BOOKER’S Small Batch Bourbon batch #2020-01
“The whiskey in this package is the highest grade bourbon created by me here at Jim Beam. It is bottled uncut and unfiltered. My grandfather, Jim Beam liked his whiskey from six to eight years old.” “Booker’s Bourbon is quality screened to remove only pieces of charred barrel wood.” – Booker Noe.
ABV: 63.20%
Batch: 2020-01
Bottle: 124-Y031
Age: 6yrs, 4mo, 21 days
Price: $75.00 (rare) – $100.00+
Distiller: James B. Beam Distilling Co.
EYE
Dark Amber Caramel
NOSE
The nose is very sweet with a strong molasses scent up front. We caught notes of sugar, dark fruits and toffee.
TASTE
Dry, silkiness that coats the tongue. Strong burn in the mouth. Notes of oak, caramel, brine, candy and syrup. Notably sweet for its strength.
Feel
Strong burn in the mouth with a “Kentucky Hug” as strong as a bear. Harder on the throat going down but that is to be expected by the strength.
FINISH
Long dry finish. Notes of leather and tobacco.
We're stepping up our game with this one gentlemen. Booker's is one of the finest offerings by Jim Beam. Created by Jim's grandson Booker Noe, (a legend in the whiskey game) this bourbon is not for the novice drinker. But if you're in the mood to put on your big boy pants, we have few reviews that rate as high as this one. Stomping into the room with a proof of 126.4 (its the .4 that gets ya) you're not going to be drinking Booker's hard all night without sleeping on the couch or asking your friends why your ankle hurts the next day. Don't worry too much about that though because it doesn't go down like water. After a few glasses, you're going to be feeling it in the back of your throat.
Frankly, this bourbon isn't meant to be guzzled. It's a finer thing with a very complex flavor. Described as a "Campfire" bourbon by one member that goes as well in leather couched lounges as it does an Adirondack chair under the stars. This is one you break out for fine company that knows what they're talking about. Every member enjoyed this immensely including this writer but I feel I need more time with it to truly break the flavor down. Its strong, complicated and tightly packed. A few drops of water or a cube of ice opens it a bit but this is one you want to concentrate on to get the full experience. This is NOT a beginner whiskey and I could see it scaring starters away. But for those of us with a more experienced tongue, it's something you need in your collection.
