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WARNING: Major spoilers ahead for Fast X. Do not keep reading unless you hate surprises.

The latest installment in the Fast and Furious franchise asks a ton of questions. For one–is it the last movie? Probably not. Is it the best one? Maybe! Is Jason Momoa’s character actually that insane? You bet! But there are even more surprises in store when fans flood the theaters with pizza this weekend for Fast X.

There was one key moment in the film that has kind of been spoiled for some people, and that is the big reunion between Vin Diesel and The Rock/Dwayne Johnson.

If you are unaware (or perhaps living under a…Rock….), Diesel and Johnson had a pretty messy feud over the last few years which led The Rock’s character Hobbs to be absent from the most recent films. It seemed like there was going to be no reconciliation between the two of them… until Fast X director Louis Leterrier stepped in. Leterrier told The Hollywood Reporter that he was the one who proposed a peace treaty between Johnson and Diesel.

The peace treaty … I kind of [brokered it]. We all did. Ultimately, the movie did. We sort of looked at each other from across the room and winked a few months back, saying, ‘We should work together.’ And then I had this idea and I presented it to the producers and the studio. And then we reached out to Dwayne and his team, and said, ‘Just come and watch the movie. You have to love the movie first.’ So he came to see the movie and really loved it, and then we started talking. It was very smooth, and frankly, as a fan, I could not conceive continuing the franchise without either Dwayne or Gal Gadot.

This franchise was built by actors and characters. The set pieces are wonderful. They keep you entertained and keep you shoving popcorn in your mouth, but the characters make this franchise what it is.

Johnson wasn’t the only high-profile surprise (though the Colosseum also gets a nice little cameo in there): Gal Gadot’s returns as her character Gisele, who was introduced way back in 2009’s Fast & Furious.

Leterrier, who had previously worked with Gadot, said that her cameo was the final piece of the Fast puzzle that made everything come together. “I was lucky enough to see Gal Gadot and give her a big hug and a thank you at the end of the shoot. That was a highlight for me,” he explained. “So, now that I get to not only work with her but also bring back Gisele into the franchise, I’m the happiest fan in the world.”

Maybe Leterrier is a happy fan, but there is literally nobody who is happier than Vin Diesel at this point. This man could play Dom Toretto breaking out of his nursing home to hijack an ambulance and he will still be all smiles. Maybe The Rock will be there with him!

(Via The Hollywood Reporter)

Beyoncé’s massive Renaissance Tour is currently making its way across Europe, and fans are loving it. Between her dressing up as an actual bee to riding around on a tank, she pulled out all the stops on this one once again. The shows also wouldn’t be anything without the backup dancers, who have been with her through the rehearsal process and beyond.

Yesterday, the full credits for the tour were revealed — giving even more insight into who’s on her crew.

Here is everything to know about Beyoncé’s dancers during this tour.

Who Are Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour Dancers?

Les Twins, also known as twin brothers Laurent and Larry Nicolas Bourgeois, returned to join another Beyoncé tour. The two appeared during the “7/11” interlude, starting at her opening night in Stockholm. They also returned to dance with her to “Thique.”

Honey Balenciaga has been another popular favorite of the tour dancers. She notably appears during the Ballroom segment, as well as some additional musical numbers. On Beyoncé’s website, she is credited as part of The Dolls, alongside Carlos Irizarry, Darius Hickman, and Jonté Moaning.

Another notable credit is the Dance Captain, Hannah Douglass.

Beyoncé’s full rest of the list of dancers include Aahkilah Cornelius, Ai Shimatsu, Aliya Janel, Alannah Wilhite, Amari Marshall, Brianna Pavon, Kyndall Harris, Lisa Sainvil, Nerita McFarlane, Simone Alston, Trinity Joy, Jus’t Chase, Kevin “Konkrete” Davis Jr., Rob Bynes, and Zavion Brown.

What Have Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour Dancers Said About The Tour?

Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour dancers talking about the actual tour has been a little hard to find. However, Les Twins have spoken about her in past interviews, regarding how she chooses dancers for musical numbers. “Before, we was in every number,” they told Revolt TV. “After that, she was like, ‘I want you in just this one, this one, and this one.’ Two-hour show, I come only three times. She’s like, ‘You’re a star to me. When you come through, it’s a wrap. You cannot be in every number.’ And I started to understand.”

How Much Do Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour Dancers Get Paid?

While it’s unclear how much Beyoncé’s dancers are also getting paid on this tour, it is likely higher than before. Back in 2020, Rolling Stone had reported that her and other high-profile artists weren’t giving dancers very much. Her choreographer, JaQuel Knight, has previously pushed back against reports of her also only paying $250-per-day at shoots.

“Please run me the production company, the choreographer, the shoot dates, the dancers that have rehearsed and are shooting for these rates,” he responded. And, considering it’s a full tour rather than a shoot, there’s likely a high salary set.

Ludacris thinks Fast Five is the best Fast and Furious movie (he’s right to say it), but “there’s a possibility that Fast X, in its completion, might be the greatest action film of all time.” He, like Vin Diesel, sees the end of the Fast Saga as a trilogy: there’s Fast X, followed by Fast 11 and Fast 12, or whatever they end up being called. (Life on the Fast 12ane?).

Fast X is out in theaters now, but when we can expect part two? Sometime in 2025, although no specific date has been revealed yet. It will join other 2025 movies like Minecraft, James Gunn’s currently Superman-less Superman: Legacy, and this burgeoning new franchise, Untitled Disney Film (2025).

“It really ends on a cliffhanger,” director Louis Leterrier told Uproxx about Fast X. “But I would have not accepted, I think no one would’ve accepted this, had we not gone all the way to the end of the franchise. What we’ve got, as we were on set, is basically understanding where this franchise will end. And then, because we know that, we’re able to not only create this cliffhanger, but also seed all the elements that we’re going to need to fully arc out this whole franchise. And on what we hope is going to be a very satisfying ending.”

Getting back [REDACTED] was a good start.

It’s already May and if you don’t have your summer plans settled already, what are you waiting for? The longer you wait to plan that summer road trip or vacation, the harder it will be to book hotels, rent cars, find flights, and everything else that goes into a good escape. While any number of sandy, sun-soaked beaches and majestic National Parks are perfect for a summer trip, we prefer our vacations to have at least one stop (if not three) at a brewery.

Heck, we’d honestly prefer to plan a whole road trip around beer. Summer was made for refreshing, frosty brews, right?

Whether you’re a fan of pilsners, IPAs, and all manner of stouts or random sour beers, a weekend getaway to a brewery or two is exactly what you need to start summer 2023 the right way. And instead of throwing a dart at a map of the United States and hoping you land somewhere with a brewery with remotely palatable beers (though… you likely would!), why not visit one of the most iconic, beloved, and highly-rated breweries in the country?

We’re talking about the bucket list breweries that you’ve always wanted to visit. The kinds of places beer fans flock to in order to get hard-to-grab limited releases and classic, beloved brews. And the best news? Regardless of where you live, there’s probably at least one of these within easy driving distance from you.

Hill Farmstead Brewery – Greensboro Bend, Vermont

Arguably the most respected brewery in the country, Hill Farmstead is worth a trip (especially in the summer). Who wouldn’t want to visit Vermont in the summer, right? Especially when there’s beer involved. Founded in 2010 on Shaun E. Hill’s family farm in the sprawling Vermont hills, this iconic brewery is serving up pretty much every style imaginable and expertly crafting each one. Try a hazy IPA, farm ale, sour beer, or a crisp pale ale on a hot summer day. This brewery has something for everyone.

What to drink:

There’s something for everyone at Hill Farmstead. Honestly, try everything. But we suggest Aber (New England-style IPA), Susan (American IPA), and Arthur (saison).

3 Floyds Brewing Co. – Munster, Indiana

Don’t even think about driving through Indiana without stopping on your way to Chicago. That’s because this Midwest state is home to one of the most highly-rated breweries in the country: 3 Floyds. Founded in 1996 in Munster, Indiana by Mike Floyd and his two sons Nick and Simon, it’s known for IPAs, pale ales, barrel-aged stouts, and many seasonal and limited-edition gems. They offer brewery tours every other Saturday. It takes about an hour and includes a 6-ounce sample glass and tastes of various beers including those in their pilot system.

What to drink:

You can’t stop by 3 Floyds without trying its iconic Zombie Dust pale ale. But don’t forget to try its award-winning wheat beer Gumballhead and any of its limited-edition, hard-to-find beers.

Russian River Brewing Company – Santa Rosa, California

When it comes to bucket list breweries, there are few more beloved than Russian River Brewing. You might not realize it, but Russian River was actually founded in 1997 by Korbel Champagne Cellars. Located in Sonoma County, California, the wine company moved on from the business and transferred it to head brewer Vinnie Cilurzo who, in the years since has created some of the highest-rated beers (especially IPAs) of all time. Stop by the brewpub in Santa Rosa for some tasty brews and equally delicious food. You can also purchase tickets to take a guided tour and enjoy a tasting at the brewery itself.

What to drink:

If you don’t visit when one of the big-name beers is released, you’re likely not going to find any available. Regardless, Russian River has a slew of great options including Blind Pig IPA, STS Pils, and the hoppy, West Coast classic Pliny the Elder.

Brewery Ommegang – Cooperstown, New York

If you live in NYC, there’s a fair chance you’ll already find yourself in the idyllic Central New York town of Cooperstown this summer anyway. It’s a quaint, picturesque town filled with artisanal shops and restaurants. It’s also home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. After you’ve strolled through the town, take a short trip to nearby Brewery Ommegang. It’s the closest thing to an authentic Belgian-style brewery you’ll find in the US. Visit the brewery to attend a concert or simply pop in and visit their taproom to try traditional Belgian-style beers and American favorites.

What to drink:

Ommegang makes many amazing beers, but we suggest trying Rare Vos (an amber ale with orange peel, grains or paradise, and coriander), Witte (wheat beer), and Gnommegang (Belgian-style blonde ale).

Toppling Goliath Brewing – Decorah, Iowa

If you only think of Iowa because of “Field of Dreams,” one trip to Toppling Goliath in Decorah will change that. Founded in 2009 by Clark and Barbara Lewey, it’s well-known for barrel-aged beers and IPAs. Take a tour of the brewery, and visit the taproom for a flight (or two) of different beers, but save some time for some hiking, kayaking, and fly-fishing. While your destination might be a brewery, the area is well-known for its outdoor activities.

