GoneTrending

If you’re looking to have great sex but can’t get out of your own head and just embrace the moment (the key to the best sex) you’ve come to the right place. Smoking weed makes sex better. In addition to the plant being an anxiety-reducing, sense-enhancing, inhibitor, THC is a vasodilator — which means it dilates blood vessels — and helps to allow for quicker and stronger blood flow to the areas that need it most.

It’s almost as if weed was tailor-made for mind-blowing, senses-tingling, euphoric sex. Why? Well, for truly great sex, you need to be aware of not just your body but your partner’s body and the sensations you’re sharing. When you aren’t dealing with all the extra baggage of your overactive thoughts you’ll better be able to get in touch with the physical sensations and being present — and we cannot stress this enough — is what it’s all about.

Here is the thing though, there isn’t a single strain of weed out there that is guaranteed to boost your libido, “put you in the mood,” or turn you into a sex god/goddess/alien overlord (if that’s what you’re into). Unfortunately, that’s not really how it works and if anyone tells you otherwise, they’re straight-up lying to you. You’re going to have to listen to your body’s and its needs and select a strain that works for whatever you’ve got going on. Strain choice is important, and we’re going to get into that in a second but first, we have to talk about the science.

If you don’t care about the studies, skip this next section, we also have some wise words from experts. If you don’t care about that either and just want to get high and f*ck, well hey, more power to you — go ahead and skip to the strain selection section. But you’ll be missing out on some knowledge and there isn’t a person out there that doesn’t think “knowing cool shit” is hot as f*ck.

PART I — What The Studies Say About Weed & Sex

So you’re a skeptic and anecdotal evidence (all your stoner friends who swear it works for everything) isn’t enough for you. Respect. You’ll be happy to know that there are some real studies out there that explore THC’s potential as a sex enhancer. One large study, which was conducted at the Stanford University School of medicine and collected data from 28,176 women and 22,943 men, found that participants using cannabis were having more sex than their non-cannabis smoking counterparts. The study marked a 22% increase in sex for men and a 24% increase in women. So if smoking doesn’t necessarily make sex better, you’ll at the very least be having more of it and “practice makes perfect!”

There are also studies out there that attempt to measure the positive effect THC has on sexual satisfaction, particularly for women. According to Psychology Today, researchers at Missouri’s St. Louis University conducted two separate surveys of adult women that in both cases found that women reported that casual use enhanced both their libidos and the quality of their pleasure. A more recent study centered around marijuana’s relationship to sexual function in women and published in the medical journal Sexual Medicine found that a majority of women in the study reported an increase in sex drive, improvement in orgasm, and a decrease in pain with women who used marijuana before sexual activity. Those women also had higher odds of satisfactory orgasm compared to women who reported no marijuana use. Notably, women also reported that THC didn’t result in a change in lubrication.

If that all doesn’t sound like great f*cking news, well… it’s no wonder you aren’t having better sex!

PART II — What Do The Experts Say About Weed & Sex

Studies are great, but there is a level of coldness and detachment when it comes to reading scientific journals. That’s not sexy, so to get an even better handle on THC’s relationship to sex we reached out to sex therapist Ashley Manta, to ask her a few specific questions you might have regarding cannabis and sex. Manta is an award-winning pleasure and intimacy coach and the host of the Elevated Intimacy Podcast and the creator of the lifestyle brand CannaSexual (answers are direct quotes).

Straight up, does Cannabis actually improve sex?

In a recent study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, Amanda Moser (the lead researcher) and her team found that “over 70% of the 811 participants surveyed reported increased desire and orgasm intensity.” This study’s findings are consistent with anecdotal reports that cannabis heightens sensations and increases pleasure, which often results in greater sexual interest and satisfaction.

Are sativa or indica strains better or worse for sex? Is it all about the terpenes?

Sativa and indica designations are largely marketing terms and conversational shorthand at this point. From a botanical perspective, while indica leaves are shorter and more bushy and sativa leaves are longer and thinner, the shape of the leaves has no bearing on the ability to predict the effects of a given strain. See Dr. Ethan Russo’s work on this topic.

Terpenes and cannabinoid content (the types of cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBN, etc. not the percentage of THC) are much more impactful on the effects of a strain. Still, even as such, each individual’s body chemistry and tolerance, not to mention mindset and environment, will have a profound impact on their experience.

Are there strains better for male or female arousal?

The strains that are better are the ones that work best for the individual. It’s important for a person to figure out how they want to feel, and then choose strains or products that they’ve found to be most effective for that, rather than going by a particular strain name that they believe will be more arousing based on marketing. Across the board, starting with a lower dose and adding more gradually until the desired cruising altitude is reached will go better for enjoying intimacy and eroticism than “getting stoned” and hoping that increases arousal.

Cannabis is not a magic horny potion, and no amount of cannabis is going to make someone want to have sex if they genuinely don’t. That said, cannabis can help address the things that get in the way of arousal, like discomfort, shame, feeling disconnected from one’s body, or performance anxiety–and those effects transcend gender.

Are THC-infused products better for sex or flower?

It depends what the consumer is going for. Infused products like topicals are a great option for people who have pain, especially pain with penetration, and may not want to feel intoxicated. Flower is great for folks who do want to feel buzzed to help shift their minds into a more pleasure-accessible headspace. Edibles, especially low-dose edibles of 5mg or less, are a great introductory option for someone who might be newer to mixing cannabis with intimacy–but I’d always recommend trying the product first solo before bringing it into partnered exploration.

PART III — Choosing The Right Strain

Well, there you have it! Studies and an expert — now we can finally talk about the strains! But first (no, seriously, this is the last bit of preamble) let’s talk a little bit about terpenes. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in cannabis that make you feel relaxed, euphoric, and relieve pain. If you like the way a certain strain makes you feel, it has less to do with it being an indica or sativa and more to do with the terpenes.

So what are the different terpenes and what do they do?

That’s an article in itself (luckily we wrote it here) so we’ll just give you a crash course on some of the most commonly found terpenes in weed. Limonene tends to fill you with feelings of euphoria while damping down anxiety and depression. Linalool is a calming mood booster that puts you in a state of relaxation and enhances your senses. Caryophyllene can help decrease inflammation and pain. Notice that I haven’t said any of them explicitly enhance sex, so as Manta said, what strain you choose is very much a personal choice. The world of terpenes goes much deeper than this, but we’ve already taken up a lot of your time!

You may find that you and your partner would be better off using entirely different strains, depending on your role that night in the bedroom — so feel free to experiment, that’s part of the fun. A word of caution though, if sex is on the table (or the bed, or the floor, or the shower) refrain from getting too high! Sex is the activity here not getting high, and getting too high can increase sedation and paranoia, as well as make you too lazy to want to have sex. That’s not fun, so keep the THC% low and limit yourself to a handful of hits depending on your tolerance. Not a full bowl or you’re going to get so blazed your eyes become bloodshot, and bloodshot eyes aren’t sexy.

Okay, okay, we’ve exhausted you with studies, questions, and technicalities, now here are 12 strains that will help you set the mood in just a few hits, with a focus on strains that smell and taste as good as the sex you’re about to have. Let’s get into it!

Amnesia Haze

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by pea710 (@pea710420)

Strain: Hybrid
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene
THC: 19%

Packed with the relaxing effects of myrcene, and mood-boosting limonene, Amnesia Haze tends to produce uplifting feelings of euphoria and a boost of energy and confidence conducive to getting creative in the bedroom.

This is an ideal strain for couples who like to role-play as this hybrid strain will fill your head with new ideas and a desire to experiment. Will all the ideas be good ideas? Well, that remains to be seen, but if a good idea ends up in a bedroom failure, at least you and your partner will have something to laugh about over a second bowl before round two.

Best For:

Euphoric creative sex and roleplaying.

Visit Weedmaps to find Amnesia Haze at a dispensary near you.

Blue Dream

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Skull bud 420 (@skullbud420)

Strain: Hybrid
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene
THC: 18%

The famous Blue Dream, with its intoxicating blueberry taste and smell, is a legend in the cannabis community thanks to its mood-boosting and mind-sharpening effects. This hybrid strain tends to get people in a relaxed state but doesn’t completely dull the mind, keeping you sharp, active, and ready for whatever comes your way.

