Latest news with #Blanton's
New York Post
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Judge Judy reacts to her AI baby double: ‘Hilarious and frightening at the same time'
Acting real fake online As I told you yesterday, the world's wizards have caught up with the world's A-1 wise ass, my friend Judge Judy. Last month, this highest-paid voice on TV graciously told me: 'You owe me $12 for what you lost in gin.' But now artificial intelligence brings me her familiar voice, matches cadence, words. Wearing same judicial robes. Lace collar, small earrings. But it's not her. It's a talking baby, and grown up Judy has gone to LA and I'm now in NY. Many voice concerns. The film industry has actors now seeking protections against this techie threat. Hank Azaria, who does bigtime voice acting, says about artificial intelligence: 'I'm a little worried but I'm being honest. This is my job. What I love to do. I don't want to stop having to do it. 'A voice is not just a sound,' he says. He tells you his voices are layered impressions of others with his own memories and observations of their personalities and characters. 'So much of who I am goes into creating a voice. How can a computer conjure all that?' Cate Blanchett, coming to the world on TikTok, is quoted saying: 'I'm deeply concerned about the impact of AI.' An AI video of Judge Judy as a baby. TikTok/ As I raised this issue the ever savvy JJ replied: 'For those of you who haven't seen enough of Judge Judy, you can now watch Baby Judy in an AI-generated platform on X. It's hilarious and frightening at the same time. Like being cloned while you're still alive.' Then this real live trillionaire — with multiple shows on TV — again reminded me that I owe her $12. Ruff night guaranteed Attention: Animal lovers, ask your barktender for a new dachshund-shaped bottle. You can even growl your order, plus, maybe, request their accompanying dog biscuit if they have any. This new four-legged shaped bottle is available in Blanton's, Jack Daniel's, Jameson and Four Roses. Not in my house. In my house you get what my 5-year-old Yorkie Jellybean gets — and that's repeat directions to his powder room — and not! my kitchen floor! Seaside 'Street' I have more. We speak now of greed. Greed is nice. Good. Oceanfront Hampton was hawking a waterside hub that Gordon Gekko once slept in. The thing just got unloaded for $32 million. A Bridgehampton millionaire got it. What, you thought maybe it went to a bicycle delivery driver? One of the most expensive shacks unloaded in that area was pictorialized in the 1987 film 'Wall Street,' which starred Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen and Daryl Hannah. If you were never invited there — not my problem. This 67 Surfside Drive pile — according to Suffolk County abacus owners — is considered one of Suffolk County's more expensive unloads. In his spare time Letting Harry — prince of a guy married to commoner Markle — know that NYC's British Consulate is honoring daddy. His Majesty. Although His Maj is in London this is a reception for his kingly birthday. Apparently monarchs get two. This one's Friday, June 6, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Short. Longer than that other prince may have spent with the now departed prisoner Epstein. His Majesty's birthday is at the Rockefeller rink. I cannot help getting you in. Only one who ever managed to get in anyplace was Meghan Markle. They're sticky. Check with the Brits for your invite. Tell you the truth, I haven't seen so much respect and admiration for a Princelike Harry since my own editor stood alone in front of a three-way mirror. Only in New York, kids, only in New York.
Forbes
08-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
10 Underrated Bourbon Brands You Should Be Drinking
Scotch whiskey glass and old wooden barrel. With copy space Bourbon has never been more popular, and with that popularity comes a lot of hype. Bottles sell out in minutes, secondary market prices skyrocket, and suddenly, it feels like you need a treasure map (or a really good liquor store connection) just to get your hands on the so-called 'best' bourbons. But here's the thing—some of the best bottles aren't the ones people are camping out for. They're the ones quietly waiting on the shelf, overlooked by the masses but beloved by those in the know. While brands like Pappy Van Winkle, Weller, and Blanton's get all the attention, there's a whole world of underrated bourbons that offer incredible flavor without the impossible hunt or inflated price tag. These are the bottles you can actually find, actually afford, and—most importantly—actually enjoy without feeling guilty for opening them. From high-proof powerhouses to smooth, easy sippers, this list highlights ten bourbons that deserve more love. Some are longtime staples that have been overshadowed by new trends, while others are up-and-coming distilleries proving they can compete with the big names. But they all have one thing in common: they're absolutely worth drinking. So, if you're looking to expand your bourbon horizons and add a few new favorites to your rotation, here are ten underrated bourbons that should be on your radar. Old Grand Dad 114 If you think Old Grand-Dad is just a bottom-shelf relic, think again. The 114-proof version is a hidden gem that delivers serious flavor at a wallet-friendly price. Don't let the old-school name fool you—this bourbon punches well above its weight class. Why It's Underrated: The name might not scream sophistication, but this high-proof bourbon is a fantastic bang for your buck. It's got history, character, and enough kick to make you double-check the label. Tasting Notes: Rich caramel and vanilla up front, followed by baking spices, toasted oak, and a warming cinnamon finish. Strong but surprisingly smooth. Henry McKenna 10-Year Bottled-in-Bond Despite winning top whiskey honors, Henry McKenna 10-Year still manages to fly under the radar. Aged for a full decade and bottled-in-bond, this bourbon is rich, complex, and proof that sometimes, the best things come to those who wait. Why It's Underrated: It won Best in Show at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, but it still flies under the radar compared to other premium-aged bourbons. Tasting Notes: Deep vanilla, toasted oak, and honey, with a touch of black pepper and dried fruit on the finish. A solid balance of sweet and spice. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Old Forester might not always get the same fanfare as some of its Brown-Forman siblings, but the 1920 Prohibition Style expression is an absolute powerhouse. If you like high-proof, full-bodied bourbons with a bit of history, this one's for you. Why It's Underrated: Old Forester is often overshadowed by its fancier cousins in the Brown-Forman family (hello, Woodford Reserve), but this Prohibition-era tribute is a powerhouse. Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, caramelized sugar, cocoa, and a hint of leather. A warm, long finish with plenty of oak and spice. Wilderness Trail Bottled-in-Bond Wilderness Trail is a small but mighty Kentucky distillery that's making waves with its commitment to traditional bourbon-making. This bottled-in-bond expression showcases their dedication to quality, with rich flavors and a perfectly balanced profile. Why It's Underrated: A small Kentucky distillery making a name for itself with traditional methods and a focus on grain-to-glass transparency. Tasting Notes: Butterscotch, honey, and citrus zest up front, balanced with rich oak and nutmeg. Creamy mouthfeel with a long, dry finish. New Riff Bottled-in-Bond New Riff may be a newcomer in the bourbon world, but they're already proving they can hang with the best. Their bottled-in-bond release is a fantastic example of what careful craftsmanship and patience can produce. Why It's Underrated: New Riff is one of the newer kids on the block, but they're doing things the right way—100% Kentucky-made with no shortcuts. Tasting Notes: Toasted marshmallow, vanilla bean, and a little herbal spice. The rye in the mash bill gives it a peppery kick on the finish. 1792 Full Proof If you're after a high-proof bourbon that delivers bold flavors without the insane secondary market prices, 1792 Full Proof is a winner. It's a well-balanced, rich, and deeply satisfying pour that deserves more attention. Why It's Underrated: This high-proof bourbon delivers a big, bold flavor without the collector's price tag. It's not as flashy as some barrel-proof offerings, but it holds its own. Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, caramelized banana, cinnamon, and oak. The heat is there, but it mellows out nicely. Elijah Craig Small Batch Elijah Craig Barrel Proof gets all the glory, but don't sleep on the Small Batch. It's an excellent everyday bourbon with a depth of flavor that makes it a go-to for both sipping and cocktails. Why It's Underrated: It's often overlooked in favor of its barrel-proof sibling, but this is a solid everyday bourbon with plenty of depth. Tasting Notes: Brown sugar, vanilla, and toasted oak, with a hint of orange peel. Classic bourbon flavors, well-balanced and easy to sip. Four Roses Single Barrel Four Roses is well-known, but its Single Barrel offering is often overshadowed by more hyped bourbons. With a unique high-rye mash bill and hand-selected barrels, this is a beautifully balanced and flavorful bourbon. Why It's Underrated: Four Roses gets respect, but it's still not as widely adored as some other Kentucky classics. The Single Barrel expression is one of the best values in bourbon. Tasting Notes: Ripe red fruit, caramel, spice, and a floral undertone. The finish is long with just enough heat to keep things interesting. Barrel Craft Spirits Bourbon Barrell Craft Spirits is known for sourcing and blending exceptional whiskeys, but they don't always get the love they deserve. Their bourbon releases are bold, complex, and a fantastic option for those who love cask-strength pours. Why It's Underrated: It's a non-distilling producer (NDP), which means they source their whiskey—but they do it exceptionally well, blending barrels from multiple states for unique flavor profiles. Tasting Notes: Maple syrup, dark chocolate, dried cherries, and a touch of espresso. Bold, complex, and worth every penny. Chattanooga Whiskey 111 Tennessee bourbon often gets overlooked, but Chattanooga Whiskey is changing the game. Their 111-proof expression is a bold, flavorful sip that proves great whiskey exists outside of Kentucky. Why It's Underrated: Tennessee bourbon gets overshadowed by Kentucky, but Chattanooga Whiskey is proof that great whiskey doesn't stop at the state line. Tasting Notes: Molasses, toasted coconut, dark fruit, and warm baking spices. A rich, full-bodied pour with a long, satisfying finish. Bourbon lovers tend to chase the bottles that everyone's talking about, but there's plenty of great whiskey outside the spotlight. Next time you're looking to try something new, skip the long lines and secondary market prices—one of these bourbons might just become your new favorite. Have your own favorite underrated bourbon? Tell us why you like it in the comments!