What to drink:

No trip to Toppling Goliath is complete without imbibing the hazy, juicy Pseudo Sue IPA, Dorothy’s New World Lager, or one of its many seasonal and rotating beers.

Surly Brewing Co – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minnesota is one of the best states to visit in the summer (not so much during the winter). The “Land of 10,000 Lakes” and when you’re done boating, fishing, kayaking, or lazily lounging in an inner tube, you’ll want to stop by Surly Brewing in Minneapolis. Visit the beer hall or Surly Pizza. You’ll find thirty rotating taps of Surly beers (yes, thirty). Tours of the brewery are also available on Saturdays and Sundays.

What to drink:

If you can try some of the brewery’s most well-known beer Surly Axe Man IPA definitely do it. Furious IPA and Coffee Bender Brown Ale are also must-try beers.

Avery Brewing Company – Boulder, Colorado

If you’re a fan of outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking and you enjoy beer, you’re probably already planning to visit Colorado. While there are myriad brewery choices, no trip is complete without a stop at Avery Brewing in Boulder. Founded in 1993, this award-winning brewery makes white ales, pale ales, IPAs, lagers, and countless other styles. On-site you’ll find brewery tours and a taproom and restaurant.

What to drink:

Avery’s White Rascal, a Belgian-style white ale is a must-try beer. Also try Maharaja IPA, Gose con Sandia (a sour ale made with watermelon, lime, and sea salt), and any of the limited-release barrel-aged beers.

Tree House Brewing Company – Charlton, Massachusetts

If you’re a fan of hazy, New England-style IPAs and you’ve never been to Tree House Brewing, what are you waiting for? While there are multiple locations, the main brewery is located in Charlton, an hour’s drive from Boston. Visit the Main Bar or the Classic Style Bar to try over forty beers on tap. Find the beers you like and then pick up a few cans to take home.

What to drink:

You might feel overwhelmed by the number of beer options, but we think a good start is Very Green (imperial IPA), Julius (New England-style IPA), and Perpetually Distracted (farmhouse ale).

Dogfish Head Brewery – Milton, Delaware

If you find yourself planning a trip to visit one of the beach areas on the Eastern Seaboard this summer, why not stop in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware? Not only is it a beach town filled with shops and restaurants, but it’s also a half hour away from the iconic, unique Dogfish Head Brewery. Visit the tasting room, check out the “Steampunk Treehouse”, and book a tour.

What to drink:

There’s a good chance when you visit there will be something interesting on tap. Also, be sure to try Wake Up World Wide Stout, 90-Minute IPA, and Crimson Cru (a Flemish brown ale made in collaboration with Rodenbach).

Jester King Brewery – Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas is a destination for barbecue, live music, college football, and a place to see a giant cloud of bats fly out from underneath a bridge. It’s also the home of the highly-rated Jester King Brewery. On the brewery grounds, you’ll find various places to get beer and food including Pasture Bar, Pizza Bar, Brewery Bar, JK Shop, and JK Kwik Kitchen. There are also brewery tours and special events throughout the year.

What to drink:

Jester King is another brewery with such a long list of amazing beers, you might have trouble only picking a few. Some of our favorites are Das Wunderkind (dry-hopped saison), Atrial Rubicite (fruited sour ale), or La Petite Prince (table beer).

Last week, NBC News reporter Ben Collins published a story on a disturbing problem with the Twitter search bar. For unknown reasons, the autocomplete suggestions started serving up terms like “cat in a blender” if you simply typed “cat.” (There were also violent suggestions for “dog.”) Not only that, but the results included actual videos of animal cruelty that were freely available to all users, including children. A parent flagged this concern to Twitter’s safety team, which never responded.

However, after Collins reached out to Twitter for his reporting, the social media company refused to comment, but it did make the notable move of turning off autocomplete suggestions. Again, this occurred last week, and if you’re able to understand how time and dates work, congratulations, you’re several steps ahead of Jesse Watters.

On Wednesday night, the Fox News host attempted to “fact check” Collins’ reporting by attempting to replicate the animal cruelty search results. Obviously, Watters experiment didn’t work because Twitter had already fixed the problem last week. However, that didn’t stop Watters from calling Collins’ reporting a hoax, which prompted the NBC News reporter to make a Twitter video explaining to Watters the “literal passage of time.”

Using a hand-drawn calendar as a visual aid, Collins notes that he reached out to Twitter for comment on May 11. (He also included video proof that the issue existed.) On May 12, Twitter turned off the search results. Five days later on May 17, Watters ran his report, which failed to replicate the animal cruelty results because, again, the problem was fixed the week before.

“So that’s how the linear passage of time works,” Collins quipped. “I hope they understand the linear passage of time but it’s really hard to know nowadays.”

(Via Ben Collins on Twitter)

The National just unveiled their new album First Two Pages Of Frankenstein, but they’re not done just yet. They’re reviving their Hometown Festival after a hiatus, being honored by Taylor Swift while she’s on The Eras Tour, and working with Ed Sheeran. But they’re also about to bring their new material to audiences.

The First Two Pages Of Frankenstein Tour kicked off last night (May 18) at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre. The tour will go all the way through October and end in Lisbon, Portugal. Openers for select dates include Soccer Mommy, The Beths, and Bartees Strange. The setlist includes a bunch of songs off their new record, as well as some deep-cuts like “Murder Me Rachael” from their 2003 album Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers and “England” off their 2010 LP High Violet.

Find the full setlist from the Chicago show below, according to setlist.fm.

1. “Once Upon a Poolside”
2. “Eucalyptus”
3. “Tropic Morning News”
4. “New Order T-Shirt”
5. “Mistaken for Strangers”
6. “Bloodbuzz Ohio”
7. “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness”
8. “Green Gloves”
9. “Slow Show”
10. “Alien”
11. “Grease in Your Hair”
12. “Day I Die”
13. “Walk It Back”
14. “Humiliation”
15. “Murder Me Rachael”
16. “Turn Off the House”
17. “Pink Rabbits”
18. “England”
19. “Graceless”
20. “Fake Empire”
21. “Weird Goodbyes”
22. “Mr. November”
23. “Terrible Love”
24. “About Today”
25. “Send for Me”

It’s no secret that extra virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest cooking oils on the market. Due to its relative lack of processing (and the fact that it’s expeller pressed), the heart-healthy oil is full of antioxidants and vitamins, rich in monounsaturated fats, is anti-inflammatory, and boasts a bunch of other health benefits — which have been shown to help prevent strokes (study here), protect against heart disease, and possibly even lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (a recent study showed that a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by over 40%).

On top of all of that, olive oil is also one of the most versatile oils on the market. You can cook almost anything with it (so long as you aren’t deep frying), drizzle it on a salad to add complexity, or dip some bread in it. What other oil is delicious enough that you can just dip bread in it? You’re not going to do that sh*t with peanut oil. Coconut oil? Canola? Never going to happen.

Not surprisingly, the same lack of processing that helps make EVOO (as the cool kids call it) delicious also makes it expensive. There are $60 bottles of olive oil out there. But there are also some excellent bottles at much lower price points. To find the best among the more “budget bottles,” we decided to blind taste test the more affordable brands on the market.

Methodology

For this blind taste test, we gathered up 9 of the cheapest bottles of Extra Virgil Olive Oil we could find. Most of the bottles were below $10, but we set a hard price limit of $13 in order to include some of the affordable oils that come from a single country/state. Allow us to get a bit nerdy here: in the olive oil world, you have some bottles that feature a blend of olives from different countries, some that source their olives from a single country (or state), and some that are sourced from a single estate or olive orchard. Generally, the fewer places the olives are from, the better and more focused the flavor.

The top-tier single-origin oils promise a better end product because the growing conditions and processing methods are controlled and consistent. Oils sourced from a single location (say Greece) are also pretty good, but not quite to the level of olives that all come from a single farm. Unfortunately, you’re not going to get single-origin bottles from the budget section, but you can get single country/state if you look hard enough.

Does that level of granularity matter when it comes to the best-tasting affordable oils? We’re going to find out. Here is our tasting class:

• 365 Whole Foods — Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 365 Whole Foods — 100 % Californian Small Batch Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Bertoli — Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Good & Gather — Extra Virgil Olive Oil
• Good & Gather — 100% California Extra Virgil Olive Oil
• Pompeian — Robust Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Primal Kitchen — Organic Extra Virgil Olive Oil
• Trader Joes — 100% Italian Extra Virgil Olive Oil
• Trader Joes — California Extra Virgin Olive Oil

I had my girlfriend bring me a sample of each olive oil at random and tried it on a piece of baguette. To get a handle on what “good” olive oil is supposed to taste like, I first sampled Pasolivo’s Tuscan Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This is a $50 bottle of award-winning oil that is made from sustainably grown olives that are handpicked and crushed within hours at a single site. The oil was fruity with a grassy body and a peppery snap on the aftertaste. It tasted remarkably fresh, even though it was approaching its “best by” date.

In short, I’m of the mind that expensive olive oil is absolutely worth it. So let’s see if any of these budget bottles can win me over. Let’s get to tasting!

Part 1: The Olive Oil Tasting

Taste 1:

A blunt dirty olive scent on the nose. Not a lot of depth of flavor here, it tastes less like olives and more like straight oil. Like vegetable oil with a bit of darkness.

Taste 2:

Very vegetal, I’m getting a hint of olive here that leans more on the bitter than fruity notes. There is a delicate slightly floral taste to this, but it mostly lives in a rich-earthy territory. Very nice.

Taste 3:

I take back what I said about Taste 2, that’s not delicate, this is. It’s very green and grassy, with a sweet finish that lingers on the tongue.

Taste 4:

The flavors of this oil don’t float like the last few tastings, instead, they soak into the tongue with a very blunt dark olive flavor. It’s not sweet, bitter, or grassy — it’s a bit rich for its own good without anything to counterbalance it.

Taste 5:

Savory, but this is another one that tastes more like straight oil than olives. The flavor profile here comes across as messy, you get hints of grassiness and fruity elements but it dissipates before you’re able to really hold on to the flavors.

Taste 6:

Buttery and savory! This one has a mouthwatering quality to it, it leans on the floral end of the flavor spectrum with a peppercorn finish.

Taste 7:

Light and buttery, but the flavors don’t stick around long enough. I found myself triple dipping my slice of baguette into this oil because I just couldn’t taste it enough. What is there is good — it’s a mix of rich buttery and grassy notes — but it seems like you have to use a lot of it to really taste it.