A couple of hits of Blue Dream go a long way and the flavor and smell are so nice that it won’t be a total turn-off once things get hot and heavy.

Visit Weedmaps to find Blue Dream at a dispensary near you.

Best For:

Couples who like to smoke together. Blue Dream smells and tastes great, and melts away any anxious or stressful feelings.

Do-Si-Dos

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dank Tourist (@danktourist)

Strain: Hybrid
Dominant Terpenes: Limonene, Caryophyllene, Linalool
THC: 20%

Do-Si-Dos is a bit on the higher end of sex-enhancing strains THC-wise, so if you’re already a heavy user this might be the best play if your tolerance is totally shot. Do-Si-Dos sports a floral peppermint scent and will melt your body into a buzz of euphoric sensory pleasure after a single hit.

Best For:

Pass the bowl between you and your partner (or partners!), take a few hits, reach for the blindfold, and prepare to enter a world of shiver-inducing touch with closed-eye visuals that turn sex into a psychedelic experience.

Visit Weedmaps to find Do-Si-Dos at a dispensary near you.

GSC (Girl Scout Cookies)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ILLA*NOIZE (@djg_illanoize)

Strain: Hybrid
Dominant Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Limonene, Linalool
THC: 19%

You may know GSC by its former name, Girl Scout Cookies, and this famous and beloved strain is the perfect sexual enhancer thanks to its stress-relieving, mood-boosting, and calming effects. So if you’ve had a rough couple of days and you’re full of anxiety and stress, take a few hits of this to melt your troubles away and get your mind ready for life’s pleasures.

Aside from the effects, GSC just tends to taste and look great, sporting bright orange hairs and purple-flecked leaves, making this the perfect weed to break over the body of your partner, you know, if you’re into the sort of thing.

Best For:

The rough stuff.

Visit Weedmaps to find GSC at a dispensary near you.

Granddaddy Purple

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Corsets&Colas (@corsetsandcolas)

Strain: Hybrid
Dominant Terpenes: Pinene, Caryophyllene
THC: 17%

With its fairly low THC percentage, Granddaddy Purple is the perfect starter strain for experimenting with cannabis in the bedroom. The dominant terpene here in Pinene, has relaxing and pain-reducing properties, making this strain adaptable to any type of sex you’re trying to engage in, while boosting your senses, putting you in a relaxed state, and emboldening you to go beyond the vanilla.

Best For:

Anything. This is a great all-rounder, whether you’re looking for something slow and intimate, fast and rough, or anything in-between.

Visit Weedmaps to find Granddaddy Purp at a dispensary near you.

Green Crack

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @aria.divine

Strain: Sativa
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene
THC: 17%

We know, the name is an absolute turn-off, but Green Crack is one of the best sativa sex enhancers we’ve ever come across. This mind-sharpening and creativity-boosting strain will fill you with a buzz of energy and euphoria, perfect for long sessions in the sheets that you can stretch throughout your day. Green Crack is the perfect wake-and-bake strain and an ideal vacation companion.

Aside from its effects, Green Crack also sports tropical citrus and mango notes, making it a great option for bongs and vaporizers. But if you choose the former, be sure to refresh that bong water or use mouthwash after your session, there is nothing less sexy than bong breath.

Best For:

Morning sex. Roll out of bed, brush those teeth, and smoke up.

Visit Weedmaps to find Green Crack at a dispensary near you.

Harlequin

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Harlequins (@theharlequinsmusic)

Strain: Sativa
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene
THC: 5%
CBD: 9%

If you’re the type who likes microdosing, you probably read our proclamation of Granddaddy Purple as a low THC strain (17%) and shuddered at the thought of smoking something that strong — in which case, Harlequin is for you. This strain will hardly get you high, even if your tolerance is super low, but its high CBD and low THC content make it the perfect option for those looking to take the edge off.

High CBD strains tend to relieve pain and anxiety, so if those are particular hurdles for you to clear, Harlequin’s got your back.

Best For:

First timers. If you’re looking to experiment with weed in the bedroom but don’t like the idea of having super-stoned sex, start here.

Visit Weedmaps to find Harlequin at a dispensary near you.

Northern Lights

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @trichome_forest_

Strain: Indica
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene
THC: 17%

If you’re all about spicy herbal flavors, flower aromas, and enhanced sensory experiences, Northern Lights is your strain. A few hits of Northern Lights (about five or six if you’re a heavy user) will send you into an instant body buzz as its euphoric effects take hold, making this an ideal option for extended foreplay sessions and sensory exploration.

Northern Lights has a time-slowing effect that will inspire you to take your time on everything, which will make you a better lovemaking partner. If any strain is going to sell you on the idea of cannabis as a sexual enhancer, it’s this one.

Best For:

Long sex sessions. If you want to get lost in the feelings of physical touch, this is the strain that’ll help you luxuriate in the ecstasy of pleasure.

Visit Weedmaps to find Northern Lights at a dispensary near you.

Pink Panties

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Vaca (@whiterabbitfx)

Strain: Indica
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene
THC: 20%

We know, the name is a little on the nose here, but whoever named this strain knew exactly why they were doing it. This strain is another stress-buster, and its tantalizing name and flowery and fruity flavor are guaranteed to put you in a good mood no matter how stressful the day has been.

But beware, Pink Panties is a high THC indica — so take it easy on this stuff or you’re more likely to hit the bed for sleep than any sort of sexual activity.

Best For:

End of the night sex. If you want to hit the hay immediately after you’re done rolling in it, this is the strain for you.

Visit Weedmaps to find Pink Panties at a dispensary near you.

Sour Diesel

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ThePotPirates (@potfarmer_azza)

Strain: Sativa
Dominant Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene
THC: 18.5%
CBD: 2%

Other than Harlequin, Sour Diesel is the only other strain on this list with a significant amount of CBD, which will help to melt away anxiety and pain, making this the perfect option for anyone with anxious thoughts wrecking their bedroom game.

Having said that, keep in mind that the name “Sour Diesel” is very apt, this strain has an overly pungent and chemical-infused aroma and flavor, it straight up stinks. That’s not a turn-on, so smoke this stuff with your partner outside — it’ll only be a matter of minutes before you’re hit with some cerebral enhancement that’ll have you excited to hit the bedroom. Or you know, just keep things outside. Go wild.

Best For:

Outdoor sex.

Visit Weedmaps to find Sour Diesel at a dispensary near you.

Trainwreck

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by billie (@callie_rayelle)

Strain: Hybrid
Dominant Terpenes: Terpinolene, Myrcene, Pinene
THC: 16%

One of the weaker strains on this list (aside from Harlequin), Trainwreck, despite its name, actually provides a super chill experience. This is the sort of strain to smoke when you need a simple head change, and a few hits will have you giggling and poking at your partner as its playful effects take hold.

Trainwreck sports a flowery and herbal flavor that’ll fill the room with a deliciously intoxicating smell, so if the smell of weed isn’t a complete turn-off, feel free to light up inside so you can get to the action even quicker. Keep this strain handy for quickies and shorter sex sessions that aren’t going to occupy your whole day, the high isn’t going to last too long with this one which is perfect if you’ve got a packed schedule.

Best For:

Thanks to its quick high and short duration of effects, this strain is ideal for quickies and short sex sessions.

Visit Weedmaps to find Trackwreck at a dispensary near you.

Wedding Cake

Strain: Hybrid
Dominant Terpenes: Limonene, Myrcene, Caryophyllene
THC: 23-25%

This list is in alphabetical order but we couldn’t find a better strain to end it on than Wedding Cake. This indica-dominant hybrid is absolutely packed with THC, so we only suggest it for hardcore smokers and heavy users, but the effects you get out of this strain cannot be denied. Its earthy and herbal flavors with hints of sweet vanilla will tantalize the palate while providing a sense-enhancing head change and a rush of euphoria with a single hit.

Plus, with a name like Wedding Cake, this strain is practically begging to come along on your honeymoon getaway or romantic weekend. If the idea of domesticity is a turn-off, Wedding Cake will still get you hella high and feeling euphoric, two ingredients for great sex.

