In just a few days, English singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rex Orange County returns to his home country for a run of hometown shows at the London Palladium. But first, he’s got some new songs to share for Valentine’s Day.
The songs, “Rearrange My World” and “There’s A Field (That’s Only Yours),” are duets with Canadian singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar with writing from Blood Orange’s Devonté Hynes and Toronto poet Mustafa. The two stripped-down songs feature low-key instrumentation and introspective, tender lyrics. “Can we walk until I know who I am? I live above a bar I’ve never been. I think
about more than I can spend,” Rex croons on “Rearrange My World.” On “There’s A Field,” the two singers likewise share some romantic lyrics: “I can’t fall with you, but I’ll
fall with you,” they sing. “Right down to this old floor, there’s a field that’s only yours.”
The two new duets are Rex’s first new singles since the release of his 2024 album The Alexander Technique. Meanwhile, Daniel Caesar last released a full-length body of work in 2023, with Never Enough; most recently, he’d covered Bob Marley’s “Waiting In Vain” for the biopic Bob Marley: One Love.
You can listen to Daniel Caesar and Rex Orange County’s new songs “Rearrange My World” and “There’s A Field (That’s Only Yours)” above.
Ever since producer Benny Blanco and singer Selena Gomez confirmed that they were dating (and now engaged), it was probably only a matter of time until they also announced they were working together on music. That announcement has arrived. The album, I Said I Love You First, is coming on March 21 via SMG Music/Friends Keep Secrets/Interscope Records, and the couple gave fans the first sneak peek with “Scared Of Loving You.” A simple, sweet ballad, the song is built around a gentle acoustic guitar loop, and was written by Blano, Gomez, and Finneas.
According to the press release for the album announcement, “I Said I Love You First celebrates the pair’s love story, giving fans a unique window into their relationship,” telling the story from the beginning.
The song marks Gomez’s return to music after two years. In the time since the release of 2020’s Rare, Gomez has released a handful of singles, including “My Mind & Me” to accompany the release of her documentary of the same name, and “Single Soon,” while appearing with Rema on his hit “Calm Down” and Coldplay on their single “Let Somebody Go.” Her focus, though, was on her acting career, including the Emmy-winning mystery comedy series, Only Murders In The Building with Martin Short and Steve Martin.
NBA All-Star Weekend is upon us, and for the 2025 edition the basketball world will shift its attention to San Francisco. The three days of events will start with the annual Celebrity Game on ESPN and end with the All-Star Game on TNT (for the final time) in its new format.
More than 60 players from across the NBA will participate in at least one event at All-Star Weekend, with a few double-dipping. Victor Wembanyama was selected for an event on all three nights, but was replaced in the Rising Stars Challenge after being selected as an All-Star because this year’s format brings the winning team from the Rising Stars into the All-Star Game as the fourth team in the mini-tournament and he couldn’t play for two teams.
There’s plenty of intrigue (and/or skepticism) about the new mini-tournament format — which it has to be said has made the Rising Stars much better since they went to the same format a few years back — and we’ll have to wait until Sunday to find out if it improves the All-Star Game experience. In the meantime, you can check out the full rosters for each event at All-Star Weekend so you know when and where you can watch your favorite player.
Rising Stars Challenge (Friday, Feb. 14; 9:00 p.m. ET, TNT)
It’s one of the most sought-after descriptors in bourbon for neophytes and newcomers, but the trouble is…folks can’t seem to agree on what the hell “smooth” means. For some, it’s a dirty word, indicating a bourbon devoid of flavor. Still, it means a velvety, approachable taste for others, with the ethanol’s rough edges sanded down to delightful perfection.
I tend to think that people who despise the descriptor are snobs of the highest order and people who generally hate fun. After all, the whiskey world is much better when it’s an inviting place for people to explore its bounty of flavors on every level — from the bright-eyed bourbon-curious folks to the grizzled whiskey veterans. Holding the door open for people who want a “smooth” bourbon quite often leads them to bottles with complex flavors that, in turn, sink their hooks into them. Thus, another bourbon enthusiast is born!
With that aim in mind, we’ll set out today to find the best smooth bourbons that anyone can enjoy. These bottles prove that bourbon doesn’t need a ton of punch to put up a good fight in a blind taste test, thanks to their well-rounded aromas, exceedingly approachable flavor profile, and satisfyingly easy-going finish.
So, without further ado, here’s our blind ranking of the best smooth bourbons for 2025!
Right off the bat, this whiskey has a gentle, well-rounded nose. There’s some clover honey to go with sage, white pepper, and youthful oak. The nose concludes with a touch of hay as you raise the glass to your lips, and the palate introduces more expressive flavors like vanilla extract and orange rind to the mix.
It’s true, this isn’t a complex bourbon, but it makes up for that simplicity with a synergetic flavor profile that’s really quite enjoyable.
Taste 2
Frank Dobbins III
Tasting Notes:
This whiskey comes across as a bit grain-forward on the nose. Subtle corn pudding notes are folded into the aroma of Chelan cherries and white pepper, while the palate is almost medium-bodied with honeyed graham cracker notes joining vanilla pudding and faint caramel.
This whiskey initially seems straightforward, but in reality, it has a lot of nuance and a deceptive depth of flavor. I’m definitely digging this one.
Taste 3
Frank Dobbins III
Tasting Notes:
The brandied raisins, honeysuckle, black pepper, and gooey caramel aromas are heavy on this one. A bit of youthful oak works well as a counterweight to the baking spices and sweet tones. On the initial sip, the taste of candied walnuts and cinnamon sugar, while clove and nutmeg, comes through on the medium-length finish.
This one is definitely an early favorite for the top spot of the best smooth bourbon.
Taste 4
Frank Dobbins III
Tasting Notes:
Woah, the toasted coconuts and milk chocolate aroma billowing out of the glass as soon as this whiskey is poured is fantastic. There’s also Rainier cherry note along with some vanilla bean ice cream and cedar, making this the most unique bourbon of the lot so far.
While this whiskey is quite obviously low-proof on the palate, its rich, unique flavor profile punches way above its weight. This one has the chops to be the best of the bunch.
Taste 5
Frank Dobbins III
Tasting Notes:
Honeysuckle, vanilla, and caramel make up the base aroma notes of this bourbon right off the bat. It’s not particularly complex, but taken as a whole, the notes work well together. On the palate, things are a bit more dilute. Smooth, for sure, but this one isn’t as flavorful as the nose suggested, and as such, I think this will place toward the back of today’s pack.
Taste 6
Frank Dobbins III
Tasting Notes:
The healthy aroma of port wine and the ruby tint to the whiskey in the glass lead me to suspect this is a divine pour. The nose also has a faint nuttiness with some chocolate and vanilla balancing out the subtle shakes of black pepper and clove.
This is tasty stuff, with great balance and a bevy of flavors. It’ll be curious to see how highly this one can climb, as I’d currently place it in the middle of the herd.
Taste 7
Frank Dobbins III
Tasting Notes:
This bourbon immediately casts a ton of intrigue. It’s full of milk chocolate, maraschino cherries, coconut flakes, and waxy plum notes on the nose, which all survive on the palate to go with some mineral water, mature oak, and cinnamon.
This bourbon is not only flat-out delicious, but it’s so different from the rest. This is a winner.
Taste 8
Frank Dobbins III
Tasting Notes:
Well, this is a fun change of pace! This glass contains lightly brûléed vanilla, dried strawberries, lemon zest, and butterscotch. The first sip brings on more of the same, but what’s most impressive is that the texture is oily, and each layer of flavor is surprisingly dense and distinct.
This might be the most perfectly proofed whiskey of the bunch, giving it outstanding balance and a full-bodied mouthfeel.
Taste 9
Frank Dobbins III
Tasting Notes:
Peanut shells and honey immediately come wafting out the glass, but there’s also some black pepper, fresh hazelnuts, and caramel. The first sip gives off the flavor of cream soda, black pepper, and rich oak, with gentle undertones of maple syrup.
Taking a step back from this glass, I’m amazed that each layer of flavor is distinct and able to stand on its own. This is one of the best bourbons of the day.
Taste 10
Frank Dobbins III
Tasting Notes:
Brown butter and flaky pastry notes come wafting out of the glass to greet the nose with this whiskey. It’s a nuanced interplay of cola nut, clove, and vanilla that keeps me returning to the rim of the glass before taking an initial sip. On that first sip, well-defined caramel notes blended with oak tones, vanilla pods, and lemon bars for a rich balance, which I quite liked.
Buffalo Trace is one of the biggest names in the bourbon world because it produces legendary expressions like Pappy Van Winkle and bottles from the critically acclaimed Buffalo Trace Antique Collection like George T. Stagg and William LaRue Weller. Their flagship product is the perfect entry point for anyone interested in bourbon and curious about those more elusive expressions.
Bottom Line:
Buffalo Trace Bourbon skews a bit on the lighter side of the sweetness spectrum with vanilla, caramel, and delicate oak, showcasing the classic trio of prototypical bourbon flavors. Not to be overlooked as a mere beginner’s pour, there is enough depth to these flavors to keep even a more seasoned drinker engaged without rebuffing its reputation as a remarkably smooth-sipper.
Angel’s Envy’s flagship expression, its Kentucky Straight Bourbon, is blended in small batches of 8 to 12 barrels at a time and finished in 60-gallon ruby port wine casks. This expression’s base liquid is typically aged up to 6 years.
Bottom Line:
If you want the short and simple, here it is: this bourbon excels by being rather unlike a bourbon. The ruby port notes do a lot of the heavy lifting, but what makes that a plus and not a minus is the fact that this is a bourbon that can deftly capture an audience more attuned to wine or mixed drinks, making this a smooth option and one more than capable of creating new fans.
Maker’s Mark features an iconic bottle design, the same one they’ve been utilizing since their founding in 1953, and a mash bill that’s been used for just as long. This wheated bourbon is one of the best-selling whiskeys in the entire world, making it a ubiquitous sight on liquor store shelves.
Bottom Line:
Despite its modest proof point, Maker’s Mark has a ton of flavor, meaning you won’t blow out your palate or scare off bourbon novices if you decide to sip this one straight up or share it with friends. It’s ubiquitous on liquor store shelves and should be a staple on your bar cart, primarily if you aim to offer guests a smooth bourbon they can enjoy at their leisure.
Larceny Wheated Bourbon gets its moniker thanks to a legend about a Treasury agent named John E. Fitzgerald, who was reputed to have “used his keys to the warehouses to pilfer bourbon from the finest barrels.” The crime earned him infamy and now acclaim as his name adorns the label of Heaven Hill’s most widely available wheated bourbon.
Bottom Line:
Wheated bourbons are commonly regarded as far tamer and mellower than their rye-recipe counterparts, and that reputation is on full display with Larceny. As an easygoing and easily found wheated bourbon, Larceny is a rock-solid bourbon if you’re looking for something exceedingly smooth.
Basil Hayden, and its eye-catching bottle, is produced by one of the most well-regarded brands in the whiskey world — Jim Beam. Though the age statement was removed back in 2014, the whiskey in this blend is still believed to be between 6 and 8 years old.
Bottom Line:
Basil Hayden is an easy-sipping bourbon banger. The bouquet of prototypical bourbon notes on the nose prepares your senses for the palate’s steady yet unrelenting bounty of flavor. Basil Hayden is already well-known as one of the smoothest bourbons available today, and it checks every box from affordability and well-rounded flavor to availability.
5. Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat Bourbon — Taste 8
Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Origin Series, founded in 2023, began with three initial entrants, but this new 6-year-old High Wheat Bourbon marks the lineup’s first official expansion. By combining a low barrel entry proof with a high percentage of wheat (39%) in the grain recipe, the brand sought to extract the maximum amount of wood sugars.
Bottom Line:
Bardstown Bourbon Company already has a wheated bourbon in their Origin Series, and it’s a rock-solid option with its fair share of admirers among those who have tasted the well-received lineup. That said, this High Wheat Bourbon not only one-ups its wheated bourbon predecessor in smoothness but also makes for a more flavorful, easy-sipping alternative.
Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon was transitioned into a Kentucky-exclusive offering in 2022. However, in 2024, the brand announced that it would be distributed in other states for the first time in two years due to a surplus. The word isn’t yet out on whether that trend will continue through 2025 and beyond, but it came as welcome news to fans of the Evan Williams lineup’s only single-barrel bourbon.
Bottom Line:
Despite its relatively low ABV, Evan Williams Single Barrel’s mellow profile delivers rich flavors that cause it to punch above its weight. This expression’s availability has waxed and waned in the last two years, but for those lucky enough to find a bottle in their local market, this continues to be a high-quality, flavorful, and yes, smooth bourbon.
Woodinville Whiskey Co., out of Washington State, has been producing stellar craft bourbon since 2009. Even with the incredible quality they put into their limited edition offerings, you’d be foolish to skip over their flagship offering. Aged for at least five years, Woodinville Bourbon is made entirely with local grains from a mash bill of 72% corn , 22% rye, and 6% malted barley.
Bottom Line:
Woodinville Bourbon’s borderline tropical appeal is a substantial part of its smoothness. Those coconut and milk chocolate flavors work well with the whiskey’s velvety texture to provide a smooth experience that will impress bourbon savants and intrigue any newcomers.
Michter’s was recently voted the World’s Most Admired Whiskey Distillery, and its flagship bourbon is the most readily available example of why. For this expression and the rest of its whiskey lineup, Michter’s uses a proprietary filtration process to optimize the flavor coming from its barrels.
Bottom Line:
Michter’s US*1 Bourbon perfectly threads the needle of being delicious and affordable. Free from any harsher elements, your palate will take to this whiskey like a fish in water as those enchanting mellow notes wash over your tongue and coat your mouth with a remarkable range of flavors that make this one of the smoothest bourbons on the market today.
For their flagship 10-Year Bourbon, Widow Jane blends whiskey distillate from three different states in bespoke 5-barrel batches before proofing it down with mineral water from their Rosendale Mines in New York. The barrels from each blend hail from distilleries in Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee.
Bottom Line:
Widow Jane’s flagship expression might be under the radar for certain consumers who turn their noses up at bourbon produced outside of Kentucky but make no mistake. This complex, lush bourbon is one of the best in the land, and its “smoothness” is only outdone by its outstanding depth of flavor.
Widow Jane 10-Year is the best smooth bourbon money can buy in 2025.
Arlyn Osborne’s cookbook Sugarcane is ripe with Filipino culture, visually appealing imagery and intriguing dessert and pastry recipes for the cook curious to experiment with classics that feature a modern Asian twist. Planning and creating your first cookbook is no simple task for any chef, but Osborne’s attention to detail in design and stylistic touches mimic the carefully chosen ingredients and desserts that populate her stunning first work.
A popular chef on social media, Osborne’s credits her parents with imparting and informing her passion for Filipino and Asian foods, especially on the sweet side of things. Osborne’s dishes all contain Asian or Filipino twists, and feature flavors and textures potentially novel to many readers, such as QQ – which is the element of chewiness prevalent in many Asian sweets and candies.
