Booker's Batch 2016-03 6 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
The Data
Category Whiskey
Sub-Category Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Origin Kentucky
Retail Price $59.99
ABV 64.5%
Score 5 Stars/Supreme!
In the Glass
Appearance
Brilliant, crystal clear.
Aromatics
The nose is incredibly complex and subtle in some respects with rich vanilla and brown baking spices supported by waves of fruit, toasted oak, and brown butter with caramel.
Flavor
The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush and silky vanilla-driven core with generous fruit, brown baking spices, and rich caramel notes that linger for minutes.
Intensity & Texture
Full-bodied and so incredibly silky and lush while also showing balance and restraint.
Cool Factor
Being one of the early ultra-premium Bourbons, Booker's has become an iconic American Whiskey — a fitting tribute to the man who inspired the spirit.
Value Grade
There is good cause for this label to be found on the top-shelf of countless serious Whiskey bars — it's damn good and the $60 retail price is absolutely fair if not a bargain.
Analysis
Jim Beam was an early adopter in the creation of ultra-premuim Bourbons back in the 1980s. Brands like Booker's, named for the legendary Booker Noe, were created to show the world that "honey casks" from the top Kentucky distillers were and are among the finest spirits produced in the world. This 2016-03 is the third special batch release in 2016. It's given the moniker, "Toogie's Invitation" named in honor of Booker Noe's dear friend Marilyn "Toogie" Dick. This batch was created from barrels picked from six different rack houses. This is one of the most unctuous Bourbons you will ever encounter. It's simply beautiful and damn near perfect.
How to Enjoy
You need nothing but a glass but a splash of water will only heighten the pleasure. (It really does need a splash of water to show all it has.) If you are a devoted fan of ice in your Whiskey please go easy as you don't want to dull the bold flavors.