Booker's Bourbon Batch 2021-02 "Tagalong Batch"

Unsure what all the fuss is about I felt compelled to grab this at $77. While higher than the all-time low if $65 it still tips the scales at damn expensive for a 6yo full proof bourbon. The profile has changed, they say. Bookers is the bees knees, they say. I honestly don’t know what to believe anymore. It’s just more expensive - and with stiff competition. Nose starts out with classic Beam aromas - dried oak, brown sugar, cherries, red-hot candies and a nutty note. So far it reminds me of Bakers 13 and a few good Knob Creek store picks. Disclaimer: I like Beam. Initial palate impression - this is Bookers. It’s hot, loaded with flavors in line with the nose and has more white pepper and wood than Knob Creek. There are some nice elements of toasted nuts and black tea in there. If I have any complaint at this point it is a slight black walnut note on the finish. I’m averse to anything bitter and others might not be turned off by this. Warm Kentucky hug - check. More wood than expected for a young bourbon - check. Slightly drying finish… a bit tannic even. Made up of barrels from three production dates, aged in six different rickhouse locations. Nearly 70% comes from the 6th and 7th floor of a 9 story rickhouse. The other 30% comes from the middle of 4 other rickhouses. I wouldn’t be surprised if per of this blend is closer to the 13-14y mark with the tannic wood notes but the younger 6 year barrels likely give the pop of brown sugar and cherry esters. It’s Bookers. Probably worth a premium over Knob Creek 9y given the additional complexity - but you also have to want that pepper, tannic wood and heat. Is it in the realm of JD barrel strength or ECBP at $55-70 when available? No. Is it as approachable and well rounded as 1792 FP, that somehow clocks in around $40-50 when it can be found? No. If you like bold and classic, and (once) widely available then this still has a niche. Not huntable level goodness, just solid. If it keeps turning up under $80 the I will continue to keep one around. Any more of this $95+ business and I will be sticking to OGD 114 and KC 9 store picks Mr. Beam. That said, thank you for what you turn out.

Sweet Carmel vanilla warm in mouth and throat a touch of spice.

Neat: praline, caramel, fudge. Viscous and full bodied. Obviously it’s hot at 127.9, but on a cube, it mellows and drinks very well.

Less sweet than the Donahoe release, but still balanced. Vanilla and cinnamon spice. Smooth for the proof.