A little background

The Booker’s “Tagalong Batch” is a tribute to when Booker Noe learned the trade at the distillery by tagging along with his grandfather and great grandfather, Jim Beam. According to Fred Noe his father thought of the distillery as a playground and enjoyed every moment there whilst asking questions and learning the trade. This tradition continues today with Fred Noe and his son Freddie.

Manufacturer: James Beam Distilling Company / Beam Suntory
Mashbill: 77% Corn / 13% Rye / 10% Malted Barley
Location: Clermont, Kentucky
Barrel Details: 4% from 3rd Floor Warehouse 5
3% from 4th Floor Warehouse X
13% from 5th Floor Warehouse D
33% from 6th Floor Warehouse H
40% from 7th Floor Warehouse H
7% from 5th Floor Warehouse Z
Proof/ABV: 127.9 / 63.95%
Retail Price: $89.95

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Leather

Nose

Vanilla and citrus with apricot and brown sugar on the nose

Palate

Creamy and viscous palate with toffee up front with baking spice and oak. The mid palate turns sweeter with heavy molasses and vanilla with subtle sweet fruit.

Finish

Burnt brown sugar with char and oak meld with a nice heat and spice coming through.

In closing

The Booker’s “Tagalong Batch” from Bookers is a great expression from start to finish. The nose is surprising because there is little to no ethanol and is packed with rich and enticing aromas that make the drinker want to immediately dive in. The palate is viscous and coats the mouth extremely well. The baking spices, vanilla, and molasses really take over in a rush of flavor in the mid to back palate. The finish rounds out the experience well but isn’t overly harsh with heat. The subtle spice, burnt brown sugar, and oak really come out nicely for a lingering finish with citrus and char coming back in aromas and aftertaste in between sips.

Booker’s “Tagalong Batch” 2021-02 has been one of the best expressions I have had of Booker’s in quite some time. From initial opening the flavors were rich and enjoyable with little to no ethanol or burn that are typical from higher proof whiskies. The issue with Booker’s is that each batch is unique and with that comes an unknown. Will this batch be incredible or a dud; thankfully this one is well worth the money and would recommend grabbing a bottle.