Booker’s 2021-02 (Tagalong Batch) Vs. 2021-03 (Bardstown Batch)

Here’s another one of my nerdy batch-comparison posts… I hope this helps someone with purchase decisions!

For those who don’t know, Booker’s releases 3-4 batches each year that are blended from barrels in different parts of the rickhouses.

2021-02 was one of my favorite Booker’s releases ever, let’s see how the newest batch compares!

🥃2021-02) $85. Aged 6.5yrs, from Beam. 127.9 proof.
-The Nose has a hint of that familiar Beam salted peanut, but less here than usual. I get more cinnamon, and a bright green apple citrus note that I’ve never gotten from Booker’s before!
-The Palate is full-flavored and oily. Initially sweet maple syrup, then moves into caramel coated green-apple, citrus, lots of cinnamon, and clove, oh, and of course a hint of that Beam peanut.
-The Finish is long and pleasant, with more cinnamon and clove spice, sweet vanilla, oak, and as you exhale some big chocolate covered dark-cherry notes!
⭐️Overall this is a very enjoyable, super-flavorful pour with more fruit brightness, cinnamon, and less peanut than usual.

🥃2021-03) $89. Aged 6.5yrs, 125.5 proof.
-The Nose starts with apple cornbread, and then some of that peanut brittle, cinnamon, vanilla, and oak.
-The Palate is full-flavored and oily. Starts with vanilla-icing and cinnamon, and then some oak, hints of banana, red apple, and peanut.
-The Finish is long, with cinnamon becoming black pepper, oak, dark chocolate, and a long-lasting Kentucky Hug.
⭐️Overall this is another great Booker’s release, and also has more cinnamon and muted peanut compared to most batches.

🏆VERDICT) Both of these batches a very good, and both are really opened up with about 0.5mL of water. 2021-02 Tagalong Batch does have the edge today though. Those bright green apple and cinnamon notes really make it hit my palate just right!

If you see both and only want to get one, make it Tagalong Batch!

Any other Booker’s fans out there?