gshc2020.com

“I have this very good memory when I was head of the jury here,” Farhadi, director of A Separation (2011), The Salesman (2016) and more recently, the Cannes-premiering Parallel Tales (2026), tells THR. “I went to screenings and the audience — most of them are people in the street and ordinary people. And I got feedback from them, which is a little different than other festivals. To me, it was very interesting. When they said, ‘We want to invite you again,’ I said, ‘Of course,’ because the audience is very special. When they want to give [me] this award, I appreciate it.”

Of course, Farhadi is no stranger to cinema’s capacity to bring communities together. As his native Iran, currently at war with the U.S. and Israel — and at a time when fellow filmmaker Jafar Panahi faces prison on charges of “propaganda against the regime” — Farhadi has never been so certain that the people of Iran deserve more. “When I finished [shooting Parallel Tales] in France, I moved back — by ground,” he says about returning, “[I went] by car over the border of Iran to be there. Because I love the people, that culture. I grew up there, and I love them.”

Farhadi continues: “I’m against war. Not just in Europe [and the Middle East], but everywhere.” He is quick to respond when probed on whether it is more important than ever that the industry embraces the intersection of film and politics. “Everything that happens in society affects cinema. But it takes time to see the result of this joining [of] cinema and politics,” he says. “It’s not something that happens today, and then you see the effects of tomorrow. In cinema, it takes time.”

He does, however, feel well supported by his colleagues in Hollywood and across the international film industry. “It’s solidarity about everything in general, because we are human,” says Farhadi from Sarajevo’s grand National Theatre. “When you feel pain somewhere, and you give a reaction to that pain, it gives some solidarity and it has value.”

Farhadi has spoken out previously against what’s happening in Iran, and in April issued a rallying cry when U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to destroy a “whole civilization” in the region. “I call on artists and filmmakers everywhere in the world to be a voice in these critical days and hours, in any way possible, to stop the destructive aggression that has increasingly destroyed civilian infrastructure,” he said at the time. He reminds THR of that statement, as well as his comments in Cannes on the subject.

Isabelle Huppert and Virginie Efira led Farhadi’s French-language Parallel Tales, a film about Sylvie (Huppert), a fading novelist in search of inspiration for her next book, who starts spying on her neighbors across the street. She hires young Adam (Adam Bessa) to help her with her daily routine. Little does she know that he will turn her life and work upside down.

It earned a polite ovation in Cannes this year. Upon its premiere there, the feature comfortably sold worldwide, including in Canada (Mongrel Media), Latin America (Imovision), Germany and Austria (Studiocanal), Spain (Avalon) and Bulgaria and the Adriatics (MCF).

But its director is already getting back to business and declines to reveal too much about his next feature. “I’m thinking, I’m writing,” he laughs, “but it takes time, and it’s too early [to put] some details out there. I’m working on it.”

For now, Farhadi is content enjoying his time in Bosnia and Herzegovina, preparing to pick up yet another award. “It is difficult to overstate Asghar Farhadi’s significance to world cinema,” said Jovan Marjanović, director of the Sarajevo Film Festival. “His remarkable body of work reminds us that the most profound dramas are often concealed within everyday life. His films do not offer easy answers; instead, they invite us to look more closely, listen more carefully and engage with life’s complexities.”

The filmmaker adds that mid-tier festivals like Sarajevo, Locarno, Karlovy Vary and San Sebastian are vital in a rapidly changing industry, especially with streaming services vying for the spotlight. “These days, based on [the] competition between cinema and platforms, festivals like this can help cinema,” Farhadi says. “People watch films, but on their cell phone, and this kind of festival keeps this ceremony [going] — I mean, when a family goes to the theater and they sit together, they watch a film together and they talk together. This is a holy ceremony to me. Festivals can help encourage people to do that.”

He makes a point of noting that he always likes to highlight the work of emerging filmmakers in his interviews. “[Festivals] are trying to give this new generation of filmmakers [a chance],” says Farhadi. They make their film based on their art, in their personality. Their source should come from the inside, not something [external].”

Are there any particular up-and-coming directors who have caught the attention of Asghar Farhadi? “There is a lot everywhere,” he says. “I go to some festivals and watch a new generation of filmmakers, and I’m very hopeful about their cinematic language and artistic language.”

He adds: “It’s a little bit different than before. Their rhythm is different, their style is different, the way that they look [at] real life is different. But I’m very hopeful when I see films from South America, from Iran, from countries like this. I’m very hopeful about cinema. I don’t believe cinema is dying. Some people say cinema is dying, but no. I think cinema is still going, is still alive. But it’s gradually changing. It is finding a new language.”

The 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival runs Aug. 14-21. %!s()

After the news of Panettiere’s death, “Ice Princess” started trending on social media as those who grew up with the Disney movie realized that its two young stars are both now gone. The film follows Casey Carlyle (Trachtenberg), a teenager who decides to give up a Harvard scholarship to pursue her dream of becoming a professional figure skater. Along the way, Casey meets skater Gen (Panettiere), and helps her to improve using algorithms generated on her computer. “Ice Princess” also starred Joan Cusack and Kim Cattrall as Casey and Gen’s mothers, respectively.