Maybe that’s a good thing and that’s what you’re looking for! But in a taste test that’s just bread and oil, I need more.

Taste 8:

Nice and complex. This one starts off vegetal and grassy before slipping into more savory notes that end with a nice sweet lift. I like a bit more pepper in my olive oil, but this is really nice.

Taste 9:

Blunt but very grassy. It has a bitter vibe, but a strange warming finish that heats the mouth a bit. Definitely interesting.

Part 2: The Olive Oil Ranking

9. Pompeian Robust Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Taste 1)

Price: $6.98

Pompeian’s Robust is a certified organic by USDA , NON-GMO Verified oil made from a blend of oils from Italy, Greece, Spain, Argentina, Tunisia, Turkey, Morocco, Chile, the United States, Uruguay, and Portugal. That’s a lot of places to mix oil from and as a result, it doesn’t have a distinct character in its flavor.

I clocked this one as “blunt,” and while I think it’s perfectly serviceable, we had to rank this one last for its lack of focus.

The Bottom Line:

Perfectly serviceable but lacks character and a clear flavor.

8. Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Taste 5)

Price: $6.78

Bertolli touts itself as the “world’s no. 1 olive oil brand” and I think by that they mean the best-selling because this stuff is everywhere. For this tasting, I sourced bottles from Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Target, and some local markets and most of those locations carried Bertolli.

The oil contains olives from Argentina, Chile, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Peru, Portugal, Spain, and Tunisia — I don’t want to sound like a snob but single source is really where it’s at. Like the Pompeiian, the Bertolli lacked character and tasted more like straight oil than grassy, buttery, savory, or peppery.

It’s worth mentioning that these first two bottles were in plastic rather than glass, does that make a difference? Maybe! They certainly have a lot in common.

The Bottom Line:

Dirt cheap but it has a muddled unfocused flavor.

7. Primal Kitchen Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Taste 7)

Price: $13.49

Primal Kitchen’s Organic Extra Virgil Olive Oil is the most expensive bottle in our lineup, and you know what? It’s not really worth it. The oil is USDA organic, NON-GMO verified, and sourced from Tunisia, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Spain. It’s a significant step up from Bertolli and Pompeian but its light and buttery flavor lacks richness.

As I said in the tasting portion, maybe that’s what you’re looking for! But this olive oil is a bit too neutral to me.

The Bottom Line:

Light, and buttery, but it leaves you wanting. It’s not a very present-tasting olive oil.

6. Good & Gather — Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Taste 4)

Price: $5.29

Target’s Good & Gather brand offers the cheapest olive oil we picked up. It’s in a plastic bottle, so you know it’s cheap! The sourcing information is incredibly vague, on the bottle it reads “Imported from Spain. Contains oil from: see country printed near best by” which reads “Spain” etched into the plastic.

Labeling aside, Good & Gather is surprisingly good despite its super cheap price.

The Bottom Line:

Rich but blunt. It doesn’t have the more delicate notes of other brands, but it has a clear and present flavor that soaks into the tongue.

5. Trader Joe’s — Organic Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Taste 6)

Price: $6.99

We’re going to call it here, Trader Joe’s is the best market to buy olive oil at. Not only does TJ’s carry over 5 different varieties, they’re all incredibly easy on the wallet. This bottle is organic and cold pressed and sourced entirely in Italy. It’s a buy even if it’s not in our number one spot.

The Bottom Line:

No complaints, it’s a great bottle for a remarkably cheap price. This EVOO leans buttery and savory, so if you’re after richness, this delivers.

4. Whole Foods 365 Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Taste 8)

Price: $8.39

Whole Foods’ Italian EVOO ticks some of the same boxes as TJ’s: it’s cheap and sourced from Italy but it leans more on grassy and fruity notes, which are a bit more my thing when it comes to olive oil. The only thing it’s missing is a peppery component.

The Bottom Line:

Grassy, fruity, and cheap. It’s a buy!

3. Good & Gather Signature — 100% California Extra Virgil Olive Oil (Taste 9)

Price: $9.99

If you’re willing to throw a few more dollars on your Target bill Good & Gather’s Signature series of EVOO is worth it. It’s still under $10 which is great, but you trade in a flat flavor that lacks depth for something that is savory, buttery, and has an interesting warming finish. It’s remarkably complex for its price point, even if it is still a little on the blunt side.

The Bottom Line:

Buttery and rich with a strange (but enjoyable) warming sensation that settles on the palate.

2. Whole Foods 365 — 100% California Small Batch Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Taste 2)

Price: $12.49

I hate to say it but if you’re willing to spend a few more dollars at Whole Foods, the brand’s 100% small batch California Olive Oil is better than its cheaper bottle of Italian olive oil. The flavors here are just a lot more distinct and focused. We’re not sure what Whole Foods means by ‘small batch’ is this bottle made from olives all from the same farm? If they’re not advertising it as such, we have no reason to believe that’s the case. The term ‘small batch’ might just be some creative marketing.

In general, I think Whole Foods tends to trend expensive compared to other markets, but considering the brand also has a bunch of bottles that are double the price of this one, as an EVOO fan this bottle punches way above its weight.

The Bottom Line:

Vegetal, fruity, floral, and rich. This bottle offers a unique and present flavor that is a joy to taste.

1. Trader Joe’s California Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Taste 3)

Price: $7.99

I’ll admit it, I’m not a Trader Joe’s fan. It has this strange reputation as an inexpensive health food store, but I never found it to be all that inexpensive, and most of the best products are pre-packed frozen foods. If you’re buying your fruit and vegetables at Trader Joe’s, stop doing that you weirdo — all of the big market chains have cheaper produce and way more variety.

But I stand by what I said earlier, Trader Joe’s is absolutely the best place to buy olive oil from. Each of the bottles is cheap, you get a variety of options (California, Italy, Greece), and as far as I’ve tested, all of the bottles seem to be pretty high quality. Does it compare to the $50 Pasolivo? No. But not tasting them side by side, I don’t think I’d notice if I was at a restaurant unless I was looking for particular nuance.

In short, this California-sourced EVOO is delicious, full stop.

The Bottom Line:

Grassy and green with the slightest hint of fruit and black pepper at the finish.

The Big Takeaway:

You don’t have to break the bank for good olive oil — you don’t even have to spend more than $10. Do the pricey high-end bottles have more to offer? Absolutely. But if you’re just looking for a kitchen workhorse that gets the job done, the budget shelf has quality, you just have to know what to look for.

Keep it single source (or in this case at least from a single country or state) and ideally from a location that has a beautiful Mediterranean climate and you can’t go wrong.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z are making some serious headlines today, after TMZ reported that the couple bought not only a new house in California, but the most expensive one ever sold in the entire state for $200 million.

According to the outlet, they beat out the previously held record of $177 million for an estate sale. And, while it’s not the most expensive deal in the country (that record’s held by one in NYC for $238 million), it is now in second place.

Spanning eight acres, the property is located with a Pacific Ocean view on Paradise Cove — which they note is known as Billionaire’s Row. It was initially listed for $295 million. It had originally been built and owned by the art collector William Bell, with the design coming from the Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The house also reportedly took about fifteen years to be built.

Based on photos of the property, they also have a massive backyard just in front of the ocean.

The latest collection to the power musician duo’s real estate portfolio, it follows their 2017 purchase of a mansion in Bel-Air for $88 million. However, now that the news has broke, fans on social media are divided by the large-scale amount.

Check out some images of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s truly wild new house here.

The past couple of years have been big for hip-hop artists getting stars on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Missy Elliott got one in 2021, Nipsey Hussle got his in 2022, and even DJ Khaled got one last year. The latest icon to join his contemporaries on Hollywood Blvd. is Ludacris, whose run of hits spanned from 2000 to 2018 and bolstered a career that saw him go from Atlanta underground rap hero to international movie star (Fast X is out now, only in theaters!).

Luda — real name Chris Bridges — was honored in a ceremony on Thursday (May 18) attended by inspirations like LL Cool J and Queen Latifah, his Fast & Furious Family, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and onscreen banter partner Tyrese, and his real family, wife Eudoxie Mbouguiengue, mother Roberta Shields, and four children. According to the LA Times, his eldest daughter Karma told him she was speaking at her school, Spelman College (an aside: It’s so weird that Karma is in college when the children’s TV show based on her, Karma’s World, still has her titular character in grade school), then surprised him at the ceremony, bringing tears to his eyes.

During his speech, Chris took care to thank the two late Hollywood icons who brought him on board the Fast series way back in 2003, John Singleton and Paul Walker, as well as his longtime managers Chaka Zulu and Jeff Dixon. Interestingly enough, the Times notes that Luda’s star bears the motion picture logo instead of the one for music, although, in this writer’s opinion, he deserved it for either. Give him two. And speaking of his music career, he promised that he’d get to work on that 11th album whenever he finds time. Maybe Vin can have Tej put in a coma or something so Luda can get a break.

There’s a lot going on in the whiskey scene in America in 2023. American single malt is growing at a breakneck pace, bourbon and rye are ever-expanding, and blended American whiskey is finally getting its due (thanks to people finally taking it seriously). There isn’t a corner of the country — or a single state — where you can’t find a decent pour of local whiskey these days.

Yes, Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee make the lion’s share of all American whiskeys (and it’s not even f*cking close). But states like Washington, Texas, California, New York, Virginia, and so many more are absolutely bursting with amazing local whiskey that’s certainly worth seeking out.

Today, I’m going to name my #1 favorite pour of whiskey from each of the 50 states in this big ol’ country of ours. There are a few parameters at play here though:

• The vast majority of these whiskeys are hyper-regional and will not be available nationwide. That’s kind of the whole point.
• New and small whiskey scenes — think Hawai’i, Nebraska, New Hampshire, etc. — aren’t going to have bottles that even begin to compete with Kentucky, Indiana, or Tennessee. But that’s not the point either. This is about the best of what exists, sometimes in places where whiskey isn’t that big (yet).
• Price isn’t a consideration. There are $30 bottles on this list and $5,000 bottles. Some whiskey regions aren’t big or old enough to warrant high prices. Some (like Kentucky) are.
• Yes, I’m biting the bullet and picking only one whiskey from Kentucky even though I can easily list 100 you should try. Ironically, the Kentucky pick was the easiest decision on this list.
• This is the best of what I have tasted. As a professional whiskey writer, judge, and consultant, I’m lucky enough to taste a lot (I’m already into 1,000 pours this year). But even I have blind spots. There could be local whiskeys that are so new I haven’t even heard of them yet.
• Maybe most importantly, each of these whiskeys must be made with whiskey produced in their home state. That means a local bottler using MGP of Indiana juice in, say, Kanasa or Nevada, or California will not qualify as a Kansas, Nevada, or California whiskey even if the brand is marketed as one. The whiskeys on this list have to be fermented, distilled, and aged in their home state. I am making an exception for whiskeys with partial out-of-state whiskey in a blend. Still, this rule removes a massive swath of blender-created-bottlers from the mix.

