Dakota Johnson seems like the most unbothered actresses out there. Sure, she had a critically panned movie, crashed a wedding and even made some bad jokes, but she still sleeps soundly at night. For up 14 hours! So when she suffered from a pretty drastic wardrobe malfunction (shortly after the 7:00 mark above) on Jimmy Kimmel Live, she handled it better than most.
Johnson stopped by to chat with Kimmel, who is also her neighbor, about her newest movie, Daddio. Unfortunately, they didn’t get too far into movie talk before the strap on Johnson’s dress seemed to break. “My dress just fell off,” the actress said nonchalantly.
“It seems to be hanging in alright,” Kimmel replied as the actress attempted to mend the dress. “You just hold it, it wont be very long. By the way, you guys did a great job in this movie.” The movie stars Johnson and Sean Penn during one taxi ride from JFK to Manhattan, Even though it sounds like it, it’s not a horror movie.
Once the duo were back on track, Johnson revealed how she was able to “cast” a d*ck pick that appears at one point in the movie. “So there is this sort of ominous third character in the movie, you never see him, you never really meet him, and my character is texting with him the whole time, and he sends this d*ck pic,” Johnson explained.
She continued, “And you know when we were casting the d*ck pic, there’s not a back stock of penis pics that are usable in movies…” she explained that a crew member “had a group of her male friends just anonymously send in photos to her,” all while still attempting to hold up her dress. This is why she’s a celebrated actress!
California knows how to party. Kendrick Lamar’s Juneteenth concert, The Pop Out: Ken & Friends, proved as much this week while living up to its name and bringing a range of street-certified artists from across the Los Angeles area together in a one-of-a-kind performance reminiscent of culture-defining shows like Fresh Fest, the Hard Knock Life Tour, or Jay-Z’s I Declare War show.
Kendrick himself called the show an example of “unity at its finest,” highlighting what to outsiders might appear to be an unusual and even ill-advised collection of affiliations, considering the city’s history of internecine gangland conflict. Just under three years ago, the Once Upon A Time In Los Angeles festival was marred by an attack on South Central rapper Drakeo The Ruler — an attack that turned out to be fatal, costing the city its third icon in as many years after the deaths of Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant in 2019 and 2020.
So to collect so many of LA’s Blood and Crip-affiliated artists not only onto one show bill but onto the same stage was a victory for unity, regardless of the simmering spitefulness that ran through much of the headliner’s setlist.
It helps to have a common enemy, though.
The entire West Coast united on stage for the finale of Kendrick Lamar & Friends The Pop Out pic.twitter.com/9Y36quV8hm
While almost none of the artists on stage as Kendrick Lamar performed the Drake diss song “Not Like Us” five times in a row have ever even had dealings with the Canadian superstar, it was hard not to get caught up in the infectious energy permeating the Kia Forum. The song is a phenomenon, a viral tornado that has swept through real life gatherings as surely as it has social media. In its way, it’s also a callback to a simpler time, before TikTok dances and AI-powered algorithms determined the popularity of singles custom-designed to game search engines and recommendations pages.
That it’s a combative, defamatory anthem makes its popularity so unique; there is a call-and-response hook, but it revolves around dragging down a rival to the artist himself. Every quotable is damn near a libel litigator’s wet dream. It’s not exactly “standing on couches and crooning to the roof” music. Maybe that’s why it was such a perfect song to bring together a city so well-known for warfare. “California Love” is a thing, but the unspoken context is LA loves a hater.
Or maybe we just understand them. Look at the icons that this town has deified. Kobe Bryant’s defining characteristic was a near-sociopathic commitment to competition — one that his staunchest supporters inherited (Temecula, anyone?). Eazy-E? Rose to stardom on the wave of a song dedicated to his hatred of law enforcement. His former bandmate, Ice Cube, broke away from NWA with a vicious diss track of his own, “No Vaseline.” Tupac Shakur, arguably the West Coast’s messiah figure, is still the face and gold standard of rap beef thanks to his treatment of friend-turned-rival The Notorious B.I.G.
Kendrick’s show, as much as it shone a spotlight on LA’s flourishing well of talent, past, present, and future, was a testament to LA’s legacy of contrarianism, of contradiction. The city itself is often positioned as a counterpoint to New York, America’s “First City.” A trip downtown underlines its original architects’ intentions to make it the New York of the West. But everything around it, as the city grasps toward the ocean, the mountains, the desert surrounding it, displays its rejection of this characterization.
Ken & Friends was a rejection of external definitions. A declaration of LA’s own identity. But more than anything, it was a party, the likes of which you can only throw on the West Coast.
(WARNING: Spoilers for Power Book II: Ghost will be found below.)
So, where did we leave off in episode two of Power Book II: Ghost season four? “To Thine Own Self” concluded with a bit of a reality check for Tariq and Brayden as they realized that a life outside of the drug game is not one for them. Despite Noma’s demands for them to stay out of it, the duo opts to come up with a plan to get back in and make some money for themselves. Monet continues her search for her killer while Dru and Diana hope that she never finds an answer. Cane and Noma seem to be forming a new relationship and Effie made some big moves to keep the operation. Now that you’re up to speed, here’s what to expect for this week’s episode.
When Will Power Book II: Ghost Season 4, Episode 3 Come Out?
The third episode of Power Book II: Ghost season four, titled “Birthright,” will arrive on June 21. The episode will be available on Friday, 6/21 on the STARZ app starting at midnight EST/PST. The episode will later air on the STARZ TV channel at 8 pm ET/PT. A synopsis for “Birthright” can be found below:
Tariq and Brayden must find an in with a vicious new connect. Noma tasks Cane with handling a competitor operating on her turf.