“It was really upsetting to hear yesterday of the death of Hayden Panettiere at the age of 36,” Fywell said in a statement to Variety. “I remember a brave, sparky, dedicated young actress who lit up the set in rehearsals and then the screen with her vibrant talent. Michelle Trachtenberg, Hayden’s co-star in the movie, and she were an amazing pair.”

The British director remembers the two as having “very different personalities.” Trachtenberg was “kooky, fun, with an infectious laugh and her brilliant sad-funny comic timing,” while Panettiere was “plucky and determined and perfectionist, spending hours practicing her skating and utterly focused on getting every acting take spot-on and truthful. Which she did.”

Fywell continued: “In what was often a tough and technically complicated shoot, and my first Hollywood movie, they were delightful to work with and great to have around. I remember them both with huge affection, how they were 20 odd years ago, at that relatively uncomplicated time of their lives, two shining talents, gone far too soon.”

Others have also remembered Panettiere and Trachtenberg together, including “Spy Kids” star Alexa PenaVega, who wrote on social media that her “heart is heavy” because Panettiere’s death marks the passing of another fellow child star. Vega also mentioned Daveigh Chase, who died at 35 in June.

“Hayden, Michelle, Daveigh… my heart is heavy today,” PenaVega wrote. “These aren’t just names from my childhood. They’re girls I grew up alongside, sharing a world that was exciting and also incredibly hard. We were kids navigating something so big, and not everyone had the foundation or support they deserved.”

She added, “Today, I’m grieving and holding their families close in my prayers and thinking of everyone still fighting battles we can’t see. Hug your people close today.”

Corbin Bolies contributed to this report. %!s()

The Fairpone 6+ is strictly a midrange Android offering, but given the increasing prices of consumer gadgets amid the ongoing component shortages, a repairable device that can be made to last for years may prove a good proposition.

“We’re delivering a device built from the ground up to be opened, repaired, and kept alive for many years,” Fairphone CEO Raymond van Eck said.

The Fairphone 6+ runs on Qualcomm’s mid-range Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor, and has 12GB of RAM. The phone has a 4,415 maAh battery with support for 30W fast-charging. It features a 6.31 LTPO OLED display with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz.

As for photography, the phone’s main camera has a 50-megapixel Sony sensor with an f/1.88 aperture, and the secondary camera has a 13-megapixel ultrawide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. The selfie camera on the front is a 32-megapixel sensor with an f/2.0 aperture.

Personally, I would have preferred a telephoto camera instead of an ultrawide for a two-camera setup. On paper, these cameras look like they would be good enough to take photos in the daylight, but in low light, expect the performance to dwindle.

The Fairphone’s main selling point, however, are its 12 replaceable parts, which include important components like the battery, cameras, USB-C port, and the display, which can be swapped out using a single screwdriver. The company offers five years of warranty and software support until 2033.

Fairphone claims it also focuses on keeping its manufacturing process sustainable. The company said it was able to reduce the carbon footprint to 30 kg of CO2e for each of the Fairphone 6+ it manufactured.

The Fairphone 6+ is available in Forest Green, Horizon Black, and Cobalt Blue colorways. The company is also selling accessories, like a finger loop, lanyard and card holder, which users can install by removing the back cover.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Ivan covers global consumer tech developments at TechCrunch. He is based out of India and has previously worked at publications including Huffington Post and The Next Web.

You can contact or verify outreach from Ivan by emailing [email protected] or via encrypted message at ivan.42 on Signal.

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Best whiskey

Best whiskey

Bardstown Distillery Reserve: Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish

Bardstown Bourbon Company is back this year with another fantastic entry in its Distillery Reserve collection, the Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish. The new release features a blend of 12- to 13-year-old bourbons that are finished for 28 months in Calvados brandy barrels and then moved to toasted oak barrels for another four months. The result is a rich and intense yet velvety sip that carries notes of ripe apple, vanilla, caramel, and spice.

Four Roses Single Barrel OESQ

Four Roses’ Single Barrel Collection got three new releases this year: OESF, OESQ, and OBSK. All of them are as good as bourbon gets, so picking a favorite is highly subjective, but we had a slight preference for the OESQ. This one features a lower-rye mashbill and a floral-forward yeast strain that results in a nose of light vanilla, sugar, and spices, and flavors of honey, oak, cinnamon, and berries. It’s an excellent pour, and at less than $50 (in most markets), it’s also an absolute steal.

Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Rye

Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Rye is consistently one of the best bottles of aged rye on the market, and their 2026 release maintains that tradition of excellence. It uses less rye than most, meaning it lands somewhere between a traditional rye and a bourbon. The palate is intense but balanced with notes of spices, green apple, and pepper that are contrasted with molasses and other sweetness. Overall, it’s the kind of rich, complex rye that will likely convert any skeptics or bourbon die-hards.

Fettercairn 28 Year Old

Highland single malt Scotch distillery Fettercairn has more than 200 years of expertise behind its name, but it just recently made the jump to the U.S. market last year. Arguably the best Fettercairn expression that made the journey across the Atlantic was the beloved 28-Year-Old, which has garnered numerous awards and extremely high ratings from some of the whisky world’s most trusted tasters. In our opinion, the Fettercairn 28-Year-Old is worthy all of its acclaim. Aged in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, the liquid delivers Fettercairn’s signature notes of tropical fruit, including pineapple, banana, and melon, alongside syrup, bright citrus, and some subtle coffee.