Finally, there is no ranking here. We all know in our hearts that Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee would dominate anyway. Instead, I recommend using this list more as a travel companion. If you find yourself in a certain state or region, use this list to find the whiskey to seek out locally. Visit the distilleries, talk to the team, enjoy a flight, and leave with a great bottle of hooch. Let’s dive in!

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Alabama — Dettling Single Barrel Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 55.4% (Varies)

Average Price: $79

The Whiskey:

This Alabama whiskey is all about that grain-to-glass experience. What really stands out, though, is that this whiskey aged for only four years yet has a deep profile. The whiskey takes on a dark hew thanks to it being stored at the top of the rickhouse in hot and balmy Alabama. The results are bottled from a single one of those barrels without any cutting or fussing.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose on this one starts with cornbread that’s been baked in lard in a cast-iron skillet with an almost burnt crust, plenty of salted butter, and a dollop of honey that’s been cut with orange oils.

Palate: The palate takes that cornbread, crumbles it up, and mixes in fresh cracked Tellicherry black peppercorns, dried roses, a touch of cedar, and a mild echo of orange-laced tobacco leaves.

Finish: Finally, the sip layers in a wintry spice combo that leans toward cinnamon sticks soaked in mulled wine and apple cider that leads towards a soft finish with a dried mint that’s… almost menthol tobacco.

Bottom Line:

This was getting some serious hype in 2021 and then kind of fell off the radar in 2022. That’s a shame as this is excellent whiskey and one that’s definitely worth seeking out in 2023.

Alaska — Port Chilkoot Wrack Line Rye A Blend of Straight Rye Whiskeys

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $40

The Whiskey:

This 70% Alaskan rye focuses on organic grains, double distilling, and aging for three years in newly charred American oak. Those barrels expand and contract during warm summers and severe Alaskan winters before batching, proofing, and bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a brightness to the spice on the nose, kind of like peaches stewed in cinnamon and nutmeg with plenty of syrup.

Palate: The palate is light yet full of floral notes, oaky vanilla, and peppery rye spices.

Finish: That line of stonefruit sweetness comes in late which leads to a spicy warm finish.

Bottom Line:

This is a good standard rye. I’d use it more for mixing Manhattans or old fashioneds than as a sipper though.

Arizona — Lost Lantern Single Distillery Series Mega Mesquite Whiskey Del Bac Arizona Single Malt

ABV: 60%

Average Price: $100

The Whisky:

This Arizona malt is made from a mash (recipe) of 60% malted barley and 40% mesquite-smoked malted barley — mesquite smoke basically being the Southwest’s answer to peat. The whiskey was left to age in 15-gallon barrels (the average barrel size is 53 gallons) with a good char and a touch of toasting. Three barrels were then chosen for this cask-strength bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Classic BBQ smoke and fat mingles with burnt sugars and savoriness over dark orange and winter spice.

Palate: The richness of the palate is built with soft vanilla, smoked BBQ fats, dark pepper, and a soft sense of orange creaminess.

Finish: The end fades pretty quickly through smoked meats, sweet burnt sugars, and soft wintry orange spice.

Bottom Line:

Only 180 bottles were made. That’s rare. Overall, this is a unique whiskey that’s worth trying that will get into Del Bac and Arizona single malts. But if you can’t find this exact bottle, anything from Del Bac will be a solid choice.

Arkansas — Rock Town Single Barrel Cask Strength Arkansas Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: Varies

Average Price: $72

The Whiskey:

Rock Town is all about using Arkansas ingredients to make Arkansas whiskey. The mash is made with local corn and wheat that’s grown right outside of Little Rock (82% corn, 95 wheat, and 8% malted barley). Every step of the process happens on site from the milling of the grains to the aging of the juice. After four years, barrels are hand-selected for single-barrel bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a hint of minerality on the nose next to fresh honey, dark cherries, peaches, pie crust, and a touch of maple syrup.

Palate: The palate has a sense of tangerine next to bran muffins with a whisper of green grass and vanilla wafers.

Finish: The end is full of soft toffee and mild woody spiciness with a clear vanilla-orange foundation.

Bottom Line:

This is a pretty well-developed local whiskey. Overall, this is a solid cocktail bourbon that’s worth seeking out if you’re local.

California — Old Potrero Single Barrel Reserve Straight Rye Whiskey (S1B45)

ABV: 65.16%

Average Price: $86

The Whiskey:

This whiskey is a bit of a throwback with a West Coast vibe. The juice is 100 percent rye whiskey made at Hotaling & Co. in Potrero Hill, one of San Francisco’s most iconic spots for booze. As of this year, the spirit is being distilled on the waterfront in San Francisco but still carries that Anchor Brewing heritage. With that move, the bottle also got a brand new design that leans into San Francisco’s sea-faring history.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Molasses heavy bran muffins mingle with dry cinnamon sticks, Granny Smith apple skins, and Red Hots next to rum-raisin and a twinge of an old oak stave and craft grain porridge with a caramelized edge.

Palate: The palate leans into ginger snaps with plenty of cinnamon and nutmeg next to vanilla pudding right out of the cup and a dry sense of cedar kindling.

Finish: The end holds onto the dry woodiness with a layer of salted caramel raisins, sweet porridge, and vanilla candy on the very end.

Bottom Line:

This is a nice, crafty rye whiskey. It’s well-balanced and gives you the best of the crafty and classic vibes. Overall, use this is fruit-forward cocktails and on the rocks sipping.

Colorado — Stranahan’s Diamond Peak Colorado Single Malt Whiskey Extra Anejo Tequila Cask 2023

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $78

The Whisky:

The second Diamond Peak release of 2023 is a 100% Colorado malt. The whiskey barrels were five to eight years old (all-new American oak) that was batched and re-barrelled into Jose Cuervo’s Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo Tequila for two more years of resting. Finally, those barrels were batched, proofed, and bottled.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: This pops with a deep pink peppercorn next to floral honey (think wildflowers and mountain sage) next to soft salted toffee rolled in roasted almond and dipped in lush vanilla caramel.

Palate: That wild sage and lush toffee drive the palate toward a sense of old cedar planks, deep and dark berry leather, and a lush sense of vanilla over salted caramel and marzipan.

Finish: That creamy and lush vibe drives the end with more salted caramel, marzipan, and vanilla cream with a hint of honey-soaked dates and salted cinnamon candies with a whisper of rose-hued tobacco.

Bottom Line:

This is a “wow” for me. It’s so delicate yet deep AF — you really cannot go wrong if you’re looking for an easy sipper that takes you on a long malted journey.

Connecticut — Litchfield Distillery 5-Year Double-Barreled Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $60

The Whiskey:

Litchfield is one of those local Connecticut craft distilleries that do a little bit of everything. Their Double-Barreled 5-year-old is a highwater mark of the operation. The juice is made from locally grown Connecticut grains. That whiskey is then aged for a few years. Finally, it’s proofed with local water and re-barreled to add an extra layer of woody depth to the bourbon.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The sip starts with an almost vinous note that goes into sweet caramel and spice.

Palate: There’s a clear vanilla essence through the woody oak.

Finish: The aged-grape flavors come in again with a slight sweetness before a warm, woody, and spicy finale.

Bottom Line:

This is a solid and easy-drinking whiskey. It’s definitely worth ordering a pour if you’re in, say, New Haven and looking for something local.

Delaware — Dogfish Head Let’s Get Lost American Single Malt Whiskey

ABV: 51%

Average Price: $64

The Whiskey:

All whiskey starts off as beer so it makes a lot of sense when brewers start distilling. Industry darling, Dogfish Head, did just that with this expression. The base is 100% barley with a mix of Pale Malt, Crystal Malt, Coffee Kiln Malt, and applewood smoke Malt. That mash is fermented with Dogfish Head’s own ale yeast before distillation, aging, proofing, and bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Orange and honey mingle with a salted nuttiness next to vanilla pudding and a touch of dry cherry tobacco.

Palate: The palate has a touch of that fruity yeast next to a slight chili-choco vibe that leads back to the tobacco with a cinnamon Red Hot edge.

Finish: The finish really leans into the dryness of the chili-chocolate’s bitter end — to the point of conjuring an espresso bean next to a touch of smoked cedar.

Bottom Line:

This is a very solid and beloved award-winning American Single Malt. There’s a nice depth to it. I’d usually pour this over some rocks and enjoy it slowly after an IPA.

Florida — St. Augustine Distillery Port Finished Bourbon

ABV: 51%

Average Price: $80

The Whiskey:

This Floridian bourbon rests for three years in new American oak, giving it a classic base. Then the booze goes into port casks from San Sebastian Winery next door to the distillery for up to six months (depending on the Florida heat). The end result is a unique bourbon that’s both enticing and refined.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a touch of woodiness but the star of the show is the red berries that are both tart and sweet next to a dusting of winter spices.

Palate: Vanilla and hints of mint show up on the palate with white pepper, mild florals, and a little bit of ripe cherry.

Finish: The end leans into oak, dark chocolate bitterness, and a whisper of ripe red berries with a touch of clove.

Bottom Line:

This is another great cocktail bourbon that I’d argue works really well as a food-pairing whiskey. The subtle yet sharp woody spice and berries with that mild floral edge add a nice depth to a meal or as a digestif in a cocktail afterward.

Georgia — ASW Distillery Space Hide Commemorative Scotch Trooper Single Malt Whiskey

ABV: 58%

Average Price: $149

The Whiskey:

Ameireaganach is a very bespoke Georgian distiller that leans into specialty malts (kind of like a super niche craft beer brewer). This bottle is made with a mash bill (recipe) of 76% Speyside distilling malt and 24% applewood smoked malt. That single malt then goes into new oak barrels for a few years before re-barrelling into sherry barrels for a final spell.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a clear sense of oatmeal loaded with brown butter, raisins, and wet brown sugar with a hint of summer squash next to mild malted crackers with this distant whisper of spicy-sweet tang that’s kissed with smoke.

