Booker's

[bllygthrd]

I have been frequenting a local watering hole that has an infatuation with Beam products ... to the point of having 3 full Beam train decanter series mounted on the walls.

Now using the 20% bottle price algorithm common in WV, the shot price should be ~$9 ... they dispense a double of Booker's for $6 ... a steal ...

I've grown to really appreciate the attributes of Booker's ... I like the higher proof [127 and 129 currently], the way initially irritates my uvula [not vulva! :cool:] ... and how the flavor profile changes over time, and with a small addition of water.

I'm interested in other SB's thoughts on Booker's.

[Ejmharris]

I had a 127 proof that was so so. I then had 130ish proof at a beam tasting and it was really good. Most bars around here carry Bram products and if they do I trend to the Bookers when out.

[ThirstyinOhio]

I had a 127 proof that was so so. I then had 130ish proof at a beam tasting and it was really good. Most bars around here carry Bram products and if they do I trend to the Bookers when out.

I personally find Booker's to be a very good bourbon when consumed with a very small amount of water to tame down that fire (I do enjoy having a few sips without the water just to experience that extra warmth).

[boss302]

I find it difficult to fully appreciate Beam's character without trying it uncut, unfiltered, and unba$tardized. That is precisely what Booker's offers.

[mosugoji64]

I've yet to buy a bottle of Booker's, but have enjoyed the pours of it I've had. I'm not a big Beam fan outside of KC and OGD, but Booker's is some fine bourbon.

[unclebunk]

I've grown to really appreciate the attributes of Booker's ... I like the higher proof [127 and 129 currently], the way initially irritates my uvula [not vulva! :cool:] ... and how the flavor profile changes over time, and with a small addition of water.

Hey man, you just made me pass hot coffee through my nose!:slappin:I'm a fan of Booker's too and $6 for a double is a steal (and you won't need many to hit that fuzzy zone, that's for sure).

[White Dog]

Not to rain on this lovefest, but the OP asked...

I've had this on many occasions, both at bars, and I've been given a few bottles as gifts. My experience is always the same. It's blazingly hot uncut, in an awkward way that I don't experience with products like Stagg, Larue, or even OGD 114. And when I start to cut it down to a reasonable level, it becomes thin and one dimensional.

Big thumbs down IMHO.

[Lazer]

Its a hot one, but if you're ready to deal with that and drink it neat, you will be rewarded. You just have to be ready for the heat. A lot of the disappointments with Booker's I believe are the high expectations. People want to compare it to stagg or WLW but those are much older bourbons. Booker's is not too old, but not too young and yes very hot, but its something that you can overcome and enjoy. I've never been able to add water without ruining the taste. :cool:

[GaryT]

I enjoy Bookers, and while I don't have a bottle at the moment, I bought a 50 ml to do a comparison against my Col EH Taylor Barrel Proof - and found that I actually enjoyed the Bookers about the same (and I can get it for $20+ less than the CEHT BP!) I usually take my first sip or two straight, but then add a splash of water and let that work its magic. I'm also not a big Beam fan overall, finding most of their stuff overpriced - but I do love the higher/barrel proof stuff. I think for under $50, Bookers is damn fine bourbon. And - to your point, I've seen it at more than one bar (and typically is the best they've got).

[unclebunk]

Its a hot one, but if you're ready to deal with that and drink it neat, you will be rewarded. You just have to be ready for the heat. A lot of the disappointments with Booker's I believe are the high expectations. People want to compare it to stagg or WLW but those are much older bourbons. Booker's is not too old, but not too young and yes very hot, but its something that you can overcome and enjoy. I've never been able to add water without ruining the taste. :cool:

[Brisko]

I like Booker's. It can be pretty hot, although the bottle I have open currently is not (don't recall the proof). I find it pretty drinkable neat although a splash of water doesn't kill it. Compared to Knob Single Barrel, it's more drinkable neat... to me.

I can sometimes get it on sale for around $35. At that price it's a steal. I would not pay $50 for it, though.

[JLH3]

I've tried Booker's on several occasions and it just never fit with me. I'm not sure why. I never sat down and really studied what about it I didn't like, but there was something. For bourbon you can readily get at a bar, I usually choose Blanton's first. (And it's not the heat because I love Stagg, Handy and Willet's 3 yr old rye).

I did have a glass of Baker's two weeks ago that really interested me though. Not as good as FR1B or EC12, but I might have to look at it again sometime.

[AaronWF]

I bought a bottle of Booker's last summer and I was pretty turned off by the somewhat chemically corn-syrup sweetness I found when drinking it neat. It made the perfect Old Fashioneds, however, and that's how I drank the second half of the bottle.

I'd take OGD114 over it for a high proof Beamer any day of the week. And thrice in Tuesdays. And hell, maybe even a li'l bit tonight.

[JLH3]

I bought a bottle of Booker's last summer and I was pretty turned off by the somewhat chemically corn-syrup sweetness I found when drinking it neat. It made the perfect Old Fashioneds, however, and that's how I drank the second half of the bottle.

I'd take OGD114 over it for a high proof Beamer any day of the week. And thrice in Tuesdays. And hell, maybe even a li'l bit tonight.

I think the syrupy character is one of the things that turns me off.

[bllygthrd]

Blanton's over Booker's ... with out a doubt, a much better bourbon. OGD 114 over Booker's ... yep, OGD 114 is a better value.

[LostBottle]

I bought a bottle of Booker's last summer and I was pretty turned off by the somewhat chemically corn-syrup sweetness I found when drinking it neat.

I think we compared notes on Bookers a while ago and I think you are very on point here. The cloying corn sweetness and syrupy texture are my primary issues with this bourbon and what caused me to give the remainder of a bottle to a a colleague. I know it is a single barrel product, but I have seen reports of large differences between barrels which leaves buying a bottle a bit of a gamble.

Edited August 15, 2012 by LostBottle

[Brisko]

It's not a single barrel, it's very small batch. Booker was pretty adamant about not liking single barrels, because of the variability issue.

It is very sweet and syrupy on entry but I like that once in a while. Not every day, though.

[ILLfarmboy]

I think Booker's is a bit hot for its proof. I wonder if it's a function of the Beam yeast. Handy is easier drinking and higher ptoof, but then I'm comparing apples to oranges.

[LostBottle]

It's not a single barrel, it's very small batch. Booker was pretty adamant about not liking single barrels, because of the variability issues.

You are correct about it not being single barrel, thanks for that clarification. I suppose their marketing line about it being "straight from the barrel" did the trick of fooling me. It sounds like the very small batch method has not worked out some of the inconsistencies though.

[2highcal]

I have had a few bottles of Bookers. I avoid all bottles in the low 120s and will search out the occasional 128-129 proof my most recent bottle is 129.2 that is not yet opened

[TheRod]

I have had a few bottles of Bookers. I avoid all bottles in the low 120s and will search out the occasional 128-129 proof my most recent bottle is 129.2 that is not yet opened

[Dolph Lundgren]

For some reason, every bottle of Bookers I've tasted has had a strong corn profile. Does anyone else notice the same thing?