Booker's Bourbon Batch 2023-03 "Mighty Fine Batch"

BOOKER’S SHOWDOWN Booker’s “Beaten Biscuits” 2019-04 Booker’s “Mighty Fine Batch” 2023-03 I'm continuing to sample spirits from my collection that I haven't reviewed yet, or perhaps haven't reviewed within a batch. I reviewed “Beaten Biscuits” previously, but not “Mighty Fine Batch,” so I decided to compare them. Booker’s was my initial dive into barrel-proof bourbon. I've had older bottles before this “Beaten Biscuits,” including “Maw Maw’s Batch,” “Bluegill Creek,” and others. However, Booker’s has faded into the background over time, not necessarily intentionally, but because I've explored other barrel-proof bottlings. I still like the brand (fair warning). Booker’s “Beaten Biscuits” 2019-04 Deep burnt orange color, like Pantone 159. The nose has black licorice, currants, vanilla, banana bread, oak, rosin, and some alcohol. The mouthfeel is slightly thick; the palate has oatmeal with light maple syrup and cinnamon. A gentle warmth on the finish, but the proof is well-integrated. The finish starts with oaky vanilla, a pleasant touch of bitterness like sugared espresso and the reappearing black licorice from the nose, finally returning to gentle vanilla. I scored this too high previously (4.75). “Beaten Biscuits” is very good, but not 4.75-good. What sets it apart for me is how the pronounced bitterness on the finish is a positive, complementary note, unlike the more common bitterness from oak tannins. Booker's releases usually cost a bit more than its main competitor (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof) and are typically found around $90. Would I buy it again? Yes. But not every yearly release. 4.25. 63.05% alcohol by volume. Aged 6 years, 6 months, 19 days. Uncut and unfiltered. Booker’s “Mighty Fine Batch” 2023-03 Same clear burnt-orange Pantone-159 color as “Beaten Biscuits.” The complex nose suggests savory and tangy barbecue sauce, cigar box, toasted marshmallows, chocolate-covered cherries, smoked meat, buttery cornbread, and apple pie, with a cooling menthol sensation. The palate has a slight glycerin feel, and the buttery diacetyl note from the nose continues, along with sweet corn. Charred oak, cinnamon, and vanilla dominate the finish. Wow. “Mighty Fine Batch” lives up to its name. The retail price of about $90 for current Booker’s releases isn't cheap, but considering the high proof and consistently strong flavors, it offers good value in today's bourbon market. Would I buy it again? Yes. Truly mighty fine. 4.5. 63.3% alcohol by volume. Age 7 years, 1 month, 10 days. Uncut and unfiltered. Booker’s, a brand from Beam Suntory, typically has four releases annually (three in 2020 due to Covid). Enthusiasts like to collect, but buying all four releases each year is challenging, especially if you can find them. It's already difficult to get the three annual releases of ECBP, and now there are three releases of Larceny Barrel Proof to consider. When will Buffalo Trace also release three times a year? Details on each bottling, including percentages from specific warehouse floors, are on the brand’s website. Note: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Finding a bottle of Booker's in Ohio is surprising. Perhaps things are changing, or perhaps not. I paid $10 over the suggested price for this bottle, which is frustrating, but not as much of a markup as most other hard-to-get bottles in this state (which seems to be most bottles). Booker's is already difficult to find elsewhere. The distillery should produce more, but that would alter the Booker's experience. If I didn't already have a strong affinity for the brand, I'd dismiss this as an almost unobtainable sales tactic, similar to a certain other brand. However, I've always considered Booker's to be the ultimate "concentrated" bourbon, delivering the most flavor for its relatively mild aging time. A specific distillery in Kentucky operates similarly, influenced by Booker's mastery over many years of comparable, though distinct, batch blends. While I appreciate the stories behind each batch, I particularly enjoy the simplicity and family connection highlighted in this batch, which still excites me for classic Booker's, cask-strength, concentrated whiskey flavors. The batch notes mention one of the darkest colors ever seen in a Booker's batch, and I agree that the deep burnt sienna hue reflects the brand well, appearing slightly darker than some other notable batches. The aroma isn't as potent as the alcohol content might suggest, but it features prominent savory notes of salt and brine, reminiscent of the country hams the founder is known to mention. Underneath this, you'll find the familiar tobacco that Booker's is known for, along with classic barrel flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and caramel, in that order. The body starts off light but carries the saltiness from the aroma, though less intensely. Chocolate and toffee emerge, followed by a spicy body that begins to warm the palate and gums. The finish is definitely hot and somewhat dry, and while iconic for Booker's, it's honestly a bit lacking and flat compared to usual expectations. A subtle nuttiness and a hint of cinnamon appear after a few more sips and some time to develop. Ah, Booker's. I stated it upfront, and this batch largely proves it: while expectations were met, it's ultimately an overpriced, scarce bourbon that can be rivaled without spending a fortune with a little research. The narratives are engaging, the packaging is decorative, and the detailed blending percentages are unique, but these aspects feel like marketing expenses passed onto the customer unfairly, rather than allowing the whiskey to stand on its own. If you've never tried Booker's, I'd certainly recommend it (at the suggested retail price, naturally), especially since batch variations are usually quite minimal. However, if you've had a few and are looking to diversify your collection, I'd suggest a different, more accessible, and affordable brand.

