Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2018-03 “Kentucky Chew” Review

Named after the way Booker would “chew” his whiskey the Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2018-03 “Kentucky Chew” is a tribute the whiskey’s namesake. Created, as always, with a roundtable of writers, reviewers and of course Fred himself, this is the latest barrel proof whiskey creation to leave the Jim Beam distillery line and grace our palates.

Booker's Bourbon Batch 2018-03 Kentucky Chew

Like all Booker’s releases, it’s created by mixing different barrels from different parts of different warehouses. The breakdown of this particular batch is below and then it’s on to the review!

29% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse D
42% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse D
8% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse I
8% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse I
6% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse J
2% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse J
5% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse N

Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2018-03 “Kentucky Chew” Review: Details and Tasting Notes

Booker's Bourbon Batch 2018-03 Kentucky Chew is one of the most dynamic, beautiful, elegant an complex Booker's releases in a while. Definitely one worth a good

In Jim Beam’s Words: Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2018-03 “Kentucky Chew”

Booker’s® Batch 2018-03 is named in tribute to founding distiller Booker Noe and his signature way of tasting bourbon. The term was first coined by a whiskey writer decades ago who enjoyed a bourbon tasting with Booker. To get a good ‘Kentucky Chew,’ Booker would take a sip of bourbon, work it around his mouth and then smack his lips a few times in such a way that it appeared like he was chewing on the liquid.

According to Booker, this technique allowed the bourbon to coat his entire mouth, so he could assess all the nuanced flavors and finish of the whiskey. Today, current master distiller and Booker’s son, Fred Noe, uses his dad’s ‘Kentucky Chew’ method to ensure Booker’s Bourbon embodies and upholds the standards and taste profile that Booker demanded for his namesake bourbon.

Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2018-03 “Kentucky Chew” price, ABV, age and other details

Region: Kentucky, USA

Distiller: Jim Beam
Mash bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 6 years 4 months 12 Days
ABV: 63.35%

Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Batch: 2018-03

Price: $75*

Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2018-03 “Kentucky Chew” Tasting Notes

EYE
Deep ruddy copper

NOSE
Oak, dark fruit, caramel, vanilla, toffee, roasted nuts, cocoa nibs, baking spice (the whole damn rack) and bits of char and candied citrus.

PALATE
Oak, dark fruit, caramel, vanilla, complex dark sweets, roasted nuts, cocoa nibs, baking spice (the whole damn rack) and bits of char and candied citrus.

FINISH
Long -> Oak, baking spices, dark sweets and vanilla.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance, full body and a silken feel.

Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2018-03 “Kentucky Chew” Review: OVERALL

Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2018-03 “Kentucky Chew” is my favorite batch of Booker’s in a while; there is magic in this glass that extends far beyond the typical beauty of Booker’s. There is elegance, balance and a feeling with it that transcends my usual thoughts of Booker’s, bourbon, and Jim Beam in general. This is the kind of release I need a backup of.

Booker's Bourbon Batch 2018-03 Kentucky Chew Review

The aroma is deep and oaky with layers of sweetness and spice that play out evenly and robust. The palate runs down a similar path and the finish keeps the party going. Water unlocks more fruitiness on the aroma and the palate which is different but works well with the deep oak.

SCORE: 90/100 (A-)