Johnnie Walker Black Cask

While other Johnnie Walker Black expressions leaned into the smoky side of whisky, its new Black Cask goes the opposite direction toward bourbon sweetness. The whiskies used in Black Cask are aged in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, imparting those vanilla, caramel, and gentle spice notes. However, there’s still a small amount of smoke that acts as a kind of seasoning for the rest of the other flavors. All of this means it’s a whisky that everyone, from bourbon lovers to Scotch enthusiasts, can share and enjoy.

Midleton Very Rare 2026 Vintage Release

Midleton Very Rare is back for its 43rd iteration and sixth vintage under Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman. The new release includes three single pot still styles and two single-grain whiskey styles that are aged between 14 and 36 years. For the 2026 vintage, O’Gorman upped the amount of pot still whiskey. All of this yields one of the most layered drams of the year. You’ll pick up everything from spice and stone fruit to zesty citrus to light floral and herbal notes.

Nikka from the Barrel Extra Marriage

Late last year, lauded Japanese distillery Nikka released one of the best blended whiskies in years: The Nikka From the Barrel Extra Marriage. Just like the standard From the Barrel, Extra Marriage incorporates more than 100 whiskies, but this one gets a marriage period that’s three months longer than the original (hence the name). That means more time to develop a rich smoothness and sweet flavors like honey, beeswax, and chocolate alongside notes of lemongrass, citrus, and toffee.

Star Hill Farm Whisky

Launched last spring, Star Hill Farm Whisky is the first new mash bill from parent company Maker’s Mark since 1953. The new brand swaps out Maker’s usual recipe for soft red winter wheat, hard white wheat, and heirloom hard red varieties. This produces a light, bright liquid that’s a genuine departure from anything else out of Maker’s Mark Distillery. For its 2026 expression, Star Hill blended seven- and eight-year-old barrels and bottled at cask strength, offering something that’s sure to turn anyone’s nose toward the previously niche wheat whiskey category.

Harrison Ford

on which of his characters he’d most like to have a drink with

“I suppose I would say John Book, the character in Witness. I think he might like a nice dram. I did my research [for that character] with the head of the homicide department in Philadelphia, and we did drink Scotch, occasionally in cop bars. So I know he might like it.” 

Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie

Harrison Ford

on which of his characters he’d most like to have a drink with

“I suppose I would say John Book, the character in Witness. I think he might like a nice dram. I did my research [for that character] with the head of the homicide department in Philadelphia, and we did drink Scotch, occasionally in cop bars. So I know he might like it.” 

Best Gin

Best gin

Another Hendrick’s Gin

Hendrick’s just launched its first permanent expression in nine years, and it reminded us why the Scottish house rules supreme. Another Hendrick’s, as the new expression is called, pairs orange blossom and cacao bean with the ginmaker’s signature rose and cucumber flavors. Another also comes in a white bottle, positioning it as a counterpart to the iconic dark brown apothecary-style bottle that Hendrick’s uses for its flagship expression.

Beefeater Black

A stellar release from a storied gin brand, Beefeater Black proves that the ginaissance is upon us, with a spirit that is at once crisp and commanding. The new bottle adds lemon verbena and thyme to Beefeater’s nine core botanicals, elevating the beloved London Dry gin with citrus and herbal saltiness. It’s a sophisticated twist on our go-to gin that doesn’t lose the classic charm of the original.

Nozawa Onsen Distillery Doso Gin

Created as a tribute to the Dosojin Fire Festival in Nagano, Japan, this Doso Gin from Nozawa Onsen Distillery does things very differently — and it works. The gin uses toasted local buna (beech) wood chips, which are the wood used in the Fire Festival’s ceremonial shrine, imparting a smoky, earthy depth to the gin. This is balanced out with warm notes of hojicha tea, cinnamon, and ginger for a unique, delicious gin with a genuine story and connection to its home.

Brooklyn Gin

Founded in 2010, Brooklyn Gin is based around citrus, specifically Eureka lemon, Persian and Key lime, navel orange, and kumquat, which is paired with hand-cracked juniper, lavender, and cocoa nibs and distilled on a small copper still at Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery in New York. All of that citrus delivers a bright freshness and smooth mouthfeel that doesn’t drown the juniper. It’s distinct, bold, and exciting for both gin newcomers and purists alike.

Quattro Gatti

Italian label Quattro Gatti was first launched in 2022, offering a terroir-driven gin using botanicals found in and around the founding family’s property above Umbria’s Lago Trasimeno. Master distiller Angus Mordant uses fewer than 10 botanicals, including fresh Italian juniper, Mediterranean citrus, golden ginestra flowers, olive leaf, and a whisper of peperoncino. That less-is-more approach has paid off, earning Quattro Gatti high honors at competitions all over the world and a spot in our bar.