Best For:

Stoners. If your tolerance is already pretty high, this is the sort of luxurious and premium strain that is going to get you that strong head change and those deep body sensations that mid-shelf stuff just can’t ignite anymore.

Visit Weedmaps to find Wedding Cake at a dispensary near you.

Edward Abbey famously said, “A man on foot, on horseback or on a bicycle will see more, feel more, enjoy more in one mile than the motorized tourists can in a hundred miles.” At Uproxx, we have to agree.

By now we all know about the very real physical and mental benefits of nature, but there is nothing quite like getting out into nature on a hiking trail. Being surrounded by forest, desert, mountains, meadows, or water without the constant stream of notifications from our daily lives is purifying in its simplicity and remarkable in its results.

Whether inspired by social media, awareness of health benefits, more flexible schedules of the last few years, or just a desire to take a technology break, there’s no denying that hiking is booming in popularity across the United States. From 2019 to 2020 alone, the percentage of logged hikes on AllTrails was up over 170%. National Parks have seen increased visitation leading to timed entry systems and vehicle reservations, while sales of outdoor gear have steadily increased.

If you’re like many travelers this year, hiking is an activity you want to incorporate into your travels. Here are some of our favorites:

1. THE BEEHIVE LOOP – Acadia National Park – MAINE

WHY IT’S AWESOME:

Acadia is a crown jewel of the National Park system. The legendary park in coastal Maine is consistently in the top 10 most visited major National Parks with over four million visitors in 2021. Acadia is also one of the smallest major parks by land area, encompassing just over 49,000 acres over the most visited Mount Desert Island, part of the less visited Schoodic Peninsula, part of the Isle au Haut as well as 16 other outlying islands. So while this may not be the first park you’d think of for difficult hiking trails – it has its share.

Clocking in at just 1.5 miles – The Beehive Loop is definitely one of Acadia’s best. It’s the shortest trail on this list, but also rated as difficult. While not as deathly (really) as the Precipice Trail in the park, The Beehive is a short but challenging hike with a big payoff.

TRAIL NOTES:

The trail begins across the street from the Sand Beach Parking Lot. The trail begins on the Bowl Trail then splits – you’ll go right for the loop that takes you on the Beehive Trail up to the Beehive Summit and down the Bowl Trail. There are sections of climbing on the Beehive Trail where you will use iron rungs to help scramble and climb up to the top – with panoramic views of the gorgeous Maine coast.

TOTAL DISTANCE: 1.5 miles

ELEVATION GAIN: 450 ft

DIFFICULTY: Hard – Not recommended for small children or those with a fear of heights

BEST TIME TO HIKE:

Summer and fall in Acadia are bucket-list, but you’ll also be met with crowds. I wouldn’t recommend hiking this one in the winter with any snow or ice on the trail, or after rain. The steep drop offs and exposure are no joke.

WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER:

Head back to Bar Harbor and grab a refreshing local beer at Atlantic Brewing Company.

2. EMERALD LAKE TRAIL – Rocky Mountain National Park – COLORADO

WHY IT’S AWESOME:

Rocky Mountain National Park is a bucket list destination for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. With over 355 miles of trails in the park – it’s a hiker’s dream. But if I could only choose one hike to take in the park, I’d answer like most people would (it’s popular for a reason y’all) and I’d hike Emerald Lake Trail. It truly has more “bang for your buck” than any other trail on this list, heck – probably any trail I’ve ever hiked.

Clocking in at just 3.2 miles, you’ll hike into a quintessentially Colorado mountain landscape that is jaw-dropping at every turn. Starting at one gorgeous lake and passing by two others on the way to your postcard-perfect destination – it’s probably going to be crowded, but it’s going to be worth it.

TRAIL NOTES:

As mentioned, one of the amazing perks of this trial is its accessibility. Emerald Lakes Trail begins at Bear Lake – which you can easily whip around to add another 0.7 miles to your hike and is totally accessible. From there you’ll hit the Emerald Lake Trail itself which is to the left when you enter into the Bear Lake Trail area from the parking lot. Then you begin to slightly climb up 0.5 miles to Nymph Lake – one of my favorite lakes in the Rockies, and a perfect place to catch your breath if you’re not yet used to the elevation (9,710 ft). From there you’ll climb a bit higher another 0.6 miles or so to the Instagram star – Dream Lake. This is a perfect place to stop for a snack and admire the view. From there you will hike up another 0.7 miles or so – and pass a waterfall – until you reach Emerald Lake.

TOTAL DISTANCE: 3.2 miles

ELEVATION GAIN: 698 ft.

DIFFICULTY: Easy.

BEST TIME TO HIKE:

This is a popular spot all year round (try snowshoeing!) so you’ll need to be prepared to take the park service shuttle if parking is full. Between May 26 and October 22 you’ll also need a timed entry reservation to access the Bear Lake Corridor and the trailhead. These can be reserved here.

WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER:

Head into Estes Park and visit my favorite spot – Snowy Peaks Winery.

3. DELICATE ARCH – Arches National Park – UTAH

WHY IT’S AWESOME:

If you’ve ever seen a photo of a hike in Utah, it’s likely of Delicate Arch. The iconic natural rock formation that graces the state’s license plates (and pretty much every other Utah-branded item) is legendary for a reason. With over 2,000 documented arches in Arches National Park, this is by far the most well-known, as well as holding the title of largest free-standing arch in the park, with an opening beneath the arch of 46 ft tall by 32 ft wide and an entire rock span reaching 60 ft.

TRAIL NOTES:

This hike, while only 3.2 miles round-trip, can be deceptively strenuous. You’ll be climbing up steep slickrock with virtually no shade on the entire trail, with the National Park Service noting that rangers often have to rescue visitors who underestimate the trail’s difficulty. But if you’re prepared – it’s an incredible sight to see up close.

You’ll start by parking at the Wolfe Ranch lot – which is likely to fill most days. Another option is to begin at the Delicate Arch Viewpoint parking lot – which adds 1 mile each way to the hike. The trail begins with some steep climbing on slickrock until it eventually levels to a more manageable slope. The trail is marked with cairns until you reach a 200-yard rock ledge that may be difficult for someone with a fear of heights. After the ledge, the arch will come into view where you can choose to walk over for photos or sit and admire the view.

TOTAL DISTANCE: 3.2 miles

ELEVATION GAIN: 629 ft.

DIFFICULTY: Moderate.

BEST TIME TO HIKE:

There is almost no shade on this trail, so midday hiking in summer is discouraged. Summer is also going to be extremely crowded. Spring and fall are your best bet, while winter is doable if you’re prepared with the correct equipment for possible snow and ice. Be aware you’ll need a timed entry ticket to access any part of Arches National Park from April 1 to October 31.

WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER:

Moab is just outside the park and chock full of bars and restaurants. I recommend stopping by Moab Brewery or Thai Bella Moab.

4. SKYLINE TRAIL LOOP – Mount Rainier National Park – WASHINGTON

WHY IT’S AWESOME:

Mount Rainier is not just impressive – it’s imposingly so. To catch a glimpse of the 14,410 ft active volcano is truly a moment where the veil between heaven and earth is at its thinnest. There are plenty of incredible hiking trails in the over 236,000 acre park, but if I had to choose just one, it would undoubtedly be Skyline Trail Loop. The trail begins at the popular Paradise parking area and lives up to its name – and then some.

TRAIL NOTES:

You’ll start your hike in the Paradise Valley from the Paradise parking lot after a gorgeous drive through the park. There are many trails in this area, so you’ll want to pick up a map or have one downloaded. After some time hiking on pavement, you’ll come to a fork and need to decide if you’ll take on the trail clockwise or counterclockwise. Counterclockwise has slightly less elevation gain on the climb up to Panorama Point, but both have the same amazing views.

If you hike clockwise, you’ll hike up the steep trail to Panorama Point, continues along to Stevens-Van Trump Memorial, descend into Paradise Valley, a slight climb to Myrtle Falls then back to where you began.

TOTAL DISTANCE: 5.5 miles

ELEVATION GAIN: 1,700 ft.

DIFFICULTY: Hard.

