Not for the faint of heart | Booker's Bourbon REVIEW

[@TJarrait1]

Most important to me on a bourbon label: 1) statement of who distilled it, 2) an age statement, 3) non-chill filtered. Of course I want a nice proof as well, but higher proof is pretty easy to find in bourbon and you are not forced to settle for products that are 40-43% generally.

[@DJ0279]

May I suggest, as a scotch drinker as well who also enjoys a little American whiskey on occasion, the Jack Daniels Single Barrel, Barrel Prof whiskies from 24 are awesome!

[@timothychen7872]

Look at time stamp 4:31 JDBP bottle is there

[@heatherharrison264]

Booker's is good. I like aggressive bourbon that knocks me around a little, and Booker's does the job. I have the 2024-01 batch, and I've often ordered it when I go to bars. Availability of Booker's in the United States is spotty. People in some places seem to be able to acquire it when they want it, but in other places, it is hard to find. Where I live, many of the bars have it, but it does not regularly turn up in the big stores, and when it does, it sells out fast. I have seen a lot of it at museum stores with the price marked up accordingly. The only reason I have a bottle is that I stumbled upon one for close to $100, and at the grocery store, of all places. One never knows where something good will turn up. I always check the booze selection when I go to the grocery store, just in case. You are fortunate in that you are able to acquire it easily. Incidentally, there is another high strength Jim Beam product that is more readily available in parts of the United States - single barrel store picks of Knob Creek. This version of Knob Creek is 60% ABV, unlike the standard version, which is 50%. Though it is a different mashbill, and the flavor profile isn't quite the same, it is a great alternative when Booker's can't be found, and it costs less (usually around $60-$70). I find that I like the high strength Knob Creek a little better than Booker's. As for bourbon check boxes, the alcohol percentage is, of course, a necessity. As for what the preferred alcohol content is, it depends on which bourbon drinker you ask, though bourbons that are under 45% ABV seldom get much love. Though I tend to gravitate to cask strength firewater in both bourbon and malt whisky, I like to have a wide range around, as some situations call for a spirit that isn't trying to burn me out. For me, 45% is a bare minimum for bourbon; anything lower than that is likely to be useful only as cocktail mixer. It is also good to know about chill filtration if the information is available, but it makes less of a difference in column still whisky, and most bourbon comes from column stills. I do enjoy good pot still bourbon from the small craft distilleries; in these cases, it is best if it is cask strength and not chill filtered. I've found some real monsters that make Booker's seem tame in comparison. If the information is available, it is good to know what type of still the bourbon comes from. I suspect that almost everything available overseas will be big brand column still bourbon, but there could be exceptions. The mash bill, if available, is also an extremely useful piece of information. Bourbon is minimum 51% corn, and the balance can be made up of any other grain. In practice, the balance usually consists of more corn, a significant percentage of either rye or wheat (but seldom both) and a little malted barley. Rye is a lot more common than wheat, but some wheated bourbons (i.e. Maker's Mark, Weller, and Van Winkle) are very popular. It is definitely good to know whether the flavor grain in a bourbon is rye or wheat. Other grains are uncommon but might show up - I have two bourbons in which the flavor grain is triticale, and I have heard that there exists a bourbon made from corn and millet. Also, sometimes heirloom and indigenous corn varieties are used. Finishing would be a good check box. There has been a proliferation of finished bourbons in recent years, and you might encounter some of them. Standard bourbon is sometimes dumped into a different barrel for finishing. It might be a fresh new oak barrel (for a doubled oaked bourbon), or it could be a Port barrel, a Sherry barrel, or any other sort of barrel. These can be worth trying since they expand upon the relatively narrow stylistic range of bourbon. The color check box isn't necessary since, as you said, bourbon is not colored. By law, bourbon is additive free. This is not necessarily the case for other types of whisky from the United States, so an additive free check box will be necessary if you get into rye or anything else. To be certain that it is additive free, look for "straight" or "bottled-in-bond" on the label. In practice, single malts are usually additive free, but this is not required by law unless the whisky is labeled as "straight" or "bottled-in-bond", so there might be exceptions. With premium whisky, this is seldom an issue. It's mostly the bottom shelf blended stuff that has nasty additives which can be any number of things, not just caramel coloring. I wouldn't mind occasionally seeing other spirits besides single malts on this channel. I also love brandy, and it doesn't tend to get the exposure on KZbin that whisky does, so I would like to see reviews of some good ones.

[@philc1884]

@@maritimeus I did. Did you have trouble?

[@philc1884]

Spot on!

[@timothychen7872]

I appreciate the attention and detail in what you wrote Heather. Geoff is lucky to have thoughtful fans like you on his channel

[@andyking894]

As far as your question regarding what "boxes" should you have for bourbon, as opposed to Scotch, I would say the biggest factor would be mashbill, specifically if it has wheat or rye. Since bourbon only has to be 51% corn by law, other grains usually make up the rest, the most common being rye, wheat, and a dash of malted barley for enzymes.

[@chriswright1160]

Bookers is crazy in my market. About 200 when you see it. It’s a shame because I have quite a bit of nostalgia for that brand. Nowadays If i want that profile I pick up a Knob Creek single barrel. Same distillery (Beam), 120 proof, 9 years at least age stated, and can find it everywhere for about 60 doll hairs.