Celebrity Cocktail Books

There’s no shortage of celebrities who have put pen to paper (for better or worse), but what you might not know is that a whole roster of Hollywood’s elite have either written their own cocktail books or inspired books dedicated to their music. There’s a Taylor Swift cocktail book on Amazon called Shake It Up, complete with themed drinks like “New Rum Antics” and “Getaway Sidecar.” Then there’s How to Drink Like a Rock Star, featuring recipes inspired by everyone from the Grateful Dead to Jimi Hendrix, and even Sip Me Baby One More Time, with drinks modeled after some of the world’s most famous female musicians. So, instead of making just another boring drink, put a little rock ’n’ roll soul into your next Mai Tai or Manhattan.

Celebrity Cocktail Books

There’s no shortage of celebrities who have put pen to paper (for better or worse), but what you might not know is that a whole roster of Hollywood’s elite have either written their own cocktail books or inspired books dedicated to their music. There’s a Taylor Swift cocktail book on Amazon called Shake It Up, complete with themed drinks like “New Rum Antics” and “Getaway Sidecar.” Then there’s How to Drink Like a Rock Star, featuring recipes inspired by everyone from the Grateful Dead to Jimi Hendrix, and even Sip Me Baby One More Time, with drinks modeled after some of the world’s most famous female musicians. So, instead of making just another boring drink, put a little rock ’n’ roll soul into your next Mai Tai or Manhattan.

Best Tequila + MeZcal

Best Tequila + Mezcal

Patron 100

Patron 100 is the latest expression from the storied tequila brand, and one that’s refreshingly affordable. It’s made with the kinds of methods you don’t always see from a large label but are thoroughly appreciated here: Think tahona-crushed Blue Weber agave and distilled at 100 proof, with no additional water or additives. Patron 100 marks the first time the label has made a distilled-to-proof release. Rather than a limited release, it’s a permanent expression from Patron, meaning it can be a staple of bar carts for years to come.

Bozal Cempasúchil

Bozal’s Cempasúchil is as celebratory as the not-so-morbid holiday that inspired it. The name comes from the Aztec marigold that’s closely associated with Día de los Muertos, and the spirit carries the floral flavors of its namesake. Flowers are dropped in the bottom of the still, alongside mandarin peels, for a flavor that’s aromatic, citrusy, and complex, rather than just being a smoke bomb. Made from 100 percent Agave Esapdín using Ancestral production methods, Bozal Cempasúchil is a bold sipping mezcal that’s mighty and memorable.

The Lost Explorer Reposado

This reposado is the first aged expression from growing tequila brand The Lost Explorer. What sets it apart is the aging process; the tequila is first aged in wine casks from France, followed by Spanish sherry casks, before finally aging in American bourbon barrels. The result is refined and complex, but the agave still shines through, whether you’re sipping or mixing. Lost Explorer is one agave spirit you’ll be proud to discover.

Casa Dragones 200 Copas

Casa Dragones 200 Copas is a collaboration between singer Karol G and Casa Dragones, and one that continues the brand’s commitment to celebrating women in the often male-dominated world of spirits. Released in 2025, it marked the first cristalino tequila from the rising brand. The 100 percent Blue Weber Agave expression is aged more than a year in custom American oak barrels, bringing notes of oak and roasted agave that are ideal for sipping. Like Karol G, the resulting product is fresh, unexpected, and unrivaled.

Espolon Extra Anejo

Espolon is one of the worst-kept secrets in the world of tequila, bringing bold flavor at an attainable price. Espolon sticks to its affordable price point with its first extra anejo tequila, making for a bang-for-your-buck bottle that deserves a spot on your shelf. It’s aged in two different kinds of casks, spending two-and-a-half years in American oak followed by six months finished in French Chardonnay casks, and packaged in a stylish matte black bottle. Smooth yet complex, it’s suited for cocktails and sipping.

Cachasol Tequila Blanco Epic Strength

Relative newcomer Cachasol made a splash in the world of tequila with its bold celebrations of blanco tequila. So far, the young label has two products: Blanco and Epic Strength blanco, with aged expressions coming soon. The Epic Strength blanco, boasting an ABV of 48 percent, amplifies everything that makes its blanco great. It uses an IPA-inspired ale yeast and Nayarit-grown agave, with non-chill filtration for bold flavor. Consider this an IYKYK tequila for purists and casual sippers alike.

Nock Mezcal joven

There’s something great about second chances. Originally established in 2010, Nock relaunched in 2022 and is back in a big way. It’s rare to see a brand emphasize both tequila and mezcal, but Nock offers both, in expressions ranging from Cristalinos to Mezcal Añejo. Nock’s Mezcal Joven, which picked up Gold at the London Spirits Competition in 2025, is a strong introduction to the still-growing brand, with just the right amount of smoke and agave. This is a welcome return from one of the spirits industry’s most inventive brands.

Zomoz Mezcal

Zomoz focuses on one expression, but does it well. Its Mezcal Artesanal is made using organic Espadin, spring water, and nothing else. With hints of lemon, vanilla, and fresh agave on the palate, Zomoz Mezcal is an inviting introduction to the world of Mezcal. It’s also one that takes great care to celebrate its Mexican roots, from its ownership to its methods, in a time when even agave spirits brands overlook their heritage.