We spoke with Arlyn about the book and in the spirit of the Valentine’s Day season, we also asked her for the best Sugarcane recipe to make for a memorable first date and she pointed us in the direction of her sensory-laden Mango Sago Crème Brulee, and all the pro tips needed to nail it.
Kelsey Cherry
Do you think it’s a good idea to cook or bake something on a first date and why?
If it’s a blind date, no cooking, that could really go south. If it’s somebody that is maybe a friend of a friend then that’s a better set up. Dinner on a first date can be risky because if you don’t know this person at all, conversations can lag and it can definitely be pretty awkward. Dinner is much more of a lengthy time commitment, the scenario would be worse, I think, in your home, than if you were at a restaurant. You’re really trapped that way, but yeah, I think that there are times when cooking for a first date is a good idea, especially if you know the person a little bit. Maybe they’re in your friend group or you’ve been in another setting where you’ve interacted with them a lot. I would say that’s a safer bet.
Do you think that you should try and keep it to something that’s relatively simple, or should you go for it and try something maybe out of your comfort zone?
Oh my gosh, absolutely something simple. Never try to make something complicated or complex. I just think that’s a huge mistake.
Why do you think that would be a mistake?
I think well, one, because it’s too stressful and two, it’s too thirsty! You don’t want to be too desperate. You don’t want to be like, “I made this Thanksgiving dinner for you. Look at this feast.” You want to be a little more low-key, I think. Plus you don’t want to have something too complicated because you really want to get all the cooking stuff out of the way. My opinion is it’s not really fun to cook with someone, so I think if you can find something simple that you prep in advance and minimize the actual cooking activities when your date arrives, the better.
Are there any recipes in your new book that you would suggest as a romantic gesture or sensory experience?
I’m going to say the creme brulee.
Kelsey Cherry
What is it about the creme brulee that makes it romantic?
The mango sago brulee is a mashup between a French creme brulee and a very popular Asian dessert called mango sago, it fuses those together. Creme brulee on its own is known for being a romantic and kind of an upscale dessert. It’s a great dish to make for a first date because you can make it ahead of time. It’s a really wonderful sensory experience because it’s got a lot going on, visually, taste and texture.
A creme brulee, even on its own, becomes a performance piece. You can have the brulee totally ready, pull it out of the fridge, get your torch, fire it up, flames and you get to look cool. That’s a really nice effect. The dish itself has a lot of texture and a lot of different temperatures as well. The filling is really silky and creamy, then you have the fresh tangy mango at the bottom of the ramekin and on top and of course you have that really crunchy sugar that you crack with a spoon. It shatters like glass, also it was just torched so it’s not hot, but slightly warm, it’s a really nice dessert.
Would it also be something that would impress a first date?
Absolutely. I think it’s an impressive dish because it seems fancy. A creme brulee is really fancy, and the mango sago is actually easier to make than a traditional creme brulee because you don’t need a water bath; you’re just making the custard on its own and the sago, which is basically like a tapioca. Tapioca is a really unique twist because it adds a lot to the texture. You have the custard, but there are all of these little bouncy bubbles in there. It’s a very chewy and sort of effervescent texture with the silky cream. I would say it’s a really impressive dish.
Could you tell us a little bit more about what sago is, the background behind it and why you picked it for this dish?
So I picked it for the dish because it’s based on the mango sago, which is a dish in Asia that’s very popular. Sago is basically tapioca. I’m sure you’ve heard of tapioca pudding. It’s a term that is actually used very similarly. The terms can be used interchangeably. If we’re being very technical about it, they’re not exactly the same thing. Sago is made from the starch of specific palm trees. Tapioca is made from cassava root, they have the same texture, they are the same size, they’re the exact same thing pretty much. I have seen sago for sale online but the ingredients say cassava, so actually it’s tapioca.
What is your relation to sago/tapioca for people that may not know the origins of the ingredient?
There’s a lot of tapioca and chewy texture in Asian cooking. Of course, I’m sure you’ve heard of bubble tea or Boba, that’s just another form of tapioca. I would say that the most popular version of mango sago is the Hong Kong version, that’s where it’s most well known. However, there are a lot of other countries in Asia that have their version of mango sago; Taiwan, Malaysia, and then the Philippines of course. My Mom is from the Philippines and mango sago is just something that’s a very typical dessert there. Some people think it’s kind of a drink. I’ve seen some that are more liquidy than others, and then it’s like a pudding in different circumstances.
So where do you go to find it? Are there stores where you can go and purchase it or is that something that you have to buy online?
No, you don’t have to buy it online. If you go to any Asian supermarket, it doesn’t specifically have to be a Filipino grocery store. You can go to H Mart, that’s the popular one. Even if you just go to a small mom and pop Asian grocery store, they’re going to have some form of sago or tapioca there for you to buy. You can totally just sub in tapioca. Tapioca is even what I use because it’s just easier for me to get.
What mango do you recommend using and how do you know if a mango is ripe?
For this recipe, I really like the Ataulfo mangoes. They’re the yellow ones. Sometimes they’re called honey mangoes or champagne mangoes. You’ll see that on the label sometimes at the grocery store. I really like that because one, it’s probably the most similar to the Manila mango, which is the mango of the Philippines. It’s also called the Carabao mango, but it’s just a really sweet, juicy, flavorful mango more than the green Tommy Atkins variety. The yellow mangoes have a nice soft texture too. I just love that flavor so much, it really goes nicely in the sago brulee. To tell if a mango is ripe, I just give it a little squeeze. It should give a little bit when you squeeze it, but it shouldn’t be too mushy, or it could be overripe.
For the coconut milk in the recipe, is there a specific brand that you recommend? If you end up using different mangoes than an Ataulfo, is the dessert going to suffer?
It isn’t going to suffer if you choose a different type of mango, but it might not be as sweet because I don’t think that the other type of mango, the Tommy Atkins, is as sweet and it also has a little bit different texture. But no, it’s not going to suffer. It’ll be fine.
For the coconut milk, I am very particular about the coconut milk that I use. Actually, there’s so many brands of coconut milk and they are not all created equal. Some are really watery, some are really thick. It’s so drastic, but I tend to go for a Taste of Thai. I think it’s really nice. You can find it at pretty much any supermarket. I like it because it’s the perfect consistency, it’s not too creamy, but it’s not really watery either. My second favorite brand, if you can’t find that one, is Chaokoh, which is something you would have to go to an Asian supermarket to get.
Kelsey Cherry
Is there a torch that you’d recommend? What if you don’t have a torch?
I actually really like to use a handheld propane tank, the one you would find from Home Depot or a home improvement store. It’s way better than those little handheld toy sized ones that are specifically for creme brulee. With those, the flame dies super quick. If you don’t have a torch, you can just use a broiler.
Your recipe uses turbinado sugar, why did you pick that type of sugar? Are there other types of sugar you could substitute?
First off, turbinado sugar is not the same as granulated sugar, it’s like a finishing sugar. It’s really coarse and it’s extra crunchy. It’s not something that you’d mix into a batter or anything, but it’s something that you would use to dress up your desserts, like sprinkling it over scones or the crust of a galette. It adds a nice shimmer and a really nice crunch. It’s usually labeled raw or natural, like sugar in the raw, which is interesting because it’s not really raw because it has a little bit of molasses in it and that’s what gives it that caramel color. Turbinado has added color so you get a more pronounced golden topping and it’s really crunchy and melts easily. If you don’t have that, you could definitely use granulated sugar – that’s going to work fine. A little pro trick; even if you’re using granulated sugar, torch the sugar and then add another layer on top, so you have two layers. It really emphasizes that glassy top and you get an even more dramatic crack when you bust your spoon into it.
So you mentioned there’s a lot of different temperatures within the dessert. What is it about that that makes it really great or great for a first date?
Yeah, I love a dessert that has different temperatures. I think that’s such an interesting concept when it comes to food just in general because it’s so unexpected. It’s kind of the same idea of when you have a hot piece of a chocolate lava cake or something and it has a scoop of ice cream next to it. The pair together is so great. This mango sago brulee isn’t as dramatic as that, but it’s still there and it still adds dimension to the dish. It’s a really nice feature and again, very unexpected.
So if you’re making this for, or on a first date, is it possible that you’re setting the bar a bit high?
No, I don’t think so, it’s actually perfect. It’s impressive enough, but you’re not showing all of your cards at once in the beginning, which I don’t think you should do. I don’t think you give your best on the first date, there’s still room to take it up a notch if you need to.
What is one element, or ingredient, or part of this process that you really have to be careful about? Is there one thing that could send it off the rails?
I would definitely say tempering the eggs is the trickiest part. When you’re making the custard, it’s enriched with eggs – the eggs also thicken it. You’re going to add the warm coconut milk into the egg yolks. You don’t want to just add it all at once or too fast because then you’ll end up scrambling/cooking the eggs. That’s really the trickiest part, just kind of doing that slowly.
What would you say is unique about this dessert besides the mango sago that makes it different from your traditional creme brulee?
What really makes this dessert different and special is the tapioca, it’s such an interesting texture to have in there. I have other recipes in my cookbook, I have a banana pudding that also has tapioca and it really adds that nice chewy flavor and it’s all about these little bouncy beads. I love chewy things. I love boba bubble tea and that sort of thing. There’s actually a term, an Asian term for that and it’s called QQ, like a texture, and it’s chewy.
How To Make The Mango Sago Creme Brulee, According To Arlyn Osborne
Six 4 oz. (120 ml) ramekins Kitchen torch (see Note)
Note: If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can use your oven broiler to caramelize the sugar.
Method
Place six 4-ounce (120 ml) ramekins on a sheet pan. Divide the diced mango evenly among the ramekins.
In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat. Stir in the tap- ioca and bring back to a boil.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and translucent, about 20 minutes.
Strain the tapioca through a fine-mesh sieve and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1⁄4 cup (60 g) of the coconut milk and the cornstarch. Whisk in the egg yolks and set beside the stovetop.
In a small saucepan, whisk together the remaining 3⁄4 cup (180 g) of coconut milk, the granulated sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until warm and steaming, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn off the heat.
Gradually whisk the warm coconut milk mixture into the yolk mixture. Pour it back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and has the consistency of a smooth pourable custard (not like a pudding), about 3 minutes. (You’ll think it looks too thin, but the tapioca will add just enough body).
Remove from the heat and whisk in the tapioca, butter, and lemon juice.
Divide the mixture evenly among the ramekins and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until chilled and set, at least 6 hours, but overnight is best.
Before serving, let the ramekins sit out at room temperature for 10 minutes. Sprinkle each ramekin with 2 teaspoons (10 g) of turbinado sugar.
George R.R. Martin recently admitted that The Winds of Winter might never be completed within the overarching A Song Of Fire And Ice saga. Yet in the case of Dark Winds, GRRM‘s endless distraction mode is more than fine.
The acclaimed AMC series’ arrival on Netflix sent the crime drama/supernatural thriller/Western series up the streaming charts, and the third season is nearly upon us. Series creator Graham Roland and showrunner John Wirth are on tap, and as executive producers, GRRM and Robert Redford have been working alongside Anne Hillerman (who, as Tony Hillerman’s sister, has continued the book series). No dragons are found in Dark Winds, but fearsome entities have been part of the ride, and that vibe will continue, so let’s get down to business on what to expect in the third season.
Trailers
AMC provided a full trailer and a teaser with Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) coming to terms with leaving B.J. Vines (John Diehl) to die after learning the truth about Leaphorn’s son’s death. He refers to his childhood in this teaser, too: “We were taught that the monsters walked the Earth. When you kill a man, he’s bound to you. I’ve accepted it. And I am prepared to go on living with it, every day.” A monstrous silhouette appears, Leaphorn gets spooked in the desert, and there’s a peek at Sgt. Manuelito (Jessica Matten) in her new Border Patrol duties:
This full trailer is an extended look at the “monsters” theme while revealing Jenna Elfman’s FBI agent and the new mystery of two missing children who Leaphorn believes likely ran into something supernatural.
Plot
AMC
Dark Winds will continue to adapt Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn and Chee novels that follow 1970s Navaho Nation law enforcement officers. As viewers will recall, Leaphorn was still reeling from his son’s death during the second season, and he took matters into his own hands for some form of closure by leaving Vines for dead, and there will be no rest for the weary in the third season. Not only does the above teaser suggest that Leaphorn is, in some shape or form, haunted by what he’s done, but 27,000 or so square miles of arid wilderness continues to yield horrors for Leaphorn and Chee, and Sgt. Manuelito is off to her new life, 500 miles away near the U.S.-Mexico border.
AMC’s season description suggests that the series will dive right into Hillerman’s The Sinister Pig novel. As such, the season “follows Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee as they investigate the disappearance of two boys, with only an abandoned bicycle and blood-stained patch of ground left in their wake. Meanwhile, Sergeant. Bernadette Manuelito attempts to settle into her new life … but stumbles across a conspiracy involving human and drug smuggling with far-reaching implications.”
Notably, this season has upped the seasonal episode count from six to eight, and GRRM couldn’t be more pleased. He further urged his readers to investigate this “damn fine show,” in which Leaphorn and Chee are responsible for handling every crime from robberies to homicides that occurs in their neck of the arid wilderness. As the first two seasons have revealed, even a double murder can turn into a very personal investigation on this show.
Cast
AMC
New third season character include Budge (Raoul Max Trujillo), Special Agent Sylvia Washington (Jenna Elfman), Dr. Reynolds (Christopher Heyerdahl), and Tom Spenser (Bruce Greenwood). Additionally Border Patrol agents roles were picked up by Terry Serpico, Alex Meraz, and Tonantzin Carmelo.
The core trio will also be back. That includes Zac McClarnon (as Lt. Joe Leaphorn), Kiowa Gordon (as Jim Chee), and Jessica Matten (as Sgt. Bernadette Manuelito).
Release Date
Dark Winds returns to AMC and AMC+ on March 9. This season will run for eight weekly episodes.
More Footage
This week, AMC released the season’s first five minutes:
Netflix is not only the place where “completed” shows go to be rebooted (looking at you, Suits to Suits: LA) but also where stories that found brief feature-film life go to revive a popular character for multiple aeons. Such is the case for The Lincoln Lawyer, which has long since eclipsed the Matthew McConaughey movie, in which Michael Connelly’s iconoclastic lawyer wheeled and sealed in his Lincoln Town Car’s backseat around the streets of Los Angeles.
The show has been a reliable hit for Netflix, and although the Manuel Garcia-Rulfo-starring series no longer sits on Netflix’s Top 10 seasons of all time list (three seasons of Bridgerton keep taking up a lot of space), the streaming service once again renewed The Lincoln Lawyer almost immediately after the drama’s third season ended with a damning cliffhanger, so let’s review the exhibits on what to expect when up-sh*t-creek Mickey returns for his fourth season.
Cast
Netflix revealed in a press release that the fourth season will obviously bring back Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller. He will have Becki Newton (Lorna), Angus Sampson (Cisco), and Jazz Raycole (Izzy) in tow. And because Neve Campbell has been so consistently well-received as Mickey’s first wife, Maggie McPherson, she will return in every one of the season’s ten episodes (rather than only a few, as with last time) of the fourth season. Further, TV Line reported that Yaya DaCosta’s character, Andrea, will not appear in the fourth season.
