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Bourbon Knowledge

Complete Guide to the Ultra Rare King of Kentucky Bourbon

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King of Kentucky is arguably one of the most coveted and elusive bourbons today. Even among die-hard bourbon enthusiasts and aficionados, few have had the privilege of tasting this ultra-rare whiskey.

That’s because with an extremely limited supply and high demand, King of Kentucky is fiendishly difficult to track down. The brand’s mythology has only added to its desirability. King of Kentucky bourbon has gained an almost legendary status, with bottles fetching astronomical prices at auction. It has even earned a spot on our List of the Most Expensive Bourbons In The World.

But what exactly makes this bourbon so special? And why has it developed a cult following despite its scarce availability? This article will delve into the mystique and flavors of King of Kentucky bourbon, examining what makes it stand apart in the world of premium bourbons.

What Is King of Kentucky Bourbon?

King of Kentucky is an ultra-premium bourbon whiskey produced by Brown-Forman Corporation, one of the largest American-owned wine and spirits companies. Brown-Forman also produces other popular bourbons like Woodford Reserve and Old Forester (read our full writeup on Old Forester here).

King of Kentucky is distilled and aged exclusively in Kentucky at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Shively, Kentucky. This distillery has been making bourbon since 1870. Unlike most bourbons which use a mashbill containing corn, rye, and malted barley, King of Kentucky has a high corn mashbill containing over 80% corn (plus 10% rye, and 10% malted barley).

While the exact age statement might vary year to year, King of Kentucky is typically aged for 15 years in charred new American oak barrels, making it an extra-aged bourbon. The higher corn content and lengthy aging process give it a smooth, sweet, rich flavor profile.

Only a limited number of barrels are selected by Brown-Forman’s Master Distiller for the King of Kentucky releases. This scarcity and careful barrel selection are reasons why it’s so rare and priced at the ultra-premium level.

Why Is King of Kentucky So Rare?

King of Kentucky’s rarity comes down to two key factors – the extremely limited quantities released each year, and the fact that demand far outweighs the tight supply. For reference, in the 2023 year, only 51 barrels of King of Kentucky were released by Brown-Forman (which works out to be around 3800 bottles). As one of the company’s premium heritage bourbons paying homage to over 150 years of bourbon-making tradition and history, King of Kentucky is deliberately crafted in small batches to maintain exclusivity.

Compounding the limited annual output is the incredible demand for King of Kentucky from bourbon aficionados and collectors around the world. Due to its reputation as the pinnacle of Brown-Forman’s whiskey offerings, demand heavily exceeds what the distillery can produce. This makes every release of King of Kentucky highly sought-after, with bottles quickly selling out.

The ultra-limited supply combined with huge demand is what makes King of Kentucky such a rare and elusive bourbon. Getting your hands on a bottle is a goal for any serious bourbon drinker.

Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile

King of Kentucky bourbon offers an incredibly complex and refined tasting experience that showcases the masterful blending and aging that goes into this ultra-premium spirit. The aroma begins with sweet notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak char that invite you in.

On the palate, the rich caramel sweetness continues and is complemented by a mélange of baking spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. There are also berry fruit undertones of black cherry and dried fig. Despite having no age statement, the bourbon tastes nicely matured and avoids any harsh youthful edges.

The texture is extremely silky and viscous, coating every inch of the mouth. There’s a pleasant oaky tannin structure that lingers long on the finish with subtle hints of coffee, tobacco, and dry cinnamon. The precise balance of sweet and spicy flavors makes this an absolute delight to sip neat or on the rocks.

It offers much more complexity than most bourbons, akin to a fine scotch or cognac. Savor it slowly and let the flavors evolve for the full experience.

How Much Does King of Kentucky Cost?

King of Kentucky has a relatively high MSRP compared to other premium bourbons, but it pales in comparison to what collectors are willing to pay on the secondary market due to its rarity. The MSRP set by Brown-Forman for a 750mL bottle of King of Kentucky bottle is around $299. This puts it in the same price range as the MSRP of other high-end bourbons like Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year and William Larue Weller.