Palate: The fresh new oak shines through the malted oatmeal with a deep and moist vanilla cake frosted with bourbon buttercream, drizzled with salted caramel, and dusted with dark cacao powder with a twist of brandied cherry and mild espresso-laced tobacco.

Finish: The fresh wood has a light wet cedar vibe on the back end with more brown sugar and this dark lurking sense of umami-forward Bachan’s BBQ sauce.

Bottom Line:

This is a wild ride of a whiskey. It’s also a very limited release (225 bottles only) so you’ll need to snag one now or forever hold your peace. If you can’t get one, then I highly recommend looking into any of the other whiskeys from ASW. They’re white-hot in Georgia right now.

Hawai’i — Ko’olau Old Pali Road Whisky

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $75

The Whisky:

Ko’olau’s Old Pali Road is a special whiskey. The spirit is made from local Hawaiian-grown corn and mineral water straight from a volcanic spring. Then the booze is aged for a short spell before being blended with five-year-old mainland whiskey to create a balanced elixir.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a clear sense of banana fruit and dried plums upfront on the nose with a layer of creamy winter spices.

Palate: Vanilla cookies and winter spice kick around on the palate with a light sense of banana bread and pineapple upside-down cake.

Finish: The end leans into the winter spice, vanilla, and banana with a very short finish.

Bottom Line:

This is perfectly fine and worth mixing cocktails with if you’re in Hawai’i. I am intrigued to see how it will tasted when they release expressions that have aged longer.

Idaho — Grand Teton Private Stock Straight Corn Whiskey

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $80

The Whisky:

This high-altitude whiskey is made with 100 percent Idaho-grown corn. That corn is mashed with pure Rocky Mountain water, which is also used to proof the juice before bottling. But first, the whiskey spends 6.5 years resting in oak before single barrels are picked for a bottling run.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Maple syrup and clove-studded oranges lead on the nose with rum raisin, mild sour butter, and a hint of old cellar beams.

Palate: The palate is lush with a warm sense of mulled wine spices and sour cherry next to cinnamon buttered toast and soft yet sweet corn muffins.

Finish: The end has a smooth vanilla base with a hint of date and black tea next to buttery cornmeal with a hint of brown sugar.

Bottom Line:

This is a pretty damn good corn whiskey. It’s great with a single rock or a few drops of water to really let it bloom in the glass, but you’ll want to focus on cocktails at the end of the day.

Illinois — FEW Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $55

The Whiskey:

This expression from Illinois’ FEW Spirits marks the 125th anniversary of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. The juice is made from 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% malted barley. That whiskey spends four years resting before it’s proofed down to 100 proof and bottled as-is.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose opens with a sense of vanilla cream pie with an extra thick vanilla pudding next to dry cedar bark with a touch of white moss, a touch of black licorice, and a hint of barrel smoke.

Palate: The palate leans into cherry bark with a light cherry tobacco spiciness that melds with the vanilla pudding, a pan of fresh sticky buns with plenty of cinnamon and walnuts, and a hint of black pepper and more of that dry cedar bark.

Finish: The finish has a bit of an oatmeal cookie vibe that leads back to the spicy cherry tobacco and white moss.

Bottom Line:

FEW Spirits perfected their bourbon craft with this expression and thereby made the best whiskey in Illinois.

Indiana — Starlight Distillery Carl T. Huber’s Bottled-In-Bond Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $62

The Whiskey:

This new release from Huber Farm’s Starlight Distillery (the distillery to know if you’re in the know) is made from their high-corn mash with a sweet mash method (each batch is fresh) in their old copper pot still. The whiskey is barreled in Canton barrels and left to age on the farm for four years before it’s batched (only 20 barrels) and proofed down to 100 proof for bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose opens with dark stewed cherries and spiced prune compote next to cinnamon waffles with a hint of maple syrup and dark chocolate chips.

Palate: The palate is pure silk with notes of Cherry Coke next to clove-studded oranges dipped in dark chocolate with a flake of salt with whispers of apple fritters, eggnog spices, and singed cherry bark with maybe a hint of apple wood in the background.

Finish: The end has a subtle warmth thanks to wintry mulled wine spices that lead to fresh pipe tobacco kissed with dates and chocolate and packed into an old cedar box for safekeeping.

Bottom Line:

When it comes to Indiana, it’d be so easy to choose an MGP bottle — there are a million of them out there and a lot are great. This is better. This is both fresh/fun and so classic that it felt seminal. If you can get your hands on a bottle of this (click that price link!), then you’ll be in for a true bourbon treat.

Iowa — Cedar Ridge Distillery The QuintEssential American Single Malt Whiskey Batch 010

ABV: 46%

Average Price: $55

The Whiskey:

This whiskey is all about a grain-to-glass experience. The juice is made with 100% 2-Row Pale Malted Barley (the same stuff used in some of the biggest craft beers) from up in Saskatchewan. The whiskey is matured in ex-bourbon barrels for an undisclosed term. That whiskey is then finished in a combination of brandy, rum, wine, port, and sherry barrels before it’s vatted. The whiskey’s blend is then made using the solera method — where the vat is never fully emptied before the next barrel is added.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose is immediately full of bright fruit with a peach and pear vibe that leans into a malty banana bread with plenty of butter, cinnamon, and walnut next to a touch of Almond Joy (but the good ones from a high-end shop).

Palate: The palate is soft and subtle with hints of spiced malted gingersnaps, light cream soda vibes (maybe a light sasparilla), and a mellow and creamy base of chocolate that’s not dark but not milky either.

Finish: The mid-palate has a nice sweetness that’s slightly apple adjacent with an apricot hint that mellows into a final note of chewy toffees with rum-raisin lurking on the very backend.

Bottom Line:

This is Cedar Ridge at its most powerful and delicious, and thereby Iowa’s premiere whiskey experience. This is just good American single malt and will get you excited about experiencing more American single malts (and Cedar Ridge’s larger whiskey line).

Kansas — Union Horse Distilling Rolling Standard Midwestern Four Grain Whiskey

ABV: 46%

Average Price: $39

The Whiskey:

This Kansas whiskey is a uniquely American whiskey expression all around. The bottle marries two American whiskey styles with four separate grains involved. It’s part American wheated bourbon and part American single malt. Locally sourced corn, wheat, rye, and barley are utilized in the mash. Then the booze is mellowed in used oak barrels from Missouri until it’s just right.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The grain-to-glass whiskey opens with classic notes of oaky vanilla, banana, cloves, and mild pepperiness.

Palate: On the palate, a maple syrup earthy sweetness cuts through along with a roasted almond fatty nature.

Finish: Dark pitted cherries come into play right before the rye kicks in with a hint of cinnamon on the mildly spicy finish.

Bottom Line:

This is good, standard American whiskey. It’s not life-changing but it makes a great cocktail. Sometimes that’s enough.

Kentucky — Michter’s US*1 Limited Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 20 Years Old

ABV: 57.1%

Average Price: $4,889

The Whiskey:

Master Distiller Dan McKee personally selects these (at least) 20-year-old barrels from the Michter’s rickhouses based on… I guess just “pure excellence” would be the right phrase. Alongside Master of Maturation and Bourbon Hall Of Famer Andrea Wilson, McKee bottles the bourbon as-is without cutting it with water.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: A sense of dark cherry with deep rummy molasses, dried rose petals, old almond shells, and cedar bark mingle with a fresh pipe tobacco leaf just kissed with apple and pear essence with a hint of vanilla oils and old wintry wine spices.

Palate: The taste leans into smoldering vanilla pods with a sense of old oak staves from a dusty old cellar next to sweet cinnamon and cherry over dried sage and sharp spearmint with a clove syrup base and a dash of toasted marshmallow sweetness.

Finish: The end is full of dark cherry and woody spice with moist marzipan, burnt orange oils, and chewy fresh tobacco wrapped up in old leather and cedar bark with a hint more of that old cellar sneaking in.

Bottom Line:

This was my favorite bourbon of 2022 so, naturally, it’s going to be my pick for the best Kentucky whiskey. It’s unequivocally a classic from top to bottom and one of the best whiskeys WORLDWIDE (!) that money can buy.

Louisiana — LA1 Louisiana Whiskey

ABV: 47%

Average Price: $61

The Whiskey:

Donner-Peltier Distillers out in Thibodaux has been distilling and aging award-winning whiskey for years now. The spirit is a unique one that incorporates locally grown rice into the mash bill alongside the classic ingredients of corn, rye, and barley.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose opens with a clear sweetness from the rice that accents the corn that leads to classic hints of caramel and orchard fruit with a woody base.

Palate: A funky rye note comes in with an almost pumpernickel essence on the palate followed up by a brown sugary sweet winter spiciness.

Finish: The finish is bold and brings the peppery rye spice with notes of oaky vanilla next to buttery toasted rye bread and hints of deeply roasted cacao nibs.

Bottom Line:

This is an easy-going pour that works as well on the rocks as it does in a Sazerac (well, maybe a little better in a Sazerac).

Maine — Fifty Stone Single Malt Highland Style Whiskey

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $49

The Whiskey:

This is a Scottish-style single malt made in Portland, Maine. The distillers take 100% locally grown barley and malt it with locally sourced peat and seaweed. This imbues a clear and unique smokiness you won’t find in any other single malt.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: This one opens up with a clear sense of the barley via a warm scone covered in salty butter and honey before a very subtle smoked orchard fruit vibe comes in.

Palate: There’s a briny nature — like you’re about to enjoy a crab boil off a campfire right on the beach — that dominates the palate with smoked orchard fruits and even smoked honey.

Finish: Finally, you do sense the sea spray through the smokiness on the finish alongside the honey with salty butter and a faint whisper of smoked salmon chowder.

Bottom Line:

This is a great pull if you’re looking for something very unique and you’re already in Maine. That maritime vibe runs deep and gives this unique feel that’s kind of unlike anything else out there.

Maryland — Sagamore Spirit Reserve Series 8-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey

ABV: 55.7%

Average Price: $86

The Whiskey:

This newest spring reserve release from Sagamore Spirit is an eight-year-old rye made from locally-grown Maryland grains. The whiskey was batched and bottled as-is to highlight the deep maritime aging in Maryland.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose draws you in with dried cherries dipped in dark chocolate and sprinkled with ground clove and allspice and then dipped in old vanilla syrup made with burnt pods and orange peels.

