Brian’s Booker’s 2018-02 Backyard BBQ Review:
written 28-July-2018
BOOKER’S 2018-02 BACKYARD BBQ REVIEW:
I love, Love, LOVE this Booker’s iteration, 2018-02 “Backyard BBQ”. I bought this bourbon to enjoy along side a slow-smoked brisket – and it did not disappoint. While the ABV of 62.5% is apparent, and black pepper is in the forefront, it is not overwhelming when enjoyed neat. This bourbon is an absolute new favorite for me.
BOOKER’S 2018-02 BACKYARD BBQ VITAL STATS:
– Category: Small batch bourbon
– Region: Clermont, KY, USA
– Distiller: Jim Beam
– Mashbill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
– Cask: New Charred Oak
– Barrel Char: #4
– Barrel Entry Proof: 125
– ABV: 64.4% (128.8 Proof)
– Age: 6 Years, 2 Months, 10 Days
– Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered
– Purchase Price: $69.95 USD in Idaho (2018)
Jim Beam makes four Booker’s releases each year, and each release is given a name and special labeling. Fred Noe (Master Distiller) says he named this particular batch in remembrance of his father’s festive summer barbecues, fondly called “Bourbon-ques,” which always included pork chops flambeed with Booker’s bourbon.
Keeping true to Booker Noe’s small batch practices, barrel sourcing for this bottling break down as follows:
32%: 6th floor of 9-story warehouse I
29%: 5th floor of 9-story warehouse E
17%: 7th floor of 9-story warehouse I
10%: 7th floor of 9-story warehouse E
8%: 5th floor of 9-story warehouse J
4%: 4th floor of 9-story warehouse E
See more at https://beamsuntory.com/
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I drank this spirit neat, then with several drops of water from a Mason jelly jar glass.
BOOKER’S 2018-02 NOSE
So subtle … no alcohol burn, no acetone, but lots of brown sugar sweetness, cinnamon, and oak.
BOOKER’S 2018-02 PALATE
Poured four ounces …
NEAT: The heat comes through but is not overwhelming. Sweet dark fruit. Plums come to mind but something else too. Baked pie … pumpkin? Nutmeg spices are there.
ONE DROP DISTILLED H20 (added at about 2 ounces):
The heat bursts through, but it is not unpleasant, the flavors become more blended.
TWO DROPS DISTILLED H20 (added after two small sips):
Maple sugar candy. So much so maple wafts out of the glass … Still, I prefer Backyard BBQ neat.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
This is as perfect a bourbon as I’ve ever had. Absolutely amazing with an auburn-polished mahogany coloration.
BOOKER’S 2018-02 FINISH
While the finish is relatively short, the pleasant and warming bourbon heat lingers on and on and on and …
BOOKER’S 2018-02 RATING: 92/100
Will I seek out this whiskey in the future? Yes
Booker’s Backyard BBQ is no longer produced and it is unlikely many bottles remain on store shelves. Still, if found (or any of the older itterations), purchase.
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.
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