BEST TIME TO HIKE:

Mount Rainier is known for wildflowers – and mid to late August is going to be prime time – although July and August are both great times to catch wildflowers and waterfalls. Summer, of course, will be more crowded so start your hike as early as possible. You can hike in the winter, just be prepared with poles, spikes and other winter hiking equipment.

WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER:

I always like to stop at the Longmire Inn, which is a National Park Inn within the park for a drink or a snack.

5. HIGHLINE TRAIL TO GRANITE PARK CHALET — Glacier National Park – MONTANA

WHY IT’S AWESOME:

Glacier National Park is a major bucket list park for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts – particularly hikers. With over 700 miles of hiking trails over a remarkable 1 million acres of land – the options are endless. With so much land to cover between the seven separate entrances of the park, it can be overwhelming to plan a hiking trip. Highline Trail offers incredible views, but is also right off Going-To-The-Sun Road – the nearly 50 mile road that is registered as a National Historic Landmark, Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and National Historic Place. The road is spectacular and the trail is even better.

TRAIL NOTES:

The trail begins on the Continental Divide, just across from the Logan Pass Visitor Center on Going-To-The-Sun Road. The first 3 miles are fairly level albeit exposed and possibly terrifying once you reach an infamous ledge with hundred-foot drop-offs at around just one-quarter of a mile into the hike. There is a cable to hold onto during this fairly short portion of the hike. Then you’ll have a challenging hike ahead through mostly the Garden Wall portion of Glacier following the Continental Divide through meadows, with incredible views all around.

Although the Highline Trail in its entirety is nearly 24 miles round trip, many people hike the trail to Granite Park Chalet before turning back around. The chalet is only accessible by hiking or on horseback and does accommodate overnight guests – although all rooms are sold out for the 2023 season.

TOTAL DISTANCE: 14.9 miles

ELEVATION GAIN: 2,578

DIFFICULTY: Hard.

BEST TIME TO HIKE:

The best time to hike is between July through September. You have to drive on Going-To-The-Sun Road to reach the trailhead, which generally does not open for the season due to snow until late June and closes again in October. You’ll need to secure a vehicle registration to access the road and four other areas in Glacier between May 26 and September 10 if entering on the West side and from July 1 through September 10 if entering from St. Mary’s.

WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER:

I love to head down to Lake McDonald Lodge to grab a drink with a view at Lucke’s Lounge.

6. THE NARROWS – Zion National Park – UTAH

WHY IT’S AWESOME:

Zion National Park has exploded in popularity in the last decade with visitation since 2010 nearly doubling – securing the park the title of second most visited major park in the National Park System. With over 20 hikes within Zion, including the social media famous Angel’s Landing, it can be tough to decide which to hike on a short visit. While the landscape is unique and awe-inspiring throughout the park, I think the most unique trail that doesn’t require a permit is hands down The Narrows.

The hike will take you directly through the Virgin River, with over 60% of the hike requiring wading, hiking, and even swimming in the river itself with the incredible canyon walls surrounding you. You can hike The Narrows Bottom Up or Top Down – but Top Down requires a permit – so for this and other reasons most people choose Bottom Up.

TRAIL NOTES:

The trail, as mentioned, is mostly within the Virgin River with most people beginning at the Temple of Sinawava via the Riverside Walk and then walking upstream through the river before turning around – many hikers turn at Orderville Canyon or continue on to Big Springs but you can whenever you feel like it. There is no specific vista or summit to see – it’s all incredible. I would recommend hiking at least the section known as “Wall Street” which is just over three miles into the hike.

Because of the nature of this trail, you’ll need special equipment. Hiking poles, closed-toed shoes, neoprene socks, and a dry bag are all musts, and specialized gear can be rented from many outfitters in Springdale.

TOTAL DISTANCE: 8.9 out and back to Big Springs. 16 miles for the entire hike (with a permit)

ELEVATION GAIN: 695 ft.

DIFFICULTY: Hard

BEST TIME TO HIKE:

Due to temperature, summer and early fall is definitely the best time to hike The Narrows. This is also the season for thunderstorms though and can lead to potentially life-threatening flash flooding. Winter and spring are much colder and less crowded – you’ll need a full-body wetsuit if you’re hiking during this time. The Narrows is also often closed for periods when the snow melt raises the river to over 150 cubic feet per second or when a flash flood watch is enacted. You’ll want to start your hike as early as possible to escape the crowds you’ll find on your way back.

WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER:

Head into Springdale and grab a beer at Zion Canyon Brew Pub.

7. BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL TO PLATEAU POINT– Grand Canyon National Park – ARIZONA

WHY IT’S AWESOME:

The Grand Canyon, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is likely on most travelers’ must-visit lists. But despite its popularity, many people who visit don’t actually hike very far into the canyon itself. The 278-mile-long canyon is up to 18 miles wide and over a mile deep, with some of the most incredible views and vistas one can ever witness with their own eyes. But hiking down into a canyon means you’ll have to hike back up later, which can be extremely strenuous for even an experienced hiker.

There are over 100 trails in the park according to AllTrails, but one of the most popular – for good reason – is Bright Angel. This trail gets you below the rim for as short or long of a jaunt as you’d like.

TRAIL NOTES:

Bright Angel Trail starts off directly in the Village at the South Rim just west of Bright Angel Lodge. You’ll begin the descent into the canyon immediately and cross under the first tunnel at just shy of 0.2 miles. You’ll enter a period after the second tunnel (0.75 miles) of steep switchbacks and then will pass a water and rest station at 1.5 miles. There is another water and rest stop at 3 miles and water is available again at Indian Gardens which is at mile 4.5.

In the summer, this is where you’ll need to turn around if you have not already – getting back up can take at least twice as long and once you’re in the canyon it can be difficult to understand how far you’ve gone. In other seasons you can continue on to Plateau Point at mile six.

TOTAL DISTANCE: 12 miles

ELEVATION GAIN: 3,080 ft.

DIFFICULTY: Hard

BEST TIME TO HIKE:

Fall and spring are going to be best for hiking this trail, as summer temps can become dangerous. If hiking in the summer, the National Park Service recommends avoiding the trail between 10am and 4pm and it is not recommended to hike rim to river in one day during this time for this reason. In winter and early spring the upper portions of the trail can be extremely icy.

WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER: I love to walk the short distance on the South Rim to the classic El Tovar Hotel Lounge to get a drink on the veranda.

8. APPALACHIAN TRAIL – SPANS 14 STATES

WHY IT’S AWESOME:

While not exactly a day hike – or even weeks for that matter – hiking the Appalachian Trail should be on everyone’s list. At least a portion of it, that is. While the entire trail from Georgia to Maine is nearly 2,200 miles and spans over 14 states, that also means portions are easily accessible to the average hiker who doesn’t have five to seven months to complete it. Whether you’re in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine – look for the AT signage while hiking – I’ve hiked on portions of the trail several times without realizing until I was already there.

And you never know, it might just inspire a thru-hike in the future.

TRAIL NOTES:

It would be impossible to explain a trail that is over 2,000 miles, but I can recommend a great way to experience the trail as a beginner – through portions in and near Shenandoah National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. There are 104 miles of the trail in Shenandoah National Park, with elevation gains that generally stay below 1,000 ft. The trail is well maintained and portions are a great option for a day hike.

TOTAL DISTANCE: 2,190 miles

ELEVATION GAIN: 453,750 ft

DIFFICULTY: Hard.

BEST TIME TO HIKE:

Weather is of course going to fluctuate depending on where you’re hiking, so be prepared to do your research and bring anything you’ll need. Late spring and early fall are generally going to be your best bet for a day hike. Thru-hikers generally start in March or April in Georgia, ending around September in Maine.

WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK AFTER:

Hit up a bar or restaurant in one of the over 40 trail communities – towns near the trail that have qualified under the Appalachian Trail Conservatory’s A.T. community program.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are like those cool best friends who you can always count on to show up together and make things a little silly, much like a younger version of Steve Martin and Martin Short (without all of the old guy jokes). Anytime the ladies join forces you can guarantee that there will be some hard-hitting jokes and glamorous outfits sandwiched in between some sort of pop culture reference. And now they are taking the proverbial show on the road!

The duo is heading out together for The Restless Leg tour this spring, which will center on the pair and their 30+ year friendship. In a joint statement, the pair said, “If this tour goes right, we can finally end this friendship!” It hasn’t worked out for the Two Martins yet.