Palate: A soft cherry sweetness plays with a classic winter spice mix — think cinnamon sticks, anise, clove, orange rind, holly — next to ginger rock candy, peanut butter cookies, and a hint of rum-raisin.

Finish: That sweet/rummy dried fruit drives the finish toward clove-laced plum jam, peanut brittle, vanilla oils, and a whisper of pine resin layered into rum-raisin tobacco.

Bottom Line:

This is just classic from top to bottom with a depth that’s beautiful. If you’re looking for a quintessential pour of Maryland rye whiskey, this is it.

Massachusetts — Triple Eight Distillery The Notch Nantucket Island Single Malt Whisky 15 Years Old

ABV: 48%

Average Price: $569

The Whiskey:

Like many of the single malts on this list, this hinges on the quality of the beer brewed as the base. They use the much-coveted Maris Otter barley that’s processed on-site at the brewery before being sent to the distillery to start this whisky. The hot juice is then barreled and stored next to the sea. This expression is a blend of whiskies aged in former sherry barrels, Cognac barrels, wine casks, and Sauternes barrels (a sweet French wine).

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Ripe, dried, and stewed red and black berries mingle with rich marzipan and very dark salted chocolate with a creamy base, a whisper of chili pepper, and a twinge of clove before a subtle layer of old hay bales and what feels like … summer on a farm … kicks in. It’s almost an ineffable feeling that arises from the nose of this whiskey.

Palate: Dark and woody spice barks arrive after a sense of old vanilla and nougat wafers but before dried dark berries take on a hint of tartness and almost espresso bitterness with a creamed vibe.

Finish: That creamy espresso leads back to the salted chocolate with a faint whisper of red chili pepper, cinnamon bark, and fresh allspice next to luxuriously creamy honey and berry cake.

Bottom Line:

This is an old-school single malt that even the hardest of core Scotch whiskey aficionados will drink and praise. As enticing as that is, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find this one outside of the distillery. Fear not! That just means that it’s high time for a road trip to Massachusetts!

Michigan — Journeyman Distillery Corsets, Whips, and Whiskey

ABV: 66.25%

Average Price: $60

The Whiskey:

This Michigan whiskey is 100% wheat whiskey. The grains are 100% organic and grown locally around Michigan. The whiskey then ages for an undisclosed about of time before it’s blended into a final product that looks to Irish whiskey for inspiration.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a clear sense of toffee and vanilla cake on the nose with a dash of woody winter spices, eggnog creaminess and nutmeg, and a light whisper of smudged sweetgrass.

Palate: The palate leans into the smoldering grassiness while warm dark spices add a sharpness before stewed pears and plums mingle with clove, anise, and cinnamon bark.

Finish: Next, oily vanilla pods arrive with a whisper of old leather and tobacco wrapped in dry sweetgrass on the warm and buzzing finish.

Bottom Line:

This whiskey won a ton of awards this year and last, including Best in Show/Whiskey of the Year at Fred Minnick’s Ascot Awards. Hype aside, this whiskey lives up to all those accolades as a devilishly fun sipper and one hell of a cocktail base. The distillery experience and food are worth the trip as well. So don’t sleep on getting a good meal when picking up a bottle of this.

Minnesota — Tattersall Interstate Whiskey American Single Malt Aged 4 Years

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $45

The Whiskey:

This Minnesota whiskey uses Wisconsin malted barley — one that’s smoked with cherrywood and another that’s dark roasted. The hot juice is filled into new oak barrels for a four-year rest before batching, proofing, and bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Hefty crafty graininess presents on the nose with a sweet porridge vibe cut with honey, dried red fruit, and nuts.

Palate: Dried red chilis give way to dark chocolate-covered espresso beans on the palate with a light sense of dry grain husks and chocolate malts.

Finish: Those chocolate malts drive the finish with a hint of orchard fruit on a thinnish end.

Bottom Line:

This is a fine single malt that shows promise for the future of the brand. It had a super grainy/crafty/young nose but actually did balance out by the end and would work well in a highball with good fizzy water and bold garnish.

Mississippi — Cathead Old Soul Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $45

The Whiskey:

This is a blend of two bourbons. The base is a five-year-old, high-rye mash bill bourbon from MGP. That juice is cut with a four-year-old bourbon distilled in Mississippi that also has a high-rye mash bill. Once batched, the juice is proofed with local water and bottled.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose opens with classic bourbon notes of caramel, vanilla, cherry, and oak before veering toward old leather and a faint hint of grilled tropical fruits.

Palate: The palate leans into that old leather with a faint wisp of pipe tobacco, Cherry Coke, and spicy gingerbread cake.

Finish: The cherry becomes leathery by the end with cinnamon bark and clove buds next to vanilla cream and a light sense of wood.

Bottom Line:

This is a nice, classic pour of whiskey. It’s simple and easy, which is nice sometimes. Yes, there’s Indiana in play here but the core is Mississippi whiskey.

Missouri — Still 360 Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $52

The Whiskey:

“Missouri” straight bourbon has to be made with corn grown in Missouri only while also being fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled in the state. The juice from Still 360 has a pretty standard mash of corn, rye, and barley all things considered. In this case, the barrels are five years old before they go into the bottle only slightly cut with local water.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose is like opening a can of creamed corn that leads towards a vanilla husk, cherry tobacco, and a note of egg nog spice.

Palate: Those cherries carry through to the palate with a sense of brandy-soaked cherries dipped in dark chocolate next to a spicy tobacco leaf and a touch of butterscotch hard candy.

Finish: The tobacco leaf drives the dry-yet-warming finish through dried cherry, soft vanilla husks, and a twinge more butterscotch.

Bottom Line:

This is a solid choice if you’re in a Missouri cocktail bar.

Montana — Glacier Distilling North Fork Rye Whiskey

ABV: 46%

Average Price: $38

The Whiskey:

North Fork Rye won gold at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, which helped put it on the map. The whiskey uses a mellow mash of rye and corn, charred American white oak aging, and local water for proofing to create a wonderfully balanced and easily drinkable sip.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The sweetness from the corn meets you upfront on the nose with a salted caramel creaminess, a touch of cherry vanilla, and dry sweetgrass.

Palate: The taste opens with a clear sense of oaky vanilla and mild caramel that’s cut by a mellow rye peppery nature and smudging sage.

Finish: Hints of orchard fruits and whispers of the corn marry that rye spice to propel the finish towards sweetgrass and peppery end.

Bottom Line:

This is basic stuff that gets the job done. There are no bells or whistles but it doesn’t need them. Just enjoy this for the simple and tasty whiskey that it is … maybe in a cocktail.

Nebraska — Cooper’s Chase Bourbon American Whiskey

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $25

The Whiskey:

This is one of the few craft bourbons coming out of Nebraska these days. The juice is a bit of a sphinx though, the distiller doesn’t publish the mash bill or aging process besides that it’s all done in-house in Nebraska.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose has a classic mix of vanilla, caramel, and spice with a slight oaky edge.

Palate: The palate delivers on that while adding in apple cores, cinnamon tobacco, and a touch of buttery toffee.

Finish: The end is short and sweet with a slight mineral water vibe cutting through the warmer end of the sip.

Bottom Line:

This is pretty standard stuff but gets the job done if you’re in Nebraska.

Nevada — Frey Ranch Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $55

The Whiskey:

Frey Ranch is all about the farm behind the whiskey. In this case, that’s a 165+-year-old farm in the Sierra Nevada basin near Lake Tahoe in Nevada. The grains (corn, wheat, rye, and barley), fermentation, distilling, aging, and bottling all happen on-site at Frey Ranch.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Fruity cherry gummies mingle with raw sourdough bread dough, vanilla beans, dry grass, and burnt brown sugars on the nose.

Palate: The taste has a very crafty corn chip vibe that leads to tart cranberry, more of that vanilla, and a cinnamon-spiced oatmeal raisin cookie.

Finish: This all coalesces on the finish with the spice, oats, tart red fruit, and vanilla playing second fiddle to the dry firewood and slightly spiced tobacco end.

Bottom Line:

This is a nice one that leans pretty heavily into the “crafty” sweet-grain vibes. It’s fresh and fun, but, clearly, something you’re going to use to make cocktails with.

New Hampshire — Tamworth The Old Man of the Mountain Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $70

The Whiskey:

This New England bourbon is all about grain-to-glass with a local mash bill of 82.4% organic yellow corn, 11% organic rye, and 6.6% malted barley. The juice is then aged for five years in medium-charred Kentucky barrels before it’s bottled according to bottled-in-bond regulations.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose is all about that rich Christmas cake brimming with candied and dried fruits, dark spices, and nuts soaked in brandy topped with a dollop of vanilla-infused brandy butter.

Palate: The palate delivers on those promises of the nose while adding hints of dark chocolate-covered cherries, cedar, spicy tobacco, and a hint of Tellicherry black peppercorns.

Finish: That dry spiciness drives the finish to an end that’s warm yet sweet with that cherry.

Bottom Line:

This is very nice, almost surprisingly so. It’s an unexpectedly deeply hewn whiskey with an approachable flavor profile that really benefits from a bit of water to open it up. That aside, you really only need to seek this out if you’re in New England/New Hampshire.

New Jersey — All Points West Malt and Grain Pot Still Whiskey

ABV: 46%

Average Price: $64

The Whiskey:

This New Jersy whiskey leans into Irish whiskey traditions with a lower corn mash bill. The whiskey is fermented in a pot still with German and Irish malts alongside corn and water from New Jersey’s mountains. The juice is then aged for 24 months before proofing and bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Cedar and cherries mingle with vanilla and toffee on the nose with a very distant whisper of campfire smoke.

Palate: Cherry blossoms, honey, cedar, and spicy tobacco lead the palate with a hint of dried roses and a touch of cream soda.

Finish: The finish is longish with a sense of spice, fruit, and flowers lingering the longest.

Bottom Line:

This is a good, standard whiskey. It’s easy-going and worth checking out the next time you’re in Jersey.

New Mexico — Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey

ABV: 46%

Average Price: $53

The Whiskey:

Colkegan is a combination of the Scottish Highlands and New Mexico’s ingredients. Instead of smoking their barley malts with peat, Santa Fe Spirits uses local mesquite logs in the kilning process, giving the base of this whiskey a clear New Mexico vibe. The juice is then aged at 7,000 feet above sea level in a climate-controlled warehouse that drops the temperatures to near freezing before amping them up extremely high while also lowering and heightening the humidity in the room.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a subtle balance of brisk desert smoke next to olive brine umami on the nose and then hints of rich and sweet marzipan arrive with white chocolate fattiness and whispers of vanilla blossoms.

