A Little Background

The final Booker’s batch of 2021 is a celebration of Booker Noe’s social nature and the way he could turn a stranger into a lifelong friend. Fitting for the holiday’s where friendship and giving should be key in the coming weeks. Fred Noe finishes out the batch story with hoping that you’ll think of his Dad and his generous way of making everyone he met feel at home. Like the distillery saying; come as friends, leave as family.

Manufacturer: James Beam Distilling Company / Beam Suntory
Mashbill: 77% Corn / 13% Rye / 10% Malted Barley
Location:Clermont, Kentucky
Barrel Details: 3% from 2nd Floor Warehouse H
27% from 5th Floor Warehouse D 39% from 6th Floor Warehouse J 31% from 5th Floor Warehouse Q
Proof / ABV: 124.4 / 62.2%
Retail Price: $89.95

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Mahogany

Nose

Light floral with deep brown sugar a tinge of ethanol with baking spice and vanilla

Palate

Nice oily mouthfeel with creamy vanilla turning into subtle spice and caramel midway that carries through to the back palate

Finish

Spice and oak with some heat that settles in the chest with spice on the tongue

In closing

After first cracking “Noe Strangers Batch” I would highly recommend letting it breath before diving right in. Like most Booker’s batches, they tend to have some heat in the form of ethanol forward on the nose and finish however with just a little air it can be tamed.

The nose even after sitting for about 1 hour still had a tinge of ethanol however past it was a delightful vanilla and floral nose that made me want to dive right in. The viscosity on the palate is everything you could want; oily, creamy, and a rush of flavor. Vanilla is right up front with a sweet Werther’s original candy following. That caramel bomb continues through to the finish where spice and oak take over with some heat that settles in the chest.

The truly great part of this pour are the aromas and aftertaste of peanuts and char that seem endless. This expression of Booker’s is a great blend of flavors but really could deter some drinkers with the ethanol on the nose and the hot finish. I would recommend this bottle to those whiskey enthusiasts that enjoy high proof whiskey and would advise opening the bottle and letting it air for a period of time. At the retail price of 89.95 I would say its a little overpriced but enjoyable.