However, King of Kentucky is an extremely limited release, with only a few thousand bottles produced each year. This scarcity drives up demand and prices to astronomical levels in liquor stores and online auctions. It’s not uncommon for King of Kentucky to sell for $500-600 per bottle if you can find it. But on the secondary market, prices routinely soar over $1,000 and even upwards of $5,000 per bottle for this ultra-rare bourbon.

The difficulty of actually locating a bottle of King of Kentucky at MSRP means most drinkers will end up paying a huge premium if they want to taste this bourbon. That puts its real-world cost on par with the priciest Scotches and cognacs. But for hardcore bourbon fans intent on trying one of the most elusive releases, the king’s ransom price tag is worth the royal treatment in the glass.

Reviews from Bourbon Experts and Critics

King of Kentucky has earned impressive praise and extremely high scores from some of the most esteemed bourbon reviewers and experts. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a bad review about this bourbon. Here’s what they have to say about this premium bourbon:

The 2023 release of King of Kentucky is once again king of Brown-Forman’s portfolio. It sticks with the mantra, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and while that could lead to stagnation and complacency, this is one release that doesn’t need to change a thing besides being more readily available for all.

– Breaking Bourbon, 2023 King of Kentucky Review

 In my opinion this complex whiskey showcases exactly what Brown-Forman Master Distiller Chris Morris is capable of, and it’s a worthy wearer of the crown.

As D’Angelo Barksdale said, “the king stays the king.”

9/10

Malt Review, 2022 Release Review

King of Kentucky contains the stuff that legends are made of.  Easily standing heads and shoulders over anything else from the Brown Forman portfolio (and almost everything else made in Kentucky), this bourbon is flawless.

– The Bourbon Culture, 2021 Release Review

Clearly the critics agree that King of Kentucky represents an outstanding wheated bourbon and one of the finest premium bourbons available today. The complexity of flavors, velvety texture and overall expert craftsmanship shine through in every sip according to the experts. It’s no wonder demand for this rare whiskey remains so high.

Other Premium Bourbons to Try

King of Kentucky stands in rarefied air as one of the most coveted and expensive bourbons on the market. For bourbon enthusiasts or those looking to splurge on a special bottle, here are some other premium options to consider: –

Old Rip Van Winkle – This wheated bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace is also heavily aged, smooth, and in very limited supply. The 10, 12, and 23 year versions are the most prized.

George T. Stagg – An elite uncut and unfiltered bourbon in Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection. It’s bold at over 140 proof and rich with aged flavor.

William Larue Weller – Another highly-regarded wheated bourbon in the Antique Collection. Expect complex notes of caramel, cinnamon, and leather.

Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch – Four Roses releases special LE editions each year, and they quickly disappear from shelves. Past recipes have impressed.

Elijah Craig 18 Year – At 18 years, it’s one of the older premium single barrel offerings from Heaven Hill. The extra aging gives it maturation well beyond the standard Elijah Craig.

Best Alternatives to King of Kentucky

Can’t afford to break the bank on King of Kentucky? Most bourbon lovers can’t. Here’s a list of 10 alternatives to this bourbon that won’t break the bank (although some of them are still pretty hard to find.)

  1. Larceny Very Special Small Batch – A wallet-friendly choice that doesn’t compromise on taste. Larceny’s smoothness and caramel notes make it a worthy contender, and give it a similar flavor profile to King of Kentucky.
  2. Maker’s Mark No. 46 Cask Strength – It’s well-documented that we love us some Maker’s Mark. 46 Cask Strength is no exception.
  3. Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey – Bold and robust, with notes of dark chocolate, leather, and spice. Garrison Brothers is a Texas gem that challenges if Kentucky can be King.
  4. Blue Note 9-Year-Old Premium Small Batch – Smooth and elegant, featuring honey, toasted almonds, and a subtle smokiness.
  5. Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion #5: Expect butterscotch, vanilla, and caramel aromas from this bourbon, which features a high-corn ratio. As you sip, it develops a tasty finish with hints of canned fruit. A decent choice that won’t disappoint.

Where to Find King of Kentucky

First of all, Bourbon Hunting is an art. We’ve covered it here and there (See: Bourbon Hunting Archives), but you’ll need to employ your best tactics to snag one of these bottles.