Joining the cast is Constance Zimmer as Dana Berg, a The Law of Innocence book character who is a prosector known as “Death Row Dana.” Although she’s a former LA district attorney’s office colleague of Maggie, she’s known as a rule bender, which isn’t great for Mickey as he finds himself on the other side of the justice system this season.
Plot
As viewers are aware, most punchable (yet still lovable) lawyer Mickey Haller had a terrible third season finale when a cop discovered a dead body in his trunk. This put viewers on the hook while wondering if Mickey would truly be on the hook, i.e. successfully framed for murder. That finale episode was titled, “The Gods Of Guilt,” after Connelly’s novel that formed the basis of the entire season. It’s also worth mentioning that The Lincoln Lawyer is one of a seemingly infinite number of current series created by David E. Kelley, who also happens to have recently brought another wrongfully accused attorney to the screen with Apple TV+’s Presumed Innocent, based upon a Scott Turow novel. In all fairness, however, Jake Gyllenhaal’s protagonist had a larger case of FAFO than Mickey, whose story will now adapt Connelly’s next (sixth) novel in the series, The Law of Innocence, in which Mickey will be defending himself on a murder charge.
Defending himself? More than likely. If co-showrunners Ted Humphrey and Dailyn Rodriguez decide to strongly adhere to Connelly’s book, then Mickey will have already dealt with being saddled with $5 million bail. That could, as with the book, leave him attempting to build his own case from behind bars, but don’t expect his half-brother Harry Bosch (portrayed by Titus Welliver in Prime Video/Amazon’s Bosch shows) to show up like he did in the book. This Netflix series has eschewed the participation of Bosch, so perhaps we will see the return of Detective Raymond Griggs (Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine) to help Mickey? There’s no telling, but at least Mickey will have Maggie around to help.
While speaking with netflix, Ted Humphrey didn’t drop any clues other than to confirm that Mickey must be thinking “WTF?” after the cliffhanger. Same.
Release Date
This show knows how to fire out the seasons in rapid succession. With the first season arriving in May 2022, the second in July/August 2023, and the third in October 2024, there’s every indication that Mickey Haller will be back onscreen by late 2025.
Trailer
Without a new trailer on the scene (and since viewers likely are well accustomed to the Mickey and Maggie scenes floating around out there), it’s worth circling back to this interview of Garcia-Rulfo discussing how much he enjoys portraying a confident attorney, rather than a narco, as a Latino. May he portray Mickey Haller for at least 10 more seasons.
It’s often said Kentucky bourbon is the definition of bourbon. But what are the bourbons that define Kentucky?
Or, put another way, what are the best Kentucky bourbons available today? It’s a tricky question because, according to conservative estimates, north of 90% of all bourbon produced today is made in the Bluegrass State. Yes, bourbon can be made anywhere in the U.S.A., and there are definitelysome incredible bourbons made elsewhere.
But let’s be honest… Kentucky is still king.
Today, we’ll do our best to get to the bottom of that question by tasting and ranking the absolute best bottles of Kentucky bourbon!
Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Origin Series, founded in 2023, began with three initial entrants, but this new 6-year-old High Wheat Bourbon marks the lineup’s first official expansion. By combining a low barrel entry proof with a high percentage of wheat (39%) in the grain recipe, the brand sought to extract the maximum amount of wood sugars.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The aroma of this Origin Series High Wheat Bourbon begins with a ton of crème brûlée and strawberries before a touch of oak, wheat funk, and caramel comes through. There are also a few dashes of clove and lemon zest to round things out.
Palate: Once on the palate, the strawberries and custard notes play a major factor as the remarkably creamy texture of the liquid coats your palate and finds every corner of the mouth. Mellow oak tones, vanilla frosting, and flaky pastry flavors also enhance the bourbon.
Finish: The finish here is surprisingly lengthy, with the strawberry note going from ripe berries to the dried variety as a touch of nutmeg creeps in and the gentle oak vibes fuse with honey.
Bottom Line:
Bardstown Bourbon Company already had a wheated bourbon in their Origin Series, and it’s a rock-solid option that has its fair share of admirers among those who have tasted the well-received lineup. That said, this High Wheat Bourbon is absolutely stunning, and not only does it one-up its wheated bourbon predecessor, but it also blows the rest of the stellar Origin Series out of the water. For half a hundred, this is a great pick-up that can stand tall against the best wheated bourbons on the market.
New Riff, out of Northern Kentucky, is a highly regarded craft distillery that’s increasingly adding age-stated products to their lineup. This new 8-year expression features a mash bill of 65% Corn, 30% Rye, and 5% Malted Barley.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The aroma of apple cider with mint sprigs punctuates the air around this glass and leaves just enough room for well-oiled leather to make an impression, too. It comes across as a lower proof when nosing it blindly, but only because the ethanol presence is light — the flavors it carries are rich.
Palate: Immediately, you’re struck by how well-structured this bourbon is. The mouthfeel is even-keeled, and the flavors in each sip are surprisingly well-behaved. Chocolate-dipped raspberries, notes of flan, and slightly overcooked caramel corn each take their turn to dance across the palate, never disturbing one another.
Finish: The finish is where that caramel corn note and a bit of honeyed oak close the ceremony. The finish is medium in length but high in pleasantness.
Bottom Line:
When New Riff first burst onto the scene with excellent 4-year-old whiskey, the industry rejoiced… and then they seemingly stalled out, with 4-year whiskey becoming their default for a spell. It turns out that they were merely biding their time to release some truly special bourbon with a higher age statement. Now that it’s finally here, we’re happy to sing its praises.
Henry McKenna is Heaven Hill Distillery’s critically acclaimed 10-year-old single-barrel bourbon. Due to that critical acclaim, this expression has become far less readily available (and more high-priced), but it remains a stellar value in the Heaven Hill portfolio.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose begins with nail polish that soon cedes the way for cherry syrup, leather, rich oak, and honey-roasted almond aromas. It’s unbalanced, but it is still enjoyable.
Palate: On the palate, those first three notes from the nose make a solid initial impression as the nail polish/cherry syrup vibe strikes your palate before turning into more of a leather-inflected cherrywood note. It begins texturally robust but gradually thins out as the liquid unfurls over your palate and finds the edges of your tongue with a last gasp of caramel and faint smokiness before transitioning into the finish.
Finish: The finish is medium-length, but it’s here where the black cherry flavor finally plants its flag and welcomes even more dense oak and barrel char notes on the back end, allowing this bourbon to stick the landing.
Bottom Line:
As you know, dear reader, Henry McKenna Bottled in Bond, as a single-barrel expression, can offer a wide array of different flavors depending on which barrel your bottle is from, and this one falls in the middle of the range. Finding barrels that are this good from a brand notoriously known to be inconsistent is a treat, but the prospect of finding even better ones will keep you on the hunt.
Rebel’s 10-year single-barrel bourbon is an expression marked by a winding history that saw it go from production at the famed Stitzel-Weller distillery as a locally distributed bargain brand to becoming a surprise hit thanks to a Billy Idol song, being sold to current owners Luxco, and reimagined as a premium offering.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose opens with the aroma of snickerdoodle cookies, inviting caramel and vanilla tones, and some fudge to round out the sweeter notes. On the earthier side, there’s the scent of clove and turmeric, in addition to the faintest shake of freshly cracked black pepper.
Palate: Once in the mouth, caramel, the burnt citrus flavor of a torched orange wheel, and vanilla introduce the senses to this lush bourbon. The mouthfeel is full-bodied with almonds and white pepper found in spades, though it skews more heavily toward the sweet tones. This lovely, well-balanced whiskey rewards chewing as it unlocks further cinnamon bark and wheat funk notes.
Finish: For its final act, Rebel 10-Year Bourbon features rich oak, honey-roasted peanuts, and vanilla that hangs around with considerable staying power.
Bottom Line:
Rebel 10-Year Bourbon has long been rumored to feature whiskey in the blend that significantly exceeds its age statement, and that speculation certainly passes the taste test. The liquid is a lush showcase of how depth can overcome the brevity of flavors to deliver a balanced and highly enjoyable bourbon.
Green River has been producing critically acclaimed, affordable bourbons since the brand was revived and started hitting shelves in 2022. For this relatively new extension in their lineup, Green River Full Proof, they opted for a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley before bottling the juice at barrel strength.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Raisins and allspice jump out of the glass to greet the nose, along with a bit of sherried mushroom and coconut flake. This is such an atypical but alluring mix, and it really entices you to take a first sip.
Palate: Raisins, green grapes, cinnamon bark, and clove emerge on the palate, which is delightfully refined and compressed in the sense that the flavors feel densely packed. It also feels like the layers of flavor are distinct and well-developed, making sitting with it and picking it apart fun, as the medium-bodied bourbon offers just enough viscousness to hold your interest.
Finish: The end of each sip sees the addition of some fig newton and cracked black pepper as it sizzles away, leaving a strong impression on the palate through the delicious, lengthy finish.
Bottom Line:
While the mash bill in Green River Full Proof features some relatively high rye content, its sweetness and approachability win out over its spicier elements. While some bourbons are excellent for their brash, punch-you-in-the-face boldness, Green River Full Proof offers a bit more finesse for a sipping experience that puts panache before pugilism.
Louisville’s oldest distillery often tweaks the age and proof point of its annual Birthday Bourbon release. For this year, the 24th expression in the series matured for 12 years, the same as 2023’s release, but it’s bottled at its highest proof ever, 107 proof. Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris and Master Taster Melissa Rift personally selected the 209 barrels that comprised this blend with aid from Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo. The barrels themselves were matured in Warehouses G and L.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The aroma of juicy orange rind, fresh leather, apricots, apples, and red peppers leap out of the glass at first. There’s some barrel char, milk chocolate, and tobacco leaf notes swirling in the mix, as well as some buttercream frosting and black pepper.
Palate: Pound cake, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes greet the palate at first as the rich liquid sizzles past the tip of your tongue. At midpalate, things pick up momentum with caramel, tamarind, and grilled mango skin. It’s an intriguing melange that works well, and before the transition to the finish begins, you pick up some of the ripe fruits from the nose with apricots and apples accented by a touch of star anise.
Finish: There’s a nice, substantial flourish of flavor on the lingering finish, with vanilla and black pepper blending with sugar cookies for a balanced and sweet send-off.
Bottom Line:
What do I get for my Birthday (Bourbon)? Plenty of juicy fruit notes accompany restrained baking spices and some well-placed leather, which indicates this is a bourbon with substantial maturity. For its 24th Birthday Bourbon, Old Forester delivered an expression that proves the brand has fully come of age by upping the proof and unleashing a more comprehensive range of flavors than we’ve seen in previous years.
In short, this bourbon will make Old Forester fans’ wishes come true as it easily outpaces the ho-hum releases of the past few years.
44. 2XO Gem of Kentucky
2XO
ABV: 54% Average Price: $230
The Whiskey:
2XO is the brand founded by rockstar blender Dixon Dedman just two short years ago, but he waited until 2023 to release the brand’s best work to date: The Gem Of Kentucky. Billed as “the only double-barreled single barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey on the market,” the brand released roughly 70 of those unique single barrels to market.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: This bottle begins expressly fruity with red berries and orange zest leading the way to polished leather, an abundance of vanilla, and some surprising sandalwood.
Palate: Once on the palate, this pour opens with more fruit as the flavor of cherries and clementines burrow deep into your tongue while mature oak and leather notes find the edges of the tongue and the cheek. There’s a gently pulsing influence of baking spice throughout, with black pepper, allspice, and sage becoming most expressive as this pour transitions to the finish.
Finish: The finish welcomes more allspice and sage, and it’s surprisingly lengthy, allowing the fruit-forward notes to reemerge as well as the satisfying taste of vanilla ice cream.
Bottom Line:
Dixon Dedman is no stranger to mingling delicious barrels of sourced whiskey, and the experience he’s accrued from blending previous projects has him in peak form here. 2XO’s more affordable options are well worth your attention as an entry point into the nascent brand. Still, once you try their premium offering, you’ll fully appreciate just how stellar this new category of double-barreled single barrels can be.
All of Blackwood Distilling’s criminally underrated whiskeys undergo a proprietary toasting process that helps to set them apart and make them shine, and that includes these standout single-barrel expressions. Finished in Kelvin Cooperage barrels, it should be noted that while these offerings are not age-stated, previous releases have featured bourbon that is nearly 8 years old, which would likely put this edition in the same range. The mash bill is made up of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose opens with honeyed black tea, a touch of sage, and big jammy raspberries. There’s a whisp of spearmint and a bevy of dense oak that help to prop up all of those aromas, while your prototypical toasted vanillas and caramels are also evident.
Palate: Once on the palate, what’s most immediately remarkable about this bourbon is the texture, which is heavy, and it utilizes that heft to burrow its array of flavors deep into your taste buds. Those flavors are largely composed of the same notes from the nose, with jammy raspberries, oak, sage, and black tea taking center stage as cacao, sandalwood, and cinnamon provide some depth to that robust base.
Finish: The lengthy finish welcomes some rising spice as clove and black pepper cover the classic toffee, chocolate, and oak tones.
Bottom Line:
As we mentioned at the outset, Blackwood Distilling is among the most underrated brands in the entire bourbon world, and with great releases like this, that’s destined to change in 2025. You should be eagerly hoarding these bottles before the general population gets wise because if the single barrels are this great, that bodes incredibly well for the future of their blends and the brand as a whole.
42. Augusta Distillery 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon
Augusta Distillery is becoming well known for its high-quality sourced bourbon single-barrels at 8, 13, 15, and 17 years old, but honestly, despite how good those are, the ten-year is the sweet spot. The single-barrel bourbon offerings they release at this age exemplify that.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose is robust with black cherry, stewed dates, peppercorn, and oak leading the way and hanging in the air for quite a while, giving it a full-bodied first impression that will beckon you in for an initial sip.
Palate: Once on the palate, those impressions hold true as the flavors match the nosing notes with a bit of cinnamon and vanilla added to the mix. The mouthfeel strikes that fantastic balance between oily viscousness and sprightly vivaciousness, which is what makes Buckner’s bourbon such a winner at ten years old. You truly get the best of both worlds.
Finish: The finish sinks its hooks in and has a lengthy extension with a faint touch of mocha and dark chocolate joining the oak and black cherry from the tasting notes.
Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for a justification for the price of these Buckner’s single-barrels, the best thing they have going for them is quality. While they’ve previously released award-winning whiskey at various age statements (13, 15, and 17), these 10-year single barrels are the ones you’re most likely to encounter in the double-digit range, and they deliver every single time.
Created in honor of Jimmy Russell’s historic 70th year working for Wild Turkey, this brand-new, 8-year-old version of the brand’s iconic 101-proof bourbon is truly a dual testament to time. Both Jimmy’s seven decades of dedication to excellence and the impact of eight long years on Wild Turkey’s phenomenal whiskey.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: On the nose, this one has all the hallmarks of classic Wild Turkey 101 bourbon, which you’re probably familiar with already, but it brings a level of richness and a slightly darker bouquet of aromas into the fold. Vanilla, torched orange wheel, honey, and cinnamon all have their say, but there’s a simmering brown sugar note that combines with the underlying oak, which will keep you exploring the edges of your glass at length.
