Booker's Bourbon Batch 2024-04 "Jimmy's Batch"

My connection with Booker's is quite rocky. Many bourbon enthusiasts crave the high-proof experience, seeking that intense burn. Others prefer to add a tiny bit of water to enhance the flavors. I fall into neither category. I dislike my spirits tasting like fire and always review them neat, using a Glencairn. So why do I keep purchasing these bottles? It's like being drawn to a flame... Sweet and spicy on the nose, but heavy ethanol from its fiery 125.8 proof. Vanilla, honey, and some charred oak are present, with enough baking spices to create a slight tickle. It certainly smells like it will be a potent one. The initial taste on the palate is deceptively mild with sweet, viscous honey, brown sugar, and vanilla. However, midway through, the high proof takes over. Baking spices like cinnamon produce a significant tingling sensation on the sides of your mouth and tongue, and the proof has a drying effect, leaving a somewhat powdery mouthfeel. The finish is mainly spicy and dry, though you detect a hint of that sweetness fading at the start. Breathing through your mouth allows you to catch that sweet note lingering. Predominantly, though, there's charred oak barrel, tingling cinnamon, and tannic black tea. Following the 2024-01 "Springfield Batch," which surprisingly wasn't as intense as I expected, I had high hopes for "Jimmy's Batch." But I can confirm this batch truly tastes its proof. This bourbon provides a definite warmth from the first sip all the way down.

Flavorful, potent, and substantial. Deep brown sugar and caramel, thankfully not too nutty! Very well-balanced for a Booker's, with a somewhat plain and short finish. This spirit seems to benefit from time to open up, becoming more interesting with extended air exposure.

Nose: sweet corn, spicy Palate: sweet red hots, spicy pecan, some heat.