The East Coast tour is also being filmed by LiveNation, which means that we might get a Netflix (or Peacock) special sometime soon for any fans unable to make the trek. Beginning in April, the pair will be heading to Washington D.C., Chicago, Boston, and Atlantic City, but not New York City, for some reason.

Fey and Poehler last teamed up in 2021 to host the socially distanced Golden Globes, because that’s something we all had to experience together. The ladies have had a long history of working together other the years, beginning with their reign on Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update, which has still yet to be topped!

(Via Variety)

You Season 4 isn’t as incendiary (in a few ways) as the show’s previous runs. Actually, the newest round of episodes makes Joe the stalkee more than the stalker, but he is not off the hook. Joe has done more than his fair share of killing over the years, and he’s still very much a bad dude. Star Penn Badgley has been very frank about feeling disturbed by people calling his character sexy despite all of the obsession and mayhem, and he’s now calling out Netflix for fueling that feeling when it comes to Ryan Murphy’s recent Dahmer dramatization starring Evan Peters.

The controversial Dahmer quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched shows of all time (even eclipsing Bridgerton), which greatly upset the families of Jeffrey Dahmer’s victims. Badgley doesn’t shy away from once again acknowledging that his show plays a seductive game with You, which does skewer Joe but also, as Badgley told Entertainment Tonight (via People), “To be fair, with our show, you’re meant to fall in love with [Joe]. That’s on us.”

However, the Gossip Girl actor continued: “Ted Bundy? That’s on you. Jeffrey Dahmer? That is on — Netflix. That is squarely on the shoulders of Netflix.”

That’s a bold move, given that Badgley stars in a Netflix production, but then again, he did ask viewers to look “inside” for why they love these shows so much. Badgley also recently made clear that he requested to showrunner Sara Gamble whether he could cease filming intimate scenes for the rest of the show’s run. How much longer will You continue? Season 5 hasn’t been announced yet, but give it time.

(Via Entertainment Tonight & People)

Donald Trump and his cronies could be facing an explosive situation later this week when the grand jury report into the former president’s alleged election interference in Georgia is unsealed. While the decision to prosecute the president will be left up to the Fulton County District Attorney, the report could contain damning information about Trump and his cohorts’ alleged efforts into coercing Georgia officials to magically “find votes” following Trump’s loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

The grand jury report is the result of a six-month-long process that began back in June 2022 and colluded in December. The judge overseeing the case felt that unsealing a portion of the report was necessary to the public interest.

“While publication might not be convenient for the pacing of the District Attorney’s investigation, the compelling public interest in these proceedings and the unquestionable value and importance of transparency require their release,” Superior Court Judge Robert C. I. McBurney said ahead of the report’s release. Via The Daily Beast:

The judge ordered the release of the final report’s introduction, conclusion, and a section “in which the special purpose grand jury discusses its concern that some witnesses may have lied under oath during their testimony to the grand jury.”

That detail itself is remarkable, hinting at how those close to Trump may now be scrambling to cover up the way his team in 2020 tried to intimidate Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to flip ballot numbers, weaponized lawsuits to overturn election results, and recruited Republicans to become fake electors willing to keep him in office by undermining the U.S. Constitution.

As for which of Trump’s cronies is reportedly in legal jeopardy… well, that’s not clear yet, but there have been reports that Rudy Giuliani is particularly exposed. The president’s former attorney was already “concerned” when the grand jury was announced over the summer amidst reports that he lied to legislators.

“Rudy flew too close to the sun, he got too close to Trump, he got burned,” Giuliani’s former aide told CNN at the time. “He knows how the DOJ works. He knows how the FBI works. He knows these are meticulous investigations. I know he’s nervous.”

(Via The Daily Beast)

BTS announced a years-long hiatus in October, citing that each member planned to pursue “solo endeavors” and “fulfill their military service,” which is mandatory in South Korea.

Since then, Jin debuted his solo single “The Astronaut” and enlisted in the military. RM dropped Indigo, and Jung Kook performed at December’s FIFA World Cup 2022 Opening Ceremony. Last month, Jimin featured on Taeyang’s “Vibe.” It was also reported last month that Jimin would make his solo debut in February, but today (February 13), we have an update straight from the source.

Jimin went live on Weverse on Friday, February 10, and gave fans a more concrete timeline for his highly anticipated debut solo album (as translated by Soompi).

“I think the album I’ve been working on is going to drop in around March,” he said. “I’m currently preparing lots of things that I can do together with you guys around that time. I’m planning lots of different kinds of things we can do to have fun together and enjoy ourselves, so I think you can safely look forward to it. […] You’ve been waiting for such a long time that I wanted to quickly announce this news first before starting [the rest of the broadcast].”

Check out clips from the rest of Jimin’s Weverse live session below.

During the past few weeks, the music discourse has been focused primarily on Rihanna as she got ready to deliver her Super Bowl Halftime Show performance. All the while, though, the story of the charts has been all about Miley Cyrus. Her single “Flowers” debuted on top of the Billboard Hot 100 weeks ago and it’s stayed their ever since. Today, the track’s run continues: On the new Hot 100 dated February 18, “Flowers” is No. 1 for the fourth straight/total week.

This makes “Flowers” the longest-running No. 1 song of her career; Her only other chart-topper, “Wrecking Ball,” enjoyed three weeks on top in 2013.

It’s not surprising that “Flowers” is spending so much time at No. 1, as it is pretty clearly the biggest song of 2023 so far. In January, it became the first song in Spotify history to surpass 100 million streams in a single week, which it has since done again. It is also being reported today that Cyrus has 84.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify, which is the most by a female artist in the platform’s history.

Meanwhile, it was also a big week for Beyoncé, as her “Cuff It” has achieved a new Hot 100 high at No. 6, besting its previous peak at No. 10.

At around $75, the best bourbon whiskeys should have… something extra. Bourbon, by design, is a pretty inexpensive whiskey genre — there are tons of wonderful options under $50. So when you start inching toward that $100 price point, it’s certainly fair to ask for something more, something unique, and something that’ll last in your memories.

Today, I’m going to call out bottles of bourbon that do just that, yet all cost just south of $80.

The 20 bourbon whiskeys listed below are all a little extra. They all fall into categories that touch on special barrel aging, made by young whiskey geniuses who are changing the face of the game, or are special versions of classic brands. There’s no mediocrity in the whiskeys listed below.

All of that said, I still ranked these whiskeys because my professional opinion and palate favor some bottles more than others. While I vouch for all of these whiskeys, some of them just aren’t my jam but I still respect those bottles for their deep craft. So go through and look at those tasting notes to find the whiskeys that speak to you and then click on those price links to find a bottle near you (prices are set for Louisville, Kentucky delivery or distillery bottle shops and will vary by region).

Let’s dive in!

• The 100 Best Bourbon Whiskeys Of 2022, Ranked
• Our Head Drinks Critic Reveals The Expensive Bourbons He *Won’t* Pay Above Retail For
• The Affordable Vs Expensive Blind Bourbon Bottle Battle
• The Absolute Best Bourbons Between $20-$30, Ranked
• The Absolute Best Bourbons Between $30-$40, Ranked

20. Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Premium Whiskey Barrel No. 007

ABV: 60.5%

Average Price: $79

The Whiskey:

This new single-barrel release is made with whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled at the Nearest Green Distillery in central Tennessee. The single barrels are chosen for their exact flavor profile and greatness and bottled completely as-is with no filtration or cutting with water to maintain that barrel’s greatness in the bottle.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Rich and dark cacao powder next to burnt caramels, black licorice, old vanilla pods, and old leather boots appear on the nose with a dash of fresh nutmeg and clove.

Palate: Lush salted caramel and a rich sense of honey loaded with cinnamon sticks and a black cherry cola drive the palate before a pinch of black pepper arrives, adding a bold ABV heat.

Finish: The end has a cream soda feel with spiced nut cake and mince pies over a Cherry Coke cut with chocolate sauce that’s just kissed with chili pepper tobacco.

