Named for the late master distiller Booker Noe, Booker’s Bourbon is one of the biggest, boldest bourbons around. So last month, when Beam introduced Booker’s Rye Whiskey, we took note. This new whiskey is a very limited edition expression that’s bottled in Booker’s signature uncut and unfiltered style.
Booker’s Rye is made from a never-before-released mash bill and is aged for 13 years, about twice as long as the bourbon. The deep amber whiskey clocks in at a whopping 136.2 proof, which is evident on the nose. Give it a minute to sit in the glass to allow some of those heady top notes to dissipate, and you’ll find big, spicy aromas of rye, ginger and oak alongside softer, sweeter notes of toffee and vanilla.
Take a sip, and the complex body sports lots of fruit–from oranges and bananas to dark berries, figs and plums. Keep going for rich caramel, baking spices and a touch of licorice. It finishes long–really, really long–with more oak, more spice and a deep molasses sweetness.
Wow. This is some whiskey. It’s remarkably balanced and sippable considering the proof, and the range of flavors is intriguing. It’s a shame this Booker’s Rye release is so limited, because we could drink this stuff all year round. Well, ignoring the $300 price tag for a moment.
Stats:
–68.1% ABV
–$299
CE Rating: ★★★★★
Like that? Drink this:
— Booker’s Bourbon Review
— Booker’s Bourbon Batch No. 2014-1