[@VinegarAndSaltedFries]

Love Bookers and Little Book. Both can be some of the best Bourbons Jim Beam makes, and that is saying something between them and KnobCreek I love them. I go thru Bourbon phases where I’m just obsessed with them.

[@davidwright9982]

I got this 3 months ago as my first ever bourbon after years of scotch. Bourbon will not win my heart but I love having it in my stash and I think "fun" is a really good description for it's role between the scotch. I get quite a rum kick from it.

[@NoteworthyWhisky]

I’m glad to see a bourbon review! Tootsie roll is a good note. On hot days nothing beats a cask strength bourbon with a big ice cube. Cheers, Geoff!

[@timl6450]

Fun to see a bourbon review from you. Never really connected with Bookers b/c of the spice bomb thing, but it’s definitely got the “eagle lasso-ing” vibe you identified. Looking forward to your Cairdeas 2024 review!

[@hansvaneenennaam457]

Thanks Geoff, very nice review. I think I will go for a a sample to check it out.

[@briancthayer]

Bourbon Specs: 1) Proof (100+ would be generally preferred) 2) age stated (6+ would be generally preferred beyond basic Bottled-in-Bond 4yrs) 3) Non-chill filtered (still applies but is not considered as important in bourbon, but should be).

[@RideHard_GER]

Of course, there are quality differences, but in the end, bourbon always tastes kind of the same to me. That's why I truly appreciate the flavor variety of Scotch.

[@vimalrajkappil]

I noticed that too

[@cato451]

I have a bottle of Bookers I purchased back in about 1995 or so I have yet to open. I guess I should do that and see what I get out of it. Cheers!!

[@31446963048]

Or check its value on the secondary market.

[@SebMoellerM]

Tongue twister of the day: better Booker’s bourbon batches

[@jre617]

Interesting. Glad to hear it's not too sweet, the main reason I veered away from bourbon. Thanks.

[@frankol4575]

Beam products don’t get the love other brands do from the so called(self called) experts. Some think it’s a bit overpriced but what isn’t nowadays? I’ve been more prone to Bakers so maybe I’m the oddball.🤪 I would have to agree bourbon is a much more narrow road than scotch. I think using a secondary barreling is heavily used to get more variety of flavor (obviously the first new oak barrel is the law) and I believe there should be a separate category of finished bourbon. Like your content!

[@SimonneNZ]

I think proof/ABV, and mash bill are good points to know for bourbon. Also, age. I've tried 2.5-year-old bourbon, and it was quite harsh compared to 4-6-year-old bourbon. Bookers isn't readily available here, but I found a listing for a 2023 Bookers for $370 NZD (approx. $230 USD). Well beyond my budget. Cheers!

[@pkrockit]

Would like to see a rum-finish single malt comparison. One warning though … I bought a Jura rum finish. It was so bad it almost became the first Scotch I’ve ever poured down the drain. Don’t worry, I didn’t. I just gagged it down as quickly as possible to get it off my shelf. Cheers.

[@elduderino3120]

Bourbon prices have gone crazy in the States. When I was drinking Bourbon (2009-2016) Booker’s was around $50 and Blanton’s was about $45. I liked the wooden box Booker’s came in, with that spiceyness I thought it was quite sweet and I got a strong vanilla flavour. The ABV offset that, all-in-all a good, smooth drink. My other regulars back then were Woodford Reserve Double Oaked (apparently batchy, but I got lucky as I never had a bad one), Eagle Rare, Elijah Craig barrel proof. I found that like French bread, part of the appeal of drinking bourbon for me was being in its land-of-origin (Teh South). Bourbon is perfect over ice in that environment, outdoors on a hot day with meat on the grill and friends and family around. Bottles I took home with me to England didn’t travel well, and I gradually lost my interest in bourbon and went back to Single Malts. I’d be mildly interested in picking up a Blanton’s SFTB or Booker’s again, but only at 2010 prices!

[@warrenletendre2462]

Throughly enjoy your channel but I tune in for the Scotch coverage. Mash and Drum reviews for Bourbon.

[@_fwd_racecar_]

hyped for a new affordable single malt in my market, clonakilty bordeaux finish, 46% $40. i think it might be a new product in general cuz i can only find reviews of their single grain. off to the store to see if this online info is accurate

[@BigChimpEnergy]

My favorite cask strength bourbon is the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. It's about $15-20 cheaper here than Booker's and each batch is aged on average 11 years and some change. I've never had Booker's before, but considering that they have an almost identical mash bill as far as corn, rye and barley percentages go I'd be willing to bet their flavor profiles, especially the spiciness, are similar in strength.

[@ashythedon]

You have to try the Russell’s Reserve SiB Private Select! Quintessential Bourbon! You’re catching the bourbon bug. I can tell

[@ramanb]

Great review Geoff. I do like to dabble in the odd bourbon sometimes, but I find most are far too sweet. The Booker sounds like it might be one for me to try!