Palate: The smoke carries through with a sense of dark, tart berries and rhubarb, and dry mesquite wood on the taste.

Finish: That berry fruit feel carries on into the mellow finish as the smoke dissipates.

Bottom Line:

This is a great example of that high desert smokiness in whiskey (like Del Bac above). Just make sure to add a little water or a rock to let it bloom in the glass.

New York — Kings County Distillery Bottled-In-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $96

The Whiskey:

This crafty whiskey from New York is a grain-to-glass bourbon experience. The mash bill on this one eschews rye and wheat for 80% locally grown corn supported by 20% malted barley from England. The juice is then aged for four years in small 15-gallon barrels and treated according to the law and bottled in Kings County’s signature hip flask bottles.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: This draws you in with a strawberry shortcake with a cornmeal base, topped with fresh berries, buttery vanilla whipped cream, and then dipped in a caramel sauce.

Palate: The palate veers away from all of that and touches on bitter black coffee syrup with brown sugar and butter notes next to oatcakes and vanilla sauce with a hint of spice lingering in the background.

Finish: The end is long and full of chocolate malts, leather, and more of that creamy and buttery vanilla whipped cream.

Bottom Line:

This is a quintessential craft bourbon, truly it goes above and beyond. There’s a deep layer of sweet graininess that leans into fresh fruit and classic bourbon vanilla and spice notes. Overall, that makes this the perfect whiskey for someone looking for something local, tasty, and more on the crafty side of things. It goes without saying, but if you’re in New York, this is the whiskey to chase down and bring home.

North Carolina — Southern Star Paragon Single Barrel Cask Strength Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 58%

Average Price: $103

The Whiskey:

This North Carolina bourbon is starting to make some serious waves. This very limited batch of single-barrel bourbon is made from wheated bourbon mash bill with 70% corn, 16% wheat, and 14% malted barley. The hot juice was left for around four years before the barrel was hand-pocked and bottled as-is at cask strength.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose opens with a sense of orange blossoms and an apple orchard with a hint of pear and plum next to walnut shells, old honey bottles, and rich vanilla sauce with a hint of poppy seed.

Palate: The palate has a touch of dark chocolate powder sweetness that melds with walnuts and honey to make a cluster before the brown spice kicks in with sharp cinnamon and a touch of root beer.

Finish: The end leaves the spice and warmth behind for smooth vanilla walnut cake with a hint of apple-honey tobacco wrapped up with old cedar bark.

Bottom Line:

This is just plain old solid whiskey and it racks up awards because of that. It will be hard to find outside of the main bourbon markets (and North Carolina), but I’d argue it’s worth the effort to find. This is quality bourbon with a deep richness.

North Dakota — Proof Glen Fargo American Malt Whiskey

ABV: 47%

Average Price: $180

The Whiskey:

This American Single Malt from North Dakota is all about double barreling. The local juice is first aged in new American white oak. Then, that whiskey is moved into an ex-bourbon barrel for a finishing rest.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a clear sense of that bourbon barrel with notes of rich vanilla pudding next to mild spice and a green sense of malts.

Palate: The palate follows that lead while adding in apples, pears, and a touch of honey sweetness.

Finish: The end is long with a touch of oak and vanilla with a grassy finish.

Bottom Line:

This is a nice example of American single malt whiskey and one of the only high-quality whiskeys coming out of North Dakota right now. That scarcity means that this is definitely the right whiskey to try if you’re driving through the Rough Rider State.

Ohio — Middle West Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey Michelone Reserve

ABV: 62.1%

Average Price: $47

The Whiskey:

This Ohio whiskey is all about grain-to-glass. The juice is made from a mash of sweet yellow corn, soft red winter wheat, dark pumpernickel rye, and Two-Row malted barley. The whiskey spends about four years in oak before it’s bottled as is at cask strength.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: A hint of sourdough doughnuts dusted with cinnamon and sugar leads to maple syrup, coconut cream pie, marzipan, and a hint of toffee.

Palate: The palate dries out toward an almond nutshell before hitting a rum-raisin/Cherry Coke vibe next to woody winter spices on the mid-palate.

Finish: That spicy warmth fades toward cedar bark, Almond Joy, and spiced cherry tobacco on the finish with a hint more of that warm doughnut from the nose.

Bottom Line:

Middle West makes the best bourbon in Ohio. Outside of that state, you might not have ever heard of it — or even realize that you’re already drinking it (it’s the original source for brands like Horse Soldier, for instance). This bottle, at cask strength, is one of the better craft bourbons you can buy right now and worth the extra effort to source if you’re not in the Ohio Valley.

Oklahoma — World Whiskey Society Class Collection Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished In Port Cask Aged 10 Years

ABV: 51%

Average Price: $164

The Whiskey:

This whiskey is distilled in Oklahoma but bottled in Georgia. The whiskey in the bottle is made from a mash bill (recipe) of 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley. That hot juice was then aged for almost a decade before going into a huge port cask for a final rest.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a sense of grape soda and orange zest on the nose with a hint of crafty bourbon grains, dry grass, and old oak.

Palate: The palate sort of leans into red fruit and dry grass with a light sense of orange and vanilla.

Finish: The end is short and has a touch of vanilla cake and holiday spice.

Bottom Line:

The crafty graininess works with the port finish in a balanced and enticing way. Plus, this just won a double gold medal at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, so there’s that. Moreover, this is kinda widely available so a trip to Oklahoma isn’t a must to try this one.

Oregon — Westward American Single Malt Whiskey Single Barrel Selection Grand Cru Sauternes Cask

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $99

The Whiskey:

This is Portland’s classic American single malt taken up a level. After years of resting, a single barrel was re-barreled in a sauternes cask from France’s Grand Cru Classé estate. 14 months later, Westward bottled that whiskey with a kiss of local water.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: This has a deep nose that takes you on a journey through green chili, soft caramel, burnt orange peels, grilled peach, summer flowers, and Danish filled with vanilla cream and red fruit compote.

Palate: There’s a sharp cherry soda on the palate with a hint of grapefruit, pineapple, and ripe peach next to bright ginger, soft coconut, and a hint of honeyed malt with a whisper of nuttiness.

Finish: That orange comes back on the finish with a soft fresh floral edge next to light cedar bark braided with chewy fresh tobacco dipped in honey and dusted with citrus zest.

Bottom Line:

This is great American single malt and the bottle you should buy to convert any whiskey drinker into the wonderful world of ASM. The distillery tour in Portland is also a blast and the perfect place to buy this bottle.

Pennsylvania — Bluebird Days Whiskey Straight American Whiskey

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $49

The Whiskey:

Country Artist Jordan Davis partnered with Bluebird Distilling in Pennsylvania to create this American blend. The blend is a mix of Bluebird’s oldest barrels of wheat whiskey and bourbon that’s proofed down before bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose opens with old oak and leather with a hint of winter spice and a can of corn — just a plain ol’ can o’ corn.

Palate: The old leather drives the palate with a soft vanilla base and a sweet but singed marshmallow sweetness next to more of that mild winter spice.

Finish: The end really leans into the sweetness of it all with a creamy butterscotch and vanilla sheet cake with white frosting that’s cut with cinnamon and clove tobacco.

Bottom Line:

This is a fine pour of whiskey that works well as a classic mixer or soft on the rocks pour. It’s standard but has real quality.

Rhode Island — Sons of Liberty Uprising American Single Malt Whiskey

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $40

The Whiskey:

Uprising has its foundation in the local Providence craft beer scene. The malts used in the 100% malted barley mash bill are the same darkly roasted malts (Chocolate Malt, Crystal 45, and Biscuit) used to make a local stout. That beer is fermented with ale yeast, distilled, and then goes into charred American oak and toasted French oak to rest for a few years. Finally, the barrels are blended to create a unique American single malt.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Creamy vanilla and salted caramel enriched the nose with a sense of dark chocolate-covered coffee beans.

Palate: The dark chocolate creaminess drives the palate with a mild nuttiness and winter spice balance.

Finish: The end goes back to that creaminess with a bitter espresso bean vibe and plenty of salted dark chocolate cut with clove and cinnamon.

Bottom Line:

This is another great standard that’s more suited to cocktails than sipping. Still, it’s something definitely worth trying if you’re on a food tour of Providence (definitely go on a food tour in Providence!).

South Carolina — William Alan Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 45%

Average Price: Distillery Only

The Whiskey:

This South Carolina bourbon is all about small batching and farm-to-glass experiences. The corn-fueled spirit with a very high malted barley component is aged for four years before it’s re-barreled in new toasted oak barrels for a final three-month rest. Those barrels and then vatted and the whiskey is proofed with local water for bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose on this is very crafty in the best way with a bowl full of white grits cut with butter and brown sugar with a hint of burnt orange, dried rose, and fresh mint rounding things out.

Palate: The palate leans into woody wintery spices before circling back around to those sweet grits, Cherry Coke, ginger juice, and a hint of savory fruit — think pumpkin flesh just touched with cinnamon.

Finish: The end leans into that fresh savory fruit before hitting on a moment of black peppercorns and cinnamon bark with a lush burnt orange finish.

Bottom Line:

This is very crafty but very deep and kind of fun. If you’re getting into that new, grain-forward bourbon style, this is a great bottle to find. You’re just going to need to go to South Carolina to do so.

South Dakota — BlackFork Farms Straight Bourbon Whiskey American Toasted Oak Finish

ABV: 46.5%

Average Price: $95

The Whiskey:

BlackFork Farms is a very new and small crafty whiskey distillery. Heritage corn (grown and smoked on the farm with apple and cherry wood) is mashed with Black Forest German rye, which they smoke on the farm as well. The juice is then aged for a couple of years before the whiskey is re-barreled into new toasted American oak for a final rest.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose opens with a sense of apple orchards next to piles of firewood, dry hay stacks, and soft toffee laced with winter spice.

Palate: The palate has a note of corn husk next to peppery rye and dried dill with a touch of sweetgrass braided with cedar bark and tobacco leaf.

Finish: The end layers in dark chocolate and chili spice with singed orchard wood and burnt chocolate tobacco.