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Legend of Buffalo Trace's ‘Intense' Bourbon Just Keeps Growing
The most premium offering in Blanton's bourbon lineup recently earned another major award as the Best Single Barrel Bourbon. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more Buffalo Trace's portfolio of bourbon brands is stacked with names most whiskey fans could recite by heart even under anesthesia. Still, few of the whiskey juggernaut's iconic labels have cultivated a collector following like Blanton's. Case in point: The now famed Blanton's superfan with a collection worth ~$250,000, Dominic Guglielmi, whom we've had the privilege of speaking to on multiple occasions, turned his quest to secure every Blanton's offering released into a glorious whiskey online archive and eventually a book. With a catalog of over 50+ expressions in its history, there are plenty of unicorn Blanton's bottles that only a handful of collectors will ever lay eyes on. But to Blanton's credit, the brand has also made an effort to make the most coveted expression in the permanent lineup more accessible (loosely speaking) over the last several years. Here's everything you need to know about Blanton's Straight From the Barrel. As the name implies, Blanton's Straight From the Barrel is dumped from barrels and directly bottled, unfiltered, and at powerful cask strength, making it one of, if not the purist forms of Blanton's available for tasting. The specific whisky pulled straight from the barrel happens to be Blanton's Gold Edition, which was officially brought to the U.S. in the summer of 2020. It's the same as standard Blanton's in every way, except that it's 10 proof points higher at 103 vs. the standard 93. In case you're confused about the existence of Blanton's Gold Edition, our former drink editor, Will Price, provided a nice summary of the Blanton's lineup well back in 2020. 'The standard lineup includes Gold, Special Reserve (called Green), and a barrel-proof variant called Straight From the Barrel. Gold is the first of the international Blanton lineup to come to the US. The reason for the odd split is murky. The short version is a Japanese company called Takara Shuzo owns Blanton's brand and distribution rights everywhere except the US, where Blanton's is distributed by Buffalo Trace. Buffalo Trace still distills and ages for every expression — domestic or international.' Like its non-cask-strength Blanton's Gold cousin, Blanton's Straight From the Barrel (often abbreviated to SFTB) is Blanton's 6—to 8-year-old bourbon bottled at full power—128 proof. As Buffalo Trace describes it, the bourbon is known for its 'strong 'intense, and powerful' flavors of dark chocolate, caramel, and nuts, as well as a spicey finish that's typical of super-high-proof bourbons. SFTB used to be available only in international markets and was probably easiest to find in Japan. But as with Blanton's Gold, Buffalo Trace announced that Blanton's SFTB would also be available in the U.S. starting in the fall of 2020 on a 'very limited basis'. Better yet, the U.S. versions would ship in the typical 750ml bottles (international bottles are only 700ml.) Earlier this February, the 2025 World Whiskies Awards USA winners were unveiled at a gala in Kentucky. The event spotlighted the best American-made whiskey across a range of specialized Straight from the Barrel was named the Best Single Barrel Bourbon at the event. It had also previously earned a Silver Award in the Best Single Barrel Bourbon category in the 2022 World Whiskies Awards. The bottle has also stacked awards from the arguably more prestigious San Franciso World Spirits Competition, including Gold in 2022 and Double Gold in 2023, among others. Well-known whiskey writer and reviewer Fred Minnick even shared an anecdote about his experience reviewing whiskey for the 2017 San Franciso World Spirits Competition, in which Blanton's Straight From the Barrel was robbed (in Minnick's opinion) of the Best Bourbon prize. But SFTB has also earned plenty of praise from other sectors of the whiskey community long before now. Most memorable, perhaps, is Breaking Bourbon writer Jordan Moskal's key question at the end of his review published back in 2016. 'Why isn't this a part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection yet?'The question seems more pertinent than ever, given Blanton's SFTB impressive trajectory since then. Whether it'll ever receive that distinction from Buffalo Trace remains to be seen, though it feels unlikely. For now, at least, Blanton's SFTB easily deserves consideration as one of the premium whiskeys the distillery makes, not named Van Winkle. $150 at Buffalo Trace
