Booker’s 2021-03 “Bardstown Batch” Review

The end of 2021, and beginning of 2022, were hectic to say the least, so I’m a bit behind on new samples, like this Booker’s 2021-03 “Bardstown Batch”. To address this and get some of these samples done I’m taking a brief break from the Glenmorangie super vertical to hit some of the more recent whiskeys in my queue.

Of the samples, I think this is the oldest. And by that the one that’s been in the queue the longest. Not the oldest whiskey in the queue, there’s’ at least one 18-year-old Scotch patiently waiting to get on the screen. Anyways, we all know what Booker’s is, so no need to go into super detail, but before we get into this bourbon review, here’s the barrel composition of batch 2021-03.

27% came from the 5th floor of 9-story rackhouse H
24% came from the 6th floor of 9-story rackhouse D
19% came from the 5th floor of 7-story rackhouse 1
11% came from the 5th floor of 7-story rackhouse Z
11% came from the 8th floor of 9-story rackhouse J
8% came from the 2nd floor of 9-story rackhouse H

Let’s get to drinkin’!

Booker’s 2021-03 “Bardstown Batch” – Details and Tasting Notes

Whiskey Details

Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Style: Bourbon (Straight)
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Jim Beam

Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye and 10% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 6 Years, 5 Months
ABV: 62.75%

Batch: 2021-03 (Bardstown)

Booker’s 2021-03 “Bardstown Batch” Price: $100*

Related Whiskey

Booker’s 2019-04 “Beaten Biscuits”
Booker’s Bourbon 2020-02 “Boston”
Booker’s 2020-03 “Pigskin”
Booker’s 2021-01 “Donohoe’s”
Booker’s 2021-02 “Tagalong”

“This batch honors the homeplace of not only my dad, Booker Noe, but several generations of Beam family members, including myself and my son Freddie.” – Jim Beam

Booker’s 2021-03 “Bardstown Batch” Tasting Notes

EYE
Caramel

NOSE
Peanut brittle, oak, dried dark fruit, x-mas spice, brown sugar, touch of citrus and vanilla taffy.

A light farmy note peeks out as it opens, but it’s definitely a return to a more standard Booker’s profile.

PALATE
Oak, peanut brittle, x-mas spice, citrus, brown sugar, vanilla taffy and a light herbal quality

This is Booker’s. I’m digging the oak-lead profile that’s balanced against spice and sweetness.

FINISH
Long -> Oak, dark sweets and spice fade to a warm oak.

BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Good sense of balance, full body and a velvety feel.

Booker’s 2021-03 “Bardstown Batch” – Overall Thoughts and Score

Finally, we’re back to Booker’s! The last two batches have been a bit different, a bit atypical and not exactly my favorite. But this Bardstown Batch is back to form. Warm, oaky, deep and heavy, this is the kind of thing we like to see from this venerable name. The kind of profile I want to reach for and sip regularly.

Adding water to the 2021-03 brings out more peanut notes and more baking spice especially on the aroma. On the palate the same rise up a bit, but do so against a growing biscuity background. All of which is delivered on a heavy, but always balanced, slab of oak.

This Booker’s 2021-03 “Bardstown Batch” is true to Booker’s form and I love getting back to it. I hope they keep it going.

SCORE: 4/5 (very good, highly recommended – B+ | 87-89)

*Disclosure: The sample for this bourbon review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.