2023 Booker's Small Batch 125.5 Proof 750ml "The Apprentice Batch" (2023-02)

Crafted as a tribute to Booker Noe's discerning palate, the 2023-02 Apprentice Batch delivers an unadulterated expression of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This uncut and unfiltered spirit, aged over seven years, bursts with intense caramel, dark fruit, and a bold oak-spice character that only time can impart. It's a testament to the raw power and complex elegance Booker believed true bourbon should possess.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A rich and robust aroma greets the senses, laden with deep caramel and toasted brown sugar, underscored by significant vanilla bean and dried dark fruit notes like fig and raisin. A pronounced oak presence is evident, intertwined with a spicy warmth of cinnamon and a hint of baking chocolate. The high proof is present but well-integrated, hinting at underlying complexity.

Palate: The entry is powerful yet remarkably smooth, immediately delivering a surge of sweet caramel and butterscotch. This quickly evolves into a complex tapestry of dark cherry and plum, mingling with charred oak, roasted nuts, and a delightful pepper spice. There's a chewy, full-bodied texture that coats the mouth, revealing layers of vanilla, leather, and a whisper of tobacco, all balanced by the intense proof that amplifies the flavors without overwhelming them.

Finish: A long, lingering, and exceptionally warm finish. The oak and spice persist beautifully, fading slowly into notes of sweet vanilla, dark chocolate, and a faint, pleasant char. There's a drying effect that encourages another sip, leaving behind a memorable impression of aged richness and bold character. The heat from the proof is present throughout, providing a comforting and enduring glow.

About the Distillery

Booker's Bourbon is part of the Jim Beam Small Batch Bourbon Collection, established by Booker Noe, the grandson of Jim Beam and a sixth-generation distiller. Booker's is celebrated for embodying Noe's personal preference for robust, full-flavored bourbon – typically bottled at barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered. Each batch is a limited release, reflecting unique characteristics, and is often named in tribute to people or places significant to Booker Noe's life and distilling legacy.