Bottom Line:

This is a great whiskey for someone looking for a bourbon that’s just that little bit deeper than the average pour. It has a classic vibe with a mild sweetness that’s countered by salt and herbal spice. For me, it’s a little warm on the palate and needs a big ol’ ice cube to calm it down.

Once watered, it’s a deep and rewarding sipper.

19. Wilderness Trail 6 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bottled In Bond

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $75

The Whiskey:

The team over at Wilderness Trail continues to wow with their six-year-old Wheated Bourbon release. The whiskey is a mash bill of 64% corn, 24% wheat, and 12% malted barley and uses co-founder Dr. Pat’s (yes, he’s a real doctor) proprietary yeast. The juice is then aged in their main warehouse where it’s moved to a new floor every one of those six years, allowing a little extra magic to happen in the barrel.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose draws you in with a cinnamon-heavy pecan pie with a lard-hewn crust next to hints of wet pine.

Palate: The palate leans into the corn syrup of the pecan pie while the cinnamon draws you towards an apple tobacco chew with a touch of caramel and vanilla lurking in the background.

Finish: The finish doesn’t overstay its welcome and holds onto the cinnamon and pie vibes, ending on a fruity tobacco buzz.

Bottom Line:

This is a great get for a true whiskey nerd. The brand is also getting some wider distribution, which means you’ll see more of it on shelves (finally). All of that aside, this is an easy sipper that also makes a mean old fashioned thanks to a serious acuity wherein you feel the ingenuity of the layers in every sip.

18. Laws Whiskey House Cognac Foeder Finished Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 47.5%

Average Price: $74

The Whiskey:

This four-grain bourbon starts with standard aging for two years in new American oak. The barrels that hit just the right mark are then batched and re-filled into cognac casks for additional mellowing. Once those barrels hit the right flavor profile, the whiskey is vatted into a 50-year-old French oak foeder (huge barrel, basically) where it rests for a spell before bottling. That foeder is never fully emptied, creating heritage to all the bourbon that passes through it year after year.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: This season’s nose has a sense of Earl Grey tea leaves just touched with champagne next to stewed plums and apples with a sense of Saigon cinnamon, freshly ground nutmeg, and ground allspice.

Palate: The palate is rich and lush with an apple butter thickness and spice next to singed cedar bark and apple bark over rum-raisin, creamy eggnog, and a whisper of pear.

Finish: The end has a creamy and lush vibe that leans into vanilla and nog with a whisper of holiday cake imbued tobacco rolled with cellar oak and rich caramel sauce.

Bottom Line:

This is an excellent example of what a cognac finish can bring to a bourbon. The nuance here is that cognac foeders were used instead of smaller format barrels. That’s an incredible amount of surface space for the bourbon to interact with the unique wood sugars.

In the end, I’d pour this over a rock and sip it slow or mix it into a fun, 50/50 bourbon/cognac Sazerac.

17. Red Line Cask Strength Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 58%

Average Price: $70

The Whiskey:

This whiskey from Red Line is sourced from hand-selected barrels from MGP of Indiana. The team at Red Line picked six-year-old barrels of MGP’s iconic high-rye bourbon mash of 75% corn, 21% rye, and only 4% malted barley. Those barrels were vatted and then bottled as-is at cask strength.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a lovely sweetness that arrives on the nose with a hint of burnt sugars and brown butter just starting to coalesce into caramel with a flake of salt and a sense of rum-raisin and an echo of charred oak.

Palate: The palate leans into a light apple compote with a hint of plum and plenty of wintry spices next to vanilla and wicker before the warmth of the ABVs peak on the mid-palate.

Finish: The end is soft and supple with a sense of spiced prune jam, old porch wicker, and allspice berries.

Bottom Line:

This is just a good bourbon. It’s easy, fun, and tastes really nice. Sometimes that’s enough.

16. Horse Soldier Reserve Barrel Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 60.25%

Average Price: $72

The Whiskey:

The bourbon in this bottle was contract distilled in Ohio at Middlewest (but it’s now being made in Kentucky too). The whiskey is a wheated bourbon that spent eight years mellowing before bottling. Each barrel was hand-picked before being married into a barrel strength expression that’s bottled as-is.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a crafty, sweet grain nose that opens toward a pile of freshly chopped firewood, lemon pepper, creamy vanilla-laced honey, winter spices, and Kiwi boot soap.

Palate: The palate has a hint of caramel malts next to Vanilla Coke, a buttery and spiced apple pie with plenty of brown sugar, and a hint of ginger next to some orange blossoms in the background.

Finish: The end is solid with a spicy warmth next to more of that dry firewood and a smidge of sweet oatmeal cookies.

Bottom Line:

This is another bourbon that’s just good from top to bottom. I would lean more towards cocktail with this one, but it’s perfectly suited to on the rocks sipping.

15. Pursuit United Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskeys Finished with Toasted American and French Oak

ABV: 54%

Average Price: $75

The Whiskey:

The latest release from the Bourbon Pursuit team is a blend of four to six-year-old bourbons. The three bourbons involved are a Finger Lakes whiskey (70/20/10 corn/rye/malted barley), an MGP bourbon (60/36/4 corn/rye/malted barley), and an undisclosed Tennessee whiskey (80/10/10 corn/rye/malted barley). Those whiskeys were finished in both American and French toasted oak barrels before batching and bottling with a touch of Kentucky water.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Pecan dark chocolate nut clusters mix with burnt orange, spiced and sweet mulled wine, and rum-raisin with a touch of fresh cedar on the nose while a deep leatheriness draws you in.

Palate: The palate has a sense of Nutella over scones with a Cherry Coke on the side while singed cedar and cherry bark mingle with clove-studded oranges and a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper.

Finish: The end has a nice spicy warmth and a touch more of that singed wood next to spicy cherry tobacco.

Bottom Line:

This has a nice, classic bourbon underbelly that’s accentuated by a solid finishing program. There’s a nice woody spice and classic bourbon sweetness that makes for easy sipping (again over ice) or easy mixing into simple whiskey-forward cocktails.

14. Jefferson’s Ocean Aged At Sea Straight Bourbon Whiskey Very Small Batch Special Wheated Mash Bill

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $74

The Whiskey:

Jefferson’s Ocean is deeply skilled at crafting unique and very tasty drams. This expression uses a wheated mash bill (instead of high rye) that’s aged for six to eight years on land. Barrels are then loaded onto a ship and sailed around the world where the spirit and wood interact the whole time thanks to the choppy seas, creating an incredibly unique whiskey in the process.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: This has a very subtle nose, with hints of vanilla, dark salted caramel, and mild eggnog spice drawing you in.

Palate: The palate holds onto those flavors fairly well, while adding a touch of popped corn to the salted caramel as the vanilla becomes more of an eggnog-spiced pudding that remains very airy and light.

Finish: The end is slightly nutty with a touch of cedar as the spice and svelte vanilla slowly fade away.

Bottom Line:

The ABVs on this one are what will make or break it for some folks out there. I like it in that you can sip this neat without hesitation. That said, it is on the lighter side, which goes against the massive trend of all the ABVs all the time. All of that aside, this is a balanced and very tasty bourbon.

13. Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Small Batch

ABV: 53%

Average Price: $73

The Whiskey:

Jackie Zykan’s (former Master Taster for Old Forester) first release at her own shingle is a sourced whiskey from Neeley Family Distillery in rural Kentucky. The bourbon is made from a sweet mash (a brand new mash with every cook instead of reusing mash for a sour mash) with a high-ish rye content in pot stills (a true rarity in bourbon these days). Those barrels aged for four to five years before Zykan picked a handful for this batch-proof release.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose is full of digestive biscuits and whole wheat pancakes cut with vanilla and pecan next to hints of anise, caramel candy, and cinnamon-toast tobacco.

Palate: The palate holds onto the massive graininess with a clear sense of rye bread crumb next to thick oatmeal cookies with more of those pecans and plenty of raisins and spice.

Finish: Later, a hint of white pepper arrives and leads the finish to soft espresso cream with a dash of nutmeg and creamy toffee.

Bottom Line:

This leans heavily into the crafty side of bourbon that’s becoming more centered these days. There’s a big note of sweet graininess from top to bottom. The difference is either going to make or break this bourbon for you. I dig it, especially over some ice or in a cocktail.

