Booker's "Apprentice Batch" Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2023-02): A Homage to Mentorship and Mastery
Discover the powerful and authentic spirit of Booker's "Apprentice Batch" Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2023-02), the second release of the 2023 Booker's Bourbon Collection. This exceptional, uncut, and unfiltered bourbon is a heartfelt tribute to the formative years of Booker Noe's distilling career, recognizing the invaluable mentorship he received from his cousin, Carl Beam. Carl, despite not holding an official title, was the guiding force who taught young Booker the ropes at the distillery, pushing him to experiment and ultimately master the art of bourbon-making.
Booker's Bourbon continues its legacy of crafting robust, barrel-strength bourbons with "Apprentice Batch." This particular expression is aged for a precise 7 years, 1 month, and 2 days in new, charred American white oak barrels. The whiskey is a carefully selected blend of barrels from six different Jim Beam warehouses: 36% from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse Z, 19% from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse G, 18% from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse O, 11% from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse 1, 9% from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse W, and 7% from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse H. This diverse warehouse sourcing contributes to its multifaceted flavor profile. Bottled at an impressive 125.5 Proof (62.75% ABV), "Apprentice Batch" delivers the quintessential Booker's experience: big, bold, and full of character, while offering unique nuances that distinguish it as a memorable release within the acclaimed series.
Key Characteristics:
-
Batch 2023-02: The second release of the 2023 Booker's Bourbon collection.
-
Tribute to Carl Beam: Named in honor of Booker Noe's cousin and mentor, celebrating the foundation of his distilling career.
-
Age Statement: Aged 7 years, 1 month, and 2 days.
-
Barrel Proof & Uncut: Bottled at its natural strength without chill filtration, preserving maximum flavor and authenticity.
-
High Proof (125.5 / 62.75% ABV): Delivers a powerful and intense drinking experience.
-
Small Batch Blending: Carefully selected barrels from multiple warehouses contribute to its unique profile.
-
Classic Jim Beam Mash Bill: Utilizes the traditional Jim Beam high-corn bourbon mash bill (typically 77% corn, 13% rye, 10% malted barley).
-
Limited Release: As with all Booker's batches, "Apprentice Batch" was a limited, quarterly release, making it a sought-after collector's item.
Tasting Notes (from distiller and reviews):
-
Appearance: Darkest and deepest amber and henna color.
-
Nose: Robust vanilla and caramel notes, often accompanied by toasted nuts and a slightly smoky aroma. Some reviewers note hints of menthol, dark caramel, hot cocoa, and clove-laden tea, with a subtle medicinal apple.
-
Palate: Deep and complex flavors of vanilla, nuts, and oak. Expect a thick, lasting wave of vanilla, melted ice cream, medjool dates, and blackcurrant. Notes of lightly roasted nuts (pecan, walnut) are prominent, with flavors leaning towards sweet caramel and vanilla territory. Some may detect a unique sour orange or bitter citrus note.
-
Finish: Long and full, perfect for easygoing sipping, despite the high proof. The finish is lengthy, with sweetness and alcohol dancing down from the back of the tongue, leaving lasting impressions of vanilla, toasted oak, and a subtle spice.
Awards & Recognition:
Booker's Bourbon batches consistently receive high praise from critics and enthusiasts for their quality and distinct profiles. "Apprentice Batch" was a notable release within the 2023 series:
-
Consistently well-regarded by bourbon enthusiasts and collectors.
- Often praised for its sweet and approachable character for a high-proof bourbon, with a unique flavor profile compared to other Booker's batches.
- Recognized for its strong presence and the classic Beam "peanut funk" notes.
Overall Impression:
Booker's "Apprentice Batch" Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2023-02) is a powerful and flavorful expression that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of mentorship and the journey to mastery. Its substantial age and barrel-proof bottling deliver the robust intensity that Booker's fans cherish, while its unique blend composition and personal tribute offer a distinct and memorable profile. Perfect for savoring neat or with a splash of water to unravel its layers of complexity, "Apprentice Batch" is a compelling addition to any bourbon collection and a testament to the enduring legacy of Jim Beam.
