Booker’s Batch 2018-02 “Backyard BBQ” Will Cook You Up At 128.8 Proof

Booker’s Bourbon, as always, is the uncut and unfiltered high octane bourbon line from the folks at Beam out of Kentucky. Each year sees a series of bottlings released under this brand tied to different direct or indirect aspects of the life of former master distiller Booker Noe. The latest of these, “Backyard BBQ,” explores his love for hosting cookouts in his backyard.

Booker’s Batch 2018-02 “Backyard BBQ,” according to those behind it, focuses upon the so called “Bourbon-ques” held at his home in Bardstown, Kentucky, which brought together friends, family, neighbors and distillery employees for an afternoon of lots of bourbon and pork chops. It is a tradition said to be carried on today by his son and current Beam master distiller Fred Noe, who is joined in hosting it by his son and current Beam employee Freddie Noe. The latter is coming into his own, having released his first American whiskey last year.

The specifics of this bourbon find it to have been aged for a little over six years and two months before being bottled at a mouthwatering 128.8 proof. Pricing at around $70, limited official tasting notes suggest it boasts a nose with sweet hints of maple and vanilla notes. The blend of aromas and tastes from the various barrels makes this a great, well balanced batch with a warm finish.

Booker’s Batch 2018-02 “Backyard BBQ” follows on the heels of “Kathleen’s Batch” from earlier this year, and is the second of four batches planned for release in 2018.