Posted on January 17, 2008 - by Nic
Booker’s | Rating 99
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.
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October 17, 2007
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This is a comment.
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October 21, 2007
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[...] out of the ten bourbons we threw at him. We ended up ordering a variety of our favorites including Booker’s, Knob Creek, and Basil [...]
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March 6, 2008
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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!
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January 27, 2009
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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.
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January 27, 2009
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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.
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March 24, 2009
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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.
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May 1, 2009
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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.
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May 29, 2009
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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.
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June 11, 2009
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Delicious.
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January 18, 2010
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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
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March 6, 2010
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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!