Paquera Cuishe Ancestral

Paquera isn’t afraid of making adventurous choices with its mezcals — see their Espadin made with Wagyu, for one. Their latest risk is Cuishe Ancestral, which skipped the mezcal certification to ease the increasing financial costs on producers, betting that consumers will be able to find it anyway. So while you won’t see the word mezcal on the bottle, you’re still getting the ancestral production methods; it’s hand-mashed with wooden mallets and distilled in clay pots. Call it mezcal or don’t, we’ll call it delicious either way.

House of Rare

House of Rare started as a tequila aging company, working with other brands on the maturing process. But now it’s ready to make a name for itself with its own expressions. Drawing inspiration from Scotch and other whiskies, House of Rare emphasizes the aging process (although it makes a blanco, too). The Extra Añejo, for example, is double distilled and aged for three years in bourbon barrels, before being finished for three months in sherry casks.

Keegan Michael Key & Gabrielle Union

On Party non-negotiables

“You have to have the best tequila there is. In this case, Casamigos. And you have to have the right cocktails.”

–Gabrielle Union

“Plus Mexican food. But it has to be good guac. Sometimes, you can find good store-bought guac, but that’s rare. However, there’s nothing more satisfying than scooping out an avocado when making your own.”

–KEEGAN MICHAEL KEY

Casamigos

Casamigos

Keegan Michael Key & Gabrielle Union

On the non-negotiables when hosting a party

“You have to have the best tequila there is — in this case, Casamigos. You’ve got to have the right tequila, and you have to have the right cocktails.”

–Gabrielle Union

“And Mexican food. But it has to be good guac. Sometimes, you can find good store-bought guac, but that’s rare. However, there’s nothing more satisfying than scooping out an avocado when making your own.”

–KEEGAN MICHAEL KEY

Best Rum

Best Rum

Crossfire Hurricane Reserve

Crossfire Hurricane is the Rolling Stones’ love letter to Jamaica, and Reserve is a refined sipper made from a blend of aged rums. The rum is inspired by the band’s 1972 visit to the island, during which they recorded Goats Head Soup. Never mind the fact that the rum’s name nods to the 1968 song “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” — exact dates don’t need to get in the way of a good story. Bottled at 40 percent ABV with no added sugar, it’s a serious sipping rum.

Palm Republic

Rum for people that don’t like rum is a cliché at this point, as is the celebrity drinks category. But The Rookie actor Eric Winter’s Palm Republic has a good chance of making more than a few converts of tequila and whiskey drinkers, and the relatively young brand has the trophy case to show for it. The silver rum has a subtle sweetness, lending itself well to sipping, and it shines as a swap in whiskey-based cocktails. The statuesque bottle may not be an Emmy, but it deserves a spot on your top shelf all the same.

Foursquare Probitas Green Label

Green Label is Probitas’ latest expression, and a step up from the brand’s classic white label rum. Green Label is blended from two distilleries, Barbados-based Foursquare and Jamaica’s Hampden Estate. Bottled at 114 proof, it’s a strong pour that plays well in cocktails. Swap it for whiskey for a sweeter spin on the classics, or use it to punch up tropical favorites. Either way, it’s a flavorful (and affordable) new rum from a storied maker.

Kakira Gold Rum

While it’s historically associated with the Caribbean, rum, unlike Scotch or tequila, is not required to be produced in a particular country. There’s an exciting world outside of Jamaica and Venezuela, including Uganda’s Kakira, which is made from sugar grown on a farm founded in 1930. Aged in American Bourbon barrels and Spanish Sherry casks, Kakira Gold shines as a sipper, and it’s not so expensive that you’d hesitate to mix it in a cocktail.

Cruzan Island Reserve 13-year-old

Aged in bourbon barrels, Cruzan Island Reserve’s 13-year-old label is an inviting option for rum-curious whiskey drinkers. While it’s listed as a 13-year-old rum, it’s actually blended from a mix of rums aged for 13, 16, and 20 years, giving it a richness and maturity. Cruzan, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, uses a five-column distillation process for a smoother finished product. The $40 price tag belies the care that goes into this eminently sippable bottle.

Mount Gay Bajan Spiced

The spiced rum is all grown-up thanks to Mount Gay’s new Bajan Spiced rum, which is infused with tropical ginger and grapefruit flavors. It’s a great way to give an extra twist to tropical favorites, and does well in simple highballs like a Dark ‘n’ Stormy. At 35 percent ABV, it’s a lighter alternative to Mount Gay’s mainstay Eclipse rum.

Alambique Serrano

Oaxaca is so synonymous with mezcal, but Alambique Serrano is looking to put the region on the map for rum. The idea is new, but the roots are deep; the rum brand was founded on a farm dating back to the 1930s. The brand has quite a few expressions to choose from, including blends and single cask rums.

The Macallan

James Marsden

On why whiskey is the best way to
celebrate a major milestone

“Anytime I booked a big job that I thought was going to be important to my career, I’d find a nice glass of something and commemorate the moment. I did that with one of my biggest jobs back in 1999 or 2000; opening a bottle and letting myself pat myself on the back a little. It was well deserved. I was an Oklahoma kid who moved out here to be an actor, and no one thought that could happen, not even me. And then suddenly, it was happening.”

