Booker's Bourbon Batch 2025-02 "By the Pond Batch"

Color: Medium copper-amber Nose: Very characteristic of Booker's... Molasses, leather, perhaps date or fig. Palate: (Consumed with a large ice ball) Similar to nearly every Booker's batch I've tried, the first sip delivers a powerful spice punch. Surprisingly mild chest warmth for the proof. This is one of those pours where the palate and nose are nearly identical. I'm tasting the date/fig notes along with molasses and some charred oak. It's slightly sweet, but predominantly spicy. As I reach the bottom of the glass, that distinct Beam "peanut" flavor starts to emerge. Finish: Medium, with spices and peanut being the most prominent notes. Final Thoughts: Hmm. I suspect this "By The Pond" batch will be remembered as decent but not particularly noteworthy. It's good... perhaps subsequent tastings will reveal more depth(?). Since I can't assign a fractional score, I felt rounding up was appropriate. So, after its initial tasting, it earns a respectable 4.0 stars from me. I actually have the two previous batches on hand – which is unusual for me! I might need to compare all three. The last batch that immediately impressed me was the "Master Distiller's Batch" from last year. We'll see....

Pleasant oak, light maple syrup, pecan pastry, raisin, fennel leaf, stewed stone fruit. Rich and full-bodied with more baked fruits, nuts, and oak on the finish. It's been many years since I last sampled Booker's, and now I'm questioning why I waited so long.

A robust aroma of cola and pumpernickel bread. A surprising vegetal rye scent lingers in the background. Cola and bread flavors persist on the tongue. The finish is quite peppery and predominantly located on the palate's forefront.

Fantastic! This one is nearly as good as 2025-01 (a friend's Batch). Smell - honey, oak, dried fruit Taste - cherry cola and cinnamon Aftertaste - long and bold

The alcohol isn't as strong as the proof suggests. Quite enjoyable, really.

One of the top batches in recent times.