Booker's Black wax 1986

Experience a pivotal moment in bourbon history with Booker's True Barrel Bourbon 1986, an uncut, unfiltered testament to Jim Beam's legacy. This high-grade, barrel-strength bourbon, personally selected by Booker Noe, delivers an unparalleled journey through rich flavors and profound complexity. A rare and exceptional pour, showcasing the true essence of vintage Kentucky straight bourbon.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A profound and captivating nose immediately announces a bourbon of exceptional character. Rich, dark caramel and vanilla bean intertwine with roasted nuts, specifically pecans and walnuts. There's a delicate undercurrent of dried dark fruits – fig, date, and golden raisin – alongside a pronounced oak presence that borders on antique wood, but remains sweet, not tannic. Hints of baking spices, especially cinnamon and nutmeg, emerge with a faint whiff of pipe tobacco and well-worn leather, promising depth.

Palate: The palate delivers on the nose's promise with remarkable intensity and a surprisingly smooth entry for its substantial proof. A wave of sweet oak, charred sugar, and deep molasses coats the mouth. Layers of dark chocolate, marzipan, and candied orange peel unfold. The fruit notes are more vibrant here, leaning towards brandied cherries and stewed plums. A delightful spice rack of black pepper, clove, and a touch of ginger appears mid-palate, building to a warm, sophisticated crescendo. The high proof is present, but it's exceptionally well-integrated, acting as a vehicle for flavor rather than an assault.

Finish: The finish is extraordinarily long, warm, and evolving. It lingers with a beautiful interplay of sweet oak, fading to dark toffee and a hint of espresso. The robust spice notes persist, leaving a pleasant peppery kick that slowly subsides, giving way to persistent notes of vanilla, leather, and a faint whisper of smoke. The complexity truly shines in the extended aftertaste, inviting contemplation.

About the Distillery

Jim Beam, a legendary name in American whiskey, boasts a distilling heritage stretching back over two centuries. Founded by Johannes 'Jacob' Boehm, the family has passed down the art and science of bourbon production through seven generations. Known for its consistent quality and diverse portfolio, Jim Beam is a cornerstone of American distilling, with Booker's representing the pinnacle of their small-batch, uncut barrel-strength expressions, created by Booker Noe, Jim Beam's grandson.