Here we go with not just my first barrel-proof bourbon, but my first barrel-proof whiskey period. Booker’s is a well-known one for bourbon fans and I’m glad I’m getting a chance to drink some. This one is 2019-01 “Teresa’s Batch” and clocks in at 125.9 proof(62.95% ABV) whew! Love the packaging, the great display box, and the bottle is really neat too with the simple label. Poured about 1.5oz into my Glencairn glass and rested a few minutes. Beautiful deep, rich gold color to this with some skinny little legs that take ages to form. Tasted and nosed neat, then after a few sips added a couple drops of water to explore it more. Nose: This is definitely 125 proof wow! Once you get past some of the early ethanol notes the nose really opens up. Some rich sweetness is the first thing I find in here, almost like a spiced-syrupy dense cake. Definitely some spice notes in here like cinnamon and nutmeg with a bit of allspice maybe, reminiscent of Christmas. Theres a hint of something I can only describe as a little nutty, maybe like peanuts. Very interesting and complex nose. Added some water later and the woody notes appear front and center. Palate: Amazingly rich and full of flavor. It’s got some heat but it’s very enjoyable and not overbearing nor does it get in the way of the whiskey itself. As you take a sip it opens up with the water in the mouth. Spicy and sweet, even more intense than those same notes on the nose. Some oak/char/barrel character on the back of the palate for sure. Finish: Long and lingering, it’s quite oily and nice. Like sitting next to a fire pit on a cold night this will perk you right up as it warms you from throat to chest. Long after the sip goes down you are left with some syrupy sweet notes and oaky barrel, just great. Value/Overall Opinion: It’s just my first barrel-proof bourbon, so I know I’ve got a lot more to explore. But, I really enjoy this whiskey it is quite beautiful. There are so many flavors to find in the nose and when you take a sip they just flood the senses. This bottle cost me $70 and I feel that’s totally fair for something this high of proof.; It’s pretty clear some care was put into creating this bourbon. Would definitely drink again and would buy again, but probably another batch to find what other tastes Booker’s can offer.