King of Kentucky’s rarity and expense make it a challenge to locate for many bourbon drinkers. The limited distribution and small batch production create a situation where you’re unlikely to find this bourbon on your average liquor store shelf. Here are some tips for tracking down this elusive bottle:

Visit specialty liquor stores in major cities.

Your best bet is to check liquor stores in large metro areas that focus on rare and allocated spirits. Stores that get hard-to-find bottles usually sell them quickly. Follow these stores on social media or call ahead to ask when they expect to get King of Kentucky in stock.

Check premium restaurants and bars.

Some high-end restaurants and cocktail bars manage to get a few bottles of King of Kentucky for their whiskey menus. Stop in and ask if they have it, or can get it for you. You’ll pay more than retail price, but may get to try a pour without buying the whole bottle.

Join bourbon lotteries and raffles.

A few stores will raffle or lottery off rare bourbons like King of Kentucky. You enter your name and if selected, get the opportunity to purchase one bottle. It’s a long shot but worth looking into.

Enter bourbon sweepstakes.

Occasionally festivals or bourbon brands will give away King of Kentucky as a prize. While unlikely to win, entering sweepstakes costs nothing. Follow bourbon accounts online to hear about these rare opportunities.

Buy in the secondary market.

If you have money to burn, you can find King of Kentucky for resale online. Auction sites and secondary retailers sell it for many times the retail price, given the rarity. This should be a last resort option. With some persistence and luck, you may be able to hunt down this exclusive bourbon. But patience and an open budget make the search much easier.

Don’t expect to walk into any old liquor store and see King of Kentucky on the shelves. Seeking out this bourbon takes effort, but the hunt can be part of the thrill and enjoyment for serious whiskey fans.

Summing It All Up

King of Kentucky bourbon is an ultra-rare spirit that offers an unmatched bourbon experience. With only 13 barrels produced each year, just a few thousand bottles are ever released, making this one of the most sought-after bourbons on the market.

Its complex and refined flavor profile, with notes of rich caramel, toasted oak, and dried fruit, demonstrates why critics have rated King of Kentucky so highly and called it a “once in a lifetime” bourbon.

Given how little King of Kentucky is produced each year, it commands prices over $1,000 per bottle. While this puts it out of reach for many bourbon enthusiasts, its exquisite flavors and sheer rarity make it worth the high price tag.

Those lucky enough to try a glass of King of Kentucky can appreciate why it’s considered the zenith of premium Kentucky bourbon.

For bourbon lovers searching for the absolute best, it will always stand out as the king.

Reviews

Booker’s “Mighty Fine Batch” Bourbon Review

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Booker’s “Mighty Fine Batch” is a delicious and sophisticated bourbon that would make Booker Noe proud. Read our entire review of Booker’s Bourbon “Mighty Fine Batch.”

Booker’s “Mighty Fine Bourbon” Composition, Age, and Proof:

  • Composition: 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% barley
  • Age: 7 years, 10 Months
  • Proof: 126.6
  • Parent Company: Jim Beam

Booker’s “Mighty Fine” Bourbon is the distillery’s 2023 release, and has the distinction (along with all of Booker’s products) of being a completely uncut and unfiltered bourbon. That means that the bourbon you’re pouring is coming straight from the barrels. At 7 years, 10 months old and coming in at 126.6 proof, Booker’s yields quite a punch, mellowed out by mature aging.

Per the distiller’s notes:

This batch is made up of barrels from seven production dates that were aged in six different warehouses. 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

While this lengthy recipe probably doesn’t mean much to the average bourbon drinker, the distiller’s notes hint at the precision that went into blending this “Mighty Fine” bourbon.

Booker’s “Mighty Fine Bourbon” Review:

When you get a bottle of Booker’s, the first thing that hits you is the packaging. If you’ve never seen a bottle of Booker’s in the wild, it’s wedged in a dark-finished wooden box, and “protected” by a flimsy clear plastic insert. Unlike the 30th anniversary edition of Booker’s, which was wedged in a box made from reclaimed wood, there is nothing special about the box for your everyday bottle of Booker’s. In fact, we found the company that makes these boxes, and it’s literally a marketing company called “Promo Wood.”