Given the vast selection of whiskies and limited time, I make a significant effort to keep a variety of new whiskies in my regular rotation. Few spirits are ones I consistently revisit, but Booker's has maintained a high quality, prompting me to actively seek out at least one batch each year. This specific batch seems to have the widest availability of any bourbon batch I've encountered. I anticipate being able to purchase it for years, but the positive reviews convinced me this would represent 2023 well. Nose: Peanut brittle. Caramel and toffee. Almond butter. Maple pecan, molasses, and leather. Cinnamon Apple Jacks. Brown sugar oatmeal. Black tea. Steak sauce. Clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Barrel char. Dried apricot. Sawdust and oak. Orange rind. Black cherry/cherry cola note. Palate: Gala apple and vanilla. Heavy brown sugar. Black pepper. Barrel char. Caramel and toffee. Nougat. Carrot cake. A nice caramelized apple note. Black pepper, clove, nutmeg, jalapeño. Heaps of oak. Orange rind. Milk chocolate. Finish: Carrot cake. Dried apricot. Vanilla, caramel, and toffee. Jalapeño, black pepper, clove, nutmeg, and oak. Orange rind. Tobacco and black tea. Heavy barrel char. Peanut brittle. The finish lasts an exceptionally long time. This is as good as any recent batch. If this is the only 2023 batch I acquire, I feel I made a solid choice. The good news is that this batch is widely available in my area. Its high viscosity and rich, dark sweet profile, balanced by spice and char, are my favorite Booker's characteristics, and they are well-represented here. At $100, it was a worthwhile purchase. Booker's market price has risen recently, yet it remains an excellent value for a barrel-proof bourbon with an age statement, even if it's low. Booker's certainly avoids the thinness that plagues younger spirits. This is another success for Beam's premier line. 5/5.

I first tried Booker's from a gift given to me by a companion years ago. I don't buy it as often now, mainly because I seek out other, more affordable, quarterly barrel-proof options from Elijah Craig and Larceny. Booker's does have superior naming, like "Bluegill Creek" or "Beatin' Biscuits," and this one, "Mighty Fine Batch," unlike A125, B225, and so on, so maybe I should revisit Booker's. Notes of caramel apple, clove, smoked meat, cocoa, and spearmint on the nose. The alcohol is noticeable but integrated fairly well. The palate is comforting, especially for a 126.6 proof drink. Will I purchase it again? Yes, I need to pay more attention to these releases. 4.25.

From the initial pour. Smell: Pure caramel and cinnamon. Taste: Reminiscent of roasted spiced nuts during winter. Hints of toffee appear toward the end. Mouthfeel: Slightly aggressive initially, which is understandable given the proof. Aftertaste: Lingers for a medium to extended period. Conclusion: I'm enjoying this. I usually favor Booker's and recall some outstanding batches from the last five years. Country Ham is a release I'd find the price justifiable for, but at this cost, I won't constantly pursue Booker's, especially when certain Knob Creek 9 single barrels offer a superior experience for less money.

Glassware: Glencairn, allowed to sit for 15 minutes. Appearance: Medium-dark amber shade. Nose: Notes of caramel and dark fruits, accompanied by some earthy undertones. Taste: Flavors of cinnamon and clove with similar earthy characteristics. Finish: Exceptionally long with considerable warmth. With a splash: The cinnamon notes are subdued, and the clove becomes sweeter, with a touch of mint. Overall: 9/10 - An excellent drink that I was fortunate to acquire near retail. The positive buzz about this batch was accurate and it met expectations.