I’m not going to lie that smells like pure gasoline.
Those are the words that go through your head when you pull the wax off the top of a bottle of Booker’s. I guess I should have known to expect a stout bourbon when the guy working the cash register at the bottle store said I better buy some bottled water to go with it.
Some background info is in order. I bought the Booker’s because I am from a town called Booker. Hopefully they are marketing this stuff to more than just people from my hometown who think the novelty is just too good to pass up, even at $55 a bottle.
Packaging:
As you can see in the picture, it is rather plain looking. Apparently they used some sophisticated computers to make the label look hand written as though you might believe that these bottles are in such limited supply that someone hand wrote everything out. I might have been fooled, but I don’t think anyone could write on the curve of a bottle that good. I must admit, I like the wood box it comes in. Some how it seems like if you spend over $50 on a bottle of bourbon they should include a box. Since I was giving this to my buddy as a graduation present, it made it easier to wrap.
Taste:
The taste is very bold. So much so it almost burns your lips. I can’t imagine trying to drink this without water. I have never spoken to anyone who has either. Or at least that enjoyed it that way. Its over 120 proof, and you feel every bit of it. Apparently this is “uncut” and not in a Jewish way, but rather they stuck a spout in the barrel, poured it in to the bottle, and stuck a wax top on it. I love this. Hands down my favorite bourbon. Several of us here at the the Review, consider Booker’s to be the measure for all other bourbons. Since it is such a pure form of bourbon it makes for a good measuring stick. Most of the taste is at a particular extreme. Still, someone with the right amount of water it manages to be both oaky and sweet at the same time. In my mind, this is the perfect bourbon.
This is a comment.
Bookers is, as you’ve stated, hands down the definitive bourbon with which all others should be measured against. And with any high-end spirit, it needs to be slowly enjoyed and likely cut with 1-2 ice cubes. Great review!
I had posted a comment before and it seems you are not willing to open yourself to criticism because you have not included my comment.
As before, I tell you now: this is an AWFUL review.
you are not telling me anything concrete and specific about how this stuff smells or tastes. It is bad reviewing and bad writing.
Arthur thanks for the comment. Your original comment will be up. We just upgraded the software for the site and are in the process of converting the comments from an old system to the new one. Sorry for any confusion. We welcome criticism. Thanks for visiting and hope you will offer more.
To “Arthur” up above:
Aw, what’s the matter, little Arthur? Feeling a bit less powerful because your little internet comment wasn’t posted?
Is this how you feel personally empowered, leaving little comments on internet sites? How sad.
As if your comment actually MEANS something.
Then again, it might, Arthur, had you actually offered some kind of constructive advice to Nic, pointing-out how he might improve his words, instead of just hammering him for “bad writing” and “bad reviewing”.
The internet is a curious thing: It grants people like you, Arthur, with misguided delusions of power. You ability to “comment” on something becomes an entitlement complex, and a bit of a gas-pedal in your quiet little world.
I assure you, Arthur, such delusions do not translate into REALITY.
Love it! I drink it neat. No water for me. But I drink all whisky with no water or ice (or mixers for that matter). Booker’s burns, but in such a good way! I am also a big fan of Jim Beam Black, Jack Daniels, Glenlivet, Bushmills, Balvenie, Cragganmore, and Dickels.
I too drink it neat, as I do all of my Bourbon. I’m currently enjoying batch No. C01-A-18 @ 125.7 proof. 3 shots so far. It is my favorite Bourbon.
Delicious.
HI all:
Bourbon is my favorite drink. For years, after having tasted it a few times, I have told others that when you want to taste what Bourbon is supposed to taste like, try Bookers! Now I am finally arranging to buy a bottle. (That is, my daughter is getting me one for my birthday this week.) At the NH (state) liuquor store, they have pretty good prices- $41.00 this week. My question is, has anyone tasted either of the two batches that they currently have; C0 2-1-24 (i think), 128 proof, or A-18, at 126 proof, and if so, what is the tasting difference? Thanks for the advice.
-tyler
Just got my first bottle. I’ve been eyeing this for years as I’ve sipped on my (shame on me) single barrel jack daniels. I must say that I will never go back. I did as told and held back form the erge to take a sip as soon as I opened it. let it set on the rocks for a couple of minuts and enjoyed the aroma. Boy was it worth it. Took me to a place that I had never been before. My wife looked at me and laughed. She’s one of those fancy mixed drink people and doesn’t under stand the true joy of drinking a fine borboun. She said the look on my face was that of pure joy and satisfaction. Said she would make sure that we always have a bottle in the house for those bad days when nothing seems to cheear me up. So thinks you Mr. Booker Noe for helping me smile again!
I, too, drink it neat. Small sips with a swirl around the mouth to diffuse them. This is the real thing.
I picked up a bottle to share with some good friends. I love bourbon and would like to try them all. I keep several brands on hand rotating from Makers Mark to Knob Creek to Willetts. I keep a 1.75 of Old Crow under the sink for everyday use. I love the top shelf brands for their uniqueness. I also enjoy the bottom shelf brands for their “blue collar” everyday appeal. I hope this bottle of Bookers stands up to its billing.
I’ve been drinking Booker’s for about 5 years now and to touch on Tyler’s question, I really haven’t noticed any difference in taste from one bottle to the next. I enjoy it with a few rocks to knock the edge off the burn and bring out the sweetness. I also prefer a strong maduro cigar to go with this libation. I also keep Wild Turkey 101 and Jim Beam around for an every day drink.
I am a bit of a newbie when it comes to fine bourbons and enjoy them with cigars or just to sip.In my home bar my past favs were Woodford Reserve and Knob Creek… well…till i bought a bottle of Bookers.