12. Garrison Brothers Small Batch Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 47%

Average Price: $79

The Whiskey:

Garrison Brothers is a true grain-to-glass experience from Hye, Texas. The juice is a wheated bourbon made with local, Texas grains. That spirit is then aged under the beating heat of a hot Texas sun before the barrels are small-batched (with only 55 barrels per batch), proofed with local water, and bottled.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a caramel apple note on the nose next to a bit of dry straw, worn leather, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cut with whole milk and unsalted butter mixed in white grits.

Palate: That cereal nature continues through the palate with a sugary and buttery shortbread note mingling with hints of vanilla cake frosted with lemon cream leading to a touch of orange oils.

Finish: The end is very long and warm with a bit of cinnamon that ultimately leads back to the caramel apples plus just a touch of dry campfire smoke at the very end.

Bottom Line:

This is another bourbon that has huge crafty notes (those sweet cereal grains). The whiskey has a balance and depth that goes far beyond that though, making this a very sippable yet bold bourbon that also mixes really well into citrus-forward cocktails.

11. Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey Original Cask Strength

ABV: 57.9%

Average Price: $73

The Whiskey:

The new-ish release from actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley is an evolution of their brand. The whiskey in the bottle is a blend of three bourbons which create a four-grain bourbon. That blend was then bottled as-is, creating a deeply classic bourbon experience from founders who truly care about whiskey.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: This opens with a balance of old leather boots and freshly cracked black pepper next to a hint of walnut shell, vanilla pod, and orange zest.

Palate: The palate leans into what feels like star fruit as orange marmalade, salted butter, and fresh honey drip over rye bread crusts.

Finish: The end comes with a good dose of peppery spice and old leather as those walnuts and oranges combine with a handful of dried fruit and a dusting of winter spices on the finish.

Bottom Line:

This feels like Somerhalder and Wesely set out to find the most quintessential bourbon whiskey barrels they could with the best depth and actually did. This is just really good bourbon from top to bottom. It also keeps the higher ABV in check with a nice, sweet bourbon harmony.

Try it neat and take it slow.

10. Monk’s Road Fifth District Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 6 Years

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $76

The Whiskey:

This whiskey from Log Still Distillery in Kentucky is run by direct descendants of the famed Dant family (true foundational legends in Kentucky bourbon). The whiskey in the bottle is a single-barrel bourbon that aged for six years before proofing and bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: This opens with a hint of woody vanilla next to a hint of sour cherry, a dash of toasted coconut, a light note of leather, and some butter toffee underbelly.

Palate: The palate leans into cola notes with plenty of clove and nutmeg next to a whisper of oatmeal cookie with sweet spices and plenty of vanilla.

Finish: The end is lush and sweetens towards a Caro syrup with a bit of stewed apple that’s kind of woody and mildly spicy.

Bottom Line:

This is another one that’s quintessential bourbon. The spice and sweet balance is on point and feels like a trip down memory lane to the best Christmases of your childhood.

9. Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon Whiskey Cask Strength

ABV: 58.4%

Average Price: $70

The Whiskey:

This uncut and unfiltered version of Redwood Empire’s beloved bourbon is a four-grain whiskey built from a blend of California, Kentucky, and Indiana whiskeys. The mash ends up being 74% corn, 20% raw rye, 4.5% malt barley, and a mere 1.5% wheat. The barrels in the final blend range from four to 12 years old with the older stuff coming from the Ohio Valley.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a soft sense of classic bourbon on the nose with dark cherry, vanilla pod, light caramel sauce, and pecan waffles with pancake syrup and cinnamon-brown sugar butter next to a whisper of old boot leather and a very distant echo of sweet grits.

Palate: The palate has a soft creamed honey sweetness with a twinge of Cherry Coke next to buttery toffee dipped in crushed roasted almonds with a hint of Mounds Bar and chewy caramel. A good dose of ABV heat kicks up on the mid-palate with a mulled wine spiciness and a touch of sour cherry.

Finish: The end is nutty and full of dark cherry tobacco just kissed with dark chocolate and dark brown spices.

Bottom Line:

This is another whiskey that hits the balance of ABVs, bourbon sweetness, and woody spice out of the park. While it’s easy to sip slowly (especially with a big rock), it also makes a killer Manhattan.

8. Penelope Architect Straight Bourbon Whiskey French Oak Staves

ABV: 52%

Average Price: $71

The Whiskey:

This bourbon is all about precision blending. The MGP barrels create a four-grain whiskey that’s finished in oak staves from Tonnellerie Radoux in France. Those staves are added to the barrels to create a unique finish that’s part Kentucky and part France.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: This starts fairly familiar with notes of sugar pie and vanilla cream with orange spice and a hint of dried florals that then veers into dried mushrooms and firewood bark with a bit of black dirt.

Palate: The palate circles back to the sweetness with a big pile of pecan waffles covered in vanilla/maple syrup before soft orange-infused tobacco leads back to that wet firewood and black dirt on the backend of the sip.

Finish: The very end has a touch of charred oak that’s more like singed red-wine-soaked-oak staves.

Bottom Line:

This is subtle and enticing and kind of funky. I really dig it. This is also the kind of whiskey that benefits from a proper tasting experience with nosing, resting, and watering to really let it bloom in the glass to find the nebulous and creamy depths hidden within.

7. Yellowstone Hand-Picked Collection Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel

ABV: 57.5%

Average Price: $71

The Whiskey:

These bottles are part of an exclusive run of bourbon barrels that are “hand-picked” by Steve Beam out at Limestone Branch Distillery (from sourced barrels). Beam pulls these exceptional barrels in and releases them for special retailers, bar accounts, and collections. Each release is around 200 bottles and they tend to be rare finds.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Stewed pears and spicy dark chocolate open up the nose toward hints of cedar and vanilla oils.

Palate: The palate is kind of like a vanilla candle next to almonds toffees with minor notes of orchard bark and old moss.

Finish: The fruit comes back around on the mid-palate and finishes with leather apricot and pear tobacco layering into the nutty toffee and moss.

Bottom Line:

This is a great fruity/sweet bourbon with an edge. You really feel the pear orchards next to a wonderful sense of moss, bark, and dirt. It feels a little offbeat but in all the right ways, especially with a little water or ice to let it open up.

6. Lost Lantern Starlight Distillery Indiana Straight Bourbon

ABV: 58%

Average Price: $79

The Whiskey:

Starlight Distillery in Indiana is quickly becoming the whiskey insiders’ favorite craft distillery. This single barrel pick for Lost Lantern is from a cask that aged for four years in a 53-gallon barrel. The juice inside that barrel was made from a mash of 60% corn, 20% malted barley, 10% rye, and 10% wheat. The whiskey was then bottled as-is.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Apple strudel with rich and frothy vanilla cream sauce mix with ground cinnamon and caramel drizzle on the nose.

Palate: The palate has a lemon cream pie vibe that gives way to a little bit of wet cedar bark, dark fruit leather, and fresh bales of straw.

Finish: The end has some notes of apple cores and cherry bark next to a creamy backbone of vanilla pudding and chewy malted root beer tobacco.

Bottom Line:

This is an excellent barrel pick from an excellent distillery. Get it if you can.

5. Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 60%

Average Price: $72

The Whiskey:

This single-barrel bourbon is from Beam’s private barrel pick program for retailers/bars/etc. at the distillery. That means your local retailer goes out to Clermont, Kentucky, and picks a single barrel for their store only. Beam then cuts the bourbon to 120 proof (if needed), bottles it, and delivers it to the store. That also means these will vary from store to store ever so slightly.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: This is bold on the nose too with plenty of lush vanilla next to salted caramel, a touch of barrel char, brandy-soaked cherries, and a hint of dark chocolate-covered espresso beans with a little date/prune action.

Palate: The palate pops with dark chocolate Almond Joys next to cherry root beer and old oak with a hint of potting soil that leads to a big ABV warmth with sharp peppery spice.

Finish: The end softens toward a mocha espresso with a dash of nutmeg next to dry cedar and cherry tobacco wrapped around a box of Red Hots.

Bottom Line:

The best thing you can do when shopping for whiskey these days is to look for in-store barrel picks. These will be the single barrel bottles to nab as they’re often the best — at least the most refined — the brand has to offer. The best part of these Knob Creek barrel picks is how versatile they are.