Zak Krill

T-Pain

On what drink he would
buy her in 2026

“Maybe a cream soda. You know, I see people underestimating and really backing away from cream soda, but I think it’s a big deal. It’s a really overlooked soda. Everybody’s got root beer, but nobody’s thinking about the rock star. Everybody surprises me, man. It’s like wine for me, you’ve got to taste different kinds, different ages, different companies. Cream soda is where it’s at.”

The Macallan

James Marsden

On why whiskey is the best way to celebrate a major milestone

“Anytime I booked a big job that I thought was going to be important to my career, I’d find a nice glass of something and commemorate the moment. I did that with one of my biggest jobs back in 1999 or 2000 — opening a bottle and letting myself pat myself on the back a little. It was well deserved. I was an Oklahoma kid who moved out here to be an actor, and no one thought that could happen, not even me. And then suddenly, it was happening.”

Zak Krill

T-Pain

On what drink he would
buy her in 2026

“Maybe a cream soda. You know, I see people underestimating and really backing away from cream soda, but I think it’s a big deal. It’s a really overlooked soda. Everybody’s got root beer, but nobody’s thinking about the rock star. Everybody surprises me, man. It’s like wine for me — you’ve got to taste different kinds, different ages, different companies. Cream soda is where it’s at.”

Best Vodka

Best Vodka

ALB VODKA

It’s hard to walk down the block these days without spotting an ALB Vodka ad, but unlike plenty of overhyped bottles, this one actually delivers. At around $20, it’s smooth, easy to drink, and punches well above its price point. It’s the bottle we keep reaching for, whether we’re mixing up a cocktail or ripping a shot without bracing for the burn.

REYKA VODKA

If your vodka of choice is destined for a martini, Moscow Mule, or Cosmopolitan, make it Reyka. Distilled in a tiny Icelandic town, it has an incredibly crisp profile that plays well with just about every cocktail imaginable. There’s almost no bite here, just an effortlessly smooth vodka that lets your favorite drink taste even better.

SUNTORY HAKU VODKA

Most vodkas are meant to fade into a cocktail. Suntory Haku is one of the rare exceptions. Crafted from Japanese white rice instead of potatoes or wheat, it has a lighter finish that’s made for sipping over ice.

PRAIRIE ORGANIC

Prairie Organic Vodka has been quietly making one of the best bottles on the market for years, and it’s finally getting the flowers it deserves. Distilled in Minnesota from organic corn, it delivers premium quality without the premium price tag, coming in at under $25 a bottle. It’s the kind of vodka that reminds you the best spirits aren’t always the ones hiding on the highest shelf.

Absolut Tabasco

Absolut Vodka is having a moment, thanks to a timely collab with Madonna, and a spot on the bar at seemingly every big event in town. But the biggest news of all may be their collaboration with Tabasco, which infuses Absolut Vodka with an “essence” created from the aged red pepper mash used to make the iconic hot sauce. Sweet, spicy, and savory, consider this your new starting point for Bloody Marys and Micheladas, and a conversation starter for your next brunch or party too.

Belvedere 10

Belvedere Vodka’s latest luxury expression makes an impression right out of the box, with a striking, sculpted bottle begging for a prime spot on your bar cart. The single-estate liquid is equally as impressive, at once creamy and delicate, and inspired by the production process used in 1910 when the first Belvedere distillery was established. The diamondlike facets on the bottle nod to the Diamond Rye base, while a gold “crown” topper befits this gold standard of vodka.

Best Bar Accessories

Making sure you have all the right ingredients for your cocktails is a must. Do you have the proper amount of bitters? What about the exact number of beans you need for an espresso martini? But just as important is having the right bar tools to pull off the drink. We recommend starting with the essentials: A bar spoon, mixing glass, cocktail shaker, and an assortment of proper glassware — martini glasses, whiskey glasses, beer glasses — and, of course, a muddler for those mojitos. Some of our favorite places to shop for these bar-cart essentials include places like Williams-Sonoma and Amazon. You don’t have to break the bank to stock your bar either: Just check this list, and you’ll be ready to throw the kind of party your people actually deserve.

Best Bar Accessories

Making sure you have all the right ingredients for your cocktails is a must. Do you have the proper amount of bitters? What about the exact number of beans you need for an espresso martini? But just as important is having the right bar tools to pull off the drink. We recommend starting with the essentials: A bar spoon, mixing glass, cocktail shaker, and an assortment of proper glassware — martini glasses, whiskey glasses, beer glasses — and, of course, a muddler for those mojitos. Some of our favorite places to shop for these bar-cart essentials include places like Williams-Sonoma and Amazon. You don’t have to break the bank to stock your bar either: Just check this list, and you’ll be ready to throw the kind of party your people actually deserve.

Best Sake + Wines

Best Sake + Wines

SILVER OAK SAUVIGNON BLANC

Silver Oak in Napa might be new to the white wine game, but sometimes your first try is all it takes to understand the assignment. The brand’s Sauvignon Blanc hits every note it should: Crisp without being too sour, gentle enough to complement your favorite dish, and with just the right amount of zing to wake up your taste buds. If this is what beginner’s luck tastes like, we’ll gladly pour another glass.

