Booker's Bourbon Batch 2023-01 "Charlie's Batch"

@Zslug

Color: Medium Copper/Amber Nose: Sweet with vanilla, and what I thought at first was maple. But it soon hit me that what I was actually getting was walnuts. Yum! (Kinda made sense. You know — maple-walnut...?). I love walnut, so I get very excited when it makes an appearance in any way. Also, there is zero ethenol on the nose. Impressive for 126 proof(!). Before my first sip, I was really hoping that the palate would live up to such a superb nose... and, boy did it! Cinnamon apples came through on my nose just before the first sip.... Palate: Sweet cinnamon apples right out of the gate. Lots of spiciness with a nice dose of heat in the chest. More cinnamon mid-way through. As the ice cube begins to disperse, the walnuts from the nose reappear. Yes! Some nice subtle oak and spice (Cloves? Allspice?) appear on the back end. Finish: Medium length with a lot of the sweet and nutty palate remaining as it fades. I paid more than what I was expecting to pay for this bottle. I was anticipating closer to the $90.00 SRP — especially since I picked it up at my grocery store, where I usually avoid paying more for hard-to-find bottles. However, I will say that this is so good — so complex and flavorful — that the "sticker shock" was softened. This is damn good bourbon. Superlative, I will say. If I can, I am going to procure another bottle — but only if I can get it for under $100.

Beautiful amber color suggesting ample wood influence without going too far. The nose is nutty and sweet like a nutter butter. Chewy viscous mouthfeel with slight Beam funk of toasted peanuts. Vanilla carmel backbone with moderate finish. Very tasty.

Nutty and caramel nose with a caramel and vanilla taste. Long charred raw vanilla barrel finish.