Booker's Bourbon Batch 2018-01 Kathleen's Batch

63.7% ABV Uncut and Non-chill Filtered Aged 6 years, 3 months, and 14 days Nose: robust vanilla; dark char; rye and clove spice; cherry/cherry cola; alcohol from the high proof. Overall, delicious. Taste: medium body, viscous, and full of flavor! Vanilla and dark brown sugar and caramel; a slight mint note; cherry; rye spice. Finish: long and satisfying. Peppery spice, vanilla, hints of mint, peanut, toasted marshmallow, oaky barrel char, and a delightful caramel toffee right at the end. Value: $60-75. Worth the price. Final Thoughts: I have never been let down by a Booker's batch, but this one is slightly above average and the best of the 2018 batches. Get this or any Booker's without hesitation and use water generously to temper the burn, enhance the flavors, and enjoy the experience. Rating: 4.5/5 Highly recommend purchasing a bottle. Malt Musings: 'Soup of the day: bourbon.'

A sample shared by a friend. A very intricate spirit with the characteristic Beam nutty flavors I anticipate. Nose: Musty wood, butterscotch, a faint raisin scent, and strong ethanol (as expected given the strength). The dominant aroma? Bubblegum reminiscent of Big League Chew. Flavor: This doesn't assert itself as forcefully as the proof would suggest. Sweet vanilla, dried fruits like cranberries, and brown sugar. Finish: Peanut Butter. A substantial amount of peanut butter followed by sandalwood and tobacco mixed with cloves, tasting somewhat like a clove cigarette. It concludes powerfully with more chunky peanut butter. The finish is certainly the most impressive aspect here. My initial experience with this brand, and I find it pleasing. I would certainly try more, though the cost is a little high.

A whiskey of striking contrasts, Booker's 2018-01 presents a nose filled with ripe red apples, cooked pears, buttery toffee, butterscotch, buttered toast, coffee candies, shelled peanuts, and a delightful rye spice with cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of black tea. It's like an almond roca dipped in fire. The palate strikes powerfully with sweet caramel, dried apples, toasted peanuts, dark, dusty oak, roasted corn, and a rich, fiery spice of black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. A long, deep warmth in the chest follows, with an exhale of toasted walnuts, almond butter, burnt sugar, and a pleasant bitterness reminiscent of strong black coffee. A spicy, sweet explosion in a glass.

To be honest, I'm uncertain of the specific batch. However, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment! It is quite potent and exceptionally full-bodied. My initial taste of the bottle was off-putting, but that was due to my unfamiliarity with such a profile. Whenever I have the opportunity to acquire a bottle, I seize it. It possesses all the classic bourbon characteristics, amplified! Caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and heat!! I can't quite pinpoint the oiliness of the mouthfeel due to the flavors, but it's full. Very full. It will clear your sinuses! And the longest finish I can recall. The only spirit I prefer over this for a special occasion is Baker's. And I'm not biased towards Jim Beam - just a bourbon enthusiast!

Nose - Toasted nuts, caramel, orange zest, oak, and vanilla. I anticipated more burn/ethanol considering the proof. Palate - The characteristic Beam peanut note is present, along with caramel and some baking spices. The finish is long with vanilla, oak, and a touch of cinnamon. Not as intense (or hot) as I've come to expect from Booker's; I'd describe it as a milder, softer Booker's (which I actually quite like).

Smell: Thick molasses and soy sauce. Body: Wow! This one hits hard. Molasses and soy sauce continue, along with a lot of spice. Finish: More of a sensation than a taste. My tongue is buzzing all over. With ice: Much improved! Vanilla and cinnamon balance each other, leading to a pecan pie finish. Delicious with one ice cube! Definitely buy this one!