You can also watch a pair of teasers for Power Book II: Ghost season four, episode three below:
New episodes of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ season four are available on the STARZ app on Fridays at 12:00 am ET/PT and on the STARZ TV channel at 8:00 pm ET/PT.
Summer only officially arrives this week, and Netflix is already cranking up the heat with the long-awaited return of Cobra Kai. That will mark the beginning of the final (supersized) season for that show where karate fights randomly break out in malls, hallways, and in parking lots. Does the show still have the “Eye of the Tiger”? We will soon find out.
Additionally, Tom Ellis will now begin portraying God instead of the Devil like that’s the most natural move in the world. Eddie Murphy is back on the beat with more Beverly Hills Cop, and the back library will soon include a pair of Bad Boys movies in case you want to chase the fourth movie with some older-school editions. Oh, and the final season of Suits is finally coming to this streaming service — happy binging to you.
Here’s everything coming to Netflix in July:
Cobra Kai: Season 6 Part 1 (Netflix series streaming 7/18)
Kreese is out on the streets, so watch out, soul of karate. Actually, Daniel and Johnny are already training their joint dojo to take on any recently escaped villainous senseis, and the world championship — Sekai Taikai — sits on the horizon. More importantly, Hawk has grown his mohawk back, which makes the long wait between seasons almost worth it, and I cannot wait to find out if anyone brawls their way into a swimming pool this season. That keeps happening, and we don’t talk enough about it. Time to fix that omission.
Exploding Kittens (Netflix series streaming 7/12)
After several years of portraying the Devil, Tom Ellis is here to portray God, at least in voice form. Strangely enough, God must also mingle with humanity on earth, and he ends up stuck inside of a house cat’s body, and his new home happens to be situated near another cat who is actually the Antichrist. Also, Godcat is obsessed with a pigeon and Devilcat really enjoys naps. You in?
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (Netflix film streaming 7/3)
Eddie Murphy decided to drag Axel Foley out for a new adventure four decades after the first time that happened. There are sure to be plenty of f-bombs, speeding cars, and utter chaos.
Vikings: Valhalla: Season 3 (Netflix series streaming 7/11)
This extremely hairy spin off will return for a final season after a seven-year time jump. Freydis simply wants to find happiness while Harald is pushing for power, and Leif is closing in on Newfoundland.
Homicide: Los Angeles (Netflix docuseries streaming 7/16)
Dick Wolf isn’t content to be the long-reigning king of NBC’s primetime shows revolving around horrific crimes that are generally brought to justice within the hour. Now, he’s here with a new docuseries — this season based in Los Angeles — that discusses the unknown details (via detectives and prosecutors on the cases) of pop-culturally notorious murder investigations.
Avail TBA LALIGA: All Access
Simone Biles Rising
Avail. 7/1 About Antoine: Season 1 Amazing Antoine
American Hustle
American Psycho
Annabelle
Back to the Future
Back to the Future Part II
Back to the Future Part III
Big Daddy
The Blind Side
Call Me by Your Name
Captain Phillips
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
Easy A
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (Batch 3) The House Bunny
Jigsaw
The Karate Kid
Lost: Seasons 1-6 Magic Mike XXL
Matilda
The Nun
Paw Patrol: The Movie
Spider-Man
Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man 3
Star Trek: Prodigy: Season 2 Suits: Season 9 The Sweetest Thing
Uncle Buck
The Wiz
Zombieland
Avail. 7/2 SPRINT
Avail. 7/3 Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Love Is Blind: Brazil: Season 4 The Man with 1000 Kids
Avail. 7/4 Barbecue Showdown: Season 3 Rhythm + Flow France: Season 3
Avail. 7/5 Desperate Lies
Goyo
The Imaginary
The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch: Season 3
Avail. 7/7 Boruto: Naruto the Movie
The Last: Naruto the Movie
Road To Ninja -Naruto The movie-
Avail. 7/8 Bad Boys
Bad Boys II
Avail. 7/9 The Boyfriend
Hannah Berner: We Ride at Dawn
Avail. 7/10 Eva Lasting: Season 2 Love Is Blind: Brazil: Season 4 Receiver
Sugar Rush: The Baking Point: Season 2 Wild Wild Punjab
Avail. 7/11 Another Self: Season 2 Vanished into the Night
Vikings: Valhalla: Season 3 Rhythm + Flow France: Season 3
Avail. 7/12 Blame the Game
The Champion
Exploding Kittens
Lobola Man
Avail. 7/15 Midnight Sun
Trolls Band Together
Wonderoos
Avail. 7/16 The Boy Next Door
Chad Daniels: Empty Nester
Fifty Shades Darker
Fifty Shades Freed
Homicide: Los Angeles
Avail. 7/17 The Green Glove Gang: Season 2 T・P BON: Season 2
Avail. 7/18 Cobra Kai: Season 6 Part 1 Master of the House
Rhythm + Flow France: Season 3
Avail. 7/19 Find Me Falling
Skywalkers: A Love Story
Sweet Home: Season 3 Too Hot to Handle: Season 6
Avail. 7/21 Rhythm + Flow France: Season 3
Avail. 7/23 All American: Season 6
Avail. 7/24 Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam
Love of my life
Resurrected Rides
Avail. 7/23 The Decameron
Kleo: Season 2 Tokyo Swindlers
Avail. 7/26 The Dragon Prince: Season 6 Elite: Season 8 House of Ga’a
Non Negotiable
Too Hot to Handle: Season 6
Avail. 7/27 The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Avail. 7/31 Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa
Unsolved Mysteries: Volume 4
And it’s your last chance to stream these titles:
Leaving 7/7 War Dogs
Leaving 7/14 Abducted in Plain Sight
Leaving 7/15 The Beguiled
Leaving 7/23 Big Eyes
Leaving 7/31 American Graffiti
Anaconda
Enough
Fatal Attraction
Glass
Hulk
King Richard
Knocked Up
Lucy
Moneyball
Public Enemies
Resident Evil
Resident Evil: Retribution
Role Models
Shrek
Smokey and the Bandit
Smokey and the Bandit II
Something’s Gotta Give
The Great Wall
The Matrix
The Matrix Reloaded
The Matrix Revolutions
The Other Boleyn Girl
The Theory of Everything
Top Gear: Seasons 29-30 Traffic
Summer is officially upon us. Which means that, even though sunscreen is recommended every season of the year, nearly everyone is being more mindful about slathering some on before heading outdoors—be it for vanity’s sake, or for cancer prevention. Honestly whatever motive ingrains the habit.
