on the nose with a sense of prunes and dates mixed with rum raisin and brandy-soaked pears kissed with rich vanilla and freshly ground nutmeg.
Palate: That creamy vibe remains on the palate as creamy vanilla buttercream cut with equally creamy honey dances with soft sweetgrass and smudging sage next to a hint of old oak staves soaked in brandy and just touched with old cellars.
Finish: The musty old cellar vibe accents the sweetgrass and sage with rich pipe tobacco laced with marmalade and brandied pears before the lush vanilla takes back over on the very end.
Bottom Line:
This is the whiskey you pour for the music fans at the party. This is a great example of the craft bourbon coming out of Minnesota right now and will be a great pairing for spinning some vinyl as the party peaks.
6. Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 10 Years
This might be one of the most beloved (and still accessible) bottles from Buffalo Trace. This whiskey is made from their very low rye mash bill. The hot juice is then matured for at least ten years in various parts of the warehouse. The final mix comes down to barrels that hit just the right notes to make them “Eagle Rare.” Finally, this one is proofed down to a fairly low 90 proof.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Old leather boots, burnt orange rinds, oily sage, old oak staves, and buttery toffee draw you in on the nose before a sense of old fallow fruit orchards with falling leaves hints at old brick barrelhouses in the distance with a whisper of dried apple.
Palate: Marzipan covered in dark chocolate opens the palate as floral honey and ripe cherry lead to a winter cake vibe full of raisins, dark spices, and toffee sauce before deep and earthy barrel warehouse vibes arrive with a sense of the cobwebs, mold, and ancient wood takes over.
Finish: The end has a balance of all things winter treats as the marzipan returns and the winter spice amp up alongside a hint of spicy cherry tobacco and old cedar wrapped with smudging sage, old fall leaves, and bourbon-soaked oak stave from decades ago.
Bottom Line:
If you get one whiskey to impress the crowd, make it this one. Eagle Rare makes the best old fashioned on the list and is a killer sipper over a big rock. You can’t lose.
5. Pursuit United Blended Straight Rye Whiskeys Finished in Sherry French Revere Oak
This new rye from the team over at Bourbon Pursuit is a masterful blend. The whiskey is hewn from Bardstown Bourbon Company’s 95/5 Kentucky rye batched with two Sagamore Spirit ryes — one a 95/5 and one 52/43/5 rye/corn/malted barley. Those whiskeys are batched and re-barreled into a French sherry revere cask for a final rest before batching, proofing, and bottling.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: There’s a sense of dark fruits — black cherry, dates, rum raisin — on the nose that leads to soft and sweet oak next to worn leather, mulled wine, and brandy-soaked fig cut with nutmeg and clove.
Palate: The taste is more on the woody side of the spice with a clear sense of old-school mulled wine with sweet vanilla and star anise over orange rinds and raisins with a slight chili warmth underneath.
Finish: The chili warmth drives the finish toward a soft red-wine-soaked oak that’s spiced with orchard barks and fruits next to vanilla/cherry tobacco just kissed with dark chocolate.
Bottom Line:
This a delectable rye sipper. It’s deeply wintry and works so well neat or over a single rock for all-night sipping.
The last drop from Elijah Craig Barrel Proof of 2023 is a big one. The whiskey in the bottle is a 13-year and 7-month-old bourbon that was bottled 100% as-is at cask strength.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Big notes of stewed apples lead to apple cider spiked with dried red chili, allspice, and anise on the nose before dark chocolate oranges and salted caramels give way to old oak staves with a hint of vanilla-mint tobacco.
Palate: That vanilla creates a silky palate with tons of butterscotch and caramel popcorn with a good flake of salt as cinnamon and chili-heavy cider leads to Christmas nut breads and old leather tobacco pouches with a hint of dark cherry.
Finish: The end amps up the ABVs dramatically as chili, black pepper, and anise drive the end toward an almost cool mint tobacco vibe with a vanilla buttercream underbelly.
Bottom Line:
This is the bourbon you pour when you want to wow the crowd. It’s a huge whiskey with bold flavors that just work. Pour this over a big rock and watch how fast that bottle gets emptied.
3. Talisker 2023 Distillers Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The 2023 Distillers Edition is a classic Talisker that’s aged by the sea and finished for six months in Amoroso sherry casks. The whisky was distilled in 2012 and bottled at 10 years old. It was then finished in another Amoroso sherry cask, making it “double cask” matured.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose runs deep on this whisky with mild hints of beachside campfire smoke whispering in the background as hints of red fruit, wet driftwood, and green peppercorns draw you in.
Palate: The palate embraces the red berries with a slight tartness next to the sweetness as the peat remains dry and distant and tied to the brine of the sea with an almost oyster liquor softness.
Finish: The finish lingers for just the right amount of time as sweet berries and dry peat lead towards soft dark cacao powder with a tiny note of vanilla and one last spray from the sea.
Bottom Line:
This is the Scotch to have on hand to celebrate 2023. It’s one of the best and most accessible (flavor-wise) Scotch whiskies of the year. Trust us, this bottle will get killed faster than you think at any New Year’s Eve soiree.
2. Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Kentucky Oak Edition
This is classic Redbreast tripled distiller single pot still whiskey (made with a mash of malted and unmalted barley). The juice settles for several years in both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks before it’s vatted and then re-filled into brand new air-dried American oak barrels from the Taylor Farm in Kentucky. After four months, the whiskey is blended and barely proofed before bottling as-is.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: There’s a clear sense of almost sweet cedar next to marzipan and old leather with a hint of sour cherry and tart apple skins rounding out the nose.
Palate: The palate starts with a foundational layer of vanilla sauce and builds layers of woody cinnamon, soft nutmeg, and sharp cloves toward dried figs and prunes with a brandy-soaked oak vibe and some stewed cherries.
Finish: The end is nice and buttery toffee with another note of vanilla before the woody spices lead to apple tobacco stuffed in an old cedar box on the slow finish.
Bottom Line:
This is the “big finish” whiskey of any party. This is so delightfully nuanced and just plain delicious with deep winter vibes. Pour it neat and let it flow.
Barrell Bourbon’s New Year 2024 is here! This — well, next — year’s blend is a mix of bourbons from eight states. The whiskeys range from five to 15 years old and hail from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Wyoming, New York, Texas, Ohio, and Maryland. Once batched, the whiskey was bottled as-is at cask strength.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose opens with a rich and vibrant sense of apple cider cut with orange and vanilla before cherry pie and peaches and cream arrive with sweet and butter caramel, mocha lattes, and lemon cream pie.
Palate: That lemon creaminess drives the palate through old-fashioned doughnuts, more apple cider, spiced winter sugar cookies, and honey-dipped apples rolled into a peach cobbler.
Finish: The lemon and dark chocolate merge on the finish (a very underrated combo) before the vanilla, stewed fruits, dark spices, and sweet sugars drive the end toward spiced oak, soft pipe tobacco, and hints of old boot leather.
Bottom Line:
It’s right there in the name! We know it’s cliched, but you kind of need to at least have one of these on the bar cart for any New Year’s Eve party. Thankfully, this is a delicious whiskey that will not disappoint as a simple cocktail base or easygoing sipper. Happy New Year!
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!
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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