Booker’s “Blue Knights” Bourbon Review

By April Manning

Rating: B-

Booker’s Blue Knights
(Credit: April Manning)

Booker’s Bourbon has released the second creation for 2017, and this particular installment honors a group that named legendary Beam Master Distiller Booker Noe an honorary member: the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club. This MC is a group of active and retired law enforcement officers that enjoy taking to the open road.

Their bond began when Noe was asked to attend a Blue Knight’s rally. There was an instant connection, and the next day Noe reciprocated in kind by having 300 officers over to his place for a BBQ. This evolved into an annual event enjoyed by many because, according to Fred Noe, his father was “larger-than-life and always making new friends.”

Booker’s Blue Knights Batch Bourbon has a mash-bill of 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. Booker’s created this concoction by selecting barrels from four different production runs. It was then additionally aged a little over 6 years in four different warehouse locations.

38% – 7th floor of 9-story warehouse D

33% – 7th floor of 9-story warehouse F

27% – 7th floor of 9-story warehouse J

2% – 4th floor of 7-story warehouse ONE

The barrels chosen for harvesting merge together to give a nicely balanced bourbon bottled at 127.4 proof (63.7% ABV).

The Bourbon
The first visual aspect noticed is the way Booker’s Blue Knights Batch Bourbon hangs on the sides of glass with a beautiful viscosity. The eye can then appreciate the fluid slowly sliding down into a gathering of deep, murky copper. The nose comes across light and buttery with notes of wood intermingling.

This bourbon is an adventure for your tongue to experience. The flavor is complex, plentiful and continues to expand throughout the palate. As it hits the tip of the tongue citrus flavors can be denounced before the peppery spice quickly whisks it away. The finish lingers with a pleasant sweetness of brown sugar.

This a nicely balanced bourbon that plays out smoother then would be expected from 127.4 proof. Adding a touch of water opens it up even more and makes for a satisfying sipping spirit.

The Price
As of this year, the official price for Booker’s is $70-75.