But according to dermatologistDr. Michael Park, there’s one key spot that most people tend to leave out of their sunscreen regimen, which could leave them susceptible.
“I don’t know if you guessed it, but it’s the ears,” Dr. Park says in a video posted to TikTok.
Park, who worked in a melanoma specialty clinic for over a year, recalls seeing multiple patients with melanoma, a common type of skin cancer, right behind the ear where the sun “beat down on their skin.”
“I don’t know where people got the idea of ‘oh it’s just skin cancer, it’s not that big of a deal.’ Y’all, let me make something really clear: melanoma, if not caught early, will kill you. Aggressive squamous cell carcinoma on the head and neck will also kill you,” he says.
Even basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of cancer which in most cases is not fatal, will have to be cut out…along with the skin surrounding it.
Park quips that while no one would probably want large chunks cut out of them, “certain areas that would be way worse than others, and one of those places… is the ears.” Which is why he’s sending out a friendly PSA about the importance of sunscreen in every nook and cranny that might get some sun.
“Unless you want to be a Vincent Van Gogh looking a**, make sure you put sunscreen on your ears,” his video concludes.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. So it’s important not to forget to defend any and all vulnerable areas with every UV blocking products available—from sunscreen every couple of hours to protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, etc.
For more skin care tips from Dr. Park, find him on TikTok.
A baseball cap on his head, his hands tucked snugly in his front blue jean pockets, Ken Ballard stood in front of a room of onlookers, admittedly a little out of his element.
But the issue at hand was so critical, Ballard said, he couldn’t keep quiet.
Ballard was speaking during Texas’ 85th Legislative Session this past winter about his 14-year-old transgender son, Ashur, who attempted suicide twice.
Ashur, like many trans people, had wrestled with his identity in a world where ignorance and irrational fear-mongering continue harming people like him.
“Was I going to be his bully?” an emotional Ballard said in response to his son’s coming out. “Was I going to try and put him back into a box that fit the rules of my world at the time or wait it out and see if it would just pass and go back to the way it’d use to be?”
Advocacy group Equality Texas, who’s worked with Ballard in fighting for LGBTQ rights in the state, recently shared a video of him speaking during the session. Although it was captured on video several months ago, Ballard’s emotional plea in front of his fellow Texans is just now making waves online.
Since Equality Texas shared the video on Facebook, the comment section has filled with loving messages of support and admiration.
The comments, although mostly positive, are a bit bittersweet to Ballard.
“I … see comments that too many parents missed out on what could have been an amazing journey for them and their child by not accepting them,” Ballard explains. “Be as excited about your kid’s life as you were at the sonogram, when ‘we are having a baby’ was enough.”
The ongoing debate over trans rights isn’t isolated in Ballard’s home state. Legislatures at both the state and local level across the country are pushing forward with harmful bills this very moment.
A recently proposed Texas “bathroom bill” — which would have forced trans Texans to use the restroom that corresponds with the sex they were assigned at birth (not the gender they identify) — was just rejected by House Speaker Joe Straus, which was great news for human rights groups like Equality Texas.
But there’s still much at stake in the Lone Star State and in jurisdictions from coast to coast.
A handful of states, including Montana, Virginia, and Minnesota — as well as local school boards spanning the U.S. — deliberating similar bathroom bills. Research shows these laws leave trans people even more vulnerable to dangerous circumstances in their own communities — yet, their passing doesn’t protect anyone.
Chances are, equality — and trans lives — might be at stake in your own region of the country.
As for Ballard and Ashur, they’re living proof that acceptance and inclusion save lives.
And, as Ballard’s moving speech illustrates so well, it’s important our laws reflect that critical reality.
“I’ve watched a kid go from someone who, 26 months ago, was in despair,” Ballard says of his son’s mental health. “Now, [he’s] flourishing.”
In May, Suki Waterhouse announced The Sparklemuffin Tour, and now we have corresponding album news: Waterhouse announced Memoir Of A Sparklemuffin (set for release on September 13) and shared the single “Supersad.”
Waterhouse says of the song, “I tried to write a nineties song you could hear playing at the mall in Clueless or as an opening track for Legally Blonde.”
She also explained how a type of spider inspired the album, saying, “I came across the Sparklemuffin — which is wildly colored, does this razzle-dazzle dance, and its mate will cannibalize it if she doesn’t approve of the dance. It’s a metaphor for the dance of life we’re all in. The title felt hilarious, ridiculous, and wonderful to me.”
A press release conveys of the new album, “She leans on an ever-evolving sonic palette to convey what she’s feeling — whether it be folky Americana, nineties alternative, turn-of-the-century indie, or handcrafted otherworldly pop.”
