Booker's Rye Whiskey Big Time Batch (2016 Release)

Incredible rye. It's among my absolute favorites. For the first time ever, I concur with critics who named this "whiskey of the year." I sampled this at a Texas bar before it became popular. It blew me away, and I shared it with a friend who had never tried rye before. This whiskey is just amazing. It drinks much lighter than its proof suggests... but it needs time to open up. The second time I had it, from a new bottle, was not nearly as impressive. It opens up nicely and requires several weeks or months of being open to reach its full potential. This stands up well against other legendary ryes I've experienced, such as Saz 18, Thomas Handy 2013, Willett special releases like Iron Fist and Velvet Glove, and aged High West 21 year bottles. It belongs in that elite company, which is the highest compliment I can offer. While superior cask strength ryes exist, none I'm aware of are available at a remotely sensible price. Booker's rye, for instance, commands a crazy secondary price of $800. But at around $300 retail, it's a worthwhile purchase and vastly better than most other special release ryes from recent years.

A friend of mine got this bottle from a coworker who had no clue about its value. Fortunately, it ended up with knowledgeable individuals who could truly appreciate it! I was lucky to get three generous pours since the owner was quite accommodating. From the initial pour, it was clear this bottle was special. The aromatic richness of spices, the warmth all the way down, and the smooth follow-through are all distinctive, stemming from its sheer potency to the incredibly smooth finish contained within the 136 proof spirit. Booker's Rye perfectly illustrates that perfection takes time and the impact of proper aging on the final product. Enthusiasts of Booker's, rye, or both will find something to savor in this exceptional treat. The green lettering on the Booker's label clearly indicates it's not a typical Booker's. Therefore, don't hesitate if you see this bottle, as they are increasingly rare.

Nose - Gingerbread; cocoa powder; brown sugar; citrus; cinnamon bark; rye spices Palate - Initially a drying oak sensation; rye spice; molasses; caramel; citrus; dark chocolate; red licorice; dark fruits Finish - A lengthy, drying finish that tingles the mouth; dark chocolate; rye spice; aged oak; brown sugar Booker's Rye, oh Booker's Rye. The incredible anticipation surrounding this release (valued at approximately $1600) is undeniable, and honestly, I've experienced superior spirits. That said, it is exceptionally good. The aroma is its strongest point, featuring delightful gingerbread, rye spice, and rounded out by brown sugar. The palate drinks as if it were much lower than 138 proof, yet it still asserts its robust character. The finish, as expected, is exceptionally long, with notes of dark chocolate, aged oak, and more brown sugar. I'm pleased to have had the opportunity to taste it, and the bottle is quite attractive, but the price is far too high.

As someone who enjoys ryes, good ryes, and good high-proof ryes. This expression met every single expectation. Nose: Wonderful aroma. Barrel spices, caramel, vanilla, and some oak. Palate: Its complexity is beyond my ability to describe. A true connoisseur is needed for this one. It's spicy with understated sweetness and a hint of oak. It's exceptionally grand. Finish: A long, substantial Kentucky embrace. It settles in the center of your chest and lingers. It coats the palate. A companion and I visited a bar in Wilmington, NC. That establishment's bourbon selection is remarkable. We enjoyed this there and I was disappointed when only a small amount remained, haha.

Quite good. Delivers a punch of heat and tropical fruit. Nose: Apples, Pepper, Maple, Cinnamon, Caramel, Cherries, Dark Chocolate, Spearmint, Vanilla, Grass, Dill, Cotton Candy, Oranges, Pineapples, Marshmallows, Peanut Butter Palate: Caramel, Grass, Spearmint, Vanilla, Cherries, Oranges, Cloves, Dried Fruit, Mangoes, Maple Syrup, Pineapples, Passion Fruit, Peanut Butter Finish: Caramel, Cloves, Vanilla, Mangoes, Dark Chocolate, Pepper, Papayas, Vanilla, Pineapples, Passion Fruit, Oranges

Smell: Oranges, saltine crackers, light caramel Taste: OAK, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, brown sugar Ending - very long dry oak spice and cedar. This “rye” delivers the intensely desired tannic oak bomb flavor that lingers; It’s pleasant, but in my opinion, it doesn't quite live up to its reputation and extremely high secondary market cost -...but then again, what does?