Booker’s “Boston Batch” Batch 2020-02
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
6 Years, 3 Months, 10 Days
63.25% ABV
$90
Website
We would like to thank Beam Suntory and Multiply for sending us a sample to review.
What the Distillery Says:
The second release of the Booker’s Bourbon 2020 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2020-02 “Boston Batch.” This is named after the production site where 6th Generation Master Distiller Booker Noe first started his distilling career.
The distillery, now renamed the Booker Noe Distillery, is located in the small community of Boston, Ky., and was purchased by the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in the early 1950s as a second distilling location to increase production capability at the time. Because Boston was removed from the day-to-day of our flagship Clermont, Ky. distillery, Booker was able to experiment with whiskey a bit more and really master the bourbon-making process. Some may say this is where he found his love of experimentation.
If you ever wanted to find Booker, Boston is where he’d be. That plant was his life for more than 40 years. His wife always said that the Boston plant was Booker’s first baby, and Fred Noe was his second.
TASTING NOTES
Booker’s “Boston Batch” has a rich light brown color. The aroma contains vanilla, toasted nuts and hits of baking spices. The flavor is full and has a finish that can be enjoyed neat.
What Gary Says
Nose: Toasted caramel, vanilla, cocoa, charred oak, nutty spice; bit of water brings to mind smores with charred marshmallow and graham cracker creeping in.
Palate: Warm caramel with dark chocolate, cinnamon, pepper, vanilla, honey, bit of peanut butter at the end; some water tamps down the pepper bite and brings out some orange zest.
Finish: Moderately long and drying with oak and spice.
Comments: While there is variation in batches, I can’t recall a batch I didn’t like – and this one doesn’t break that streak. A delicious, high proof and intense dram that doesn’t soften too much with water (just enough). If you’re not accustomed to the heat, pouring over a cube and letting it sit for a while helps (and if you find yourself with a bottle and still not caring for it – please reach out; happy to try to provide some disposal options for you!.