Palate: Once on the palate, the liquid delivers on the promise of its nose with all of those classic Wild Turkey notes standing tall and coming across as distinct from one another despite combining to create a sum better than its parts. Buttercream, savory dates, and honey-sweetened black tea add further richness and nuance to this beautiful blend that you’ll want to pick apart at length.
Finish: The finish on Wild Turkey 8-Year 101 70th Anniversary Bourbon continues the overarching theme of everyday decadence with a rich, sweet ending that comes complete with gentle nutmeg and black pepper spice, which runs a ring around your tongue, corralling the sweeter notes in the middle for extended enjoyment.
Bottom Line:
For 70 years, Jimmy Russell has been a staid force for good in the bourbon world, and despite a few surprises along the way, what can best be said about the legend’s career is that he delivered consistent, predictably high-quality bourbon whenever he was tasked with doing so. Does it really come as any surprise that the best anniversary gift he could give us is more of the same?
Peerless has been producing fantastic bourbon since filling its first barrel in the modern era back in 2015, and its finishing program has been spreading its wings in recent years. For this brand-new expression, they’ve taken their base sweet mash bourbon, which is always non-chill filtered, and finished it in premium cognac barrels for an undisclosed period of time.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The cognac is well integrated on the nose, with dates and mocha modifying the bourbon slightly and elevating the toffee pudding and stewed apple notes. There are also aromas of raisins and sweet tobacco contributing to the overall pleasantness.
Palate: The flavors of port wine, chocolate, and sweet tobacco stand out on the palate, which further underlines the influence of the cognac cask. It has a velvety mouthfeel that goes a step beyond the very clean and lean texture of Peerless’ typical bourbon, which makes this one well-worth consideration.
Finish: On the finish, the whiskey has moderate length, and the toffee and red raisins persist along with dense oak tones, adding to the savoriness of each sip.
Bottom Line:
Peerless bourbon just keeps getting better, even without the benefit of a finishing cask. That said, the way they’re able to artfully combine their baseline bourbon with these assertive Cognac casks without allowing either participant to overpower the other deserves a ton of credit.
Knob Creek 18-Year-Old Bourbon is bottled at the highest age the lineup has ever seen. Are you not entertained? While the majority of the production process remains the same for this hyper-limited release compared to more readily available versions, this one was distilled at a slightly different temperature and strategically aged in specific points of Beam’s many rickhouses.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Unlike the nose on Knob Creek’s 15-Year expression, this 18-Year variant feels surprisingly vibrant. Manuka honey, crème brulée, well-aged oak, cigar wrapper, and hazelnut all have a home with this decadent bouquet of aromas unfurling above the glass and greeting the senses.
Palate: The palate welcomes wood sugars, crème brulée, hazelnut, and well-worn oak tones almost immediately as the sweetness envelopes your tongue with one sip. As the liquid coats your palate and begins to thin out, you’ll pick up notes of black pepper spice, black tea, cherry bark, and clove.
Finish: The finish continues the party that the palate started by closing out with some smoked cherry bark, cinnamon, orange blossom, and nougat notes.
Bottom Line:
If you want to taste Knob Creek bourbon pushed to its absolute limits, then this 18-year-old expression is what you should be seeking out. While the 15-year version of Knob Creek seems a bit thin, as though the whiskey’s maturation were on a downward swing, it comes roaring back to life with a surprisingly viscous texture and remarkably well-developed flavors that make this bottle 100% worth the price associated.
Larceny Barrel Proof has become one of the most anticipated batched releases of the bourbon calendar each year since its inception in January 2020 (remember those times?). This year’s second batch of the wheated bourbon is aged, as always, for 6-8 years. The mashbill is 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Candied orange, dipped in chocolate, comes through on the nose in rich waves. Oak soon takes the wheel, but it’s joined by more cocoa notes riding comfortably in the passenger seat.
Palate: Once on the palate, that initial impression of orange marmalade coats the tongue on the heels of some high heat. Once acclimated to that heat, one discovers a nice note of cinnamon bark and even some surprising bits of pistachio.
Finish: The finish is lengthy with a spiced orange wheel and the slightly nutty quality of the palate — now reminiscent of toasted almonds — making for the perfect marriage.
Bottom Line:
Larceny Barrel Proof is somehow still underrated among bourbon enthusiasts, but the consistently strong expression had a banner year in 2023, and the 2024 releases were just as solid. Things are continuing to trend upward for Heaven Hill’s premier wheated bourbon, which may someday soon compete with the most hallowed names for wheated bourbon supremacy.
Elijah Craig’s 18-year single-barrel expression is a dinosaur in more ways than one. First, it’s a long-standing hyper-aged bourbon expression in a whiskey world that’s only now reintegrating an influx of similarly aged bourbons. Second, it’s the last surviving member of the Elijah Craig lineup’s hyper-aged expressions, which used to include 20 -, 21 -, and 23-year-old offerings.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose is rich with dense, well-aged oak and caramel candies at first, but those notes merely open the curtain to reveal layers of plum, dark chocolate, and leather resting below the surface.
Palate: On the palate, Elijah Craig 18 swiftly finds every corner of your taste buds and floods them with vanilla buttercream, leather, and caramel candy flavors. The understated fruit tones from the nosing experience are buried beneath lush waves of caramel and vanilla. Still, they ultimately emerge and take shape at midpalate as bananas and shaved coconuts.
Finish: The finish is curt but marked by the richness of the coconut and caramel flavors, which satisfyingly coat the palate before ceding your taste buds to white pepper and vanilla before undulating gently out of existence.
Bottom Line:
The common criticisms following Elijah Craig 18 come from a two-pronged attack that says it is either under-proofed or overoaked. Both lines of fault-finding miss the mark.
Appreciated on its face, as well as for its rarity, Elijah Craig 18 is a mellow, multifaceted whiskey that plumbs a depth of flavor that can’t be found in more moderately aged expressions. With a price point that typically follows the “$10 per year” rubric and an anecdotally increasing supply, Elijah Craig 18 is beyond reproach for bourbon fans more attuned to the subtleties it has in vast supply.
Woodford Reserve’s Double Double Oaked isn’t named by mistake. Launched initially as a member of the Distillery Series in 2015, the longtime distillery-exclusive fan-favorite features Woodford bourbon that rested for 5-7 years before being finished in a second, heavily toasted, lightly charred, new oak barrel.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this bourbon opens with cedar, rich brown sugar, cinnamon, and nougat. It’s an alluring medley that draws you deeper into the glass and reveals subtler hints of dark chocolate chunks, black pepper, and sticky toffee.
Palate: Once on the palate, this bourbon detonates with a richness the nose only hinted at. The flavors of milk chocolate, cedar, sage, cinnamon, vanilla pods, and brown sugar cascade over the tongue and cling to the palate convincingly. This is a bourbon that spites its proof by being relentless from start to finish, and that’s worthy of extended appreciation.
Finish: The finish ties a tight bow on those many layers of flavor with a sage smudge ribbon accented by cinnamon flecks, sunflower butter, and semi-sweet dark chocolate.
Bottom Line:
While the price point and relatively low proof might give you pause, make no mistake — this is delicious whiskey. Woodford Reserve is famed for its 90.4 proof point, and this is the best bourbon they’ve ever released that fits those specs.
35. Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bottled In Bond Bourbon
Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bottled In Bond Bourbon is a distillery exclusive that showcases unfinished Angel’s Envy whiskey for the first time ever. Even more remarkable is the fact that through careful aging and blending, this bourbon meets all of the Bottled In Bond requirements without requiring water for proof, making it a barrel-proof Bottled In Bond bourbon, one of if not the first on the market.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Cherries, leather, and molasses rise out of the glass at first in a tightly fused ball that bounces from nostril to nostril with brown sugar and wheat bread joining as well. There’s also a distinct oak undertone to go with some milk chocolate, cardboard, and stewed rhubarb, making for an extremely expressive and impressive nose.
Palate: Brown sugar, allspice, raspberry jam, and leather are the most immediately recognizable flavors on the palate, but what’s most impressive is that even as you’re teasing those notes apart, you get a glimpse of a much larger whole. This is an extremely multi-layered pour, packed with flavors you’ll need extended consideration to get halfway through appreciating.
Finish: The finish sees hazelnuts, raspberry jam, and allspice taking turns at the wheel as it gently pulses over your tongue, hanging on for dear life before leaving your palate after a lengthy period.
Bottom Line:
We’ve been beating the drum about how good this bottle is since it was initially released, so we were pleased to see that it cracked the top 50 bourbons of the year in 2024. This Kentucky bourbon is worth trying because it checks several atypical boxes you can’t get elsewhere. The first Angel’s Envy expression that isn’t finished? Check. The first cask-strength bottled-in-bond bourbon ever? Check again. But Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bottled In Bond Bourbon isn’t only an awesome oddity; it’s straight-up awesome.
New for 2024, Old Grand-Dad’s first age-stated expression is a hefty 16-year-old bourbon proofed down to 50% ABV. This expression joins Old Grand-Dad, Old Grand-Dad Bonded, and Old Grand-Dad 114 in the lineup.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Cornbread and caramel fill the air at first, with notes of brown sugar, peanuts, and wheat toast closely following behind for a classic Jim Beam-esque profile with added depth and nuance.
Palate: Well-aged oak, cinnamon, brown sugar, tobacco leaf, and Chex Mix make for the most striking flavors on the palate, which is even-keeled and even a bit restrained, which is typical of bourbon in this age range. The texture is admittedly quotidian, given this whiskey’s moderate proof point. Still, there’s no denying the depth of flavor, as the mature oak tones provide plenty of runway for the rest of the tasting notes to develop to their fullest potential.
Finish: Old Grand-Dad 16 concludes with a medium finish that’s slightly drying with heavy spice and peanut shell vibes punctuating the end of every sip.
Bottom Line:
The newest Old Grand-Dad in Jim Beam’s portfolio, this stellar 16-year-old bourbon pushes the OGD flavor wheel to new heights with increased richness and beautiful depth of flavor previously out of reach for the lineup. We’ll be the first to admit this one isn’t without its flaws, but even as we ponder what it could’ve been (16-year OGD 114, anyone?), there’s no denying that this is a well-constructed and balanced bourbon.
33. Michter’s Bomberger’s Declaration PFG (Precision Fine Grain)
Michter’s brand-new expression of Bomberger’s Declaration, which they call PFG, or Precision Fine Grain, is a fun one. For this release, they take their aged bourbon and dump it in a second new French fine grain oak barrel with proprietary toasting and a uniquely specified char level. That secondary barrel is also made using a blend of oak from various places, including the Tronçais, Allier, Nevers, and Vosges forests, and staves that naturally air-dried outdoors for a minimum of 40 months.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nosing notes are full of allure, with cedar, Brazil nuts, French vanilla, black cherry, red peppers, star anise, blood orange, and black pepper making up its tightly-wound core. It’s a multi-layered experience that will have you discovering new nuggets each time you bring your nose to the glass.
Palate: The palate comprises gooey caramel and black cherry notes, which coat the tongue with accents of cedar, clove, and sage which fan out from that base of flavors. It’s remarkably smooth and viscous. Dark chocolate, toasted coconut, and allspice emerge at the back end.
Finish: The influence of caramel, star anise, dark chocolate, and candied walnuts marks the medium length finish along with some cinnamon bark and cedar.
Bottom Line:
I don’t know what’s more remarkable, this bourbon, or the hot streak that Michter’s has been on for the last two years. Despite the heights they’ve soared to in recent years, this new Bomberger’s release (and 2024’s bourbon of the year) proves they still have plenty in the tank.
I’m impressed with standard Bomberger’s Declaration annually, but this diffusion brand might be their best yet.
Four Roses Small Batch Select uses six of the brand’s ten recipes (OBSV, OBSK, OBSF, OESV, OESK, and OESF) for a unique blend concocted by Master Distiller Brent Elliott and ages the liquid for six to seven years before batching, lightly proofing, and bottling it all up.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: On the nose, Four Roses Small Batch Select offers cola nut, bright red cherries, black pepper, nutmeg, and clove with some oak and caramel tones following behind those initial top notes. It’s robust and inviting, with a lovely baking spice presence that displays a ton of balance.
Palate: Four Roses Small Batch Select hits the palate with a full-bodied richness that coats your tongue and sends you mining your taste buds to discover the flavor of jammy cherries, nutmeg, black pepper, and honeyed black tea. The texture would count as its defining quality if it weren’t for the impressive balance of the flavors ever-so-slightly outperforming the viscous mouthfeel.
Finish: The lingering finish is where you’ll find vanilla extract, raspberries, brown sugar, and a light mint note — which reminds you that this is a robust Four Roses bourbon.
Bottom Line:
Four Roses Small Batch Select is such a great option to buy under $100. Because it tends to get overlooked when folks are shopping for bottles under $50 and passed over for pricier bottles when they’re feeling spendier you might not have this one on your radar, but that needs to change today.
Binder’s Stash is a premium non-distilling producer bottling top-shelf whiskey from Indiana and Kentucky. The brand’s fervent digital presence has been documented here before, with this particular single-barrel, “Make It Make Sense,” being one of the budding brand’s newer releases.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Black cherry, grapefruit, and allspice aromas are the opening act. Next up, palo santo, chocolate wafer cookies, and maple candy hang in the air in the background.
Palate: This bourbon begins chocolatey as hell and heavy on the palate, making it taste like whiskey more than twice its age with cherries and rich oak with leather and vanilla pods. It’s drying at the edge of the tongue with a sort of grainy texture that’s intriguing and, again, gives it the impression of much older whiskey.
Finish: The finish has bubblegum and cinnamon, and it’s medium to long with some more vanilla coming in, giving it a sweet send-off that makes you want more immediately.
Bottom Line:
This is a remarkable and remarkably well-named whiskey. Credit to Binder’s Stash for pulling it at five years old and resisting the urge to entice consumers with a higher age statement. This offering proves there’s no telling when a bourbon is ready, but it will tell you itself, and it can knock you sideways when it hits that sweet spot.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed was initially introduced as Wild Turkey’s (really Jimmy Russell’s) response to the launch of Jim Beam’s Booker’s. Launched at a time when high-proof bourbon was less en vogue, it reflects Jimmy’s prescience in predicting the market’s future.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Honeysuckle, bright red cherries, and cinnamon rolls delight the senses once Rare Breed tumbles into your glass. Given some time to sit, you’ll find well-aged oak, clove, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and toasted almonds all elevate the aroma profile of this bourbon.
Palate: The flavors in this bourbon are rich and well-developed, with each of the nosing notes coming through on the palate. Those flavors are bolstered by a bit of cooked apple and pie shell for a robust yet clearly defined cavalcade of notes with a spry texture that deceptively coats your palate after several sips.
Finish: Lengthy and lingering, the finish on Rare Breed is balanced and delicious as it deftly combines sweetness and spice — leaving you wondering which one will last the longest. The answer is typically the spice.
Bottom Line:
Rare Breed is frequently cited as a limited edition whiskey hiding in plain sight, and that reputation is well earned. With a flavor profile that brings an abundance of red berries, vanilla, and baking spice, Wild Turkey Rare Breed has an enchanting combination of mature flavor, delicate balance, and stern force that makes it a world beater.
