The latest batch from the continuously impressive Booker’s pays homage to one of Booker Noe’s favorite sports – football. Late master distiller Booker Noe played football in high school, and even practiced with the University of Kentucky when he attended college – though was was not on the team. That’s talent!

The youngest barrels in this batch are 6 years, 7 months, and 7 days old. Barrels came from two production dates aged in five different rackhouse locations. The brand’s generously shared more info on this:

• 14% came from the 6th floor of 7-story warehouse L
• 15% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse H
• 27% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse M
• 32% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse X
• 12% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

Coming in uncut and unfiltered at 127.3 proof, Booker’s “Pigskin Batch” boasts hints of brown sugar, ripe red fruit, and vanilla on the nose. Bittersweet dark chocolate meets vanilla on the entry. Hints of charred corn, caramel, and a ever-so-slight smokiness round out the palate. A little airtime reveals roasted peanuts. The long finish adds chocolate-covered oranges and vanilla.

Though quite enjoyable at cask strength, a splash of water brings things to a more comfortable drinking experience. Booker’s Pigskin Batch seems to be more complex than the two previous batches of 2020, both of which were pretty good. Its darker character a slight departure from the “standard” Booker’s flavor profile, but it still tastes very much like Booker’s should. An extremely delicious release, and one I hope to enjoy while the New Orleans Saints tear down the Bucs for yet ANOTHER time this season.

Thanks to Booker’s for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.