Once the announcement was made that Jim Beam was going to
produce the first 13 year old, barrel proof rye under the Booker’s label, my
initial (much like everyone reading this) was “Gotta have it” & “When is
the release?” This is of course based on
my undying love for rye at this stage of my affair with whiskey paired with a
deep respect and appreciation for the quality of the Booker’s bourbon. Periodic releases at varying proof create uniqueness
to the Booker’s bourbon. Each time a new
batch is released, we are able to experience distinct flavors developed over
the 6-8 years it took to mature.
Something that may never again be replicated. The bourbon is further elevated through
un-cut, non chill-filtered bottling.
There are no indications that this will be copied with the Booker’s rye
so take this opportunity to sample a treasure of the whiskey world.
This bold rye coming in at 136.2 proof is a tribute to
Booker Noe. Mr. Noe originated the small
batch collection under the Jim Beam moniker and before his passing personally
selected these bottlings – initially only for friends and family. In the early 90’s, he let the public in on a
secret – the true essence of bourbon comes straight from the barrel. As you
know, this will be a much sought limited edition package. The retail price hovers around $300 if you
are able to track it down. Let me
describe to you in the following notes why it is worth the search – even if
just for a sample.
Nose – wet wood. I
recall a time that I had the opportunity to visit a distillery on my dad’s
birthday. We watched them dump a barrel
and the smell was one of those memories I hope to never forget. This nose reminded me of that perfect moment. The aroma was so strong that after it was
poured, the waft was so tempting that I just couldn’t wait for the first
sip.
Color – unique and almost blood red. The 13+ years of contact this juice had with
the wood really imparted a beautiful color and deep maple syrup hue
1st Sip (straight) – immediate flavor bomb. I was tasting notes that I had never
experienced before in a rye. I was
trying to write as fast as possible. The
full flavored and rich whiskey engulfs your entire mouth with flavors of baked
bread and unripe red fruits. The flavors
are complex. Simultaneously, your mind
is telling you that you want to sense sweetness but there are so many savory
qualities to this drink. As the whiskey
breathes, you get notes of baked fruit accented with herbal notes of sage and
thyme. The finish is long with a bitter
finale.
2nd drink (added a small ice cube) – when you add
water or ice to this beauty, it opens like your summer garden. The nose exposes sweet red berries and now
you are really getting the sense of the sugars of the oak. The palate is extraordinarily long. The lowered proof is softened to sour cherry,
burnt bread and caramelized sugar with a final punch of cracked black pepper.
It is crucial to enjoy this beautiful spirit first without
ice – exactly how Mr Noe intended. Then,
I suggest nothing but the smallest of ice cubes to see how the flavors and the
intricate nature of this rye evolve.
Enjoy!
Where to find it: Good Luck!
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