Category: Bourbon Whiskey

Brian’s Bookers 2023-03 Mighty Fine Batch Review:

reviewed 17-December-2024

BOOKERS 2023-03 MIGHTY FINE BATCH BOURBON REVIEW:

Booker’s 2023-03 Mighty Fine Batch begins with a dry, fiery nose featuring dusty roasted corn, dark dried fruits, and warm spices such as allspice, ginger, and rye, underpinned by seasoned oak and toasted wood. On the palate, the bourbon transitions from an initial ethanol burn to complex layers of herbal warmth, bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, and nutty toffee, balanced by earthy undertones and tannic structure from dry oak and charred wood. Despite its high proof, the bourbon’s medium-thick, oily body provides an unexpected smoothness and approachability, with clinging legs that reflect its rich mahogany hue. The finish is long but subtle, showcasing lingering dry corn, pepper, and hints of bittersweet chocolate and nutty toffee, supported by smoky char and earthy wood tones. Even the empty glass leaves an impression, as a warm aroma of rich oak sawdust wafts up with each draw.

BOOKERS 2023-03 MIGHTY FINE BATCH VITAL STATS:

Category: Small Batch Bourbon
Region: Clermont, Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Jim Beam, Master Distiller Fred Noe
DSP #: KY-230
Mash bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Casks: New Charred Oak
Barrel Char: #4
Barrel Entry Proof: 125
Age: 7 Years, 1 Month, 10 Days
Non-chill Filtered
ABV: 63.3% (126.6 Proof)
NABCA CSC #: 16906
Fair Price: $147.64 (BoozApp, December 2024)
Shelf Price: $137.67 (BoozApp, December 2024)
Paid: $89.95 (Idaho, October 2023)

MASTER DISTILLER NOTES

The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s “Mighty Fine Batch” is as follows:

2% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Q 
3% came from the 6th floor of 7-story warehouse Z 
8% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse G 
10% came from the 6th floor of 7-story warehouse I 
10% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse H 
12% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse G 
55% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 3

LABEL INSPIRATION

If you knew Booker, then you knew “mighty fine” was his go-to phrase. He would often get together with other folks in the bourbon industry to taste samples of Booker’s Bourbon, and everyone knew he was happy with his selection when he sipped it and said it was “mighty fine,” followed by, “that’s a damn good batch!”.

Shortly before Dad passed away in 2004, I selected the barrels for a Booker’s Bourbon batch for the very first time. I was a little nervous at first; I had big shoes to fill. After tasting the sample I shared with him, he looked at me and said, “Mighty fine job, son.” A lot of people thought it was one of the best batches, but receiving Dad’s vote of confidence made it that much more special for me. I’ll never forget that moment.

Booker was not one to embellish his compliments with many descriptive words, but I have a feeling he would say this batch is mighty fine. I hope you think so too.

^{— Fred Noe, Beam Family 7th Generation Master Distiller}

Learn more at Booker’s Bourbon.

ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:

Taken out of the newly opened bottle, the first one and a half ounces mixed with the bourbon in our Infinity Bottle Project. Then, by alternating the pours, four once review amounts went into three Glencairns. My daughters and I enjoyed the bourbon neat while preparing this review.

Click to read Hannah’s and/or Elora’s review.

BOOKERS 2023-03 MIGHTY FINE BATCH NOSE:

Booker’s Mighty Fine Batch opens dry and a bit firey on the nose with notes of dusty and roasted field corn. In the mix I smell old raisins and other dark dried fruits dusted wit spices of allspice, ginger, pepper, and rye. With further nosing, bittersweet chocolate along with faint vanilla, blend with simple syrup and toasted pinenut toffee, providing a subtle sweetness and a layer complexity. At the foundation, the aroma of seasoned, dry oak and toasted wood combine with a hazy light char and notes of leather and create a balanced and earthy backdrop.

BOOKERS 2023-03 MIGHTY FINE BATCH PALATE:

Initially, sips of Booker’s Mighty Fine Batch give a slight burn of ethanol. As I acclimate, sips become warming herbal bites with notes dusty grain, followed by dark fruit leather and raisin. Then come notes of allspice, stale cinnamon, ginger, pepper, and rye which add complexity and warmth. Sipping on, bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, simple syrup, burnt sugar and a bit of bitter walnut toffee add a subtle sweetness. This slightly tannic edge pairs with flavors of seasoned, dry oak, toasted wood along with hazy char and leather. These help to add structure, while earthy undertones help keep the pour’s character grounded.

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
The first sip of Mighty Fine Batch gives the tongue a strong tickle which fades relatively fast. As it does, the liquid becomes viscous and easy to hold, turning oily the longer it remains on the palate. Despite its 126.6 proof, this bourbon is solid and smoother and easier to drink than one might expect, demonstrating an intriguing approachability. Its medium-thick body is evident in the long, clinging legs which cling inside the glass after each sip, draining the dregs back to the mahogany colored pool.

BOOKERS 2023-03 MIGHTY FINE BATCH FINISH:

Booker’s 2023-03 Mighty Fine Batch presents a long but faint finish. Dry, warm notes initially dominate, then are followed by dry, dusty corn and a hint of pepper which lingers in the finish. Then similar to what I found on the nose and palate, although much subdued, bittersweet chocolate and dark nutty toffee add subtle depth. As the finish fades, dry, seasoned oak and toasted wood add structure to smoky char and earthy undertones. And when the last of the pour is downed, the empty Glencairn smells like rich, warm oak sawdust.

MY RATING: 89/100

Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
^{Click to read Brian’s scoring process.}
Click 89/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other reviews from this brand, click Booker’s Bourbon.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:

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