Whiskey Review: Booker’s “Ronnie’s Batch” Batch 2022-1

Booker’s “Ronnie’s Batch” Batch 2022-1 landed on my desk at 62.15% ABV, carrying a $89.99 but currently available closer to $190 price tag. With 6 years of age behind it, Here is what I found.

Nose

As expected from an “uncut and unfiltered” barrel proof bourbon, the color is on the darker side, like a hazelnut blended with tawny, aged gold. For a high proof bourbon, this is notably mellow in the sense that the ethanol doesn’t flick you in the nose. I enjoyed warm caramel barely cooled from the stovetop, leather, and a most subtle waft of something close to allspice.

Palate

One aspect of a quality high proof bourbon is that you can make it work for your mood. Want an intense and complex sipper? Great! Pour yourself a dram and enjoy it neat. Want something a notch down the proof scale? No problem! Drop a little water in your Glencairn and give the spirit a minute to mellow out a tad and open up.rnrnWant to share a glass with a novice, or you’re in the mood to chill? Absolutely! Drop an ice cube in the old tumbler and kick up your feet. As the review and score reflect, you can’t really lose with Ronnie’s Batch.

Finish

Don’t be put off by the high proof, at least not with this bourbon. The warmth from the ethanol is more on the “Oh, yes please…” end of the spectrum as opposed to the “My taste buds have left the building.” The latter we’ve all experienced from, shall we say, less ideal barrel proof products. Here I experienced caramel, a delicate background hint of rye, an overall vanilla sweetness and lingering warmth that called me back for more. Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

The Bottom Line

Booker’s “Ronnie’s Batch” Batch 2022-1 is outstanding — one of those bottles that reminds you why you fell in love with whiskey in the first place. If you see it at $89.99 but currently available closer to $190, do not hesitate. This one earns a permanent spot on the shelf.