Listen to “Supersad” above and find the Memoir Of A Sparklemuffin art and tracklist below, along with Waterhouse’s upcoming tour dates.
Suki Waterhouse’s Memoir Of A Sparklemuffin Album Cover Artwork
Sub Pop
Suki Waterhouse’s Memoir Of A Sparklemuffin Tracklist
Suki Waterhouse 2024 Tour Dates: The Sparklemuffin Tour
09/27 — Salt Lake City, UT @ Love Letters Festival
09/28 — Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom *
10/17 — Houston, TX @ House of Blues ^
10/18 — Austin, TX @ ACL Live at the Moody Theater ^
10/19 — Dallas, TX @ The Factory in Deep Ellum ^
10/21 — Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren ^
10/22 — San Diego, CA @ The Sound ^
10/23 — Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre ^
10/25 — San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
10/28 — Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom ^
10/30 — Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater ^
12/02 — Kansas City, MO @ The Truman ^
12/03 — St. Louis, MO @ The Factory ^
12/04 — Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room at Old National Centre ^
12/06 — Cleveland, OH @ The Agora ^
12/07 — Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount ^
12/08 — Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount ^
12/10 — Philadelphia, PA @ Franklin Music Hall ^
12/11 — Washington, DC @ The Anthem ^
12/13 — Boston, MA @ Roadrunner ^
12/14 — Montreal, QC @ MTELUS ^
12/15 — Toronto, ON @ HISTORY ^
12/17 — Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre ^
12/18 — Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed ^
12/19 — Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium ^
12/21 — Atlanta, GA @ The Eastern ^
^ with Bully
* with Debbii Dawson and Mitski
Memoir Of A Sparklemuffin is out 9/13 via Sub Pop. Find more information here.
It’s hard to describe the appeal of M3GAN. In reality, a killer doll has been done before and there’s nothing more to add to that. But match that doll with futuristic technology that actually doesn’t seem so futuristic anymore? You get a robot bestie who may or may not often resort to murder. But she sings too!
After the success of M3GAN and while awaiting the upcoming M3GAN 2.0, Atomic Monster and Blumhouse are teaming up for SOULM8TE, which seems to be M3GAN for lonely adults. Not everyone should get an extended universe, but M3GAN should.
The movie follows a similar plot to M3GAN, though this time, it’s a grieving man who looks to evolving technology to replace his late wife. You can see where this is going if you saw M3GAN. Here is the official synopsis:
In SOULM8TE, a man acquires an Artificially Intelligent android to cope with the loss of his recently deceased wife. In an attempt to create a truly sentient partner, he inadvertently turns a harmless lovebot into a deadly soulmate.
James Wan, a legend in both the Saw and Conjuring universes, will write the movie, and Kate Dolan is slated to direct. “SOULM8TE is a thrilling and seductive addition to the M3GAN universe. We’re excited to partner with Kate to bring this story to life with her unique cinematic vision and point of view,” Wan said.
Are M3GAN and SOULM8TE the new Freddy and Jason? We can only hope.
SOULM8TE is set to be released on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
We recently tasted and ranked the best bourbons of 2024 (so far) and there were some HEAVY hitters on the list, but the whiskey world never stops spinning. In just a few short weeks since that ranking was published, a ton of brand-new bourbons have been released that might just receive the top honor as the best bourbon of 2024. Here at UPROXX, we’re nothing if not thorough about rounding up the very best of the best.
So to keep you up-to-date on what bottles you should be hunting as we begin to get into the summer months, we decided to put together this summer bourbon-buying guide. Below we’ve got a list of the 10 best brand-new bourbons to buy this summer.
Are you looking for something for easy sipping while you recline by the pool? Maybe you want to find those rare unicorns that will keep bringing the summer heat through the end of the year. Of course, we’ve also got high-quality recommendations for every occasion during the middle of the calendar year right here!
This is a choose-your-own-adventure story starring you and your wallet. Just know that whichever path you choose, this is the perfect map for getting you there. Think of it like a summer road trip, but one besotted by stops at local liquor stores and the best bars more so than tourist traps and cheesy attractions. In other words, this is a journey you’ll actually want to take.
Now buckle up and come along for the ride, these are the 10 best new bourbons to buy this summer!
The Contenders:
• 2XO Kiawah Blend
• Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bottled in Bond Bourbon
• Bardstown Collection Jim Beam 20 Year
• Barrell Bourbon Cask Strength Batch 036
• Bhakta 2014 Armagnac Cask Finish Bourbon Whiskey
• Green River Full Proof Bourbon
• Ol’ New Riff Bourbon Whiskey
• Old Fitzgerald 10-Year Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon
• Russell’s Reserve 15-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller Millennium
Ol’ New Riff is the fresh oxymoronic lineup from New Riff Distillery featuring both a bourbon and a rye offering. Bottled in bond and non-chill filtered the bourbon is comprised of 60% heirloom corn, 26% balboa rye, and 14% two-row malted barley.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Maple candy and egg whites open the curtains on this whiskey before the nose turns brandy-esque, not eaux-de-vie per se, but it has some of the oaky barrel notes as well as the raisin-like top notes of good brandy along with a bit of date syrup.
Palate: We begin with a lean mouthfeel, with a flavor wheel marked by youthful oak and nutmeg as well as some date syrup and salinity. This whiskey is not particularly robust or well-defined in any one way, but the flavors are balanced despite their simplicity.
Finish: The finish is dry and marked by nutmeg, flour, black pepper, and some elusive butterscotch that weaves in and out of detection. Its length is impressive but it falls out of balance as allspice begins to take over and the ethanol punch curbs the emergence of any sweeter notes.