A common trope of Booker’s is that it’s a “$60 bourbon in a $30 box.” You can be the judge of that.

Now for the fun part.

Nose: The color is on the dark side of amber – as is common with bourbons aged for 7-8 years. The nose on Booker’s “Mighty Fine Batch” is butter, brown sugar, and all things malty. There’s also a hit of clove (and maybe some banana) on the nose, but the sweetness is really the star of the show.

Score: 8.6/10

Palette & Finish:

The palate on Booker’s “Mighty Fine Batch” hits you with a punch of alcohol (not shocking, considering this is a 126.6 proof pour), and this bourbon goes down smooth. Brown sugar and butterscotch hit you up front (which isn’t shocking considering this pour’s corn pedigree), sweet new oak comes next, and a hit of spicy white pepper lingers to remind you that rye is, indeed, still present.

The finish on Booker’s “Mighty Fine Batch” is spicy, with white pepper and corriander making themselves known.

Overall, this was an amazing pour, and absolutely something that will make you look good in front of your bourbon-loving father-in-law.

Score: 9.3/10

Value:

At a retail price of $79.99, this bourbon is right in line with what you’d expect to see out of uncut, unfiltered pours. According to booz.app, however, you’ll have a hard time finding this bottle on the secondary market for under $125.99. At $120, this bottle is too expensive, but $79.99, this bottle is just right. Now imagine how much better a value this drink would be if Booker’s got rid of the box.

Score: 8.4/10

Bourbon Dose Final Score:

Booker’s “Mighty Fine Bourbon” is delicious and sophisticated. If you show up to a bourbon-tasting party with this bottle, and you’ll impress your friends without breaking the bank.

Final Verdict: 8.8/10 – Delicious. Can’t wait to see what Booker’s up their sleeves next.

Bourbon Knowledge

Complete Ranking Of All 12 Jim Beam Bourbons

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Jim Beam owns lots of bourbon brands, and we did the hard work for you by ranking each of them. Just like Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam owns lots of brands of bourbons. But which one is the best?

Jim Beam is one of the most popular and iconic bourbon brands in the world. It has history that dates back to 1795, making it one of the oldest bourbon brands in America. But like Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam is not just one bourbon. It is a family of brands that offer a variety of styles, flavors, and expressions for different tastes and occasions.

In this post, we’ll give you the ranking of the Jim Beam bourbon brands based on their quality, reputation, and value. We will then sort them as “Bottom Shelf”, “Mid Tier”, and “Premium”.

List of Jim Beam Bourbon Brands

Jim Beam Bottom Shelf Brands

12. Old Crow

At the bottom of our Jim Bean ranking is Old Crow.

Old Crow is a low-priced brand of Kentucky-made straight bourbon whiskey distilled by Beam Suntory. The current Old Crow product uses the same mash bill and yeast as Jim Beam, but is aged for a shorter period of time. Think of it basically as non-aged Jim Beam. We honestly wouldn’t really recommend Old Crow for anything. It’s gnarly and old-school, and doesn’t contain any kind of depth. But is also reasonably priced, with a suggested retail price of $10.

One to try: Don’t. But if you do, there’s one option: Old Crow. This is the only expression of Old Crow available. People that like it say that it is a simple and sweet bourbon that has notes of honey, candy corn, vanilla, and pepper, with a smooth and mellow finish.

11. Old Tub

Old Tub is a historic Jim Beam brand that dates back to the late 1800s, when customers would fill their jugs from a tub of whiskey at the distillery. It is a bottled in bond, non-filtered bourbon that is aged for at least 4 years in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at 100 proof. Old Tub is also one of the most affordable Jim Beam bourbon brands, with a suggested retail price of $23.

One to try: Just like with Old Crow, there’s only one option here: Old Tub. This is the only expression of Old Tub available, and it is a remarkable bourbon that has notes of oak, corn, vanilla, spice, and smoke, with a long and warm finish.

