Booker’s Bourbon Batches 2016 was another phenomenal year for Booker’s releases. The powerhouse was, as you might have expected, the Booker’s Rye but from top to bottom the pours were solid. 2016 was also the last year that Booker’s releases six batches per year. The original press release stated:
As we’ve previously shared, Booker’s Bourbon will experience supply constraints this year. As a result, we must reduce our batch releases to four per year. We apologize to anyone who is unable to locate the product in the future. Because of the rarity and high quality of this liquid, and our need to maintain our supply without sacrificing any production standards, we have decided to increase the price of Booker’s. We’ll be implementing the previously announced price increase over time, and in 2017 you can expect to see Booker’s on shelf for $69.99-$74.99.
We would like to thank our friends and fans for their ongoing support, and we promise to maintain the same quality standards that Booker demanded of his namesake bourbon despite our supply challenges.
You’ll also notice tucked in that release was an MSRP increase from $59.99 to upwards of $79.99. There was a bit of a stir because Beam first announced a price jump from $59.99 to $99.99 then later walked that back. Hindsight is 20/20 but it’s 2020 and I’m basically seeing Booker’s for right around $99.99 now. My guess the walk back was because of consumer pushback but the end goal was still to slowly increase the price. The end of a 2016 was a bit of a crazy storm for Booker’s as a brand.
| Batch # | Proof | Age | Wax Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Edition | 136.2 | 13 Years, 1 Months, 12 Days | Green Rye "Big Time" Batch |
| 2016-06 | 127.8 | 6 Years, 10 Months, 2 Days | Noe Hard Times |
| 2016-05 | 129.7 | 6 Years, 7 Months, 23 Days | Off Your Rocker |
| 2016-04 | 128 | 6 Years, 5 Months, 28 Days | Bluegill Creek |
| 2016-03 | 129 | 6 Years, 4 Months, 4 Days | Toogie's Invitation |
| 2016-02 | 126.7 | 6 Years, 2 Months, 1 Day | Annis' Answer |
| 2016-01 | 127.9 | 6 Years, 11 Months, 0 Days | Bluegrass Batch |
Related:
- Booker’s Bourbon Batches | List of Booker’s Batches
- Booker’s Bourbon Batches 2021 Ranked
- Booker’s Bourbon Batches 2020 Ranked
- Booker’s Bourbon Batches 2019 Ranked
- Booker’s Bourbon Batches 2018 Ranked
- Booker’s Bourbon Batches 2017 Ranked
- Booker’s Bourbon Batches 2015 Ranked
Start shopping for bourbon clothing and accessories for your journey. The Bard’s Shop has custom tees and hoodies, books, barrels, and more.
#1 – 2016 Limited Edition Big Time Batch (Green Rye)
Several factors make this Rye legendary. First, it was the last premium aged Rye Booker Noe laid down. He passed away in 2014 and these were barreled in 2013 in some of his favorite rickhouses. Second, it’s 13 years 1 month 12 Days old — make it double the average age of a Booker’s release. Third, the high proof point — Ryes with this much flavor over 130 proof are rare.
Booker’s Rye wasn’t an instant hit. It sat on shelves for a while before enthusiasts started tasting it and momentum built. Bill Thomas, Jack Rose Bar in Washington, D.C., said, “The funny thing about Booker’s Rye is that it got off to a slow start. I think we got nine bottles from the wholesaler, because people weren’t into it. It sat on liquor stores shelves for a while as well.”
As of 2018, no additional barrels had been laid down for a second batch of Booker’s Rye — which means it’s going to be a while for another batch.
Full Review Coming Soon
#2 – 2016-01 Bluegrass Batch
| Bluegrass Batch 2016-01 | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 6 years 11 months old to 7 years 11 months old |
| Off the Still | 125 Proof |
| In the Barrel | 125 Proof |
| Proof | 127.9 Proof |
| ABV | 63.95% |
| Type | 7 different rickhouses 61% in 9 story rickhouses 34% in 7 story rickhouses 5% in 5 story rickhouses |
| Price | $80 |
| Pros | Complex Palate |
| Cons | It brings the heat |
| Rating | Gold 94 out of 100 Points |
| Inventory | Buy Without Hesitation |
This batch pulled from 7 rickhouses. 61% of the barrels were stored in 9 story houses, 34% were stored in 7 story houses, and the remaining 5% were stored in a 5 story rack house. It is full-bodied with great viscosity and mouthfeel.
Nose – 93 out of 100 Points
Caramel, oak, leather, and tobacco
Taste – 96 out of 100 Points
The front of the palate is rich, barrel-aged vanilla with oaky undertones. I also get pleasant roasted corn nuts and long-aged tobacco.
Finish – 94 out of 100 Points
Heat and spice on the finish with subtle caramel and vanilla sweetness.
Verdict – Gold 94 out of 100 Points
The key to enjoying Booker’s or any other high proof bourbon is to let it breathe. I like to open with a partially sealed cork for 24 to 48 hours before I fully reseal and drink. 2016-01 opened up beautifully with some air.
#3 – 2016-05 Off Your Rocker
| Off Your Rocker 2016-05 | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Small Batch |
| Age | 6 years, 7 months, and 23 days |
| Cooperage | New, Charred Oak Barrels |
| Off the Still | 125 Proof |
| In the Barrel | 125 Proof |
| Proof | 129.7 Proof |
| ABV | 64.85% |
| Type | Barrels located in four different rack houses with four different production dates |
| Price | $80 |
| Pros | Fantastic Nose |
| Cons | Missing Punchy Finish |
| Rating | Silver 92 out of 100 Points |
| Inventory | Buy Without Hesitation |
2016-05 has oily and thick with long legs and is amber-colored.
Nose – 95 out of 100 Points
The nose is leather, caramel, and baking spice. The leather is a nice surprise note and balanced wonderfully with the caramel.
Taste – 93 out of 100 Points
The caramel comes through at the front then peppery spice rolls through like a thunderstorm with lightning strikes of baking spice and oak.
Finish – 89 out of 100 Points
The spice doesn’t linger in the throat but fills the palate from mid to back.
Verdict – Silver 92 out of 100 Points
I enjoyed the leather note in the nose. But the finish was a disappointment. For such big, bold flavors the finish was a disappointment.
#4 – 2016-06 Noe Hard Times
Full Review Coming Soon
#5 – 2016-04 Bluegill Creek
Full Review Coming Soon
#6 – 2016-02 Annis’ Answer
Full Review Coming Soon
#7 – 2016-03 Toogie’s Invitation
Full Review Coming Soon
Start shopping for bourbon clothing and accessories for your journey. The Bard’s Shop has custom tees and hoodies, books, barrels, and more.
Written by Matty Sims
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