I love the complex flavors and the heat for 126 proof is not bad its good, and i love it.This is like others say what good bourbon is about. I love the others in my collection but my #1 Bookers!
Dear Sir,
‘Apparently this is “uncut” and not in a Jewish way’
That does not make sense. Jewish guys are cut and Gentiles are uncut.
I first encountered Booker 126 Proof whilst living in Oakland New Jersey in 1999. I’m sure its what the American Native Indians called ‘Firewater’!!! My only disappointment was that when I returned to Australia to reside, the price grew up to AU$120.00 a bottle!!! Still a ‘Bargain’ for the World’s best Bourbon!!! I’ve mastered sipping it straight!!!
A nice stout and sharp drink with a great smooth finish. I like my first one with a single ice cube in it for about one minute. Thereafter, neat with a small glass of water so I can have something to drink while the conversation rolls. Keep sipping this during a long talk and you could hurt yourself.
Easily my favorite Bourbon so far.
The “21 Year Vintage Rye” by Kentucky Bourbon Distillers is right up there, but even more spendy.
I’m curious about variability from bottle to bottle – can the time it’s been open have an effect?
I’ve tried Bookers (neat)on 3 occasions at 3 different restaurants.
First – newly opened bottle, tasted great, rich amber color.
Second – bottle 1/4 full, light color, tasted nothing like the first. Tasted like a typical bourban, nothing special.
Third – didn’t see bottle, taste and color midway between first and second above.
If it was a blind test I would not have believed it was the same product.
I would gladly buy a bottle if I was sure it would have the taste of my first sample.
Booker’s is indeed the greatest of all bourbons. I like it neat, personally — no water or ice. Perfection!
This stuff is so good that, not joking, seeing this post and just thinking about the last time I had a glass four months ago put me in a good mood. For me, this is a once in a while thing; would hate for the impression to ever dull.
Ha, the labels are not born on the bottle and were handwritten BEFORE being glued to the bottle.
Tried it neat at Zola’s, an Ann Arbor fine eatery – also at Zingerman’s Roadhouse. Fabulous drink at both places. But to be savored, not “drunk”.
I am 52 and have drunk many a brand whiskey over the past 40 years-started young. Never, drank a Jim Beam spirit until I was about 38, but I must say I missed out a lot those first 26 years. If, when, and can, I drudder the Beam family any day. Bookers by far is in a class all its own, so is Knob Creek and Black. I lavish all my spirits neat with a tall glass of iced water to sip now and then. Lavishing Bookers neat is a treat, to me it’s sweet and one would think a stout spirit would overwhelm you quite quickley, but to me it is quite enjoyable. Wouldn’t have it any other way. Thanks Noe Booker
I enjoy all bourbons, Booker’s is definitely one of the best. I am working down the list of the 50 greatest bourbons. I prefer to follow the distillers recommendations to bring out all the complex flavors. Some one earlier made a reference to shots, son you never shoot bourbon. That is what you do with cheap whatever. Gentlemen if the “age is showing in your eyes”. (to quote Waylon Jennings)or not. Put on some Waylon, and sip then slip in to a better place. Enjoy only the finest.
has anyone tried Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve? A friend just sent me a link about it. Says it #1 Rated Bourbon Whiskey in the World Rated 99 out of 100 by the World’s Spirits Championships. Just wanted to know if anyone has tried it and if it’s worth giving it a taste? Btw: I’m a basil hayden fan.
Jireah
Van Winkle is good. We have a review in the works for it and it should be out pretty soon. Thanks for visiting the site.
I drink Makers regularly but have to admit Bookers has a rich complex taste that stunned me the first time I tried it. I’ve had it with and without water and prefer it with just a couple drops – for me an ice cube is too much. Haven’t tried all the other so called great bourbons so can’t say it’s the best, but it sure enough is damned good!
So, trying to expand my experience and discover what my palate prefers, I picked-up a bottle of Booker’s this evening upon the suggestion of the store owner. I told him I had started with Crown and Maker’s Mark and much more enjoyed the Maker’s, so he steered me to the special cabinet with the impressively packaged bottle. After reading the reviews here, I am very darn excited to go give it a try.
I’m drinking my second bottle (c03-i-16), the first being a bottle I purchased in Nagano, Japan 10 years ago. I remember it being overwhelming and sweet-hot, something to be taken with a drop or 2 of water. Drinking this bottling is something else entirely – still sweet and hot, with lots of vanilla and smoke, but really wonderfully complex when taken neat, and, even at 127.4 proof, not at all overwhelming. I’m not prepared to say that Booker’s is the best whiskey in the world, but I will say that this particular bottle contains the best whiskey I’ve ever tasted. Amazing, and seriously not for a beginner’s palate.
I’ll definitely go back to the store where I bought it and see if they have another from this bottling.
Booker’s is fantastic. Enjoying one on the rocks right now. Eagle Rare is also quite good, if you haven’t tried it I recommend you do. Normally have MM in the well.
Whoa! I haven’t consumed bourbon in years having more recently been into scotch, rum, and occasionaly vodka but I just picked up a bottle of Bookers (batch C03-I-16) which is 127.4 proof. Very long finish, fine nose and flavorful. Bottles of whisky tend to last me forever so it will be interesting to see how this settles over time. I added some small bits of ice to it but it might have still been a bit too much ice. Next time neat!
great stuff! I first tasted it at the distillary tour. i prefer it neat as well.it definatly stuck with me after it was down!
Am a fairly new Bourbon drinker. Enjoy Blanton’s and Maker’s neat.
When trying something like Bookers where it is recommended to cut with water, how do you detirmine how much water to use without watering down the drink?