SANTA MARGHERITA ROSÉ

Santa Margherita has long been one of our favorite wine brands, and judging by the number of famous faces spotted with a glass, Hollywood seems to agree. This year, the brand stepped into a cultural crossover with its LoveShackFancy collaboration, proving rosé can have just as much style as substance.

BEAULIEU VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR

Taking a sip of Beaulieu Vineyards Pinot Noir feels like revisiting your favorite memory: It gives you that same warm, fuzzy feeling. Founded by French immigrants who brought their winemaking expertise to California, it gets impressively close to the elegance of a classic French Pinot without requiring a passport or a trans-Atlantic flight.

BELAIRE GOLD

Belaire Gold drinks like a much more expensive sparkling wine than it actually is. Maybe it’s the dripped-out gold bottle, maybe it’s the bright, celebratory bubbles that hit the second you pop the cork; regardless, it proves its worth more than its sticker price. At under $30 a bottle, it’s the perfect gift for someone special … though we’d recommend keeping this one for yourself.

SOMATO SAKE

Sake should be a celebration, and Somato knows exactly how to make every sip feel like one. Refreshing, lightly sweet (without ever becoming overpowering), and smoother than you’d expect, it somehow goes down easier with every pour. Drink it on its own or shake it into a cocktail — either way, you’ll probably be ordering another bottle before you’ve finished the first one.

YOSHI MATCHA

Matcha has been one of the biggest drink trends of the past few years, so it was only a matter of time before someone bottled it into a liqueur. Yoshi didn’t just rise to the challenge; they absolutely nailed it. The vibrant green color makes you want to pour a glass immediately, and the taste lands somewhere between the best dessert you’ve ever had and the perfect matcha latte from your favorite café. Plenty of brands will try to recreate the magic, but everyone remembers who got there first.

Two Friends

On the drink that best
vibes with their music

“Smirnoff Ice SMASH … it’s all about bold energy. You know, bold flavors, double the flavor, double the fun. We’re a duo, we bring the high energy, and we’re double the fun.” 

Smirnoff

Smirnoff

Two Friends

On the drink that best vibes with their music

“Smirnoff Ice SMASH — it’s all about bold energy. You know, bold flavors, double the flavor, double the fun. We’re a duo, we bring the high energy, and we’re double the fun.”

Best Beer +
Canned Cocktails

Best Beer + Canned Cocktails

NUTRL

NUTRL has been around for a few years now, and they’re proof that sometimes the best thing is something that’s already been around the block. These hard seltzers are easy to sip and come in a sleek, sexy little can — and the brand is still innovating and reinventing itself with new flavors like blueberry. It’s the first thing we reach for when we want a hard seltzer that scratches the itch, every single time.

CASAMIGOS CANNED COCKTAIL

Famed tequila brand Casamigos rolled out its canned cocktails last year, and they did not skimp on the details. The vessel may be aluminum instead of glass, but it still captures the great taste of its tequila without ever feeling synthetic. It’s the ideal solution for anyone who wants their margarita not just on the rocks, but on the move.

ON THE ROCKS

We’ve tried nearly every On The Rocks offering and have never been disappointed, but its rum selections stand out from the rest. The brand runs the gamut from a piña colada to a mojito, and each sip transports you to a luxury vacation destination without ever leaving the function. Best of all, the setup is dead simple: Pour it over a few ice cubes for a perfect cocktail every time (or drink it as the brand intended … in the can).

LUCKY ONE

We love Lucky One’s canned cocktails for a lot of reasons. Not only is the taste some of the best and most authentic we’ve experienced, but the brand also gives back to animal shelters. Created in collaboration with Barstool’s Big Cat, Dave Portnoy, and his dog Miss Peaches, it’s one of those rare occasions where you feel just as good sipping it as you do buying it.

DEWAR’S LEMON WEDGE

Another lemon-based drink, but this time it’s lemon mixed with whiskey … one of the best ways to enjoy that spirit, in our humble opinion. Created by Dewar’s, you know, the guys responsible for some of the most iconic drink mashups poured everywhere from your local dive to the U.S. Open golf clubhouse, this canned cocktail tastes like the real deal, which is why we hold it in the highest regard.

BOMBAY GIN & TONIC CANS

When we first tried the Bombay Gin & Tonic cans, we were on a boat in Ibiza — naturally — and we did a double take with each sip because it’s that close to an actual gin and tonic your favorite bartender would whip up. It strikes the perfect ingredient ratio, drinks refreshingly light, and, like all things Bombay, tastes best beachside.

Archer Roose

Archer Roose cans are instantly recognizable, moose emblem and all, and the taste is just as iconic. Available in a multitude of varietals, it doesn’t skimp on quality; instead, it delivers a balanced sip for when you need your wine to crack open, not cork.

Woodchuck Hard Cider

Finding a great hard cider is trickier than it sounds; you want something that isn’t obnoxiously sweet while still delivering real fruit flavor. Woodchuck nails both. This is what coastal New England fall tastes like, and the rebrand, courtesy of the geniuses at Boston’s Sprout Studios, is just as sharp. You’ll want it front and center in your fridge, that is, if you don’t drink them all first.