Baker’s brand-new High Rye expression is said to have twice as much rye in its mash bill as its classic cousin, Baker’s Single Barrel Bourbon. Furthermore, what separates it from other high-rye bourbons in the Beam portfolio like Basil Hayden and Old Grand-Dad is the fact that this liquid was distilled to a lower proof, matured in specific warehouses, and features an age statement, unlike the majority of Basil Hayden and Old Grand-Dad expressions.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Baking spice and mint notes rush out of the glass along with caramel and cedar for a sequence of nosing notes that immediately reveal this bourbon’s “high rye” nature. A bit of hazelnut and dilute maple syrup can also be found after a few waves of the hand.
Palate: The palate on Baker’s High Rye Bourbon holds true to the nosing notes, with black pepper and honeyed mint tea leading the charge while pie crust and creme brulee notes follow closely behind, giving this whiskey a significant amount of rye spice that is gently tempered by the more neutral pastry flavor and delightful sweet tones.
Finish: The finish is impressively lengthy, with all of that rye spice goodness coming to the fore over a bed of candied mint leaf and honeyed herbal tea.
Bottom Line:
In what will be remembered as a banner year for Jim Beam, the distillery’s new Baker’s High Rye Bourbon stands among the best of a voluminous bunch. Given the ubiquity we’re already seeing with this one on liquor store shelves (YMMV in your local market), this might be the biggest winner of all their 2024 releases because it’s both readily available and exceedingly full-flavored.
River City Whiskey is the newest brand on this list. This expression, from founders Da’Mon Brown and Ricky Rice, is a natural outgrowth of what began as a barrel pick group that the two started. Now, entering the arena of creating a brand, they’ve brought this inaugural expression “Beaver Bridge Barrel” to market using the single-barrel format they’ve perfected to present a cask-strength bourbon, aged for nine years, and made with a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The aroma notes open with bruised pears, apple skin, singed orange peel, vanilla custard, black pepper, sage, and barrel char. The aromas are impressively well-developed and delicate but distinct, leading to extended appreciation before you venture in for the first sip.
Palate: The lighter, sweet notes come through on the palate, with peach rings, dried apricot, and scraped vanilla pod seizing your attention at first. The whiskey then turns a bit floral at midpalate before ceding ground to the flavors of restrained oak and honeyed black tea as it fans out over the tongue and begins transitioning to the finish.
Finish: The finish is robust but brief, expanding rapidly with full flavors before gently concluding with vanilla wafers, orange blossom, and white pepper lingering at the end of the party.
Bottom Line:
This is simply great whiskey that shines on the front end with distinct, well-developed flavors that come together harmoniously before blossoming at mid-palate and succinctly shedding its petals on the finish. The price of admission is perfect, and as this bourbon flows with far more peaks than valleys from beginning to end, it shows that River City Whiskey is ready to open the floodgates of their hand-selected high-quality single-barrel Kentucky-sourced bourbons.
Frank August is a brand that’s so new that they’re only on their second round of single-barrel bourbon releases. Be forewarned: this time around, they’re blowing their inaugural offerings out of the water. 2024’s award-winning range of single barrels were bottled at cask strength, between 114.6 – 125.4 proof, and are all at least six years old.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this bourbon features ripe stone fruits dusted with clove, cumin, and cayenne pepper. After a few waves of the hand, deeper accents of Tahitian vanilla and cacao nibs become apparent, along with turmeric and dark chocolate.
Palate: The baking spices rise to the top of this whiskey once it enters the mouth, as cinnamon and turmeric are folded into the ebullient stone fruit notes that make up the backbone of every sip. Some gentle rye spice helps those fruit notes express themselves, as does a touch of citrus. The mouthfeel is perfectly middle of the road, with a slightly viscous texture on the back end, which aids the entire affair when it transitions to the finish.
Finish: The finish is tempered, with spice and fruit notes presenting themselves in a balanced fashion as it lingers with medium length.
Bottom Line:
What Frank August succeeds, or rather excels at, with this release is in capturing a bevy of fruit-forward notes and offsetting them with a measured deployment of spice, making for an incredibly balanced bourbon that most blenders dream of. To capture such lighting in a bottle of single-barrel Kentucky bourbon is an exceptional treat.
Heaven Hill’s Grain To Glass series emphasizes the import of grain varietals in whiskey and the brand’s commitment to family and quality. With this inaugural fleet of releases, they partnered with two family-owned companies and sought the ideal non-GMO corn varietals for bourbon production.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The aroma of cinnamon and blackberry jam is so inviting on the nose that it feels almost foolhardy to move beyond them — it smells so immediately enticing. Pushing past that initial rush of aromas, one finds sweet oak, mocha, some slight salinity, and a faint petrichor note, making for an intriguing mix of scents.
Palate: This bourbon is immediately dense, which pairs well with the jammy flavor profile as the blackberries from the nose morph into sugar-sweetened raspberries, a bit of airy custard, and freshly ground cinnamon. At midpalate is where you’ll find an explosion of oak and black pepper, which give this whiskey the impression of being aged for about nine years before the flavor of hazelnuts and chocolate truffle dust marks the transition to the finish.
Finish: On the finish, there’s a touch of vanilla ice cream with mint sprigs that pairs well with the persistent raspberry jam notes. It’s medium-to-long in length, and that extended journey helps elevate one’s appreciation of the density of the liquid and the depth of each flavor note.
Bottom Line:
When I first had the pleasure of trying this bourbon alongside Heaven Hill’s bigwigs while being serenaded by a live band in one of the distillery’s Cox’s Creek rickhouses, I was of two minds: one, surely this is excellent bourbon, and two, surely the setting elevated the experience. Now, with an opportunity to revisit the liquid in a sterile environment, I’m positive the former is true, but I have doubts about the latter. This bottle slaps in any setting, and getting it for $100 flat feels like stealing.
Old Forester 1924 is the first expansion of the brand’s “Whiskey Row” series in several years, and it’s the first iteration to feature an age statement. Using the same mashbill as Brown-Forman’s budget bourbon, Early Times, this more mature whiskey was first released earlier this year.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The rich nose, resplendent with ripe plums, honey, and buttery pie crust aroma makes you immediately take notice. After a few swirls in the glass, you’ll find black cherry, leather, and polished oak emerging from this whiskey as well. It’s definitely a delightful melange.
Palate: On the palate, it’s those notes of black cherry that really take the reins, along with a touch of oiled leather. It’s hard to deny how perfectly proofed this whiskey is, as the viscousness coats your palate, and the flavors you get from 10+ years in a barrel are on full display without ever becoming overoaked.
Finish: On the finish, there are slight signs of hyper-aging as it becomes a bit drg, and the length is disappointingly short, considering how rich the flavors are.
Bottom Line:
The primary knock against Old Forester 1924 (aside from the price) is the fact that it gets progressively weaker as you go from the aroma to the flavor and, finally, the finish. That said, it starts off strong and still finishes well above average, as repeat sips will allow you to unlock deeper layers of flavor.
Despite the short finish, this is a delicious, balanced whiskey. You might need several sips to appreciate it fully, and we aren’t complaining about that.
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon is the fully amplified, small-batch version of one of the best-selling whiskeys in the world. Released in small batches throughout the year, with their identifying codes found on the front label, this expression showcases Maker’s Mark in its purest form.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: On the nose, this whiskey begins with plenty of honeysuckle and toffee before the sweeter notes break rank and allow oak, red berries (think bright cherries and ripe raspberries), and a combination of oak and leather to rise out of the glass.
Palate: The first sip of Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is a revelation, resplendent with more pronounced red berry and caramel flavors than the nose at first indicated. Those flavors are far-reaching, with a refinement that rewards chewing the whiskey and allowing the viscous liquid to seep deep and then deeper still into your palate.
Finish: For the lengthy finish, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength offers a fresh cavalcade of accenting notes, ranging from vanilla and mellow oak to clove, orange blossom, and truffle honey. It’s a complex and captivating way to close this robust, elegant bourbon.
Bottom Line:
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is the unsung king of affordable bourbon; frankly, not enough people know it. While standard Maker’s Mark enjoys ubiquity at bars and liquor stores, this slightly harder-to-find offering tends to fly under the radar despite its incredible quality. Let that be the case no more. With the price of high-quality bourbon rising across the board, this is a bourbon that ain’t going anywhere. You can still readily find it in the $50 price range.
Aged on the lower floor of an undisclosed Buffalo Trace warehouse, this year’s William Larue Weller offering was matured for 12 years before being bottled at full cask strength. While the barrel entry proof on this liquid was a modest 114 proof, through the process of aging, 2024’s edition of the vaunted William Larue Weller crept all the way up to 125.8 proof.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nosing notes on this one open with dense caramel, rich cherries, and an alluring splash of milk chocolate. The aromas of sweet oak, clove cigarettes, and honey-drizzled mint sprigs also come wafting out of the glass after a few waves of the hand.
Palate: The impressiveness of this bourbon begins with the dense texture, which efficiently coats your palate with brown sugar, black pepper, apple leather, and candied walnuts. Each of those notes is really rich and well-developed, leading to you sucking your teeth and mining your tastebuds to see just how deep those flavors will seep into your palate.
Finish: Cinnamon, red pepper flakes, and honeyed black tea mark the lengthy finish. As the oak begins to encroach on each of those sweet notes, some brown sugar also curtails the drying and leaves you drooling for more.
Bottom Line:
We get that you may think this one is too low on the list, but here’s the case: the 2024 William Larue Weller is a triumph that carries the mantle well and continues the brand’s reputation as being one of the finest bourbons on the market today. That said, it’s definitely seen brighter days and better releases. All told, this is a delicious pour that is a treasure worth seeking out, as even in an off year, it’s one of Kentucky’s best bourbons.
Old Rip Van Winkle is the opening entry in the Van Winkle family’s insanely popular range of wheated bourbons. Aged for 10 years, this whiskey is bottled at 107 proof and pulled from the same lot of barrels that make up most, if not all, of the Weller range of bourbons.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose is somewhat simple but incredibly satisfying, as the aroma of cherry hand pies fills the air, complete with a bit of caramelized sugar, cinnamon, and honeyed pastry tones.
Palate: In the mouth, those nosing notes ring true, but unlike hand pies, which are led by the boldness of their fruit tones, the cherry note found on the palate of Old Rip Van Winkle is more restrained and less tart, fuller, and sweeter. It comes across as a more subdued maraschino cherry note, nestled in the aforementioned bakery notes of honeyed pastry and caramelized sugar, along with some freshly cracked black pepper, vanilla extract, and gentle oak.
Finish: The moderately lengthy finish on this viscous bourbon is where the oak notes are most forceful, though they’re curtailed by a faint touch of hazelnut, honey sweetness, and white pepper along with the ever-persistent rich cherry tones.
Bottom Line:
Look, I think this is the most underrated whiskey in the entire Pappy Van Winkle lineup. Even at only ten years old, this is a sublime bourbon with great balance and a rich bevy of flavors that simultaneously make it decadent and crushable. However, it isn’t nearly worth the prohibitive prices that far too many stores list it for, which dings its reputation even if it does not affect its quality.
This brand-new re-release of Baker’s 13-Year Bourbon is new for 2024 and follows in the footsteps of the brand’s previous release. That is to say, this is standard Baker’s bourbon but with anywhere between 5-6 extra years of age, bottled at the brand’s classic 107-proof point.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Honey roasted peanuts, cayenne pepper, and orange rind with some nougat underneath make up the nosing notes, which are impressively rich and harmoniously blended for a sum greater than its parts.
Palate: It starts off a bit hot, but it quickly cools, allowing the flavors of nougat, golden raisins, allspice, and almonds to shine. Brown sugar and orange rind come rushing in soon after to pick up the slack. The balance of flavors is a delight, and the sweet notes’ restraint allows them all to blend well.
Finish: The finish has a lot of cayenne, black pepper, and clove. It’s where both the spice and the ethanol are most evident, which is a departure from the mellow sweetness found earlier in each sip.
Bottom Line:
This is a bourbon that shocked me, not just because it was damned good, but because I couldn’t believe there were twenty Kentucky bourbons capable of outpacing it. For their second edition of Baker’s 13-Year Bourbon, Jim Beam succeeded in delivering a totally well-rounded expression that represents their distillery’s stellar baseline output while elevating the Baker’s brand to new heights. If you can find it, this one is an immediate must-buy.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is often heralded as the single best value in all of bourbon. Why? Because it’s a consistent product, released three times a year, that clocks in at full barrel strength and aged for at least 11 years. This year’s “B” Batch, B524, was aged for 11 years and two months.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: My initial nosing notes say, “This is just dope.” I hope that begins to explain what’s going on here. The aroma of buttery croissants and cinnamon reaches the nose, along with some hazelnut spread, sticky toffee, and honey brioche buns.
Palate: The palate finds earthy toasted almond notes with decadent dark chocolate and more buttery, flaky, croissant flavors. Excuse my French, but pain au chocolat ain’t got shit on this. The texture is well-fused and oily, which causes it to stick to your teeth despite the high-octane proof point, which makes this one dangerous pour.
Finish: The finish is lengthy and introduces a bit of walnut meat, hazelnut, and a few shakes of clove and nutmeg to the palate. All in all, it’s a really satisfying send-off.
Bottom Line:
Simply put, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is one of the best barrel-proof bourbons on the market, cost be damned. After a solid but polarizing “A” batch to kick off 2024, Elijah Craig came back on its “A” game with last year’s second release, making it one of the premier barrel-proof bourbons to hunt down right now. No matter the year or batch, this is a must-have bottle in your collection.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon is one of the quintessential bourbons on the market today. The brand was first launched in 2013 on the heels of Wild Turkey’s success with Russell’s Reserve Small Batch. Non-chill filtered and always proofed to 55% ABV, this release features both a general release and private barrel selections.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: This whiskey opens with a rich interplay of thick cherry syrup and vanilla ice cream with honey, white pepper, clove, and oak aromas, and it noses as one of the best damn desserts Lawrenceburg, KY, can offer.
Palate: Cola nut, Luxardo cherries, and French vanilla hit the palate first before this rich bourbon invites white pepper and some faint barrel char notes to join them. As the liquid travels to the back of your palate, it begins bringing peanut brittle, black pepper, oak, and a faint green apple flavor to the fore.
Finish: The medium-length finish has cooked red apple and cinnamon, with restrained barrel char having the final say.
Bottom Line:
What happens when you bottle up some of Wild Turkey’s finest, hand-selected barrels, proof them to 110 without chill filtration, and pour it in a glass? Absolute magic. You can visit your local liquor store and inquire about the standard version of this offering, or you can go the extra mile and seek out single-barrel selections from folks whose palate you trust. Either way, you’re sure to hit on a winner.
