Bookers Bourbon (2024 Springfield Batch)
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Overall Value: 3.5/5
Distillery: Jim Beam
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Beam Suntory
Release Date: January 2024
Proof: 124.5
Age: 7 Years, 7 months, 8 days
Blend: 17% 5th floor warehouse G, 7% 4th floor warehouse H, 31% 5th floor warehouse Z, 45% 4th floor warehouse 3.
Color: Hazelnut
MSRP: $90
The Barrel Bros’ Review
Today we’re diving into Booker's small batch bourbon (Springfield Blend) — the January 2024 release in their small batch bourbon collection®. The nose opens with classic oak notes accompanied by subtle hints of black licorice and sweet peanuts, reminiscent of a PayDay candy bar. Additional aromas of red fruit and raw sugar add some nice depth and complexity.
Moving on to the taste — Smooth despite its 124.5 proof, delivering prominent peanut flavors akin to peanut brittle and caramel toffee, balanced by sweet red fruit notes reminiscent of strawberry Laffy-Taffy. While lacking in overt woodiness (which we prefer), it offers a well-balanced sweetness with a dry, thin mouthfeel.
The finish is characterized by a lingering nuttiness reminiscent of peanut butter, coating the palate and building on the flavors of the initial taste. The high-proof bourbon experience is exemplified here, though the pronounced peanut flavor may not appeal to all drinkers.
The Booker's Springfield Blend presents a solid offering with a well-crafted flavor profile and top-notch packaging. While its MSRP of $90 may deter some, its balanced sweetness and intriguing flavor make it a worthwhile consideration, especially for fans of nutty profiles. Additionally, the novelty of a "Springfield" Blend adds an extra layer of appeal, particularly for residents of Springfield’s around the nation.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 8/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
I was immediately hit with peanuts, but it's sweet, not dry. It reminded me of opening a PayDay candy bar.
I also got notes of red fruit, but something on the darker side, like grape or plum. There is a raw sugar-like sweetness as well that made me think of Pixie Stixs.
THE TASTE:
Once again I really get the peanut flavor, reminiscent of the PayDay candy bar. Including the caramel toffee part! I was also happy that the red fruit notes from the nose were present, similar to strawberry Laffy-Taffy.
I didn’t get much woodiness or oak with my tasting if that is something you’re looking for. It has a very even and balanced sweetness. The mouthfeel is actually kind of dry and thin, but the amount of flavor far surpasses that minor gripe. Proof does not hit hard at all, this is very easy to drink.
THE FINISH:
The finish really brings that peanut nuttiness home — almost to peanut butter levels.
The finish is what you want in a high-proof bourbon, it coats the mouth, lingers for a good duration, and continues to build on the flavors of the palate.
However, the peanutty flavor might not be for everyone.
BUY OR PASS?
The best synopsis I can provide is peanut dessert! I don't typically like a nutty profile, but I really liked this. I think the overall sweetness balances that flavor really well. There are some additional red fruit notes to be found here as well, but for the most part this is a pretty straightforward bourbon.
Booker’s is usually a tough sell for me at its retail price point, but this pour may have me renegotiating that thought. Also, the fun of having a “Springfield” Blend as someone who lives in Springfield, MO is pretty tempting!
The Hunter Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
From the start, you're hit with that classic oak scent, but it's not overwhelming.
There's a subtle hint of black licorice that sneaks in and of course, you get the standard Jim Beam peanut, but for me, it comes through as peanut brittle.
THE TASTE:
It's surprisingly smooth for something packing a punch at 124.5 proof.
You can tell it's got that Jim Beam profile and I definitely wish for more flavor, but it’s just “good.” That’s all I can say — there isn’t anything specific that I can describe to tell why it’s good.
THE FINISH:
It's decent, but I was hoping for more — especially with how much of a following this offering has.
You've got those deeper flavors like leather, char, and of course, more oak.
A dash of caramel tries to sneak in at the end, but it leaves you wanting more.
BUY OR PASS?
Booker's Springfield Blend is solid. The packaging is top-notch, and if you're a die-hard Jim Beam fan, it's right up your alley.
But for the price tag north of 90 bucks, I was expecting a bit more complexity. It's like a good book with a satisfying ending, but you were hoping for a plot twist or two along the way.
