Booker’s

Last Minute Father’s Day Gift Ideas – 2015 Edition

Haven’t picked up a gift for the old man yet?  With Father’s Day just a few days away, I thought I’d give some whiskey and whiskey-related gift recommendations, in no particular order.  I’ve linked to a full review where available.

Whiskey

  • Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2015-02 – Big bourbon flavors in this barrel-proof offering from Jim Beam. $55
  • George Dickel No. 12 Tennessee Whisky – A no-nonsense whisky with caramel, vanilla and oak flavors. $30
  • Forged Oak Bourbon – A limited release from Orphan Barrel, but still available, bourbon that’s big on oak. $65
  • Alberta Rye Whisky Dark Batch – A little added sherry gives this Canadian rye whisky an interesting flavor profile. $30
  • The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch – A full review coming later.  This is a great transition to Scotch for the bourbon drinker.  The rum cask maturation really sweetens things up. $65
  • Johnnie Walker Platinum Label – Full review coming in a few weeks.  One of Johnnie Walker’s newest releases, this 18 year old expression turns up the fruit and adds a little smokiness.  $99
  • Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon – A robust 100 proof bourbon full of caramel, spice and fruit. Look out for a barrel proof version from your liquor store.  $50

Whiskey-related

  • Bourbon Empire by Reid Mitenbuler – A great read.  Mitenbuler covers bourbon’s history, unraveling those tall tales we read about all the time. $19 at amazon.
  • Glencairn Whisky Glass – There’s no better way to nose and appreciate whisky than drinking out of a Glencairn glass.  It’s how I sample my whisky. glencairnwhiskyglass.com
  • Tovolo Ice Sphere Mold – Looks cool in your glass, but more importantly the ice dilutes very slowly.  tovolo.com

Booker’s Bourbon “Dot’s Batch” (2015-02) Review

Bookers 2015-2 A

Booker’s bourbon, one of my favorite Jim Beam whiskies, is moving forward by looking back in 2015.  This year there will feature several limited edition small batches, each carrying a custom label commemorating the legacy of the late Booker Noe.  Booker Noe, the bottle’s namesake, was the former master distiller at Jim Beam and father to current master distiller Fred Noe.

(more…)

Baker’s Bourbon Whiskey Review

IMG_3560

As part of Jim Beam’s Small Batch Collection along with Knob Creek, Booker’s and Basil Hayden’s, Baker’s bourbon seems to suffer from middle child syndrome.  I find it’s often overlooked and sometimes under appreciated.  Baker’s bourbon is a 7 year old 107 proof mountain of Jim Beam flavor.   Baker Beam is Jim Beam’s great-nephew and was a distiller at Jim Beam for a long time.  He is current master distiller Fred Noe’s uncle.

(The distillery’s PR firm sent a review sample.)  On the nose I get some vanilla, a touch of caramel, and a little banana.  There’s a little alcohol vapor that fades after a few minutes.  Baker’s has a nice medium mouthfeel, most likely due to its high proof.  This lends it to not be as watery as Jim Beam.  However, it does have that Jim Beam flavor turned up a notch or two.  I’m talking about vanilla, slight fruit, caramel and cinnamon spice.  It’s got a long, spicy and semi-sweet finish.

In essence, Baker’s is just a 7 year old Jim Beam bottled at 107 proof.  That’s a good thing if you like Jim Beam’s flavor profile.  It’s much closer to that flavor profile than say Booker’s or Knob Creek.  Also, don’t let the high proof scare you away.  This is easily drinkable neat, and not too shabby on the rocks.  A bottle of Baker’s will cost you north of $40.  Recommended.

8/10