10. Jim Beam

Jim Beam is the flagship brand of Beam Suntory, and the world’s best-selling bourbon whiskey. It is a Kentucky straight bourbon that is aged for at least 4 years in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at 80 proof. It is a smooth, sweet, and versatile bourbon that has a classic flavor profile of vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice. Jim Beam is a great bourbon for everyday occasions, and it can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. It is also reasonably priced, with a suggested retail price of $17.92.

One to try: Jim Beam Single Barrel. This is a premium expression of Jim Beam, bottled from a single barrel selected by the master distiller. It is bottled at 95 proof, and it has notes of toffee, oak, vanilla, and pepper, with a smooth and rich finish.

9. Old Overholt

This bourbon’s spot at number 9 in our Jim Bream ranking might rub some as controversial

Old Overholt is the oldest enduring American rye whiskey in the United States, established in 1810 by Abraham Overholt, a pioneer in the field of whiskey making. It is a straight rye whiskey that is aged for at least 4 years in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at 86 proof. When you pour a dram, you’ll discover a full-bodied, balanced, and very flavorful rye whiskey that has a complex, layered, and balanced flavor that showcases the best of both worlds. It is also moderately priced, with a suggested retail price of $19.

One to try: Old Overholt Bottled in Bond. This is a higher proof version of Old Overholt, bottled at 100 proof. It has notes of brown sugar, honey, malt, spice, and oak, with a long and spicy finish.

8. Old Grand-Dad

Old Grand-Dad is a high-rye bourbon that is part of the small batch collection that Booker Noe created in the 1990s. It is named after Basil Hayden Sr., a pioneer and distiller who was one of the first to use a high-rye mash bill in Kentucky. Old Grand-Dad is a light-bodied and smooth bourbon that is aged for 8 years in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at 80 proof. It is a mild, sweet, and easy-drinking bourbon that has a spicy and peppery kick from the rye. Old Grand-Dad is a great bourbon for beginners or for those who prefer a lighter style. It is also reasonably priced, with a suggested retail price of $19.99.

One to try: Old Grand-Dad 114. This is a higher proof version of Old Grand-Dad, bottled at 114 proof. It has notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper, with a smooth and mellow finish. It’s delicious, and puts many of the more premium bourbons to shame.

Jim Beam Mid Tier Brands

7. Legent

Legent is a unique and innovative product that combines American and Japanese whiskey traditions. It is a collaboration between Fred Noe, the seventh-generation master distiller of Jim Beam, and Shinji Fukuyo, the chief blender of Suntory, the Japanese whiskey giant. Legent is a blend of Kentucky straight bourbon that is aged for at least 4 years in new charred oak barrels, and then finished in wine and sherry casks. It is bottled at 94 proof, and it has a complex, layered, and balanced flavor that showcases the best of both worlds. This bottle tastes, looks, and sips different than most other standard Kentucky bourbons. It’s worth a try. It is also moderately priced, with a suggested retail price of $34.99.

One to try: The namesake Legent bottle is a remarkable blend of bourbon, wine, and sherry flavors. It has notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, cherry, plum, raisin, and spice, with a smooth and long finish. The other variety, Legent Yamazaki, generates rave reviews, and is aged in barrels from a fantastic Japanese whiskey brand. Get your hands on this if you can find a bottle.

6. Knob Creek

Know Creek is smack-dab in the middle of our ranking of Jim Beam Bourbon brands.

Knob Creek’s flagship bottle is a high-rye bourbon that is aged for 9 years in heavily charred oak barrels, giving it a rich, robust, and spicy flavor. It is bottled at 100 proof, which is the traditional proof of pre-Prohibition bourbon. Knob Creek is a versatile and balanced bourbon that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. It comes with a suggested retail price of $34.99.

One to try: Knob Creek 12 Year. This is a limited edition release that celebrates the 25th anniversary of Knob Creek. It is aged for 12 years, which is 3 years longer than the standard Knob Creek, and bottled at 100 proof. It has notes of caramel, brown sugar, oak, nutmeg, and pepper, with a smooth and satisfying finish.

