Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Batch 2022-03 “Kentucky Tea Batch” boasts the expected uncut and unfiltered bottling that Booker’s Bourbon embraces and is a predictably tasty release with complexity and a profile that had me searching my palate’s memory to point out specific elements that really stood out.
Booker’s Bourbon is a Jim Beam brand, and those who love the bourbon will also well love the story of Booker Noe and the continued family tradition as Booker’s “Kentucky Tea Batch” was selected by Seventh Generation Master Distiller Fred Noe.
The origin story of this particularly named release sees Booker Noe flavoring his water with bourbon as opposed to tea leaves, thereby calling this drink “Kentucky Tea.” Booker Noe is also known within the whiskey industry for coining the term “small batch” to describe his signature uncut and unfiltered bourbon. Since that time, many niche brands and lesser-known distilleries have adopted the concept of the small batch release.
An interesting quality of Booker’s Bourbon is the fact that the brand avoids advertising and posting on social media. There seems to be some pride in the idea that the whiskey speaks for itself, and the name recognition comes from pure quality as opposed to heavy promotional hype. The truth of the matter is that if a bourbon drinker is seeking out a powerhouse, maximum strength whiskey that also manages to offer outstanding intricacies within the profile, Booker’s Bourbon is a safe bet.
The Booker’s Bourbon 2022-03 “Kentucky Tea Batch” was aged for seven years, 4 months, and 14 days in six different warehouses. The high-proof spirit stands on its own when enjoyed neat but adding to a small amount of water as Booker would have only accentuates the many tasty notes detected on the palate.
Tasting Notes: Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2022-03 “Kentucky Tea Batch”
Vital Stats: Aged 7 years, 4 months, 14 days. 63.25% ABV (126.5 Proof).
Appearance: A melted caramel color.
Nose: Fragrant and freshly sliced green apple. Caramel and aniseed meet herbal notes, along with lower-level notes of clove and brown sugar.
Palate: Happy to say that the palate is as complex as the nose, with each note standing out with each sip. Coriander and apple meet the expected caramel and simmering sugar. Vanilla and cinnamon make for a homey, spicy taste, and the whiskey has a fairly long finish.