small batch

Michter’s US*1 American Whiskey Review

Michters American Whiskey

Michter’s Unblended American Whiskey.  Why not just call it bourbon?  Bourbon needs to be aged in new charred oak barrels.  The key word there is “new.”  Michter’s ages this particular whiskey in used oak barrels (think Scotch).  The label states it’s unblended because the whiskey is not blended with neutral grain spirit.

The sample I received is from batch #15E473.  This is bottled at 83.4 proof.  A bottle of Michter’s Unblended American Whiskey will cost you around $40.

Right up front on the nose is rich with sweet toffee and buttered corn.  There’s also very light touch of rye and baking spices.  Upon entry, Michter’s American Whiskey seems one-note with the toffee note from the nose.  Then, out of nowhere buttered rye toast, corn mash and some vanilla arrive late to the party.  I do wish it were a little fuller in mouthfeel, but that could be due to the low proof and/or filtration.  Mint takes us to the medium-length finish, which is slightly spicy and a tad sweet.

Impressive.  I really like what Michter’s did here with their maturation. Regardless of it’s lighter mouthfeel, this whiskey manages to maintain a high level of richness and wonderful flavors at a price that won’t break the bank.

8/10
(Note: A review sample was provided by Michter’s.)

Booker’s Bourbon Whiskey Review

IMG_3472

I first tried Booker’s about 3 or so years ago.  It was the first barrel-proof bourbon I tasted.  I remember thinking, “Hell, this is hot!”  A few years and a few barrel-proof bourbons later,  I bought a bottle of Booker’s 25th Anniversary early 2014 and loved it.  That left me wanting to try a normal batch of Booker’s again.  With the 25th anniversary release being so good, how does a normal batch of Booker’s bourbon compare?  Read on.

Jim Beam releases several batches of Booker’s each year.  Each one is slightly different in age and proof.  Booker Noe, the former (and now passed) master distiller at Jim Beam who first released this in the late 1980s, loved his bourbon to be aged between six and eight years.  The releases of Booker’s tend to live within that range.  Booker’s is barrel-proof, uncut and unfiltered.  This batch (2014-06) is 7 years 2 months and 14 days old, and comes in at 127.7 proof.  Booker’s is part of Jim Beam’s Small Batch Collection, a premium line of bourbons that also includes Knob Creek, Baker’s and Basil Hayden. (The distillery’s PR firm provided this sample for review.)

IMG_3470

Right out front I get a really robust aromas.  Caramel, oak, orange peel, vanilla, ripe banana.  On the palate there is lots of caramel and sweet oak.  There’s a slightly herbal quality… mint maybe?  I also get a little cinnamon spice.  The finish is sweet and long, with a little spice.  Afterwards, there’s a slight bit of dry oak.  Let’s compare to the 25th anniversary:  that one is a bit more vanilla and oak forward, and seems a little more elegant (not a term I’d normally use for a barrel proof bourbon) compared to this.  As of this writing, your chances of finding a bottle of Booker’s 25th are slim to none.

IMG_3471

This is one outstanding bourbon.  It’s got all the classic bourbon flavors I love turned up to 11.  The high proof on this release adds to the robust nature of the bourbon instead of detracting.  I find it completely drinkable, even at such a high proof. Sure, some folks will have a hard time with bourbon proofs north of 100.  To those people I’d suggest a splash of water.  A bottle of Booker’s will run you just north of $50.  I think every bourbon collector should have a barrel proof bourbon in their collection.  Thankfully, this one is readily available on store shelves.  Recommended.

8.5/10