Booker’s Bourbon Batches 2017 were solid from top to bottom. Overall, 2015 to 2017 were the best three consecutive years of Booker’s batches. Tommy’s Batch and Sip Awhile could’ve gone either way but I went with Tommy’s because it’s less hot out of the bottle and more drinkable. Sip Awhile will make you think twice with the heat all those it’s jam-packed with flavors. I will have reviews of both of those up within the next 2 to 3 weeks.
| Batch # | Proof | Age | Wax Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-04 | 128.1 | 6 Years, 8 Months, 14 Days | Sip Awhile |
| 2017-03 | 125.9 | 6 Years, 5 Months, 25 Days | Front Porch Batch |
| 2017-02 | 127.4 | 6 Years, 3 Months, 3 Days | Blue Knights Batch |
| 2017-01 | 128.5 | 6 Years, 4 Months, 6 Days | Tommy's 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 2016 Ranked
- Booker’s Bourbon Batches 2015 Ranked
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Table of Contents
#1 – 2017-01 Tommy’s Batch
| Tommy's Batch 2017-01 | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Small Batch |
| Age | 6 years, 4 months and 6 days |
| Cooperage | New, Charred Oak Barrels |
| Off the Still | 125 Proof |
| In the Barrel | 125 Proof |
| Proof | 128.5 Proof |
| ABV | 64.25% |
| Type | Two production dates 41% came from the 6th floor of Warehouse E 13% from the 6th floor of Warehouse H 46% came from the 7th floor of Warehouse D |
| Price | $80 |
| Pros | Fantastic Nose |
| Cons | Could Use More Complexity on the Palate |
| Rating | Gold 94 out of 100 Points |
| Inventory | Buy Without Hesitation |
This is another roundtable batch and was in honor of the recently retired Distillery Manager who helped pick this batch along with the media and expert roundtable.
Nose – 95 out of 100 Points
The nose is brown sugar, rich caramel, and charred oak with just hints of cinnamon and clove.
Taste – 93 out of 100 Points
Caramel on the tip of the tongue. Baking spice and peanuts through mid-palate and black pepper on the back of the palate. It’s not the most complex bourbon but it’s delicious nonetheless.
Finish – 94 out of 100 Points
The finish is long with cinnamon and black pepper from front to back.
Verdict – Gold 94 out of 100 Points
It’s delicious but it’s also not the Mona Lisa of bourbons. It’s the equivalent of a really good home-cooked meal. Nothing wrong with that.
#2 – 2017-04 Sip Awhile
Nose – 93 out of 100 Points
Punch you in the face kind of nose. It’s full-on caramel, peanut butter, sweet cinnamon, and vanilla. I love how the peanut butter is folded into the other flavors. It reminds me of peanut butter and fluff sandwich with the vanilla note.
Taste – 93 out of 100 Points
Sip Awhile drinks hot. The minute it hit my lips my mouth started tingling. Think of that satisfying feeling after finishing a plate of hot wings when your lips are on fire still. I’m returning to what I said about the nose — it’s crunchy peanut butter and vanilla fluff sandwich. There’s also more caramel that rounds out the palate.
Finish – 95 out of 100 Points
The finish is a dragon. The heat reminds me of a dried, roasted, and spicy pepper. But it’s rounded out wonderfully with deep, rich caramel.
Verdict – Gold 93.6 out of 100 Points
Sip Awhile offers complexity, depth, and balance with a familiar flavor profile. You’ve got the whole gang here with caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon — plus the signature Jim Beam peanut butter flavor.
#3 – 2017-02 Blue Knights Batch
Full Review Coming Soon
#4 – 2017-03 Front Porch Batch
Full Review Coming Soon
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Written by Matty Sims
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Finally found a dusty bottle of Sip Awhile that I had heard so much about. Disappointed that you guys don’t have a full review here. Can you fix that? Thanks.
I actually do have a sample of Sip Awhile. I will try to review it this weekend.
Alright, Bob. 2017-04 reviewed. Let me know when you open the bottle what flavors you get.