Brian’s Bookers 2018–03 Kentucky Chew Review:
written on 04-November-2018
BOOKERS 2013-03 KENTUCKY CHEW REVIEW:
Bookers 2018-03 Kentucky Chew is a fine bourbon. Even at its high ABV (63.35%), this third iteration of 2018 is an easy sipper as it warms the soul throughout an evening. The subtle favors are well-blended as the oak presents more and more as the dram is enjoyed.
BOOKERS 2013-03 KENTUCKY CHEW 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
Age: 6 years 4 months 12 Days
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered
ABV: 63.35 (126.7 proof)
Purchase Price: $69.95 USD in Idaho (2018)
Purchase again? Emphatically, “Yes” … if ever found on the shelf!
Jim Beam makes four Booker’s releases each year, and each release is given a name and special labeling. Kentucky Chew, Batch 2018-03 is named in tribute to Booker Noe … where he would take a sip of bourbon, work it around his mouth and then smack his lips a few times in such a way it appeared he was chewing on the liquid.
Keeping true to Booker’s small batch practices, barrel sourcing for this bottling breaks down as follows:
42%: 6th floor of 9-story warehouse D
29%: 4th floor of 9-story warehouse D
8%: 7th floor of 9-story warehouse I
8%: 4th floor of 9-story warehouse I
6%: 6th floor of 9-story warehouse J
5%: 5th floor of 7-story warehouse N
2%: 7th floor of 9-story warehouse J
Learn more at https://beamsuntory.com/
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I drank this spirit neat, from a Glencairn glass.
BOOKERS 2013-03 KENTUCKY CHEW NOSE:
Booker’s 2018-03 smells much older than its six plus years, not musty old, but more regal old, like a comfortable and well appointed private library. The aroma of dark fruit is there accompanied by the slight sweetness of apples, toffee and toasted pine nuts. Just two drops of distilled water brings on an aire of honeycomb sweetness, and as the dram is consumed, the oaken barrels in which it was aged.
BOOKERS 2013-03 KENTUCKY CHEW PALATE:
Booker’s 2018-03 begins strong and warm, but much less so than one might expect from its 126.7 proof. The first taste was rustic; refined aged leather and the dark sweetness of dried fig, followed by the same roasted nuts detected on the nose. When I attempted Booker Noe’s Kentucky Chew, my tongue picked up the intense spice of cloves, white pepper, and rye, along with an unusual but not unpleasant copperiness. Two drops of water opens this bourbon allowing its sweetness to shine through.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
Booker’s 2018-03 has great balance, full body, and a silken feel in the mouth along with long legs which fall back into the old oak coloured nectar in the glass.
BOOKERS 2013-03 KENTUCKY CHEW FINISH:
Bookers 2018–03 Kentucky Chew finishes medium long and solid with a mouthful of yeasty baking spices entertaining the taste buds. As the sweetness disappears, its warmth in the throat lingers on.
MY BOOKERS 2013-03 KENTUCKY CHEW RATING: 91/100
Will I seek out this whiskey in the future? Yes
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.
Click 91/100 to access other whiskeys with this score.
To access other whiskies from this brand, click Booker’s.
Back to …
Brian’s Whiskey Reviews
Whiskey Reviews