Booker's Bourbon Batch 2019-04 "Beaten Biscuits"

Super smooth for the proof. I dig it.

A few years back (2016 to be exact), I was a big Booker’s drinker. Not "big" in the sense of too much, but rather as a fawning fanboy obsessed with the nuances of each release. I purchased each and every one: “Maw Maw’s Batch” (2015-02), “Annis’ Answer” (2016-02), “Toogie’s Invitation” (2016-03), “Bluegill Creek” (2016-04), and others. Then I got on an Elijah Craig Barrel Proof kick (and I still love ECBP)—but unfortunately I did not realize that the two bourbons needed to be mutually exclusive. ECBP satisfied by high-proof desires. I’ve had Booker’s “Beaten Biscuits” (2019-04) for over two years and it’s only 25% gone. I haven’t had it in at least 18 months. It clocks in at 126.1 proof, and is aged for 6 years, 6 months, and 19 days. What would the 18-day or 20-day version be like? We’ll never know. Presents as deep, clear, dark mahogany—darker than I’d expect for a bourbon that is less than seven years old. Fragrant, rich, distinctive nose shows cardamom, brown sugar, rye, some camphor, and some ethanol—expected for 126.1 proof. While viscosity is typically reserved as a descriptor for mouthfeel or palate, the smell itself has a viscous, pervasive quality. This glycerin-like quality continues on entry, where spice is present not just as heat but also flavor, like thai chilies. There is a subtle, espresso-y bitterness on the finish that comes across as complex rather than deleterious. My love affair with Booker’s is officially renewed, even if the average price seems to have increased 75%+ since I was buying it regularly a few years back. Upon pouring, a warm volcanic perfume was immediately apparent, and the first sip confirmed the full-on sensory assault. Booker’s “Beaten Biscuits” is not for the faint of heart, but it is for the bourbon connoisseur who wants a full-throttle yet cerebral bourbon that can be savored for an hour or more. A must-have on the shelf. 4.5+ on the Distiller scale. N.B. All spirits tasted neat in separate Glencairn glasses.

Light smoke on the nose. Buttery at the start. Subtle Carmel and coconut. With a small sharp finish, but just right.

Very yummy! Toasted coconut, caramel, honey…