Bottom Line:
Ol’ New Riff has an elegant packaging and a grin-inducing moniker, but the rye from this lineup outpaces the bourbon. While it presents some interesting flavors that come together with impressive balance, a bit more time aging would make this “Ol” expression both more befitting of its name, and better.
The Kiawah Blend by 2XO is the latest in the series by Master Blender Dixon Dedman. After debuting this release during a live interview back in January, the 4th installment of the brand’s Icon Series was finally released in April 2024.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Dried thyme, Mustard powder, hazelnut, and cayenne pepper spill out of the spice rack and directly into the glass with this whiskey. There’s also some milk chocolate and beef jerky to be found accenting the air. To be sure, this has such an interesting and savory nose that is bolstered by an undercurrent of black cherry.
Palate: Nutmeg, chocolate, and cherry find the palate at first in a darkly intoxicating combination that clears the way for savory BBQ sauce, mustard powder, and Brazil nuts. The texture of the liquid is unremarkable, but here that’s perfectly fine, as it helps to focus your palate on the transition between the sweet and savory flavors.
Finish: Black pepper and dried thyme find the finish which goes a tad too far with the baking spice but does a great job of gripping your palate and delivering long-lasting flavor which makes you want more sips, to return to the interplay of sweet and savory that marked the beginning of this pour.
Bottom Line:
2XO’s Kiawah Blend is a bold departure from the rest of the Icon Series, as each iteration is designed to be a different beast. For this expression, Master Blender Dixon Dedman hits a homerun and delivers a cornucopia of flavors that will delight fans of sweet, spicy, and savory whiskeys all in one bottle — that’s no small feat.
8. Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Angel’s Envy dropped one helluva bomb on the whiskey world when they announced that they would be releasing their first ever unfinished bourbon. Adding to the intrigue, this Bottled in Bond release clocks in at cask strength meaning it was bottled without dilution at precisely 100 proof. To achieve the feat, the brand’s Master Blender Owen Martin mingled barrels proofed between 98-99 with two overproof barrels to hit the perfect sweet spot.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Red vines, leather, and a slightly vegetal sweet mint note greet the nose at first along with a touch of potting soil. It’s an atypical medley that actually comes together really well in the glass and entices you to take a sip IMMEDIATELY. I’ve never smelled “urgency” in a whiskey before, but this one is too enticing not to oblige almost immediately.
Palate: Bright red cherries and vanilla pod flavors are well-folded in a refreshingly effervescent mouthfeel. There are milk chocolate chips, and over time the vanilla pod develops into vanilla ice cream with mint sprigs while a bit of honey graham cracker and oak fan out over the palate. Each sip is a perfectly proofed treat.
Finish: The finish is primarily marked by vanilla and bright cherry notes. Though there was a lovely cocktail cherry flavor at midpalate, here it becomes medicinal which slightly curtails its beauty. The finish itself is lengthy and a tad more drying than I’d like but it’s difficult to dock overall points in that regard when the initial impressions are so strong.
Bottom Line:
Let me say it, low-ABV, cask-strength bourbons deserve their time in the sun, and this Bottled in Bond beauty by Angel’s Envy is proof of that. Ignore the novelty and appreciate this whiskey on its own merits and you’ll find that it delivers a high-quality sipping experience that is only slightly marred by the medicinal finish, but bolstered in a big way by the overall depth of its flavors.
Bhakta is an intriguing brand built by former WhistlePig founder Raj Bhakta. Raj brings his eccentricity to the fore by utilizing his vast reserves of Armagnac and brandies, deploying them in interesting ways with well-aged whiskey. For this particular release, 10-year-old bourbon distilled in Indiana is finished in Armagnac casks.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The rich Armagnac notes sing on the nose with a slightly dusty quality melding well with cooked dates, a touch of cinnamon spice, and rich clove tones. Darkly sweet and entrancing, this is a nose that certainly draws you in for a first sip.
Palate: On the palate, the Armagnac is again prominent and aided by dark chocolate, freshly cracked black pepper, and potting soil, which surprisingly isn’t an off note, but a welcome addition to the nuance of every sip. The mouthfeel is spry without being syrupy or scant making this come across as perfectly proofed with some strong oak notes.
Finish: The finish is full of dates and black pepper as the rich Armagnac notes overshadow the base bourbon — making this come across as more Armagnac-forward than bourbon-forward, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Its flavor notes reinforce those found at midpalate and its medium length allows plenty of leeway for those flavors to flourish without fear of being curtailed or thrown out of balance.
Bottom Line:
While I would be hesitant to call this a good “introduction to Armagnac” for bourbon drinkers, owing to the fact it leans so heavily on those notes for flavor, it is quite excellent as its own thing. Instead, I would highly recommend this as a pour for people who are already acclimated to the unique, sweet flavors of Armagnac, as those notes take the fore here and relegate the bourbon notes to the backseat, where they add little to the journey but enhance it all the same.
Green River’s new Full Proof expression is notably a blend of barrels aged between 5 and 7 years. Made from 70% local corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, the finished result is then bottled at barrel strength.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Raisins and allspice jump out of the glass to greet the nose along with a bit of sherried mushroom and coconut flake. Such an atypical but alluring mix is worth sitting with at length as it continues to evolve in the glass.
Palate: Raisins, green grapes, cinnamon bark, and clove come through big time on the palate which is delightfully refined and almost compressed. While the quotidian mouthfeel of this whiskey might be a slight knock, the layers of flavor are all distinct and well-developed, making sitting with your pour and picking them apart fun.
Finish: The end of each sip sees the addition of some fig newton and cracked black pepper as it sizzles away leaving a strong impression on the palate through the lengthy finish. This is a rock-solid finish that caps off the well-made bourbon and checks pretty much every box.