[@kevinnordby4808]

Great review Geoff! Bourbon reviewer always love the overly sweet stuff and trash bourbons that are not so I’m glad to see a bourbon review from a fellow scotch whisky snob. A bourbon I find really tasty and interesting is Johnny Drum from the Willett Distillery. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it if you can get a bottle…..also, the Willett 4 year rye is really great.

[@jasoncoates1835]

I think your buddy's right... Booker's has always had its own export batch AFAIK. Bourbon tickboxes are a bit easier, color is not allowed. Chill filtration is just as much a thing with bourbon as it is with malt, and the equivalent to 46% is going to be 50%.

[@jackthepickledhound]

As Ralfy would have ranted about, the online bourbon thing is a very important part of the whisk(e)y scene. There is really to many small players to keep track of and releases like this from a big company get different love than big Scotch companies. I realized a few months ago that of the 2 dozen bottle of whiskey that I do have, there are not many under 60%. Although I have been buying American single malt for a few years, that seems to be the next real frontier. In my experience we do have the ability to make bad whisky, pot stilled malted barley is my wheelhouse. As long as it's aged in a used barrel. There is nothing more disappointing than single malt that is indistinguishable from bourbon

[@BourbonJazzyLife]

Bourbon dorks are going to care about age, whether or not it’s chill filtered, & they are all proof hounds so maybe anything over 100 proof. Hope that helps I’ve been into bourbon for about 12 years.

[@planetBoe]

You forgot the highest quality mark for bourbons, it's the Bottled-in-Bond label

[@BourbonJazzyLife]

@@planetBoe agree to disagree ? Age kinda covers that as well. Who gives a shit if some gov emp has a key to a rickhouse?

[@planetBoe]

@@BourbonJazzyLife it is not only about the age or the key to the rick house but it is about a single disclosed distillery, something like a single malt or single grain. So you know what you are drinking and where it comes from 😉

[@BourbonJazzyLife]

@@planetBoe I don’t typically confuse ndp’s with actual distilleries but if that’s an issue sure. Maybe something about if it’s sourced or not. You can still buy a BIB from MGP or somewhere else & not produce it. Single distiller single season

[@BourbonJazzyLife]

@@planetBoe he’s looking for a checklist for bourbon fans did you realize the question. BIB’s make up like 5% of the market. Useless stat to put in his channel because every bottle pretty much won’t hit that mark. I think you’re way off. People care way more about mashbill, age, chill filtration, & proof. I’ll stand by that.

[@WhiskyWolf514]

Dude I agree - Vanilla Coke is awesome 😎 Liked how you sneaked in that "that's what she said" almost unnoticeably lol😂 Hehe Great review my friend, I will try this definitely in a bar next time I see it. Cheers Buddy 🥃🥃🎩

[@Gwhisky]

Cheers man! Yeah it's a good one. Good call trying it at the bar first! 🥃

[@31446963048]

Bourbon trend is ending. So lets not start.

[@EuropaWill]

From a specs standpoint for Bourbon, I think I would say minimum is it age stated and at least 4 years old, minimum 45% abv, minimum non- allocated. The allocated stuff is impossible to acquire and buying whiskey shouldn't be anything like playing a game. We should shit on manufactures that don't produce enough product on purpose.

[@xiamengbaby]

I'd rather have a good 120 proof Knob Creek Single Barrel Select store pick than a Booker's (both KC and Booker's are Beam products). I prefer the profile and it's about 40% cheaper. Also get more age from the KC SB.

[@numanuma20]

My favorite non scotch alternative is American single malt for whiskey. Completely non whiskey, it’s wine and brandy. If want a check similar 1. Is it sourced- most bourbon nowadays is sourced by a distillery called MGP thus not distilled by the distillery. 2. It’s is flavored- I’m not talking finished, that I give a pass. Templeton years ago got flack for adding flavoring. In their defense, I did just buy their rye blended with Port.

[@HOLDSWATH]

Interesting, that is the same batch we received in Canada (Ontario) as well. $146 CAD. Worth it? I don't know, Roseisle is $31 more. What would choose?

[@teddyballgame25]

Any brandy channels you recommend? Ever had any Serbian Slivo?

[@JohnS-d1f]

What is the other open bottle of bourbon you have?

[@brianwelborn4128]

I think it's Wild Turkey Rare Breed.

[@timothychen7872]

Look at time stamp 4:31 You'll see Jack Daniels Barrel Proof

[@tommysimpsonandtheloadeddice]

Mash bill.

[@DileepB]

Paid $90 for my bottle.

[@ALL-il1sw]

Can you do a poll on what bourbon scotch drinkers like the best

[@Gwhisky]

Good idea! 🥃

[@xxacidmv]

.

[@tomeis8499]

Scotch over your girlfriend is understandable, but Brandy over your girlfriend is just cruel 😅

[@fotografi4fun]

Stuff

[@SimonneNZ]

Ha! I was thinking of doing that. You beat me to it!🤣

[@fotografi4fun]

@@SimonneNZ I bet Geoff was waiting for it 😜

[@markanderson8677]

Booker's Bla, bla, bla . . . .too unreliable. Stick to scotch everybody '-)

[@BurnsMick]

91602 Hayley Harbor