Booker’s is a small batch, single barrel, cask strength bourbon that is simply fantastic.

In 1992, Booker Noe introduced his own signature bourbon, Booker’s® True Barrel Bourbon. Inspired by a 200-year-old tradition, Booker’s is the first bourbon bottled straight-from-the-barrel, uncut and unfiltered. First created as a holiday gift for his special friends, Booker’s whiskey was so well-received that he decided to make it available to bourbon lovers worldwide; much to the joy of spirit connoisseurs everywhere.

This stuff is a damned fine bourbon, if a bit on the sweet side. It is terribly expensive for a bourbon but it is cask strength, coming in at 121 to 127 proof. The smell and taste of this stuff is that of caramel and vanilla. This bourbon was made for sipping. It goes extremely well with a good tobacco, either a good pipe or cigar.

As I said, it is quite expensive, priced more like scotch than bourbon but if you love bourbon and can stand the $50 price tag, I highly recommend to try this one. Personally, I’d been avoiding this one until my recent time in the scotch aisle loosened up my wallet a bit.

Single-Malt lovers have no fear. I return to the scotch aisle next time. I still have a load of recommendations to get through.

Originally I’d gone hunting for Templeton Rye but was unable to locate it at my friendly neighborhood liquor store. Luckily, Jam2 had emailed me a couple of suggested bourbons; Eagle Rare being one of them.

Eagle Rare has a pretty strong smell that is certainly bourbon-y but a bit harsher than some of the better bourbons I’ve reviewed here and that certainly lowered my expectations. On first taste though I was pleasantly surprised. Eagle Rare has a pretty good bourbon flavor and is extremely smooth and easy to drink. There isn’t however really anything about it that sets it apart from other bourbons. It has a good flavor, just … bourbon. I certainly don’t mean to beat up on Eagle Rare but at the same price as Makers Mark, there’s just no reason for me to buy another bottle of this bourbon.

Again, this is not to say that there is anything at all wrong with Eagle Rare. It is certainly a top self bourbon but maybe I’ve spoiled myself with the likes of Makers Mark, Makers #46 and Bulleit. I would certainly not turn it down if offered and I do urge the bourbon drinkers here to give it a try. Some people find the flavor of Makers Mark to be too “busy” .. a bit too much going on there and for those folks, this milder bourbon might be right down their alley. And it is very easy to drink.

I do thank Jam2 for recommending it as it allowed me to experience yet another better than average bourbon.

Maker’s Mark is was a one-product-company. When a distillery creates something new after 52 years it tends to get some attention. Maker’s #46 starts as regular Maker’s Mark bourbon then, at the end of its aging, is removed from its barrel and the barrel end is removed. Several French Oak staves are charred and inserted into the barrel, the end is put back on the barrel and the same bourbon that was removed from the barrel is returned and aged for several more months.

The end result is really something that must be tried. I’m honestly amazed at how different the taste is from such a small change. The aroma has a fruity hint with a much stronger component of vanilla and molasses. The flavor is almost indescribable … which is to say, it is very difficult for me to really describe it. There is a lot of ‘spice’ flavor to the #46 in much the same way as spiced rum but that’s not to suggest that it tastes like spiced rum. The #46 is sweeter than regular Maker’s and, in my opinion, smoother. I drank the #46 both on the rocks and with soda. Its damned good either way, but the smoothness of this bourbon makes me prefer to not dilute it.

I’d intended to wait on this review until I’d tried a Manhattan with the #46 but I just didn’t get around to it. I’ll try it when I get a chance and if it merits it, I’ll do a Cocktail of the Week on it.

I highly recommend trying this one. It is something to behold.

For those of you bored with bourbon, be sure and check back next week as I return to the Rum section of my friendly neighborhood liquor store.

This is one damned fine bourbon. From the moment I cracked the bottle open and raised the bottle to my nose, I knew this one was going to be good. This is one of the better smelling bourbons that I’ve tried. My first sip was as good as my first smell. I said earlier that I’ve spoiled myself with exceptional bourbons like Makers Mark and Woodford Reserve; well, you can add Bulleit to that list of exceptional bourbons. The Bulleit is slightly sweeter than Makers and a bit woodier than the Woodford and is one of the smoother liquors I’ve tried. If you like bourbon, then I highly recommend Bulleit. While it will take further experimentation, Bulleit might unseat Makers Mark as the bourbon I keep on hand. Thanks to hellferbreakfast who recommended Bulleit (as well as anyone else that mentioned it).

I know its been quite some time since I’ve posted a BotW but I assure you I didn’t stop drinking. I’ve just not been drinking anything new. Well, at the liquor store today I picked up a bottle of Jameson and a bottle of this. I’ll let you know what I think when I try it.

Update: Well, here’s the thing. It ain’t bad but it ain’t great. Elija Craig is a bit sweeter than some of the other bourbons I’ve had but is not quite as flavorful. So if you like sweeter liquors then you might just give this one a go. Maker’s Mark is still at the top of my bourbon list.

Shaken with ice, strained into cocktail glass.

Variations:

“Perfect” Manhattan -- replace the 1 part sweet vermouth with 1/2 parts of both sweet and dry vermouth. I’ve not tried this one yet, I hope to soon.

Play with the whiskey/vermouth ratio. Some like 3:1 whiskey:vermouth, some go the other direction with a 1:1. I’ve been doing 3:2 personally.

Splash a bit of cherry juice in as well. I’ve not done this yet, but I’ll try this one too. Alternatively, squeeze a cherry or two into the shaker before mixing.