Bottom Line:
While certain brands, Green River included, are marked by the textural “cleanness” of their distillate, all it takes is an abundance of flavor to overcome that quirk. For this Full Proof offering, Green River clears that bar by a country mile. By bringing together well-developed flavor notes, aided by the whiskey’s high ABV, it all comes together with remarkable harmony.
Old Fitzgerald’s decanter series, also known as their Bottled in Bond series, might consistently be the most impressively ornate bottle to hit liquor store shelves but the quality of the liquid has been known to wax and wane. This 10-year-old release marks the second occasion when Old Fitzgerald’s wheated bourbon has been released at the decade mark.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: There’s an incredibly rich, and — follow me here — tightly wound bouquet of butterscotch, nougat, and chocolate truffle dust. Vanilla and rich oak also effuse out of the glass. The faintest bits of nutmeg, ginger, and star anise are hiding in the background, providing depth to this really well-refined nosing experience.
Palate: On the palate, there’s butterscotch to be found but it’s tampered down by oak tones and milk chocolate which is a bit confounding at first. Repeat sips are rewarding as the impressively slick texture becomes more evident, aided by a gently tannic transition to the finish. It should be said that while the flavors become richer over repeat sips, they would be better served by more balance across the board.
Finish: That gently tannic finish really serves the complement of flavors well and causes butterscotch and oak to lightly grip the back of the throat with a bit of black pepper and more chocolate joining the party.
Bottom Line:
This is a pour that didn’t come out of the gate strong but damn does it become progressively more impressive as you sit with it. The various sweet notes cycle up and down in prominence and there’s a slightly earthy and oily undercurrent of Brazil nuts that helps to tie it all together while the butterscotch, oak, and milk chocolate notes do their thing. If this were the baseline for every Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond release, the whiskey world would be a better place.
Weller Millennium is the brand-new ultra-premium expression from Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Weller lineup of wheated bourbon. For this release, the brand blends vintage straight bourbon and wheat whiskey distilled at the turn of the millennium — thus the name — marking the first time wheat whiskey has been included in a blend of Weller bourbon.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose is resplendent with the aroma of rich cocktail cherries, that come with a slightly brandied aroma. From that auspicious start, there’s also oak, cinnamon, polished leather, and vanilla ice cream accenting the air of this rich, sweet whiskey.
Palate: Butterscotch, vanilla ice cream, and oak come tumbling over the tongue at first, but the cherry notes from the nose come in at midpalate with a lovely drizzling of honey in their wake. Each sip is surprisingly mouthcoating considering the proof, bordering on syrupy, and though it isn’t particularly complex it plays the hits at a high volume.
Finish: The finish introduces some cardamom and white pepper and while it’s not particularly lengthy it does hang around for quite a while with honey and cherry making the final impression as it implores more sips.
Bottom Line:
Incredibly staid throughout, with the nosing notes finding their way on the palate, and continuing through the impressive finish, this is a whiskey that never veers off script. While its price tag should rightfully give pause to any bourbon aficionado, the experience that Weller Millennium delivers is both uncomplicated and remarkably reliable from beginning to end.
Barrell Bourbon has been on an absolute hot streak with their cask strength series and with this fresh label redesign gracing their latest release they’re looking to couple something new with more of the same. This cask-strength blend of straight bourbon features 9-year bourbon from Kentucky, 7.5, 8, and 10-year bourbon from Indiana, and 8 and 15-year bourbon from Tennessee.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Red apple, salted caramel, and intriguingly, radicchio come through on the nose. After a few waves of the hand, there’s also some juicy plum with a touch of leather and clove. This is strikingly well balanced with some orange rind citrus coming through as well.
Palate: The juicy orange flavor comes through on the palate along with some tasty chocolate truffle dust with a steely midpalate like touching your tongue on silver glassware. A bit of bright cherry also bursts at midpalate with some sweet doughiness reminiscent of a kouign-amann pastry that really pops as well.
Finish: The finish is flush with orange citrus notes that come across as sweet rather than slightly tart. It’s a lengthy send-off that also holds a lot of caramel with a touch of thyme. This is a finish worth savoring, even as it encourages you to return to the well for more sips. Trust me, you should take your time with it.
Bottom Line:
What makes Barrell Bourbon’s cask strength releases so consistently excellent is that despite their shifting flavor profile, they all contain an overwhelming abundance of complexity that makes them a delight to sit with at length. For Batch 036 Barrell’s blending crew sticks to that gameplay, delivering a rich, nuanced, bourbon that can compete with even the best in their critically acclaimed series.
2. The Bardstown Collection Jim Beam 20-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
The Bardstown Collection is an annual series, now in its third year of production, which unites distilleries in the Bardstown area of Kentucky to put a spotlight on the Bourbon Capital of the World. Jim Beam’s entry into the collection for 2024 is a unique treat in that it is the oldest straight bourbon that the distillery has ever released in its storied histroy.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this bourbon features a ton of cherry aromas along with Peanut Chews, nutmeg, and well-worn leather. It’s immediately evident that you’re nosing a hyper-aged bourbon, but that shouldn’t be seen as off-putting. Rather, it primes your palate for the bounty of flavor to be discovered.
Palate: On the palate the aroma note of peanuts has morphed into more of a fresh hazelnut, though the ripe Rainier cherries remain, and they’re buoyed by a bit of salted caramel. The mouthfeel is actually a bit sparse, but the whiskey itself feels dense because those flavor notes have so much depth and are all quite distinct. The refined chunks of cherry, hazelnut meat, and gooey salted caramel never once bleed into one another.
