I was excited to find this in a local area shop for near msrp earlier this year. It had been a long time since I had seen a Booker’s at a reasonable price, and even longer since I had actually tasted one. Within the last month and a half I was able to pick up the Pigskin Batch locally, the Boston Batch in Yreka on the way to a funeral in Washington State, and was given the Backyard BBQ Batch by a nephew while there. Thinking back to years ago when I first tasted Booker’s, I was salivating at the chance to taste all these batches. Memories seldom match reality, and that’s the case here. Based on my recent experience with these batches, while a solid bourbon, Booker’s just seems to have a narrow flavor spectrum that’s missing the fruit and savory flavors I enjoy in a bourbon. Tasting: Oak, nuttiness and creme brulee on the nose, it’s a little hot on the palate with grain, oak and vanilla notes, the finish is long, hot and bitter. I liked it better with a large ice cube, which actually brought out some dark fruit notes.