Booker's Bourbon Batch 2019-03 "Country Ham"

Rating: 17/23 Wow, I just reviewed my last tasting notes and I didn't write much. It's unusual for me to have gone through half this bottle with so few details documented. Nose: Definitely peanuts, quite rich and sweet. A hint of some fruit (apricot?) emerges with a touch of mustiness and spice that, combined with the peanut, reminds me a bit of Thai food. The nose isn't incredibly complex, but it's very well-balanced and I enjoy it. I'm anticipating a very indulgent whiskey. Palate: Somewhat spicy with a dry peanut taste. The proof stings, but I wouldn't describe it as harsh. There's a nice richness, though it could be fuller. I do begin to detect the faintest hint of apricot; I wonder if that was always present or if it's a result of this bottle being half full for about 16 months. There's also a subtle mineral note. It's certainly not as full-bodied as Booker's Shiny Barrel. The balance is very good, but it suffers from the typical Jim Beam issue of lacking the fullness of flavor I desire. I detect some tartness from the apricot along with vanilla, adding a slightly floral note. Some of that characteristic Beam sourness is noticeable. It's a good palate, but the nose set higher expectations. It's not as indulgent as anticipated, nor does it seem overly complex. Perhaps that's the usual Beam subtlety. Finish: There are still notes of spicy peanut and apricot with a hint of woody mustiness, but it lacks significant complexity or richness. Gradually, some tartness develops in the apricot and a floral flavor appears, highlighting the remaining vanilla. - Conclusion - This is a solid bourbon, exhibiting the standard Beam tendency towards being too subtle and lacking sufficient body. It's enjoyable, but not something I would actively seek out, and there are definitely better options available at this price point. I suspect much of its appeal comes from the proof. While I appreciate a higher-proof spirit, this one seems to lean heavily on that characteristic. Wild Turkey Rare Breed 116.8 is more complex and relies better on its foundational flavors compared to this, which seems supported by its ABV. This certainly feels more viscous due to its alcohol content, but it's not genuinely fuller in other aspects. However, I believe its balance holds up well against the Wild Turkey. Belle Meade Cask Strength Reserve (batch 22), conversely, displays more maturity, less harshness, and greater complexity. I briefly considered rating it as low as 15, but quickly settled on the 17 to 18 range. Booker's Shiny Barrel is superior, but both are in the general vicinity of Wild Turkey Rare Breed. Belle Meade Cask Strength Reserve (batch 22) also seems like an improvement over this, so a rating of 19 is out of the question. I'm leaning towards a 17 to 18. I'll go with a 17 because it feels somewhat light and young.

My reviews primarily focus on subjective value, considering price. I believe most people factor this in, and denying it wouldn't reflect reality. High prices often create high expectations, and I'm responsible for my own with this whiskey. Whiskey pricing isn't always about quality; often, it's about accessibility. The price, hype, narrative, and packaging may over-promise for this pour. Perhaps more time will enhance the experience. Regarding a previous comment: peanut brittle cooked in diluted nail polish is the most 'unique' dominant note, with subtle red fruits appearing as the bottle empties or with added water. The score still reflects the experience versus price. Rating scale: 5.0 - Buy every bottle you can find. 4.0 - Must buy at least one bottle before you die. 3.0 - Solid, try at a bar or share with a friend. 2.0 - Didn't like it, but you might. 1.0 - Your palate may be comparable to my dog's, and he licks himself.

Smells like toasted banana, powdered sugar, marshmallow, peanut, dusty corn, cherry, apple, milk chocolate, dulce de leche, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, sweet oak, brown sugar, and a moderate to strong ethanol sting. Tastes of apple, cherry, banana, cinnamon, leather, allspice, black pepper, peanut, sour oak, milk chocolate, caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, with a moderate to strong alcohol bite. The finish is medium short with flavors of peanut, banana, leather, and sour oak. It has been some time since I sampled a Beam product. I missed that distinctive peanut flavor. The nose is quite pleasant, resembling a blend of bananas foster and funnel cake topped with baked, cinnamon-covered apples. The palate is decent but not quite as remarkable. The peanut note is prominent, alongside equally strong baking spices, chocolate, and regrettably, some sour oak notes. In summary, this is a good bourbon. If the flavors were better harmonized, it could be an exceptional bourbon. Compared to my Beaten Biscuits batch, the nose is superior on this one, but the palate is notably inferior. The Beaten Biscuits profile is richer and less youthful. Many thanks to a friend for the generous sample!

This is a well-balanced bourbon with subtle rye notes, red fruit, ample spice, some wood character, and a pleasant almond undertone (though not overpowering) that slightly shifts into marzipan. Booker's Kitchen Table has a more pronounced alcohol flavor and licorice, which honestly enhances its sweetness. This offering might possess a slightly younger flavor profile but gains complexity with a nice almond richness that becomes more pronounced with water and leaves a pleasing finish. Booker's Shiny Barrel offers a significant amount of toffee and toasted almond, along with some nice licorice notes that this cannot match. It's very good, but Shiny Barrel is superior. It differs from Kitchen Table, but its quality is comparable. It's a difficult choice because while I appreciate this's nutty sweetness, its younger, more mineral and rye notes are somewhat disappointing. Belle Meade Cask Strength is also in a similar, appropriate range and is suitably complex. I might rank Belle Meade slightly higher than this, alongside Shiny Barrel. This is distinct from Kitchen Table, but the quality is comparable.

I realized I hadn't reviewed this bottle I've had for a while. Booker's definitely has a striking appearance in its wooden case with a transparent front. The wax seal adds flair, but the contents are what matter. The aroma is pleasant, featuring maple syrup and brown sugar. The first taste is potent, announcing its 120+ proof with intense cinnamon heat. Brown sugar and vanilla emerge from the heat's edges, with perhaps a hint of pecan pie. This dram is not for the timid; it's packed with flavor and intensity. Adding a little ice wouldn't be out of place. Overall, it's loaded with flavor and heat!

This particular batch stirred the most anticipation, yet, like many bourbon aspirations, it didn't meet expectations. To be clear, this Booker's batch offers a distinct profile. It's sweet, but reminiscent of brown sugar steeped in isopropyl alcohol, with an undertone of artificial sweetener. I'm pleased to have finally sampled this bottle and dispelled the aura surrounding it. Would I have preferred beaten biscuits more? Possibly, but I suspect that wouldn't have lived up to its own hype either. In the end, nothing truly does.