By Richard Thomas
Score: A-
Booker’s Lumberyard Batch (2022-02)
(Credit score: Beam Suntory)
Making its method to or reaching cabinets proper now’s the most recent batch of Booker’s Bourbon for 2022. This one is dubbed The Lumberyard Batch, referring again to the time that Booker Noe labored in a lumber yard previous to coming into the household commerce at Jim Beam and embarking on his legendary bourbon profession.
Extra vital than the identify, nonetheless, is the age assertion. When Booker’s was first launched within the early Nineteen Nineties, it was as a cask energy bourbon billed as being between 6 and eight years of age. So it nonetheless is, however for the reason that model moved to individually titled batches, it has principally been a lot nearer to six years than to eight. That is a lot the case that I’ve thought of it noteworthy when a batch was simply shy of seven years. This was the case with the primary batch of this yr, “Ronnie’s Batch,” which at 6 years, 11 months and 22 days was the oldest common Booker’s seen in years. It was additionally a lot nearer to the mellow, sucker puncher model of bourbon that Booker’s helped outlined 30 years in the past: one might drink a double of this on the bar and don’t know how robust it was till they bought on their toes!
Now comes Lumberyard, which is 7 years, 1 month and seven days and 124.8 proof. And it too is paying homage to that sucker puncher expertise of yesteryear.
The Bourbon
A pour of this one takes a surprisingly mild forged for a mature, potent bourbon. Though the amber leans in direction of brown, it’s not a darkish liquid.
The scent developing out of the Glencairn glass right here completely oozes vanilla, however behind that comes candy notes of berries and honey. The oak is there too, however that’s the faintest be aware.
Sipping brings the bourbon into higher steadiness, because the palate isn’t so vanilla-forward, the oak takes a step up, and it develops a spicy side. The core remains to be vanilla and honey, and I do imply honey somewhat than the same old sweet corn or brown sugar sweetness. The berries from the nostril evolves into apricot, and that trace of oak turns tannic and turns into a full character within the efficiency. A touch of pepper helps convey out that woody be aware. The end runs mild and spicy, so it lingers with out being in any respect overpowering.
Booker’s 2022-02 is a mellow, easy-sipping, fantastically rounded bourbon. For those who missed Ronnie’s Batch, run out and seize this throwback launch of Booker’s.
The Value
Formally, that is purported to go for $89.99
