Booker's Bourbon

Wow, this bourbon is STRONG. It's really kind of my fault though - I insist on drinking every whiskey and bourbon neat, cask strength or not. Many, especially Booker's, would very likely benefit from a drop or two of water, but my stubbornness won't allow it. I want to taste every whiskey and bourbon the same way. The nose on Booker's is a good indicator of the heat that's to come. Ethanol fills your nose along with some cocoa powder and leather. The predominant taste is tongue-prickling heat. A little bit of cocoa opens up for a wallop of spicy cinnamon. There's a very faint underlying cherry sweetness during the proof-fueled mouth fire of a taste. The finish starts hot and tapers down to some rye spice and leather. I'm all for a good cask strength bourbon, but man, this stuff is taking that to the next level. At 120-130 proof, it's no wonder the smell and taste are hot through and through. Still, a pretty surprising complexity remains after the heat has subsided, making this an interesting dram. Maybe I'd give it another shot with a drop or two of water.

The power is immediate. The initial contact is a real punch of rich flavors: oak, burnt caramel, intense vanilla, and a rye spice that pleasantly stings. It's a complex profile that keeps evolving. The texture is thick, oily, and very warm. The finish is long, warm, and persistent. Caramel and oak notes linger for a long time, followed by a spicy sensation that slowly fades. It's the kind of finish that leaves a lasting impression. Booker's is not a bourbon for beginners. It's a wild, powerful, unfiltered beast that demands respect. Its high alcohol content (62.5%) might be surprising, but it's the key to its complexity and richness. It's a sipping bourbon, to be savored slowly and with respect.

Prepare yourself... because it comes on strong! After the initial sip, this is a fine drink. I favor drinking it neat. It's a warm embrace and light on the palate (which I prefer)... with delicate, airy flavors, and more flavors to discover. Light fruit, sweetness, vanilla cherries. The second sip was even better (I might have been better prepared for the intensity) revealing more and more flavor.. On the third sip... I added a cube, which mellowed it slightly and brought out more fruit, apricot and berries. It had a slight wine-like quality. Perfect for a relaxed evening on the porch during summer... just saying. 126 proof... another excellent pour.

This is a robust bourbon, not for the timid. Brace yourself, perhaps add a little water or ice, and let's begin. Spices hit first, it's quite intense and delivers a significant Kentucky warmth. Once it settles, savor the caramel, vanilla, oak, and cherry... the cherry emerges very, very late on the finish. This $100 bourbon is a true delight, but reserve it for those who can appreciate it. A novice drinker might be turned off from the wonder of bourbon forever if this is their introduction. For experienced drinkers, it's magnificent.

This tasting is for 2021-03 aka The Bardstown Batch. I must say I am let down by this Booker's. The aroma is pleasant with a hint of the expected peanut, but the high proof really dominates the nose. The taste is uninspired. With nothing remarkable to mention. The finish is likely the best element…very warming and the ethanol is not overly prominent, so it performs well for the elevated 125.5 proof. Ultimately, this is a Booker's I would bypass. I anticipate it will evolve as this was just opened.

Booker’s Bourbon batch 2021-01 “Donohoe’s Batch” Nose: Vanilla, oak, salted caramel, and spices. Palate: A spicy start transitions to a smooth finish, with baking spices initially followed by sweet plum. Finish: Smooth, with vanilla and plum notes lingering. Overall: A complex bourbon with many layers. The high proof causes an initial burn that gives way to numerous flavors. Despite its complexity, the flavors complement each other. A great whiskey!