Finish: The finish is where the hyper-aging makes itself known courtesy of leather and gentle tannic tones that are enough of a departure from the core flavors that draw attention to this bourbon’s remarkable balance. The finish is medium-to-long, offering plenty of space to enjoy those distinct flavors and appreciate its slow dissipation from the palate.
Bottom Line:
Jim Beam dropping its oldest straight bourbon ever is enough to seize the attention of any bourbon aficionado, but tasted blind it’s the flavors that do that work all on their own. Jim Beam’s Bardstown Collection expression is simultaneously rich and balanced while also maintaining a level of complexity that can only come with extended time spent maturing under a watchful eye. This is one whiskey that bucks the expectation that bourbon can’t be great past a certain age, and it does so by delivering everything you would expect from hyper-aging, without any of the drawbacks.
Russell’s Reserve 15-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the brand-new limited release from Wild Turkey’s Russell’s Reserve lineup. With 13 years marking the previous pinnacle of age statements in the series, this new 15-year expression adds two years of maturity and nearly 3 proof points while remaining non-chill filtered.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Dark oak tones and rich leather seize the room along with medicinal cherry notes and milk chocolate. Woah, this is unmistakably well-aged bourbon whiskey. Burrow a little deeper into the glass and your nose will bump into clove and cinnamon as the aroma of vanilla pod begins to blossom before a milk chocolate influence crests yet again. There’s also a faintly floral note reminiscent of roses to be found if you search hard enough.
Palate: Black cherry covered in chocolate truffle dust hits the palate at first, this is distinctly different than, say, cherry cordials as there’s a ripeness to the fruit and an almost chalky textural component to the chocolate that sets it apart. On the second sip, one finds nougat, caramel, vanilla, and rich oak. While the nose gave the impression that this would be significantly over-oaked, the palate greatly alleviates those concerns as each of the calling cards of hyper-aging has its say without speaking over one another. A third sip invites a bit of herbal tea and allows you to appreciate the fluid mouthfeel of this whiskey.
Finish: The finish displays more black cherry and now clove can be found in spades. The chocolate truffle dusting is more mute than it began on the palate, but it’s still present and the ABV works perfectly here, serving to sizzle and lead to lip-smacking without ever overpowering or distracting you from the flavor every sip contains. It’s lengthy, balanced, and delicious.
Bottom Line:
As an avid fan of Russell’s Reserve 13, I was cautiously optimistic that this 15-year expression could improve upon what was already a sublime sipping experience. Let’s cut to the chase, it does just that. While Russell’s 13 is distinctly different, offering more finesse and gently sweet notes, Russell’s 15 turns the boldness up a notch and delivers the sort of brash black cherry note that define coveted expressions like George T. Stagg and King of Kentucky. Wild Turkey has never released an expression like Russell’s Reserve 15-Year-Old, one that leans so heavily on its maturity, but it’s an effort that resulted in a bourbon of the year contender.
Summer is here, and you know what that means: it’s time to start planning a European adventure. The popular spots may be your first instinct—Paris, Venice, and Ibiza—but Madrid is at the top of my list.
Madrid ranked third on Euromonitor’s Top 100 City List, which ranks cities worldwide across 55 metrics (including economic and business performance, health and safety and sustainability, and tourism and infrastructure). After spending a week in the Spanish Capitol city, I can see why.
Seamlessly blending rich history, world-class art, and an infectious zest for life, Madrid is the perfect stop on a Spring or Summer European getaway.
Whether you wander through the historic neighborhoods and majestic palaces, lose yourself in the Golden Triangle of renowned museums (Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen-Bornemisza), or savor tapas until the wee hours, Madrid promises an unforgettable experience.
I stayed at the historic Hotel Palacio del Retiro, Autograph Collection, during my visit, which greatly exceeded my expectations. Here is why you should consider it for your next trip to Madrid.
WHY IT’S AWESOME:
Emily Hart
Hotel Palacio del Retiro, Autograph Collection, offers a unique and luxurious stay right in the heart of Madrid. Converted from a 20th-century aristocratic residence, it’s different from your typical large-scale hotel with limited rooms and right next to the sprawling and iconic El Retiro Park.
I loved waking up to serene park views and enjoying a morning walk just outside the hotel’s doorstep. While luxurious, I appreciated that the hotel doesn’t feel stuffy or ostentatious while still catering to a more discerning traveler who appreciates historical details and a truly boutique experience. A Spanish National Monument, the hotel retains much of its original charm, although it just reopened after renovations, making this the perfect time to visit.
IN-HOUSE FOOD AND DRINK:
The Suite Bar
Emily Hart
The Suite Bar is located within the Hotel Palacio del Retiro and serves Mediterranean dishes all day. I loved popping by the bar for a morning cappuccino and pastries, in the afternoon for a leisurely tapas lunch, and in the evening for a cocktail before dinner.
Emily Hart
The Suite Bar also provides 24-hour room service; if you know me, that is a very important part of any luxury stay. The breakfast spread was incredible, with fresh fruits, pastries, coffee, juice, and churros, and the late-night pizza hit the spot.