5. Basil Hayden’s

This bourbon is named after Basil Hayden Sr., a pioneer and distiller who was one of the first to use a high-rye mash bill in Kentucky. Basil Hayden’s is a light-bodied and smooth bourbon that is aged for 8 years in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at 80 proof. It is a mild, sweet, and easy-drinking bourbon that has a spicy and peppery kick from the rye. Basil Hayden’s is a great bourbon for beginners or for those who prefer a lighter style. It is also reasonably priced, with a suggested retail price of $39.99.

One to try: Basil Hayden’s 10 Year. This is a limited edition release that is aged for 10 years, which is 2 years longer than the standard Basil Hayden’s, and bottled at 80 proof. It has notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper, with a smooth and mellow finish.

4. Clermont Steep

Clermont Steep is a blend of Kentucky straight malt whiskey that is aged for at least 5 years in new charred oak barrels, and then finished in wine and sherry casks. It is bottled at 94 proof, and it has a complex, layered, and balanced flavor that showcases the best of both worlds. Clermont Steep is a modern and sophisticated whiskey that is perfect for whiskey enthusiasts who want to try something different. It is priced at a suggested retail price of $60.

One to try: This is the only expression of Clermont Steep available, and it is a remarkable blend of malt, wine, and sherry flavors. It has notes of toffee, vanilla, oak, honey, orange, and spice, with a smooth and long finish.

Jim Beam Premium Brands

3. Baker’s

Baker’s is part of Jim Beam’s small batch collection. It is named after Baker Beam, the grandnephew of Jim Beam and a former distillery manager. Baker’s is a single barrel bourbon that is aged for at least 7 years in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at 107 proof. It is a smooth, rich, and flavorful bourbon that has a distinctive yeast strain that gives it a fruity and floral character. Baker’s is a premium and elegant bourbon that is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water. It is slightly more expensive than Knob Creek, with a suggested retail price of $59.99.

One to try: Baker’s 13 Year. Baker’s 13 is a special edition release that is aged for 13 years, which is almost twice as long as the standard Baker’s, and bottled at 107 proof. It has notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, honey, orange, and spice, with a long and complex finish.

2. Hardin’s Creek

Hardin’s Creek is a series of limited releases featuring some of the rarest and most unique whiskeys from Beam Suntory. It is grounded in 227 years of rich experience and distilling expertise.

Hardin’ Creek launched in 2022 with its inaugural expressions, Jacob’s Well and Colonel James B. Beam. They followed these by releasing The Kentucky Series in 2023.

The Kentucky Series consists of three expressions of 17-year-old bourbon, aged at one of three Beam Suntory campuses in Kentucky: Clermont, Frankfort, and Boston. All three liquids were laid down with the same mash bill at the same time seventeen years ago but aged at different campus locations. The price varies for Hardin’s Creek, and it’s a difficult bourbon to buy, but you will usually see it retail for around $150.

One to try: Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series: Clermont. This is the first release of The Kentucky Series, and it is aged at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, in Warehouse E, which is located at the center of the campus. It is bottled at 110 proof, and it has notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, cherry, plum, raisin, and spice, with a smooth and long finish.

1. Booker’s

Justifiably so, Booker’s has earned the top-spot in our ranking of Jim Beam bourbons.

Booker’s is an uncut, unfiltered, barrel-strength bourbon that is hand-selected by the master distiller from the center-cut of the warehouse. It is named after Booker Noe, the grandson of Jim Beam and the sixth-generation master distiller, who created this bourbon as his personal stash. Booker’s is a bold, complex, and full-bodied bourbon that showcases the true character of the whiskey. It is not for the faint of heart, as it can range from 120 to 130 proof, depending on the batch. Booker’s commands a premium price and is often allocated, with a suggested retail price of $89.99 (if you’re lucky enough to find it).

One to try: Booker’s 2021-01 “Donohoe’s Batch”. This is the first release of 2021, and it pays tribute to Mike Donohoe, a longtime friend and colleague of Booker Noe, who helped shape the Booker’s brand. It is aged for 6 years and 11 months, and bottled at 127.3 proof. It has notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, spice, and smoke, with a long and warm finish.

Do you agree with our Jim Beam ranking? Comment below or reach out to us on social media!