This works as a neat sipper, over some ice, or in a great whiskey-forward cocktail.

4. Remus Repeal Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $77

The Whiskey:

This year’s Remus Reserve is a mix of six to 14-year-old bourbons. Buckle in. The blend is made from 2% of a 2008 bourbon with a 21% rye mash, 27% from a 2012 bourbon with a 21% rye mash, 29%from a 2014 bourbon with a 21% rye mash, 17% from a 2012 bourbon with a 36% rye mash bill, and 25% from a 2014 bourbon with that same very high rye mash bill. Once vatted, the whiskey is just touched with water for proofing and bottled as-is.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose on this one is complex and meaders through mint fields and caramel apple stands as hints of old boot leather, plum jam, winter spice, and a hint of sweet oak round things out.

Palate: The palate opens with a rich toffee before a warmth takes over with a soft spice (nutmeg and allspice) before woody vanilla and creamed honey take over.

Finish: The end feels like a handful of candied fruits wrapped up in leathery tobacco leaves with a hint of cedar bark and dried mint in the background.

Bottom Line:

Remus Reserve is MGP of Indiana’s signature expression via their Ross & Squib Distillery brand. This whiskey is truly a special expression that’s always delicious.

3. Barrell Vantage

ABV: 57.22%

Average Price: $77

The Whiskey:

This new release from Barrell Craft Spirits really leans into unique and rare finishings. The blend is a mix of Indiana, Tennessee, and Kentucky bourbons finished in three different oaks separately before blending. In this case, that’s Japanese Mizunara casks, French, and American oak. Different toast and char levels were used for the barrels to achieve a unique palate that builds on the heritage of Barrell’s other triple cask-finished whiskeys (Dovetail, Seagrass, and Armida).

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose opens with a sense of chili pepper-infused dark chocolate pudding next to a hint of toasted coconut, dry ginger next to root beer, and an echo of pineapple stems.

Palate: The palate is full of orchard wood and espresso cream next to a hint of lush eggnog with plenty of nutmeg and a dash of some green, herbal, and savory — kind of like tarragon.

Finish: The end lets the spice amp up toward red peppercorns as plum cake counters with a soft and sweet finish.

Bottom Line:

Barrell Craft Spirits doesn’t miss. This complex and fun bourbon from 2022 is another big win for the brand and bourbon fans. It’s classic yet funky, bringing great balance and true depth that kind of keeps going and going.

2. Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey

ABV: Varies

Average Price: $72

The Whiskey:

Where the Single Barrel Select is cut with soft limestone water to bring it down to proof, this is the straight whiskey from the barrel. These barrels are all hand-selected from the vast Jack Daniel’s rickhouses. What’s left from the angel’s share then goes straight into the bottle. That means the ABVs and tasting notes for this bottle will vary depending on which bottle you snag.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Expect an experience that’s full of rich vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak, next to a rush of cherry-spiked spice.

Palate: The sip should have a mix of that vanilla, oak, and rich wintry spices with a nice dose of bright red fruits and a texture that’s more velvet than liquid.

Finish: The end really holds onto that vibe as the mild spice, toasted oak, rich vanilla, and almost maple syrup sweetness slowly fade across your senses, leaving you with chewy cherry tobacco stuffed into an old cedar box.

Bottom Line:

This is one of the best versions of Jack Daniel’s that you can actually buy. This release is refined and deeply built to give you a striking version of the well-known brand. It’s easy-going over some ice and makes a nice sipper on a slow day.

1. Peerless Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 54.65% (varies)

Average Price: $74

The Whiskey:

Kentucky Peerless Distilling takes its time for a true grain-to-glass experience. Their Small Batch Bourbon is crafted with a fairly low-rye mash bill and fermented with a sweet mash as opposed to a sour mash (that means they use 100% new grains, water, and yeast with each new batch instead of holding some of the mash over to start the next one like a sourdough starter). The barrels are then hand-selected for their taste and bottled completely un-messed with.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Expect notes of blackberry next to worn leather, rich toffee, vanilla oils, and wet tobacco leaves.

Palate: The taste holds onto the toffee and vanilla as the tobacco dries out and spices up, with touches of cedar bark and a few bitter espresso beans.

Finish: The end is long, holds onto the vanilla and tobacco, and touches back on the berries as it fades through your senses.

Bottom Line:

This bourbon comes from a true craft distillery in Louisville, Kentucky that leans into optimal Kentucky bourbon vibes. You feel the love and expertise in this bourbon from first nose to last sip. The kicker is that this was made by a fresh-faced 25-year-old kid who’s only now 30. It’s magical stuff and feels like both the future of bourbon and its past (it’s so classically built) in every single pour.

Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny were all smiles at the 2023 Grammys on February 5, and Forbes shed light on one possible reason for their cheery spirits.

The publication shared its annual list of the world’s top 10 highest-paid entertainers today, February 12, and Swift made the cut for the sixth time in her career, including the No. 1 spot in 2019. This year, Swift ranks No. 9, but she’s also notably the only woman on the list.

“Despite the success of Midnights and the anticipation for Eras (which hints at an even better 2023), the pop icon scored most of her $92 million in earnings from music she’d released in years past,” Forbes wrote. “The 33-year-old’s back catalog made up an estimated 70% of her pay, including profits from streaming and album sales. (Universal Music Group, which gets 3% of its revenue from Swift, sold $50 million worth of physical albums in 2022, per a JP Morgan analyst report).”

Right below Swift is Bad Bunny in tenth:

“The only true newcomer to this year’s list: Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, who sold $400 million worth of tickets to his two tours — the first in the spring in the US, the second in the fall across the States plus Latin America — according to concert tracker Pollstar. His second tour, dubbed The World’s Hottest, was an expensive affair. It took 35 to 40 trucks to cart gear and crew from venue to venue across the U.S. and then used three planes — including a 747 cargo jet — to transport everything for the Latin American leg, according to sources with knowledge of the tour. That kind of spectacle may have helped sales but meant fewer dollars in the star’s pocket. Including endorsements, Bad Bunny earned $88 million.”

Unlike Bad Bunny and Swift, Forbes‘ highest-earning entertainer isn’t exactly at the forefront of the 2023 cultural zeitgeist. Genesis reportedly pocketed $230 million followed by Sting in second place at $210 million.

The rest of the list rounded out as follows: Tyler Perry ($175 million), South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone ($160 million), The Simpsons co-creators James L. Brooks and Matt Groening ($105 million), Brad Pitt ($100 million), Rolling Stones ($98 million), and James Cameron ($95 million).

Swift is readying to start her expansive Eras Tour on March 17 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Conversely, Bad Bunny told Billboard in December that he views 2023 as a time to rest “for my physical health, my mental health, my emotional health, enjoy all my achievements.” But it won’t totally be an off year, as he’s scheduled to become the first-ever Latin headliner at Coachella.

The Boys‘ social media game stays consistent with the show’s rollicking attitude. That includes a recent intentionally janky photoshop that was meant to mess with fans regarding Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s mystery role. In embarking upon this adventure, Morgan is pulling a Supernatural reunion with The Boys showrunner Eric Kripke, who recently did the same with Jensen Ackles as Soldier Boy. With Morgan, however, no one will spill who he’s portraying (although it seems likely that this will be a smaller role, considering how busy Morgan is with The Walking Dead universe), and the same goes for details about the Season 4 release date.

Kripke is cool with not-teasing that aspect of the production. However, he does reveal that Season 4 will not be the final rodeo for Homelander and frenemies. “Cause you’re asking!” he tweeted. “We’ve been shooting since late August. I’m here to prep & direct the Season 4 finale. No, not the series finale, there will be more! Most importantly, S4 premieres… at some point in the future in our discernible reality.”

So there you have it. Kripke is steering clear of making any release-date promises, but hang tight because the college-age spinoff that freaked out Arnold Schwarzenegger will also be coming. That project’s Twitter account revealed that Gen V will definitely arrive in 2023, and it feels fair to guess that The Boys will be coming in 2024. Whatever the case, fans will be all over it.

The Boys is currently streaming Seasons 1-3, along with one season of the Diabolical animated spinoff, on Amazon.