The very first expression from Old Commonwealth Distillery is this Old Commonwealth 10-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Cask Strength Bourbon. History lesson: Old Commonwealth is an iconic brand created in the 1970s by Julian Van Winkle II, the son of “Pappy” Van Winkle, and in those days, it utilized liquid from the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Fast-forward to 1997-2002, Julian Van Winkle III was selling a version of Old Commonwealth that was proofed to 107 and utilized a wheated mash bill just like his father did decades before. This contemporary recreation has been five years in the making, and though it uses a mash bill sans any wheat, its founders felt that this whiskey was exceptional enough to carry the banner and continue the legacy.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: When you first pour Old Commonwealth into your glass, it opens with the aroma of blueberries and rosewater before deferring to some sweet tobacco, earthy oak, and a fat scoop of vanilla ice cream. It picks up some cherry cordial and leather as it sits in the glass. This is well-layered, lovely stuff.
Palate: Cherry and caramel notes come barreling down the middle of the palate with some faint coconut flakes and well-defined oak undergirding the entire affair. A second sip welcomes clove, hazelnut, and honeyed green tea as the dense liquid begins coating your palate, making you salivate for more.
Finish: The finish is lengthy with white pepper, sweet tobacco, dark chocolate chunks, and sticky toffee all making an impression.
Bottom Line:
This is delicious stuff that belies the 5-year journey Old Commonwealth underwent from ideation to creation. In speaking with the founders, they indicated just how thorough the process was to land on the ideal liquid for this project. The results are as follows: their efforts have been rewarded with this robust, rich whiskey that deserves high praise on its own merits, as well as for the beautiful green-tinted bottle that houses it — a nod to its legacy from decades ago.
Maker’s Mark’s sole age-stated product, Cellar Aged, is now in its second year of production. This year’s release features 15% 12-year-old bourbon and 85% 13-year-old bourbon, making it their oldest release to date.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Dark chocolate truffle dusting, orange blossom, and floral aromas kick off this aromatically impressive bourbon. Further notes of brown sugar, lavender honey, faint umami, wet soil, and coconut soon follow.
Palate: Citrus and red berries with vanilla and black pepper hit the palate at first, with heavy dark chocolate notes following thereafter. The texture is very creamy up front, with a tasty pop of cinnamon on the back end. Luscious caramel and toasted coconut notes develop at midpalate.
Finish: The finish is silky and lengthy, with dried strawberries, black pepper, gentle oak, and vanilla making the final impression.
Bottom Line:
The question you may have is whether or not 2024’s Cellar Aged is better than 2023’s edition. The answer: it depends. While last year’s version is full of caramel tones that are very true to Maker’s Mark’s standard product, this year has much more chocolate and an atypical coconut note that will bring newcomers into the fold. Last year’s Cellar Aged is definitely the best yet in our opinion, and not only that, it’s the most unique Maker’s Mark bourbon ever.
Fortuna Barrel Proof Bourbon is the pinnacle of the revived Fortuna brand from Rare Character. Always aged for at least seven years, the bourbon is sourced from an undisclosed distillery in Kentucky and blended in three-to-five barrel lots.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose opens with boozy cocktail cherries, cinnamon bark, rich oak tones, and even a hint of mocha. After a wave of the hand, as the liquid tumbles around your glass, aerating it will reveal further aromas of butterscotch, black pepper, cacao nibs, and strawberry jam.
Palate: The nosing notes offer a solid roadmap for what follows on the palate as blackberry jam replaces the strawberries found on the nose while cinnamon, almond extract, dense oak, and sticky toffee run rampant on the tongue. The texture is robust and offers a fullness that allows each flavor to present itself distinctly, revealing its impressive richness.
Finish: The finish is long-lasting and introduces clove, freshly grated ginger, and black pepper for one final baking spice sizzle before the syrupy black cherry notes leave a sweet final impression.
Bottom Line:
Fortuna Barrel Proof entered the market with a splash, immediately challenging the supremacy of several cask-strength stalwarts on this list. Now, with some distance from its debut, it’s become clear that it isn’t just beginner’s luck that warrants its place in the conversation. Fortuna Barrel Proof Bourbon recently landed in the top two on our best bourbons to buy under $100 for 2025 and with its placement on this list, it should be clear to you that it’s one of the best bourbons at any price point.
Booker’s The Reserves is a new, annual limited-release series from Jim Beam by Freddie Noe to commemorate his grandfather and Beam’s 6th Generation Master Distiller, Booker Noe. This elevated take on classic Booker’s bourbon features a more limited blend of 8 to 14-year-old barrels drawn from the same center cut of the warehouse that Booker himself always favored.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this whiskey really socks it to you at first with a surprising initial richness. It leaps out of the glass with enchanting floral notes, French vanilla, stewed plums, and ripe grapes. After a few waves of the hand, it turns a tad more savory with cloves and dates.
Palate: Dense oak tones crash against the sumptuous flavors of dark chocolate, French vanilla, and dates when you first sip this bourbon. Some black cherries appear at midpalate, along with polished leather and a slightly dusty quality that adds depth. As for the mouthfeel, it’s full-bodied and anxiously coats your palate for the duration of each sip, remaining slow to recede through the finish.
Finish: The finish on this bourbon is medium to long, and that affords it plenty of runway space to allow the French vanilla and date flavors to stick around while a slight uptick in black pepper can be found before it fully dissipates.
Bottom Line:
Booker’s The Reserves is just one of a plethora of new releases from Jim Beam in the past year, many of which have made this list. I’m pleased to report that it’s the best of the bunch. With plenty of heat to please the proof hounds and a full-bodied mouthfeel to satiate those looking for the incredible depth of flavor cask strength bourbon is known for, this release checks all the boxes and succeeds in elevating standard Booker’s while remaining true to its creator’s vision.
Julian Van Winkle III himself has cited Pappy Van Winkle 15 as his favorite among his family’s range of vaunted bourbons. Aged for 15 years, this wheated bourbon is cherry-picked from among the best barrels in Buffalo Trace’s inventory and given the final okay by the Van Winkle family.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on Pappy Van Winkle 15 is marked by honeysuckle, vanilla ice cream, and Rainier cherries — not an uncommon bouquet of aromas for a Buffalo Trace wheated bourbon. However, the richness and definition of those notes are simply remarkable, with each of them penetrating the senses and seemingly sitting on your palate before you’ve even taken your first sip.
Palate: A gentle backbone of oak tannins offers structure to the sweet honeysuckle, stewed apples, Rainier cherries, and mellow allspice that hits your palate after the first sip of Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year. What you may immediately perceive as complexity is instead depth, as you’ll discover nuance in each of those entrancing flavor notes. With regards to the texture, it’s impressively viscous, rolling over the tongue with the ease of rainwater over an oil slick.
Finish: The finish finds a touch of allspice and oily vanilla pod as the oak tones get ratcheted up a bit, and the honey provides a gentle landing spot for those baking spices. It’s medium to long in the finish, and that’s the perfect amount of time for the depth of those flavors to fully unfurl.
Bottom Line:
There are a spoiled few who lament that Pappy 15 ain’t what it used to be. Then there are the rest of us who only hope for the opportunity to try this beautiful, mythical whiskey at least once per year. For the latter camp, rest assured, Pappy 15’s unicorn status is well earned as it takes everything there is to love about Buffalo Trace’s wheated bourbon and showcases that flavorful bounty of riches at a mature age.
E.H. Taylor Jr. Barrel Proof bourbon is the pinnacle of the E.H. Taylor range, bottled at cask strength and released in annual batches.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: On the nose, there’s a distinct vinegar-based barbeque note that comes through, along with cornbread, cinnamon, and cocktail cherries. It’s a complex assortment of aromas that begin a bit muddled, but because they bleed together, it makes it more intriguing to tease them out.
Palate: The palate very much holds true to the nose’s indications that this would be a densely packed pour with secrets to uncover. In the mouth, the flavors of Manuka honey and cocktail cherries become evident but elusive, weaving in and out of perception behind layers of mature oak, vanilla cone, allspice, and tobacco leaf.
Finish: The finish is long and heavily dominated by baking spices like allspice and cinnamon, while the sweet cocktail cherry flavors from earlier in the sip power through to the end, offering balance.
Bottom Line:
E.H. Taylor Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon is one of the most underrated whiskeys in Buffalo Trace’s entire portfolio. While, yes, like most of their range of products, this bourbon is highly sought-after and only infrequently available, it truly deserves a wider reputation for delivering a flavor experience that is on par with the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.
Premier Drams is a new brand that was launched early this summer by the same man behind Washington D.C.’s legendary whiskey bar, Jack Rose, Bill Thomas. 8 years ago, Thomas began procuring contract-distilled whiskey from an elusive producer in Bardstown, Kentucky, and aging it at the site of the historic Old Taylor Distillery, which today is the home of Castle & Key. Due to Castle & Key’s uniquely cool maturation facilities, many of the barrels that went into these Premier Drams single barrels saw a significant drop in ABV, with the majority hovering right around the 100-proof mark at cask strength.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Strawberry saltwater taffy escapes the grasp of the glass to greet the nose at first before evolving into a cherry Luden’s note and partnering up with truffle honey, white pepper, and peanut brittle for a mellow and intriguing medley.
Palate: On the palate, it’s a delight to discover that the Luden’s cherry note has evolved into a full-blown Rainier cherry, carrying white pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and honey in tow. The flavors here are markedly rich, defying its moderate proof and delivering a depth and richness that will have you sucking your molars, frantically trying to prevent even a single drop from slipping through the cracks.
Finish: Vanilla pods, salted butter, fatty Brazil nuts, and white pepper prevail on the finish with a dollop of honey and Rainier cherries, adding a sweet closing kiss as it succinctly slides off your palate.
Bottom Line:
Premier Drams is quietly revolutionizing the modern bourbon landscape by delivering cask-strength bourbon at a moderate proof point. Take note of that. In the fashion of any groundbreaking innovator, I’m not entirely sure the public is ready for it yet, but that’s what makes discovering excellent single-barrel offerings like this so awesome. I suspect that, in due time, these stellar new releases will be even more coveted than they already are.
Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon is one of the more rigorously refined bourbons on the market. That’s not just lip service. Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation, Andrea Wilson, painstakingly comb through Michter’s voluminous well-aged barrel inventory for this release annually and subject it to their own proprietary custom filtration process to dial in the flavor. Sure, there’s a big fat 10-year age statement on it, but as the two of them are fond of saying, “We don’t just age it for 10 years and a day.”
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Incredibly refined and dense oak notes combine with mature leather on the nose. It’s rewarding that this immediately comes across as a hyper-aged bourbon. My notes say, “satisfyingly sexy oak” and while I’m not entirely sure what that means, I hope you know what I meant.
Palate: Buttery viscosity leads the charge as this pour sets out to conquer four of your five senses (it looks dark and inviting in the glass, as well). There’s a decadent vanilla cream note that sits atop the mature leather and dense oak tones that are impossible to turn away from. The taste of black cherry enters before the transition to the finish and pools at the middle of the tongue before branching out along the roof of the mouth.
Finish: Tasted blind, I was impressed at how lengthy the finish on this whiskey was, but upon learning it’s only 94.4 proof, I became doubly so. There are gentle baking spices on the back end to go along with those oak tones, but the earthy, mature bourbon notes really carry it through.
Bottom Line:
Yes, Michter’s 10-year bourbon is typically excellent, but it deserves extra credit for being such a lush, flavorful bourbon, all at a modest 94.4 proof, which is atypically low for contemporary bourbon releases of this caliber. Nevertheless, quality always wins out, and this expression proved it repeatedly in recent years in UPROXX blind tastings.
10. Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Bourbon “Trinidad Sour” Barrel #5222
Willett Family Estate Bourbon is well-known as some of the most exclusive, exorbitantly priced, and, yes, excellent bourbon on the market. Drawing barrels from various sources (including their self-distilled whiskey, which is now approaching its teenage years) and maturing them at the distillery’s property in Bardstown, Kentucky, is part of the magic, making every single barrel akin to a snowflake: unique and never to be seen again. This particular barrel produced just 124 bottles and was selected by Bill Thomas for the Jack Rose Dining Saloon in D.C., who was famously among the first three people to select a single barrel from Willett.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The aroma is immediately evocative of this single barrel’s nickname, as the scents of dunder, maple candy, cinnamon sugar, lime rind, and mocha waft upward to greet the nose.
Palate: The palate welcomes more of the same, with some mocha, brown sugar, toasted coconut, torched orange wheels, and crème brûlée flavors washing over the tongue and pooling at midpalate with some serious staying power. Cinnamon, clove, and pops of barrel char give this whiskey an earthy grounding that allows those earlier sweet notes a base from which to tease the edges of the tongue.
Finish: The finish on this whiskey is prominently lengthy, with the torched orange wheel flavor extending a trunk that allows brown sugar, toasted coconut, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to branch off.
Bottom Line:
Willett Family Estate Bourbon enjoys a venerated space near the top of bourbon’s ever-changing Mount Olympus — and for good reason. This has been both one of the hardest to find and the most high-quality bourbon lineups on the market for the past ten years, and I don’t expect that to change any time soon.
Unbeknownst to many, Old Forester President’s Choice was America’s first single-barrel bourbon. The expression, which can be traced back to 1962, originally got its name because Old Forester’s President hand-selected the barrels that went into it. Today, Old Forester President’s Choice single barrels are always bottled at full cask strength, although when it was introduced, there was also a 90.3-proof small batch version.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this whiskey is chock-full of layers with maple candy, deep caramel, and milk chocolate brownies representing the sweeter contingent as a fruity black cherry aroma pairs with sandalwood, clove, and vanilla on the other end of the spectrum.
Palate: Brownie and black cherry are most evident initially, enveloping your palate in a dark, rich sweetness. Initially, it has some heat on it, but it’s just enough to prod you and let you know it’s there. The liquid is full-bodied and silky, hanging out on the back palate with a touch of leather and mesquite barbeque sauce flavor.
Finish: The finish contains a bit of smoked black cherry to go along with the familiar taste of corner brownies and lovely oak tones.
Bottom Line:
Old Forester President’s Choice recently claimed the top spot in our “best of Old Forester” ranking, and given how iconic the brand is, it should come as no surprise to see its best offering listed in this year’s top ten. This single-barrel expression is reliably delicious, and difficult though it may be to find, those who seek them out will be met with quite the bounty.
8. Rare Character Pride of Anderson County Bourbon
The bourbon in these legendary bottles was famously sourced from Wild Turkey, making it one of the rare bourbon releases that actually states its distillery of origin — and a world-class one at that. Last year’s twin Pride of Anderson County Bourbon expressions sold out in a flash, and this year’s dual releases met the same fate. This 14+ year bottle hails from Wild Turkey’s Camp Nelson Rickhouse E, having been distilled in the spring of 2010 and limited to fewer than 600 bottles.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this whiskey features that familiar candy apple and oak profile that one has a tendency to expect from certain Russell’s Reserve single barrels but with a deep, thrumming, clove note that permeates throughout and pastry notes reminiscent of a vanilla custard-filled pretzel cronut. It’s damn difficult to turn your nose away from this glass, but our first sip beckons.
Palate: On the palate, I’m immediately struck by a vanilla buttercream note that gently recedes, revealing some of the ripe red apple flavors that the nose promised, alongside some mature oak, cocoa, and gooey caramel. Further investigation reveals some cinnamon, candied ginger, and honeyed black tea notes. Lastly, the mouthfeel here is incredible, as it warmly coats your palate, with the viscous liquid which rewards “chewing” and sucking your teeth to unearth new layers of flavor.