Lagunitas x Iron Maiden

Lagunitas keeps impressing us, and not just when it comes to flavor, it’s their fearlessness and willingness to think outside the can. Case in point: The brand’s latest collab, teaming up with Iron Maiden to launch Trooper West Coast IPA. It’s floral, full-flavored, and infused with just the right amount of rock-and-roll heat.

Dale’s Pale Ale

Dale’s is about as classic as it gets — and that’s exactly how we like it. Closing in on 25 years of production, the brand has mastered what a no-frills brewski should taste like. Bonus: It clocks in at 6.5 percent ABV, so you get a little extra buzz for your buck.

The Alchemist — Heady Topper … Err, No Name Stout

The Alchemist, out of Stowe, Vermont, has a cult following, and we’re proud to count ourselves among the converted. The branding alone deserves an award, but the stout itself has won over everyone from master brewers to casual beer lovers. Consider yourself warned: It might just ruin every other stout for you.

Aeronaut Robot Crush

Aeronaut is a Massachusetts brewery that might be one of the Bay State’s best-kept secrets. Every flavor they touch feels more inventive than the last, and Robot Crush is no exception — it wakes up your taste buds with every sip and goes down dangerously easy.

Dogfish Head x Grateful Dead

The Grateful Dead is one of our all-time favorite bands, so it’s no surprise their beer collab with Dogfish Head is one of our all-time favorite brews. It’s got true Deadhead branding, a 5.3 percent ABV, and a taste as upbeat as some of the band’s most famous songs.

Garage Beer

Jason and Travis Kelce know a thing or two about having a good time and that’s exactly what they bring to Garage Beer, the lager brand they join in 2024 and took to new heights (pun intended) this year. While the Kelce brothers have that easygoing “everyman” quality, their beer is anything but average, delivering a crisp, crushable sip with a hint of hops and a touch of citrus. From branding to bottling, Garage Beer is refreshing in all the right ways and yes, a total touchdown.

Rick Ross

On Rosé as a
Workout Beverage

“When I work out, I smoke with a joint, and I sip Luc Belaire with the alcohol. That’s just me, you know what I mean? I get it. But you need the NA? We got you.”

Paras Griffin

Paras Griffin

Rick Ross

On Rosé as a Workout Beverage

“When I work out, I smoke with a joint, and I sip Luc Belaire with the alcohol. That’s just me, you know what I mean? I get it. But you need the NA [Luc Belaire]? We got you.”

Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Crazy Mountain

After mining tequila for liquid gold, Casamigos co-founders Rande Gerber, George Clooney and Mike Meldman have done it again with Crazy Mountain, their new non-alcoholic beer brand. The crisp, easy-drinking lager is one of the best non-alc beers to reach for; bright and refreshing on the palate with a hint of hops and citrus. In the same way that Casamigos became a go-to tequila for nights out, Crazy Mountain is a social tonic destined to fill coolers at campsites and Coachella alike.

Paragraph Wine

A sophisticated sip, Paragraph Wine elevates its category by focusing on heritage over hype. Drawing on the rich history of Spanish winemaking, Paragraph produces a complex, full-bodied Tempranillo-style wine, with alcohol gently removed. Fruit-forward yet dry and approachable, the wine has an elegant finish and pairs well with savory dishes and desserts alike. This is a bottle you’d be proud to serve at dinner parties, allowing guests both fun and fastidious to raise a glass without the guilt.

Almave Humo

F1 champion Lewis Hamilton is making moves in the spirits industry, thanks to Almave, his agave-based non-alcoholic spirit, and the driver’s Almave Humo takes our checkered flag as a superb substitute for mezcal. Made from espadin agave, Humo is pit-roasted in an oven with volcanic stones, emulating the traditional mezcal production process. With earthy and peppery notes, it delivers a similar taste to the smoky agave spirit too. With Almave Humo, Hamilton has once again delivered a winner.

Ritual Zero Proof

Ritual has long been a leader in the non-alc space, with zero-proof alternatives for everything from tequila and whiskey to an aperitif. The brand’s new canned cocktails make it even easier to get a buoyant buzz on, with zero-proof margarita, G&T, and spritz options that are bright, bubbly, and full of bite — only unlike alcoholic drinks, they won’t bite back. And while hard seltzer has fizzled out, these grab-and-go cans prove there are new ways to channel your creative spirits … pun intended.

HopKind

Founded in 2026, HopKind was created with one goal in mind: To give those embracing a non-alcoholic lifestyle a good old-fashioned beer—minus the booze, of course. The brand currently has two options to choose from: A lager and an IPA, and both are made to taste like the real deal. But Hopkind’s brews come with a little something extra, too: They’re infused with special, health-boosting ingredients that add some much-needed goodness to your gut while you enjoy your foamy sip.

METHODOLOGY

Every year, Rolling Stone editors taste our way through hundreds of new spirit releases to find the ones worth sipping. From smoky whiskies aged across the pond to beers brewed with rock ‘n’ roll DNA and gins that could win over the toughest critics, we’re looking for products with a pulse — drinks that deliver not only delicious flavor but character and innovation. Of all the spirits we sample, only a select few earned our ultimate seal of approval: A spot in the Rolling Stone 2026 Spirit Awards. %!s()