Tastes

This is something ... something that honestly needs to be tasted on it's own. By that I mean, try not to taste other high quality bourbons while tasting this. I poured some 2017 Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch before this. I know I like Chapter 1 of Little Book, but following FRSmB was a bad idea. Really exposes the flaws in the Little Book.

Haven't done the SBS yet, BUT I can tell you this is a prime example of why you don't completely form an opinion the first time you try something. Some days your palate is better than others. I tried this again and while it is not as good as the 2017, It is a fine addition to the GTS line.

No real tasting descriptives in this note. I cannot believe it has taken me this long to pick up a bottle. AMAZING! This has to be the best $45 I've spent on a bottle of bourbon in a very long time.

Tasted this again over the weekend. I wish I had some standout flavors to describe here. Overall, I am still disappointed in this pour. When you spend $200 retail on a bottle, you have a certain level of expectation. The nose is still great, the flavor profile is still a typically average good bottle of Booker's. The finish still ruins the whole experience. It's dry, it's fast, it's flat, it's tart, and it's just not something you want to savor. I tasted this SBS with the Backyard BBQ (2018-2) and it just did not prove to be worth the price. If I'd paid the same price as a regular release, I probably wouldn't be as disappointed.

I accidentally tasted this blind the other day. On top of that it was on ice. Don't ask. BUT, I can tell you even when I thought it was something else I was blown away at how good this is. The oak, vanilla & caramel on the nose even when muted by the dilution and chill of ice is unparalleled, at least against anything else I have ever tasted.

I hope to do a SBS with the 2017 GTS soon. First impressions: Acetone on the nose, but not in a way that is offensive because it still smells like bourbon. That being said, I couldn't really get around the acetone to pick up much else. The oak is heavy on the palette, with a nice oily viscosity. Take it slow and you can pick up a faint hint of baking spices, and then the bitterness comes in. Adding a few drops of water only serve to enhance the bitterness. You would think the viscosity would lend a nice long finish but instead your reward is more bitterness and a short finish. Unfortunately, I do not think this will stack up well against the 2017. This bottle is worth retail, or trading for (assuming your are giving up a bottle you paid retail for). I will NOT be searching out more of these at the current secondary prices. I have picked up several of the 2017 bottlings at secondary prices.

It's just unfair how good this is. Poured some last night. The nose is divine, and I don't even use that word. After I drank my first pour, I gave myself just a little more so I could keep nosing it.

It tastes like Flintstones Vitamins. I am not digging this. Overpriced.

Wish I had something extraordinary to say about this bottle. I really wanted to like it. The nose is fantastic. The taste was nothing different than any other Booker's bottling and the finish.... The finish was the worst part. The finish can make or break a good drink, and in this case it definitely broke it. I read enough to know and expect a short dry finish. SO, I was prepared for that. What I wasn't prepared for, was the tartness. Almost makes my face twinge just thinking about it. Sadly, sadly disappointed in this $200. I won't be keeping the other bottle.

New bottling in my possession. I hope it's better than the last time I emptied a bottle.