Finish: The finish is remarkably long, with red apples, a twist of lime, oak, and cinnamon seizing the lead while black pepper and clove come along for the ride.
Bottom Line:
One glass of this elusive liquid was enough for me to know that it would approach the top of my personal list for 2024’s best bourbon releases. The selectivity that Rare Character’s founder, Pablo Moix, exhibits in curating the casks that wind up in the brand’s premium lineups is second to none, and these Pride of Anderson County limited editions exemplify that. Many brands funnel their best bourbon into annual releases to be a part of the conversation. Rare Character saves its best bourbon for this annual release to make a statement.
George T. Stagg Bourbon, first launched in 2002, has since taken the whiskey world by storm, introducing consumers to a brand of full-throated, high-intensity bourbon that has slowly become the most coveted expression of the category by enthusiasts. The 2024 George T. Stagg was matured for 15 years and 2 months.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The aroma of cinnamon rolls, with their beautifully sweet blend of baking spice, vanilla frosting, and baked pastry dough, comes tumbling out of the glass at first. Soon to follow are some impressive Rainier cherry notes, which is an unexpected zag given the proof and Stagg’s prototypical dark cherry vibes. Finally, there are some blood orange and nutmeg notes, which add nuance, along with some dark chocolate, tobacco leaf, and mature oak tones.
Palate: This bourbon entrances your palate with a sensuous, multi-layered experience right off the bat. We’re talking about cooked apples and Rainier cherries, joined by cinnamon rolls and allspice, honey, and peanut brittle, with freshly cracked black pepper and barrel spice showing up late to the party. The mouthfeel is dense, bordering on decadent, and the liquid subsumes your senses, forcing you to contend with each layer of full-bodied flavor.
Finish: The lingering finish continues the complexity found at midpalate as red apples, oak, cinnamon bark, and black pepper all have equal footing as this bourbon takes its time leaving your palate.
Bottom Line:
Simply put, George T. Stagg is the reigning king of Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection lineup. Not only does it have the most lengthy finish and a formidable nose, but it delivers an incredible amount of densely packed flavor on the palate, checking every box for sublime bourbon you could ask for. In a loaded list of worthy contenders, George T. Stagg is the power hitter that regularly makes Buffalo Trace such a laudable distillery.
6. Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon 2024
Four Roses’ highly anticipated Limited Edition Small Batch for 2024 has finally been announced, and we were able to get a first taste of it. For this year’s release, Master Distiller Brent Elliott opted to blend three of Four Roses’ ten bourbon recipes with a 12-year-old OBSV, 15-year-old OESK, 16-year-old OESF, and more OBSV, this time at 20 years old, to create the final product.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose is initially floral with ripe apples, butterscotch, and butter pecan ice cream. Faint bits of dark chocolate, star anise, and tobacco leaf help to round out the beautiful bouquet of aromas.
Palate: The butterscotch and apple note really pops on the palate off the bat. The whiskey is well-rounded with a mellow black pepper baking spice tone to go with a more pronounced helping of cinnamon bark, pecans, and brown sugar. The range of flavors reminds me a lot of fried apple pie with a splash of citrus zest. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and enhances the depth of the flavors without becoming an attraction unto itself.
Finish: The finish has a mature oak backbone with the additional flavor of caramel chews and Fuji apple skin. It’s medium-length, but that brevity really works, urging your focus on the next sip rather than your last.
Bottom Line:
Look, 2024 was one of the best years for bourbon releases in recent memory, and the fact that this expression landed just outside our top 5 for Kentucky alone is proof of that. Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch is annually considered one of the stars of American whiskey’s autumn release schedule and its consistently high quality is indicative of why.
Russell’s Reserve 15 is Wild Turkey’s latest age-stated release, and boy, has it been met with enthusiasm. The brand’s digital launch caused its website to crash both days; it made the expression available online, and the legend of the liquid in the bottle has only grown legs since then. This bourbon is non-chill filtered, and given Wild Turkey’s track record, one can safely assume there’s whiskey aged for even longer than 15 years in this blend.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Syrupy fig, mature oak tones, and rich leather fill the room once you pour this whiskey, and medicinal cherry notes and milk chocolate join them chocolate. There’s no mistaking the fact that this is a bourbon of a certain age. With further investigation, your nose will bump up against cloves and cinnamon as the aroma of vanilla pod takes root. Finally, a faintly floral note reminiscent of rosewater can be found.
Palate: Black cherries covered in chocolate truffle dust hit the palate at first; this is distinctly different than, say, cherry cordials as there’s a ripeness to the fruit and an almost chalky textural component to the chocolate. On the second sip, observe nougat, caramel, vanilla, and rich oak. While the nose gave the impression that this would be over-oaked, the palate greatly alleviates those concerns as each of the hallmarks of hyper-aging has its say without muddling any of the others.
Finish: Lengthy, balanced, and delicious, the finish is marked by black cherries, clove, and cacao nibs as it grips your palate for dear life, refusing to dissipate until minutes after the last sip.
Bottom Line:
Russell’s 15-Year Bourbon is truly a world beater. When it was initially released, expectations for this bottle were sky-high, and our impression of it has remained there throughout the year. Sure, Russell’s Reserve 15-Year is one of the best bourbons available today, but taking the superlatives a step higher, this might go down in the pantheon as one of the best bourbons in the Wild Turkey brand’s entire history.
King of Kentucky is the Brown-Forman brand’s most regal annual release. For 2024, it features a fleet of single-barrel bourbons, all aged for at least 16 years. With 5,100 bottles produced from just 63 barrels distilled between July 19, 2007, and November 15, 2007, this expression’s popularity and relative rarity make it difficult to find.
Bottom Line:
King of Kentucky’s bulletproof quality makes it a perennial contender for bourbon of the year, and after a ho-hum 2023 release, the brand is back with a vengeance. Hell, King of Kentucky hasn’t been this good in almost six years, and so that makes last year’s 2024 version that much more impressive, showcasing the beauty of Brown Forman’s formidable whiskey stock and the prowess of the folks tasked with stewarding it.
Oakley Spirits is a brand-new producer with some absolutely jaw-dropping whiskey in its portfolio. Case in point: its inaugural release, a 20-year Kentucky Bourbon forged from single barrels and aged to its optimal peak.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose opens with stunning force as fresh Brazil nuts, gooey caramel, and mature oak aromas set the tone. From there, crisp red apples, marzipan, and palo santo notes emerge alongside honeycomb, cinnamon, peanut butter, and white pepper. It’s the sort of nose that makes the hair on the back of your arm stand up as you anticipate the first sip.
Palate: Caramel sweetness seizes the palate, allowing the flavors of Rainier cherries, vanilla bean ice cream, stunning oak, milk chocolate, and faint whisps of polished leather to take turns delighting the center of the tongue. At the tongue’s edges, you’ll pick up more forceful oak and baking spice tones like cinnamon and clove, which help to balance the sweetness and elevate its richness.
Finish: The long and lingering finish welcomes the reincorporation of Rainier cherries and an uptick in the vanilla bean flavors, while dark chocolate chunks and well-developed oak notes offer earthier layers of nuance that enhance each sip.
Bottom Line:
From a quality standpoint, there’s no good reason why Oakley Spirits’ inaugural bourbon offering should be flying under the radar. The combination of an unknown name in the space and a prohibitive price point is surely to blame, but tasting is believing, and we’ve been head-over-heels in love with this bourbon from the first sip, so much so that we have it earmarked as an early bourbon of the year contender.
While the first two barrels from this lineup took a few hours before being hunted into extinction, the brand’s third release of these 20-year-old bourbon barrels met its fate earlier this week in mere seconds. These incredible Collector’s Edition offerings are the real deal.
Brook Hill is the ultra-premium release from Rare Character that has everyone in American whiskey buzzing. The brand comprises carefully curated bourbon and rye from various sources selected by Rare Character’s founder, Pablo Moix. This as-yet-unreleased 15-year version, soft-launched at the Black Bourbon Run event late last year, features the oldest whiskey the brand has ever bottled, presented at cask strength and free from chill filtration.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose opens with a faintly dusty aspect, to be expected with well-aged Kentucky bourbon, before bubbling over with the aroma of dried black cherries, sticky toffee, worn leather, clove, and cinnamon. This is a balanced, demure bouquet of aromas you’ll want to explore at length.
Palate: As the liquid first trickles over your tongue, it’s that beautiful balance from the nose that serves to impress. Figs and black cherries lead the fruit-forward flavors, while cloves and cinnamon take care of the spice as reserved, mature oak tones and reserved leather provide an impressive depth to the entire affair.
Finish: The finish is remarkably round and supple, leaving your tongue coated with each of the flavors and slowly dissipating from the palate even as more flavor attempts to burrow along your jawline, eager to stay for extended savoring.
Bottom Line:
Rare Character is growing up before our eyes. While other brands have enjoyed prodigious beginnings that quickly lost steam, Brook Hill is no longer just the latest whiskey wunderkind. It can now be considered the definitive single-barrel series in the bourbon world with the variety, age statements, and superlative quality to back it up.
Heralded as one of the most exceptional bourbons of the modern era, Michter’s 20-year bourbon is a rare treat that hasn’t been released since 2022. For the production of this expression, Michter’s — which was recently named the World’s Most Admired Distillery — utilizes bourbon of the highest quality, which has rested for a minimum of 20 long years in new American white oak barrels before it’s approved for bottling by the distillery’s tasting panel which includes Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this bourbon immediately announces itself as a mature expression with hot cocoa and seasoned oak emanating from the glass, riding a cinnamon bark raft with a leather sail over waves of brown sugar, coffee beans, vanilla ice cream, and savory dates — the sort you would cook in a Moroccan tajine alongside a succulent chicken dish. I’m already salivating.
Palate: The tasting experience with Michter’s 20-year bourbon seals the deal in a single sip. This is decadent whiskey. The velvety texture brushes your palate with thick layers of flavor, coating your tongue with a primary base of chocolate truffle dust, brown sugar, and roasted coffee beans. From there, an intermediate layer is laid, resplendent with cooked dates, ripe plums, and juicy black cherries. At last, the topcoat of vanilla bean ice cream, wildflower honey, and a caramelized orange wheel begins to set, seeping into your tongue and sneaking between your teeth, allowing you to enjoy each distinct flavor at length.
Finish: The lengthy, lingering finish is the perfect reward for such an enveloping blanket of flavor, as the palate’s greatest hits float to the surface as you savor the end of each sip. Expect vanilla bean, dark chocolate chunks, mature oak, Maduro cigar leaf, blood orange juice, and ripe black cherries to be among those indulgent closing notes with polished leather bounding them all together.
Bottom Line:
Michter’s 20 is Kentucky’s best bourbon, and we’ll keep telling it to anyone who will listen. Others succeed with finely threaded balance, some with an extraordinary depth of flavor, and still others earn high marks with a lengthy, lip-smacking finish. What are we to make from a whiskey that capably achieves all three?
This is a bourbon whose age reflects its maturity, resplendent with complexity, forged under the hammer of two decades evolving in oak. Zora Neale Hurston famously said, “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” For nearly every year, that asks, “What is Kentucky’s best bourbon?” Michter’s 20-Year Bourbon is the answer.
Smoking weed enhances your enjoyment of music, art, and food, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it also makes sex a whole lot better too (it also makes falling asleep incredibly easy). The reason why cannabis is such a potent sexual enhancer is two-fold. THC is a vasodilator, meaning it dilates the blood vessels, and we hope we don’t have to dive into human biology to explain why that’s a good thing, but in case the world “vasodilation” leaves you scratching your head, just know that smoking some herb gets your body primed for quicker and stronger blood flow to the areas that need it most.
In addition to the vasodilation, moderate weed usage also gets you out of your head, drops inhibitions, and makes it easier to get more in touch with physical sensations. But don’t take our word for it, if you’re nerdy you’ll be pleased to know that there are several studies documenting how and why cannabis is a powerful sex enhancer, in fact, weed smokers aren’t just having better sex, they’re having more of it (you can check those out here, here, and here).
So to help level up your bedroom game, we’re here to shout out 12 strains that get your body and body ready for a euphoric sex session. Before we get into that, allow us this little preamble: there isn’t a single strain of weed out there that is guaranteed to “put you in the mood.” That’s just not how it works, and if anyone tells you otherwise, they’re probably selling you snake oil. As such, you probably have some basic questions. We’re going to address the most common three below, and then we’ll (finally) get to the strains.
Is Sativa Or Indica Better For Sex?
The myths behind what sativa or indica strains offer are pervasive! The truth is, strain choice does matter, but it’s a little bit more complicated than the binary of sativa and indica plants. A lot of what works for you has to do more with terpenes (read our breakdown here), than whether a strain is indica, sativa, or hybrid. So we suggest leaning towards the types of strains and highs that you like. That is going to be better for your body 100% of the time.
Cannabis can offer all sorts of different effects, from making you feel relaxed, to euphoric, to even relieving pain. All of those attributes can lead to great sex, but it’s important to ask yourself what you and your partner are looking for in a strain, and then make your decision based on that. Sometimes that could even mean partaking in two entirely different strains. You’re going to have to know and listen to your body here.
Does Weed Make You Last Longer In Bed?
It certainly can if your bedroom issues have to do with staying in the moment or having high stress and a busy mind. You should be looking at cannabis to enhance your experience and have you focusing in on the physical sensations. Smoking a strain isn’t going to magically turn you into a sex god/goddess/alien overlord (if that’s your thing). Think of cannabis more as an enhancer than a fix.
Does Weed Lower Sex Drive?
It hasn’t been proven to and studies largely suggest the opposite but a word of advice — don’t get too high. Remember, sex is the activity here, not getting baked. If you overdo it, you can become sedated, lazy, or worse, paranoid. Getting paranoid and having an anxiety attack before you do the deed isn’t sexy. So don’t hit that bowl too hard. Keep it to a hit or two each, even if you’re a hardcore everyday stoner with a high tolerance.
Amnesia Haze delivers an instant euphoric high. The strain is packed with the terpenes myrcene, which promotes relaxation, and limonene, which is a mood booster that makes you giggly. When hitting this stuff you can practically feel the sides of your mouth forming a smile.
All it takes is a few hits to get into a euphoric mind state, and best of all, this strain won’t sap your energy, allowing you to better focus in on the physical sensations between you and your partner.
Visit Weedmaps to find Amnesia Haze at a dispensary near you.
Blue Dream is all about chilling out and getting you into a relaxed state of mind. It also has the added benefit of tasting great, there is no gas-like funk here, just soothing herbal notes with a blueberry-tinged after taste. This makes it an ideal strain for shotgunning with your partner, as the inviting flavor and smell won’t be a turn off once things get hot and heavy.
This is a great strain for those going into things a little bit nervous and self-conscious.
Visit Weedmaps to find Blue Dream at a dispensary near you.
Be careful with this one, because Do-Si-Dos tends to be high in THC and packs a powerful punch. If you aren’t a regular smoker, we strong suggest just a single hit before getting busy.
