Booker's Bourbon Batch 2020-02 "Boston Batch"

Rating: 20/23 Nose: Exhibits some minerality, but a strong peanut presence bordering on peanut butter. The peanut butter fades to peanut shells and then wood with mild spices. Alcohol is present but not overwhelming. Overall: It has a dusty, mature character while retaining a youthful peanut butter essence in its richness. The minerality is intriguing but doesn't make it seem significantly younger than it is. Palate: A bit light for a Booker's, with some mineral notes. However, there's a prominent Beam peanut flavor mingled with refined cinnamon and other baking spices (ginger, black pepper, clove), which transition smoothly into some dusty (but not sawdusty) barrel notes. A hint of slightly sweet black licorice is present but not dominant. Alcohol is noticeable but fairly minimal. Overall: It's actually quite refined and enjoyable. The complexity is good, though not exceptional. I generally prefer a fuller flavor, but the minerals add character here, and all the flavors are well-integrated and balanced. It's easy to drink. Finish: Limestone minerality with peanut and dusty wood carrying some spice. The minerals are the most prominent part of the finish, but they are bold, so it doesn't feel overly diluted. I prefer the palate, but the finish is still quite pleasant. - Conclusion - This isn't a Booker's release that I recall receiving high praise, but it truly stands out to me. It's certainly among the best I've sampled. Booker's typically presents as somewhat youthful and intense. While this isn't excessively aged or mellow, it dials back those traits to offer a more sophisticated profile that is easy to sip and worth contemplating. Booker's Shiny Barrel (19/23) is hotter and less intricate than this. I do detect less alcohol in the Shiny Barrel, but it also stings more from the alcohol. The Shiny Barrel is richer and fuller, but I don't consider it as good overall. That's significant. This is impressive for a bourbon just over six and a quarter years old. I don't have many comparable sips. The only advantage the Shiny Barrel has is that its alcohol is less apparent. This is definitely surpassing my bottle of Resilient 15 (18/23), so it's at least a 19. Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof (21/23) is much richer and fuller than this. It's certainly hotter and less intricate, but it's also significantly more decadent. I lean towards the Jack Daniel's, but the difference isn't substantial. I'm estimating a 20 to 21 for this currently, leaning towards a 20. I'm very impressed. A final comparison with the Jack Daniel's solidifies a strong 20 for this, a high 20. Indeed, Wild Turkey 101 isn't far behind this. However, the Jack Daniel's isn't that much superior either. Frankly, I'm surprised to admit it, but this Boston batch, one of the youngest and least acclaimed Booker's releases, is my favorite to date. Without question. The complexity and - unusually - maturity displayed here make it a truly enjoyable drink. Thank you for sharing another Booker's with me. I had low expectations for this one based on prior information, but I was proven very wrong!

Shared purchase with a friend, opened for 8 weeks. Nose - Rich caramel and peanut brittle, strong oak and ethanol, baked apples, light baking spices, and even some mint, light berries, hints of rye whiskey. Palate - Initially sweet, with dark caramel and peanuts, berry compote, rye spices. The mid-palate and finish are dominated by oak, peanut brittle, and ethanol. It has a medium-long finish with a bite that dries the mouth. When it fades, you crave another sip because each taste offers a different experience. This was my first time purchasing this expression. A friend actually bought it, and I traded him three whiskeys (Talisker Distiller's, ECBP A120, 1792 Single Barrel) for it. I've observed the price of this expression increase by $10 increments over the past decade, and I've always avoided it due to the cost. I understand the excitement surrounding it; this is truly excellent stuff and significantly better than most Jim Beam products. However, it falls short when compared to its cousin, Knob Creek Single Barrel, which is $40 less and can often be found at nearly double its age as store picks. Even if you can't find a store pick, Knob Creek SiB is 2-3 years older than this expression, and I can't imagine the quality difference between the barrels justifies the price gap. Furthermore, you can purchase what I consider the superior ECBP expressions for $30 less. I do believe this is a very solid bourbon, but unless you can get it for around $70 in your state, I'd suggest passing on it and using that money for something in the $60 range.

Color: A striking copper, reflecting its age statement with a deeply charred appearance Legs: A two-tiered effect; the initial set descends rapidly, while the second set forms like a powerful beast preparing to race down the glass. Nose: Prominent vanilla and burnt sugar greet the nostrils, followed by a lingering spicy scent of peppery leather. First Sip: Medium viscosity, initially presenting sweet, buttery corn and vanilla. This is swiftly followed by a good measure of spice with a slight burn as the bourbon moves under the tongue. Palate: Excellent balance for a bourbon exceeding 120 proof. It begins simply and develops a subtle burn as it spreads across the mouth, adding spicy complexity. Finish: A smooth finish considering the proof, yet it leaves a lingering spice that invites another taste. I thoroughly enjoyed this. I would estimate its value closer to $60-70 rather than the high $90s. However, I do prefer sweeter bourbons.

I'm having this neat, straight from the bottle's neck. This marks my initial experience tasting Booker's. The batch is called “Boston’s Batch,” referencing the hometown where Booker began his career. The underlying theme suggests a return to the brand's origins or a tribute. Let's dive in. Peanuts! Abundant vanilla, reminiscent of a Reese’s cup. A subtle hint of oak with dark fruits/cherries. I detect a frosting note as well – now I'm craving cake. A very engaging aroma on this one. I feel I could spend considerable time exploring its nuances. The palate continues the peanut theme, wrapped in salted caramel with a slightly stronger oak presence. Wow, this has a pleasant warming sensation. The heat level is ideal for me. I perceive a hint of burnt marshmallow beneath the nuttiness. This pour is excellent. Notes of toasted malts on the finish. A touch of bitterness. I believe Booker's has just secured a new admirer. I'm eager to compare it with the third release! Cheers, everyone.

Nose: Roasted peanuts, Bit-O-Honey candy, a hint of tobacco, oak, corn... Palate: peanut brittle, burnt sugar (like on top of a creme brûlée) – not a bad experience, very oily mouthfeel. Leaves the top of the tongue a little numb. You can definitely sense the proof coming through. Finish: Medium length. Lingers for a few seconds, but the flavor fades before the burn in the back of the throat. Overall: It's a decent pour... but it becomes monotonous after the first glass. I look for different complexities, but consistently get the same flavor-forward profile without nuances. I expect more from a $100 bottle. I'm not unhappy with the purchase, but I wouldn't buy it again for under $50. I have several other bottles.

Aroma: Gentle; sweet, with a hint of spice. I perceive notes of apples and pears alongside vanilla and nutmeg. At one point, I distinctly caught a strong scent of peanuts. Palate: Considerably bolder than the aroma suggests. Sweetness and spice arrive in waves – a flurry of flavors that unfortunately result in a brief finish. I detect prominent notes of oak, char, and baking spices, which then yield to sweeter vanilla and dark caramel flavors. Once again, there's a hint of nuttiness, almost like dark chocolate-covered peanuts? I enjoy this. While it's not an exceptionally unique bourbon, it meets my expectations for a Booker's batch.