AMENITIES:
Emily Hart
Spa
Fitness Room
Bicycle Rental
Laundry
24-hour Room Service
Daily Housekeeping
Restaurant and bar
Meeting Space
Bathrobes and Slippers
Views of El Retiro Park
ROOM TYPES:
Emily Hart
The 50-room boutique hotel is a converted palatial private home built in the early 20th century and has several room types, including:
Deluxe King
Deluxe Queen
Deluxe Twin
Premium Deluxe King
Premium Deluxe Queen
Premium Deluxe Twin
Junior Suite King
Junior Suite Twin
Suite Retiro Park View
Unlike the other rooms, I enjoyed staying in the Presidential Library Suite. The spacious suite has floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a seating area, a dining room, and a dividing closet and entertainment area separating the living room from the large bedroom. The bathroom had a large spa soaking tub, and the windows and balcony looked out onto the streets of Madrid and nearby El Retiro Park.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK NEARBY:
Chocolateria San Gines
Emily Hart
You can’t visit Madrid without a stop at Chocolatería San Ginés —a Madrid institution. Founded in 1894 and famous for its decadent hot chocolate and churros, the chocolaterías is situated right in the heart of Madrid, at Pasadizo de San Ginés, near the Puerta del Sol—the perfect pitstop while exploring the city center. The rich, thick chocolate served alongside fluffy, golden churros is as decadent as they are classic. Chocolate and six churros are around five Euros.
Bar Postas
Emily Hart
In Madrid, you’ll want a classic “bocadillo de calamares” – a calamari sandwich. I opted for Bar Postas, a traditional and no-frills bar halfway between Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, making it a perfect stop for exploring central Madrid. The crispy bread contrasting with the hot breaded calamari is a unique treat. Sandwiches will run around five Euros.
La Bola
Emily Hart
La Bola is another historic Madrid institution (you’ll notice a theme here). It was founded in 1870 and is famous for its savory cocido madrileño (Madrid stew). Family-run for four generations, this is definitely a place one goes for food, but maybe even more for “the experience.” The chickpea and meat stew is prepared and served traditionally, first with a hearty broth and followed by the meat course and vegetables to add to your stew. Expect to pay 30-45 Euros, and reservations are recommended at this popular spot.
I had a memorable dinner at Circulo Mercantile Restaurant, within Circulo Gran Via, Autograph Collection. The elegant dining room is sophisticated with a contemporary twist – just like the food. With amazing views of the bustling Gran Via Avenue, this is a great spot to dine after exploring the Gran Via area or before heading to sleep at the hotel. The menu emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, showcasing innovative and modern takes on Spanish classics with plenty of Spanish wine pairings.
WHERE TO EXPLORE NEARBY:
Explore El Retiro Park
Emily Hart
El Retiro Park, or simply El Retiro, is a sprawling urban oasis, one of Madrid’s most cherished landmarks, just across the street from Palacio del Retiro. Initially created in the 17th century for Spain’s King Philip IV, El Retiro served as a place for relaxation and leisure for the monarchy until the park’s gates were opened to the public in the late 19th century. The park boasts a gorgeous and diverse collection of gardens and many sculptures and fountains scattered throughout.
The park’s centerpiece is undoubtedly the iconic Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace), an exquisite example of 19th-century architecture. I spent many mornings and evenings strolling along the tree-lined avenues of the park – and even one morning on a guided “Nordic walking” excursion. On my next visit, I’d love to rent a rowboat on the lake or spend an afternoon sitting at one of the cafes scattered throughout the park with a drink and a book.
See A Flamenco Show At Corral de la Morería
Emily Hart
A flamenco performance is a must in Spain — and Corral de la Morería is my pick. The renowned venue in Madrid offers a two-in-one experience: Michelin-starred cuisine and a breathtaking flamenco show. Established in 1951, Corral de la Morería is considered the world’s most famous flamenco tablao – intimate performance spaces dedicated to showcasing the flamenco art form.
Emily Hart
Over the years, Corral de la Morería has seen legendary flamenco performers grace its stage, solidifying its reputation as a cultural icon in Madrid. I loved the multi-course meal while watching the intimate and passionate flamenco performance – something I will remember forever. The show is 50-60 Euros, and there are multiple dinner options – the tasting menu is 80 Euros.
Spend A Day At The Museums
Emily Hart
Madrid is a well-known museum-lover paradise. Home to the “The Golden Triangle of Art,” which encompasses the iconic Museo del Prado, Reina Sofía Art Centre, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, you can spend hours or days admiring the world-class collections from all over the world. General admission tickets for Museo del Prado are 15 Euro, 12 Euro for Reina Sofia Art Centre, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum are 13 Euro. Buy a Paseo del Arte Pass to visit all three for just 32 euros.
BED GAME: 9/10
Emily Hart
The bed in my suite was massive, with plenty of pillows, high-end linens, and the outlets and reading lights a picky traveler like me needs. After waking up, I spent every morning sitting in bed with my espresso, sinking into the luxurious surroundings and feeling positively regal.
SEXINESS RATING: 8/10
Emily Hart
Sexy isn’t the first descriptor I’d use for this hotel – I’d start with historic, sleek, elegant, and refined – but my room, in particular, definitely had a quiet sexiness. The dark library aesthetic was moody, the bedroom was inviting, and the bathroom was large.
VIEWS/PIC SPOTS:
Emily Hart
The view from my windows and balcony really can’t be beat. Other spots for a shot are the winding historic staircases, courtyard, and, my personal favorite – the gorgeous in-room breakfast spread.
BEST SEASON TO VISIT:
Emily Hart
Like much of Europe, summer is high season, but it is also very warm, and you’ll find higher rates. I visited in the fall, which was perfect for lower temperatures, crowds, and rates, but spring is also when I’d recommend it.
IF I HAD TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ONE THING:
The historic hotel is a Spanish National Monument, making renovations and changes difficult. That said, the hotel just reopened after completing a months-long renovation. So if I had to complain about one thing—it’s more of a complaint to myself—it’s that I visited just before the renovation and would like to see what changes and upgrades have been made since.
BOOK HERE:
Weekday rates can start at $450 in the shoulder seasons and $650 for a standard room on weekends. Book here.
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