Booker's Bourbon Batch 2015-01 "Big Man, Small Batch"

98!?!? This is easily one of the worst batches of Booker's I've had in the 12 years I've been a fan. Not very complex, low quality notes in disharmony, and like most Booker's, it's very hot for the proof-- which is something I easily forgive when Booker's is brings it's A-game. Bribe a critic, get 98, go figure. Most of the "special release" Booker's weren't very good at all compared to many other standard bottlings. It's always been a bit or miss brand, but to give this batch a 98, gives it a bad name.

Nose- honey roasted peanuts, vanilla, caramel candies, dark fruits, Palate- salted peanuts, red (spanish) peanuts, vanilla bean, toasted oak, dark fruits, cherry, caramel Finish- Long, full bodied finish of oak and red spanish peanuts Wow. This lives up to the hype it receives. Nose is good, very balanced but a bit hot. Nice smells of peanuts and vanilla. Palate is where this shines. Unique flavors of peanuts i’ve never got in another bourbon. So balanced.

Drink Bookers with a weapon of some kind. Seductive and inviting, vanilla, leather, tobacco notes draw you in...Like a spider. But at ~65% ABV, you may suddenly need to defend yourself. The moment I pour a Bookers, I scream right into the glass--a mad guttural wail rife with boiling profanity. You have to establish dominance. It's best if the Bookers is afraid of you.

Sipped neat. I love it. Lots of heat like a high proof will give you. Let it sit a little and you’ll smell some caramel, some vanilla. Like a fall candle. Have a taste and then let it sit. When I breathe with my mouth I get the the same peanut butter flavor like I would when eating a Reese’s cup and getting that dry-ish peanut butter flavor. Love it!

Bought six bottles 2 yrs ago. Last night my local liquor store called and said he found six cases of this in the back. Made a deal to buy 2 cases dirt cheap. Of all the bourbon I’ve consumed, this specific bottling is the only one that I’ve sought out. It is without a doubt an amazing pour.

Sweet caramel on the nose, vanilla and dark chocolate up front with a peanut aftertaste. Typical Booker’s oil and rich - slightly hot but the tastes come out with a couple drops of cool water. Excellent, worth the hype.