Distillery: Jim Beam
Proof: 126.4
Age: 6 Years, 4 Months, 21 Days
Mashbill: Undisclosed
BACKGROUND: Booker’s Granny Batch 2020-01 is the first of three (3) releases of Booker's for 2020. Booker's is one of the longest running barrel proof whiskeys and comes from the world famous Jim Beam distillery. Booker's was first released in 1987 by then master distiller, Booker Noe who was the sixth generation of the Beam family. Booker Noe, grandson of the famous Jim Beam, started bottling uncut, unfiltered bourbon from barrels located in the “sweet spot” of their warehouse to give to family and friends as gifts. His product, aptly named “Booker’s,” was released as a small batch, cask strength bourbon. Each batch is accompanied by a unique name with a story. This batch is named after current master distiller, Fred Noe's grandmother who was also Booker Noe's mom, Margaret Beam Noe. This is the highest proof offering from the Jim Beam distillery. Booker’s Granny Batch is the first of four Booker's releases for 2020, and it was aged 6 years and 4 months and 21 days.
NOSE: As soon as you take a sniff you are greeted by a warm aroma of rye baking spice, vanilla, toffee, and oak. There is also the nutty note that is a staple to Booker's and Little Book Chapters 1 and 2. You wouldn't be able to tell this is a cask strength whiskey just by smelling it. The nose is enjoyable but is nothing special and pretty standard for Booker's releases. (21/25)
PALATE: While the proof was hiding in the nose it certainly makes itself known immediately on the palate which is a trademark of Booker's bourbons. Booker's Granny's Batch has a palate similar to many Booker's with notes of rich caramel, tons of rye spice, vanilla, and oak. The flavors work together to form a bold and robust flavor profile. This is an excellent high proof bourbon whiskey that is great for anyone who enjoys cask strength whiskey. (34/40)
FINISH: The finish on Granny's batch is a little unique compared to other Booker's batches. The finish is a wonderful mix of rye spice and caramel that is followed by some citrus rind that I have never gotten from Booker's before. The proof warms your insides and sits in your chest for a little bit. (20/25)
VALUE: Jim Beam has recently raised the SRP of Booker's to $90. This is pretty high in comparison to other barrel proof whiskeys such as Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Old Forester 1920, Noah's Mill, and Larceny Barrel Proof. It is a really tasty whiskey but we think it should be priced at around $65. We wouldn't spend more than SRP on this whiskey. (8/10)
Overall: 85/100
FINAL THOUGHTS: Booker's 2020-01 Granny's Batch is a tasty cask strength whiskey that carries many of the standard flavors that have come to be expected from Booker's whiskey. This is a very enjoyable whiskey and quite tasty for those of you who enjoy high proof bourbon!
Similar & Slightly Better Whiskey: Elijah Craig Batch Proof C919
Similar & Equal Whiskey: Booker's 2019 - 03 Country Ham
Similar & Slightly Worse Whiskey: Traverse City Barrel Proof
Tell us what you think and give us some feedback!
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