Bottom Line:

This is pretty damn nice for such a small crafty whiskey. You’re not going to find this outside of SoDak, but it is worth getting a pour or two when you’re trekking through the Black Hills.

Tennessee — Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey, Batch 1

ABV: 53.5%

Average Price: $84

The Whiskey:

Jack Daniel’s doesn’t hide any of its processes. The mash at the base of this whiskey is a mix of 80% corn, 12% barley, and 8% rye. Those grains are milled in-house and mixed with cave water pulled from an on-site spring and Jack Daniel’s own yeast and lactobacillus that they also make/cultivate on-site. Once fermented, the mash is distilled twice in huge column stills. The hot spirit is then filtered through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal that’s also made at the distillery. Finally, the filtered whiskey is loaded into charred new American oak barrels and left alone in the warehouse. After 12 years, a handful of barrels were ready; so they were batched, barely proofed, and bottled.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose is creamy with deep notes of old boot leather, dark and woody winter spices, black-tea-soaked dates, plum jam with clove, and an underbelly of chewy toffee-laced tobacco.

Palate: That creaminess presents on the palate with a soft sticky toffee pudding drizzled in salted caramel and vanilla sauce next to flakes of salt and a pinch of orange zest over dry Earl Grey tea leaves with a whisper of singed wild sage.

Finish: The end leans into the creamy toffee chewy tobacco with a hint of pear, cherry, and bananas foster over winter spice barks and a deep embracing warmth.

Bottom Line:

This is so well-balanced, nuanced, and just freaking tasty that it’s in the running for the best of the year. It leaned more into the sweet fruit yeasty flavor notes while still holding onto classic and deep bourbon flavor notes. This is the good stuff, folks, and I’d argue the best Tennessee whiskey money can buy right now (kind of by far).

Texas — Garrison Brothers Guadalupe Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Port Cask

ABV: 53.5%

Average Price: $149

The Whiskey:

This Texas whiskey is hewn from 90 30-gallon barrels of four-year-old bourbon that were transferred into 26 59-gallon Tawny Port casks for a final maturation of over one year. That whiskey is then bottled as-is after a touch of water was added.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose on this bursts with raspberry, blackberry, redcurrant, and blueberry all stewed with plenty of holiday spices and folded into a cobbler topped with dense buttery buttermilk biscuits.

Palate: The palate leans into the spice with a focus on clove, nutmeg, and a very small whisper of anise as the berry turns more towards a fresh strawberry with dark chocolate-covered espresso beans chiming in on the mid-palate.

Finish: That chocolate-bitter vibe drives towards a finish full of cinnamon-spiked dark chocolate tobacco leaves, stewed plums, and a dollop of floral honey.

Bottom Line:

This is one of the best American craft whiskeys on the market right now. The balance of soft craft bourbon notes beside the deep port is perfection. Plainly speaking, this is delicious whiskey. It being “port cask finished” or “craft bourbon” or “Texan bourbon” is just a sidenote to how well made this is at its core.

Plus, Garrison is becoming far more widely available outside of Texas, making this a lot more gettable right now.

Utah — High West A Midwinter Nights Dram Blend of Straight Rye Whiskeys

ABV: 49.3%

Average Price: $140

The Whiskey:

Each year, this limited drop varies slightly. This release was a mix of MGP rye (95% rye) and High West rye (100% rye) finished in French oak barrels that held ruby and tawny port. The barrels picked for this batch were between four and seven years old with the older barrels coming from Indiana and the younger ones from Utah.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: This is a pretty complex nose with sour berries next to dried apricot, woody and slightly sweet cinnamon, French toast, and a mild note of something umami (dried mushrooms perhaps).

Palate: The palate gets more savory with a rhubarb vibe as dark chocolate with a serious woody spiced edge meets old leather laced with years of tobacco, lush vanilla cream, and salted caramel.

Finish: The end is as silky as eggnog with a whisper of black tea bitterness and minty tobacco rounding things out.

Bottom Line:

High West’s A Midwinter Nights Dram is hotly anticipated every year and this version lived up to the hype and then some. Yes, this has some Indiana product in the mix, but the Utah juice, aging, and blending are what matters most here. Moreover, if you’re in Utah, it’s worth grabbing a meal at the distillery when you pick up your bottle. You won’t be disappointed.

Vermont — WhistlePig PiggyBack 100 Proof Bourbon Whiskey Aged 6 Years

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $49

The Whiskey:

This newer whiskey from WhistlePig mixes locally made Vermont whiskey with Indiana whiskey to create a bespoke bourbon. The mash bill leans into the corn with a good measure of rye in the mix. The whiskey barrels are left alone for six years before batching, proofing, and bottling on the farm in Vermont.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a soft leathery nose that leads to caramel corn and a nutty spiciness with a hint of old oak.

Palate: The nuttiness drives the palate toward fresh maple syrup that turns creamy with an almond vibe, plenty of winter spice, and a hint of black tea.

Finish: That tea calms down toward a wet chamomile with a dollop of honey, a twist of orange, and a pinch of sweet cinnamon with a lingering sense of oak in the background.

Bottom Line:

This is a pretty good whiskey. If you’re a fan of WhistlePig, you’re going to dig this. If you like classic bourbon vibes, you’ll be a fan too. I’d sip this over some ice or in a simple cocktail. Plus, it’s a WhistlePig product which means that you’ll be able to find this Vermont whiskey relatively easily.

Virginia — Virginia Distillery Co. Courage & Conviction Cuvée Single Cask American Single Malt Whisky

ABV: 59.2%

Average Price: $150

The Whiskey:

This whisky is made with 100% malted barley. That whiskey is then loaded into French red wine or Cuvée casks for a minimum of three years (each cask is hand-selected for its distinct flavor profile). These single casks were chosen for their beauty as a stand-alone whisky that doesn’t need any adulteration or cutting with water. The honey barrel is then bottled as-is at cask strength.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose is seriously buttery with a touch of brandy butter next to lightly salted caramel with a vanilla whipped cream that merges into a fruity backbone with hints of raisins, new leather, and maybe a whisper of damp straw.

Palate: Malts shine through first on the palate as hefty brown spices create a serious heat (from those ABVs) before a cherry tobacco chewiness kicks in with a hint of pear candy under all that malty spice and warmth.

Finish: The mid-palate really leans into the dark and stewed cherry tobacco vibe as a hint of dry hay, reeds, and umami (sweetish tomato paste maybe?) poke in very late on the finish.

Bottom Line:

This is a high watermark for Virginia Distillery Co. — it’s my favorite expression from the brand. It’s also a perfectly balanced whiskey with a great finish that helps build a refined and deeply hewn tasting experience. I love this over a single piece of ice on a slow-sipping day.

Washington — Woodinville Moscatel Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $70

The Whiskey:

This whiskey starts as Woodinville’s award-winning five-year-old bourbon. That whiskey is then re-barreled into Moscatel wine casks for a finish maturation rest. After nearly a year, the whiskey goes into the bottle having just been touched by water but otherwise as-is.

Tasting Notes:

The nose presents as sweet with hints of sweet prunes and dates but runs deep and dark with smoked apricot, five spice, dark chocolate creaminess, and black tea cut with burnt orange. The palate mixes Almond Roca (toffee covered in roasted almonds) with peach pits, vanilla pound cake, poppy seeds, black molasses, rum-raisin, black-tea-soaked dates, and rich Christmas cake spices with candied zests. The end leans into those dark spices and adds a woody edge that leads to dry porch wicker, choco-date tobacco, and cedar bark dipped in toffee.

Bottom Line:

If you are in Seattle, Washington, this is a must-try. If you’re not, fear not. This is finally available nationwide, so just hit that price link above.

West Virginia — Smooth Ambler Founders’ Cask Strength Series Rye Aged 5 Years Batch Two

ABV: 61.6%

Average Price: $54

The Whiskey:

This 100% West Virginia whiskey is made from a mash of 88% rye and 12% malted barley — no corn needed here, folks. The barrels are left to age in the Appalachia hills for five long years before coming together in tiny batches and bottled as-is at cask strength.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a hint of leather and pine tar on the nose with a hint of tart red berry and burnt toffee.

Palate: The palate opens with a bourbon vibe with dark cherry, soft vanilla cream, and light old oak staves with a hint of bitter dark cacao.

Finish: The end leans into cinnamon bark and clove layered into a vanilla tobacco leaf that’s braided with wet cedar, dry leather, and old bouquet garni with a light sense of an old cheese cellar lurking on the very backend.

Bottom Line:

This is a great example of the good work happening in West Virginia right now. It’s also just a damn good whiskey.

Wisconsin — J. Henry Small Batch Wisconsin Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 5 Years

ABV: 46%

Average Price: $54

The Whiskey:

This whiskey benefits greatly from Wisconsin’s mild yet varied weather — think warm summers and bitterly cold winters with proper fall and spring rains. The whiskey is a blend of only 16 barrels of five-year-old bourbon.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Butterscotch and vanilla-lemon pudding lead the nose with a touch of orange peel and honey.

Palate: The palate leans into the spicy warmth with Red Hots and cloves next to cherry tobacco and more of that butterscotch.

Finish: That vanilla-lemon pudding comes back into play late, as the finish sweetens into a creamy yet spicy end.

Bottom Line:

This is a nice, standard whiskey with a lovely flavor profile. It’s the sort of whiskey that you should seek out when you’re in the state.

Wyoming — Wyoming Whiskey The Ten Anniversary Edition Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 51.7%

Average Price: $249

The Whiskey:

This is a low-corn bourbon made with a mash of 68% corn, 20% rye, and 12% malted barley that’s left to rest for 10 long years. The barrels were hand-selected by Master Distiller and legend Steve Nally and Master Blender and Master Distiller Nancy Fraley, giving the final product some serious pedigree for the whiskey nerds.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: This leans into classic bourbon notes of black cherry, sticky toffee pudding, pecan pie, and marmalade before veering toward dried ancho chili powder and a touch of pistachio and honey.

Palate: That dark cherry turns syrupy before maple sap kicks in with a sense of toasted marshmallow, creamed honey, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and blueberry pie with a big dollop of bourbon vanilla ice cream.

Finish: The end has a sense of sweet potato pie covered in candied pecans next to toasted oak that’s been dipped in cherry tobacco.

Bottom Line:

Former Maker’s Mark Master Distiller Steve Nally did help create this limited edition blend, so there are some Kentucky blood, sweat, and tears involved. Still, this is all Wyoming and a damn fine pour of slow-sipping whiskey.