I’d like to thank the Beam Suntory and their PR folks for sending this review sample along with no strings attached.
Booker’s.
It was my first taste of overproof bourbon, and I’ve been a big fan ever since. It’s just. so. good. So much so that I hardly ever buy it because I know it will be delicious. Now you may be thinking to yourself: “Eric, have you been drinking again before you start writing?” And sometimes, that would be a valid question, but tonight the answer is no. Due to the nature of running a site that peddles reviews, I’m always searching for something new to talk about, and with only the budget of a freelance designer and a dog sitter to work with, I usually try to purchase things that will get me content. So things that I know will be delicious but won’t provide content often get passed over. Especially if they are expensive.
One day, when I retire from writing, I’m going to do a barrel pick (using my wife’s money) and just enjoy the same thing for years to come. It will be a nice change of pace.
But suffice it to say I’ve always had a soft spot for Booker’s Bourbon, even through the major price increases of a few years ago. Sure, I hated the increase in price, but if I was being honest with myself, I hated it because Booker’s was so good and so inexpensive compared to its peers. So when the opportunity presented itself to get a sample of their most recent batch, I gladly said yes. Especially since we haven’t talked about it since 2020.
This batch is nick-named the “Apprentice Batch.” Here is what Beam’s PR folks had to say about it:
This batch pays homage to the beginning of Booker Noe’s distilling career when he first learned the art of making bourbon under the guidance of his cousin, Carl Beam. Booker started working at the Jim Beam Distillery in 1952, and shortly after, Carl became his mentor. Carl was in charge and didn't put up with any foolishness - he always made sure Booker was set straight. But even if Booker did mess around sometimes, he was a fast learner and was ready to be put to work, which quickly got him Carl’s approval. Two years after Booker started, Jim Beam purchased a distillery in Boston, KY to increase production capabilities. Carl and Booker worked closely together to get it up and running, and eventually, Carl handed the reins over to Booker. This is where he was able to experiment and master the bourbon-making process, and later on, the location was renamed the Booker Noe Distillery. Carl showed Booker the ropes at the distillery, but from there, he encouraged him to try things out on his own, which is when his work really started to shine. Booker’s apprenticeship under Carl helped him become the Master Distiller and legendary innovator he is remembered as today.
So there you have it. The batch is bottled at 125.5 proof and was aged for seven years, one month, and two days. The suggested retail price is $89.99.
Booker’s “Apprentice Batch” 2023-02
Purchase Info: This sample was provided by the producer for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $89.99.
Price per Drink (50 mL): $6.00
Details: 62-75% ABV. Age: 7 years, 1 month, and, 2 days.
Nose: Caramel, mint, cinnamon, and oak.
Mouth: Very hot, as to be expected, but also sweet. Strong notes of oak, chocolate, and cinnamon with an undercurrent of citrus.
Finish: Warm and long. Notes of peanut butter, chocolate, and oak.
Thoughts: This is very tasty, as Booker's usually is. Very hot, though. The product “Fact Sheet” suggests sipping this neat or with a few drops of water. However, I think it takes water or a small piece of ice well. Water amps up the sweetness in the mouth as well as the "Beam Peanut" note. It also tames the heat and allows for a more enjoyable sip.
Though the SRP is $89.99, I see that my corner liquor store charges about $100 for Booker's. Honestly, I'd probably pay that for this as a very occasional splurge. And as I say, every few years, when I get a sample, this reminds me that I really do need to pause looking for new things and just spend that money on something that I know will be delicious more often.
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