Flavorwise, this strain is another pleasant one with notes of floral peppermint. After the initial hit you’ll start to feel your body melt into a buzz of sense-enhancing euphoria.
Pass the bowl between you and your partner (or partners), take a few hits, reach for the blindfold, and prepare to enter an almost psychedelic world of ecstasy.
Visit Weedmaps to find Do-Si-Dos at a dispensary near you.
GSC is a powerful pain reliever and body relaxer; we hope your imagination is strong enough to help you realize why this is such a great pre and post-strain to smoke for your bedroom escapades.
In addition to the pain-relieving and relaxing properties, GSC is also a stress-reliever and has a potent calming effect which will melt away your stress and anxiety.
Visit Weedmaps to find GSC at a dispensary near you.
Suggested Use: Beginners to the world of cannabis as a sex enhancer.
Granddaddy Purp is the ideal strain for beginners who are dipping their toes into the world of cannabis-enhanced sex. It’s fairly low in THC percentage, so even if you take a handful of hits, you’re not going to get so blazed you get couch-locked.
Pinene is the dominant terpene in this strain, which has relaxing and pain-reducing properties. It just might be the thing that emboldens you to go beyond the vanilla.
Visit Weedmaps to find Granddaddy Purp at a dispensary near you.
Granted, Green Crack is probably the least sexy name to ever grace a strain, but don’t let the name push you away from this wonderful sativa strain.
Green Crack has a mind-sharpening and creativity-boosting power that’ll leave your body buzzing and your mind full of feelings of euphoria.
Because of its high euphoric properties and its mostly mental high, it’s the ideal strain for long sessions in the sheets. It’s also a great vacation companion, so if you’re taking a drink, definitely bring Green Crack in tow.
It’s great for long sessions in the sheets and won’t weigh you down if you have other activities in the day planned. It’s a great vacation companion.
Visit Weedmaps to find Green Crack at a dispensary near you.
Harlequin is for people who want the absolutely most mild high possible. If you want to enter the bedroom totally baked with a high level of euphoria, Harlequin isn’t going to do much for you with its around 5% THC content. Where this strain excels is its high level CBD.
CBD is ideal for pain relief, mildly relaxing and great for anxiety. So if those are particular hurdles in your bedroom game, this strain has your back.
Visit Weedmaps to find Harlequin at a dispensary near you.
Northern Lights is the ideal strain for focusing in on a single task. It has a time-slowing high that makes you focus on technique and execution. So if you want to be deep in the moment and respond to even the most nuanced physical touch, this is the strain for you. It’s straight-up for making love, so if that’s your vibe, consider it.
If any strain will sell you on the idea of cannabis as a sexual enhancer, it’s this one.
Northern Lights has a spicy herbal flavor with a flowery aroma that will enhance your senses and send you into an instant body buzz. This is a great strain for those who love extended foreplay sessions and sensory exploration.
Visit Weedmaps to find Northern Lights at a dispensary near you.
We can’t think of a strain that is more on the nose than Pink Panties. This strain was designed to be sexy. It’s a powerful stress buster with a flowery slightly fruity flavor that’ll put you in a good mood the second you spark it up.
But be warned, this strain tends to be high in THC, so take it easy and reserve it for end-of-the-night fun, as Pink Panties is quick to knock people out.
Visit Weedmaps to find Pink Panties at a dispensary near you.
If anxious thoughts tend to wreck your bedroom game, consider Sour Diesel. This strain is a powerful anxiety buster with mild pain-relieving properties.
But a word of caution — the name Sour Diesel is a pretty apt descriptor. This stuff tastes pungent, and chemical-forward, and it stinks. If you or your partner are sensitive to smells, this one is going to be a turn-off. Our advice? Smoke it outside. After a few hits, you’ll be hit with cerebral enhancement which will have you running to the bedroom (or hey, keep things outdoors you animal).
Visit Weedmaps to find Sour Diesel at a dispensary near you.
Don’t let the name scare you, Trainwreck is one of the weakest strains on this list. It’ll provide a simple head change and a calming effect.
This is a feel good strain, designed you make you sensitive to touch. If you’re not careful, it might even send you into a laughing fit. It’s herbal and flowery flavor is tasty, and the high doesn’t last too long, making this an ideal strain if you’re looking for a quick burst of sensory enhancement.
Visit Weedmaps to find Trackwreck at a dispensary near you.
Suggested Use: A luxurious and premium strain that will provide a strong head change and deep body sensations.
Of all the strains on this list, Wedding Cake is by far my favorite. This is the sort of strain that only regular smokers should reach for as its high THC level and premium genetics provide a powerful full-body high. Even at one hit!
Wedding Cake has a pleasing earthy and herbal flavor with hints of sweet vanilla. A single hit will fill you with a rush of euphoria and a sense-enhancing head change.
Do not smoke Wedding Cake if you aren’t a regular smoker. This strain is often incredibly high in THC. This is premium flower meant for hardcore stoners. It has an earthy and herbal flavor with appetizing hints of sweet vanilla and is strong enough to fill you with a rush of euphoria and a sense-enhancing head change after a single hit.
Simply put, Wedding Cake will get you super high and feeling euphoric, which are always two ingredients for great sex… no marriage required.
Visit Weedmaps to find Wedding Cake at a dispensary near you.
There’s nothing quite like the moss-covered, rain-soaked Pacific Northwest, and Seattle captures the region’s unique spirit perfectly. Nestled between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, the city offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, urban energy, and a thriving food scene. Once defined by timber, shipping, and fishing, Seattle has evolved into a global tech hub, home to industry giants like Amazon and Microsoft. Each neighborhood reflects the city’s diversity—whether it’s the bustling stalls of Pike Place Market, the vibrant nightlife of Capitol Hill, or the charming waterfront views in Ballard.
MIKALA LUGEN
Just 25 miles north, Everett brings its own distinct charm. Known for its deep roots in timber and commercial fishing, Everett has long been a vital cultural hub. Since the pandemic, the city has embraced major renovations to honor its history while paving the way for future growth. Its waterfront—the largest public marina on the West Coast—is undergoing a multi-year revitalization by the Port of Everett to unite the community and enhance livability.
In the coming years, Everett will see a new two-acre green space park with an amphitheater, 200,000 square feet of retail, 2,000 square feet of office space, over 600 new housing units, and dozens of new restaurants. Whether visiting Seattle or Everett, there’s something special to experience year-round as these cities continue to grow and celebrate their heritage within the greater Pacific Northwest.
PART I – Where To Eat & Drink
Fisherman Jack’s
MIKALA LUGEN
Nestled on the largest public marina on the West Coast, Fisherman Jack’s is a must-visit and worth the drive if you’re staying in Seattle. Featuring “tide to table” seafood Asian-fusion options, NGMA-owned Fisherman Jack’s is one of Port of Everett’s newest food offerings in the city’s journey of redesign and innovation.
Founder and renowned chef Jack Ng immigrated from a small village in China to America over 30 years ago, and together with his wife and chef Jin Ma, are bringing authentic Chinese dishes to Everett.
The restaurant just celebrated its one-year anniversary in August, and it’s clear that one year in they’ve nailed down how to incorporate its locally-sourced ingredients and seafood straight from the sea to your plate. If you’re able to go when the sun is out, try to snag a table outside to dine on the waterfront and watch the sunset. Heat lamps are available! Some menu highlights include:
Dungeness Crab Rangoon: King crab meat in a buttery and fried wonton. Not sure how anything could be better than this.
Seabass Roll: The presentation of these made these even more delicious. Wrapped up in crispy cones, this was a perfect appetizer to share.
Mongolian Beef: My favorite of the evening! The beef was perfectly tender and complemented the plate of white glass noodles, drizzled in a savory sweet and spicy sauce.
The Muse Whiskey & Coffee
MIKALA LUGEN
Originally built in 1923, The Muse is a coffeehouse by day and Speakeasy-inspired Whiskey bar by night. What’s cool about this place is that it was the original Weyerhäuser timber office building, headed by “The Lumber King,” Frederick Weyerhäuser. His office placement in Everett influenced the nation’s timber industry – becoming the largest timber company in the world – and greatly impacted Everett’s history, helping it achieve its status of being the largest public marina on the West Coast and the second largest port in Washington state by export value.
While the building has been moved officially three times, NGMA – with the Port Of Everett’s blessing – renovated it to keep its original woodwork to become a community gathering space and showpiece of the town’s history. Upon entry, you’ll be welcomed by 100-year-old “wavy glass” window panes, gothic-styled wooden structures, and Great Gatsby-esque furnishings.
Whether you decide to come here to start your day or end it, the overall vibe here is unmatched. I’m definitely not trying to sway when you come here, but it’s important to note that The Muse has the largest collection of whiskey in the state of Washington, perfect for an evening of sipping on the water. With a formal tour, you can enter its vault, which holds coveted, limited bottles of whiskey and scotch from around the world, including an unsealed, one of 50 LOUIS XIII: The Jeroboam 1997, 30-year vintage; a 1950s Macallan; a 1988 Macallan, 30-year vintage; a 1755 Black Tot rum; among dozens of others.
MIKALA LUGEN
Almost all ingredients are made in-house for its hand-crafted coffee and cocktails, while the coffee itself is sourced from a locally-owned company from Whidbey Island. Its menu is curated for each season and is set up to be “family-style” of plate sharing that complement its drinks selection.
Some notable highlights:
Charcuterie Board: Not all charcuterie boards are made equal! This one came with salty pickled dates and little slices of garlic bread that truly sent it over the edge of great to must-order.
Bone Marrow: Spreading buttery bone marrow as you sip custom whiskey flights and cocktails on the water is a match made in heaven.
The Dark Walnut: Espresso martinis have been getting a hefty rotation in popularity, but some are hit and miss. Made with darkened espresso beans and nutty flavors, I absolutely loved this and only needed one to feel the buzz.
Part II – Where To Sleep
In Everett:
HOTEL INDIGO SEATTLE EVERETT WATERFRONT
While in Everett, you absolutely need to stay on the water; it’s basically the whole point! Tucked on the banks of the Port Gardner Bay within the Port of Everett’s Waterfront Place neighborhood, Hotel Indigo Seattle Everett Waterfront was the perfect “home away from home” to explore this beautiful small town with scenic views of the Olympic Mountains.
The hotel features 142 guest rooms – 119 boasting water views – with modern furnishings and art from local artists and creators. Many hotels offer a pool to enjoy year-round, but not many can say they have an indoor, heated saltwater pool like Hotel Indigo. There’s also a fitness center, business rooms and meeting spaces, and free parking and Wi-Fi.
The best part about Hotel Indigo? It’s just steps away from Fisherman Jack’s, The Muse, and all of the waterfront activities and happenings. In the evening, I loved walking out of the hotel and walking up the Grand Avenue Park Bridge for incredible views of the harbor and sunset.
Part III – Where To Play
Seattle might be one of the most fun cities to explore with no true plan. Like any city, Seattle has some classic tourist attractions that are often at the top of the list for itineraries. We didn’t really do any of those with the exception of Pike Place Market because well, that one is truly a “must-see” experience.
Arrive Hungry & Curious To Pike Place Market
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Probably one of Seattle’s most iconic places aside from The Space Needle, Pike Place Market is a scene you really won’t experience anywhere else. Picture an indoor-outdoor marketplace spanning nine historic acres in the center of downtown where a blend of Seattle’s true rustic fishermen and the city’s vibrant artisan locals come together to host a true curiosity market. Walking through the “soul of Seattle,” you’ll see fishmongers tossing fish filets through the air, cobblestone coordinators filled with handmade crafts, local produce, and vibrant cafes and quirky shops serving up any food that you could ever want.
The best way to explore this place is to park and let yourself wander about. Come hungry and grab little samples or small servings from individual eateries, like Piroshky Bakery. It’s easy to find because you’ll see a long line adjacent to their front doors as people line up to see the original Starbucks. Feel free to snap a quick photo in front of the sign and carry on your day, as there isn’t anything special about the menu to justify ever waiting in a 45-minute line to grab your basic coffee. Pickles on sticks, ostrich eggs, copper rings, leather purses, hot clam chowder, and “the world’s best” mac n’ cheese are just some of the things you can find.
On a clear day, the Market overlooks Elliott Bay, offering scenic views over the ferris wheel and ocean below.
Hike To Bruun Idun
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Why not go on a little scavenger hunt while in Seattle? Bruun Idun is a whimsical troll sculpture located in West Seattle in Lincoln Park as part of the “Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King” public art project. Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, Bruun Idun is the only female troll of the six-part series and exemplifies Dambo’s signature approach of crafting large-scale sculptures from recycled and reclaimed materials. She carries an environmental message, emphasizing sustainability and the connection between Nordic and Coast Salish cultures.
Getting to her is a beautiful “long” walk or “short” hike along the scenic trails of Lincoln Park. She’s a little hard to spot at first since she blends in with the trees around her, but once you’re there it’s totally worth it to see her while overlooking the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. You can make it a whole scavenger hunt adventure and see the rest of the troll sculptures by using the information and map here.
Party At Climate Pledge Arena
MIKALA LUGEN
A trip to Seattle isn’t complete without seeing a show at Climate Pledge Arena. Originally built in 1962 for the Seattle World Fair and renovated in 2021, this 18,000-person state-of-the-art venue sits at the base of the Space Needle and hosts some of the biggest names in music. Its name comes from a partnership with Amazon to highlight climate action, aiming to be one of the world’s first net-zero carbon-certified venues. As part of its sustainability pledge, Climate Pledge Arena operates with renewable energy, including on-site solar panels, and offsets all carbon emissions. It uses rainwater for its ice rink and offers a plastic-free experience, encouraging the use of compostable materials and reducing waste.
Seeing a show here does wonders for the mind, body, and soul. I got to experience Fred Again.. on his sold-out The Places We’ve Never Been tour which really put a cherry on top of checking Seattle off my list. While it is a corporate-owned venue with corporate-owned rules – like needing a clear bag or purse – Fred Again..’s raw and emotional house and UK garage tracks truly lit up within the walls of this venue for a grand party. It doesn’t matter what day of the week it is – you can surely find a show to attend when you’re visiting Seattle or Everett.
Visiting “the Jetty” is like stepping back in time; there are no cars, electricity, or running water. Whether or not you raised your eyebrows to this, you should try to make it here if you make it Everett during the summer season. This two-mile long, human-made island is known to be one of Washington’s best beaches, but really acts as a breakwater for the Port of Everett Marina.
From the beginning of July to Labor Day weekend, you can take a $3-5 ferry to and from Jetty Island and pack a bag to have a peaceful and “amenities-free” beach day.
Walk Through Grand Avenue Park & Everett’s Pedestrian Bridge
MIKALA LUGEN
I found this to be very relaxing to end my day after eating fresh seafood dishes at Fisherman Jack’s. A short walk from Hotel Indigo, the pedestrian bridge is the city’s latest innovation to bridge the gap between the waterfront and downtown Everett. The pedestrian bridge is beautifully lit up at night and can either be scaled by walking up the stairs or taking the elevator. Once out, you can walk through Grand Avenue Park overlooking the Port of Everett and find some solitude witnessing what is arguably one of the most colorfully decorated sunsets in the country.
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