Booker's Bourbon Batch 2023-01 "Charlie's Batch"

Color: Medium Copper/Amber Nose: Sweet with vanilla, and what I thought at first was maple. But it soon hit me that what I was actually getting was walnuts. Yum! (Kinda made sense. You know — maple-walnut...?). I love walnut, so I get very excited when it makes an appearance in any way. Also, there is zero ethenol on the nose. Impressive for 126 proof(!). Before my first sip, I was really hoping that the palate would live up to such a superb nose... and, boy did it! Cinnamon apples came through on my nose just before the first sip.... Palate: Sweet cinnamon apples right out of the gate. Lots of spiciness with a nice dose of heat in the chest. More cinnamon mid-way through. As the ice cube begins to disperse, the walnuts from the nose reappear. Yes! Some nice subtle oak and spice (Cloves? Allspice?) appear on the back end. Finish: Medium length with a lot of the sweet and nutty palate remaining as it fades. I paid more than what I was expecting to pay for this bottle. I was anticipating closer to the $90.00 SRP — especially since I picked it up at my grocery store, where I usually avoid paying more for hard-to-find bottles. However, I will say that this is so good — so complex and flavorful — that the "sticker shock" was softened. This is damn good bourbon. Superlative, I will say. If I can, I am going to procure another bottle — but only if I can get it for under $100.

Booker’s 2023-01 “Charlie’s Batch” Nose: Fresh baked blondies with walnuts, cooked via a dutch oven by the campfire. Palate: The traditional Beam salty nuttiness is there, but there’s also a dark, rich honey that immediately pours over those initial flavors. To my palate, every bit of the 126.6 proof is present. It’s a smooth, viscous mouthfeel of a much older bourbon that the 7 year age statement on this batch. Finish: Charred oak gives way to a tart cherry soda. Final thoughts: It’s a crazy good sub $100 bottle. I don’t have a long history with Booker’s, but comparing it to other bottles on my shelf at the $100 to $125 price point, this is a top contender. If you see it at SRP, up to $125, put it on your shelf. It hits way outside of its SRP price tag.

Heavy wood barrel and alcohol on the nose, and a deep caramel sweetness. Flavor is a powerful spice kick followed by so much wood that there's bitter tannin notes in there as well. The usual bourbon caramel and vanilla are there, but way in the backseat. I think the flavor is cool but there isnt enough richness to carry it through this proof, its a bit off balance. Still enjoyable.

The alcohol and nuts come through on the nose. Neat the initial thing that pops out is a cinnamon spice, but it doesnt overpower. With a little ice the nuttiness comes through, finishing witb a spice and a tart dryness. Overall a great glass to sip on. The tart finish for my taste is what keeps it from going higher.

Tried neat rhanks to @Looneyhead while he was visiting us & purchased this bottle. On the nares i get notes of cinammon, sour candy, clove, toast, char, green apple, banana, red hots. On the palate its hot and warm in the back of the throat, and spicy, with notes cinnamon, clove, caramel, and slight vanilla.

Nose is spicy and woodsy with green apple jolly rancher or lemongrass on the side. Palate follows through with toffee, caramel, pecan, and lemon-lime-green apple. Spicy and sour-earthy finish, very long, but a little medicinal. Knob C 120 proof and E Craig Barrel Proof would be good comps.