Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
Proof: 125.5
Age: 6 years 5 months
Mashbill: 77% corn, 13% rye, & 10% malted barley
BACKGROUND: Bookers Bardstown Batch was the third expression to be released in the 2021 Bookers line, honoring Master distiller Booker Noe. Grandson of Jim Beam, Booker was from Springfield, Kentucky, but lived most of his life with his grandfather in Bardstown & joined the family business. Today Bardstown is referred to as the Bourbon Capital of the World, & the now 7th generation, Fred Noe, still lives in the same house that was once inhabited by his grandfather, Jim Beam.
NOSE: Strong notes of burnt oak and vanilla immediately smack you in the face as you are reminded of the proof. As it linger the sweeter notes of caramel and vanilla go back and forth with the oak creating a sweet nutty cinnamon scent. (22/25)
PALATE: A light oily mouthfeel with loads of spice that immediately coat your mouth loaded with notes of dark cherry, leather, and tobacco. On second sip notes of cinnamon, oak spice, and creamy vanilla all underlined with just the right amount of heat. (32/40)
FINISH: A medium length finish loaded with a spiced, leather, oak flavor, lined with light hints of apple and cherry until you’re left with nothing but the spice on the tip of your tongue. (21/25)
VALUE: This bottle sells at stores for $100, and it’s hard to find a safer bet when it comes to good classic whiskey. Although the price is a bit high, Booker’s does a very good job at staying available compared to other popular bourbons. (7/10)
Overall: 82/100
FINAL THOUGHTS: Booker’s has a reputation for releasing consistently good barrel proof whiskey and Bardstown Batch is no exception. Bookers really do a great job at balancing heat and flavor giving their bourbons a bold yet balanced profile, can’t wait to see what comes out in the coming year.
Slightly Better Whiskey: Stagg Jr.
Equal Whiskey: 1792 Full Proof
Slightly Worse Whiskey: Larceny BP
Scoring Legend:
96-100: The perfect dram, juice of the gods
90-95: Near perfect, truly incredible whiskey
85-89: Amazing whiskey, will always try to keep a backup bottle of this
80-84: Very good, some minor flaws here or there
75-79: Good, quite enjoyable to drink, Will try and keep a bottle on the shelf
70-74: Solid, wouldn’t go out of my way to get this
60-69: Decent, would offer this up to non whiskey drinkers
50-59: Not my cup of tea
Below 50: Give away