The sixth (and presumably final) round in Booker’s 2015 limited edition series of small batch bourbon releases is this, “Noe Secret” (get it?!?!), which is a bourbon aged 6 years, 8 months, and 7 days.

For kicks (and a bit more introduction), compare to batch 2015-04, which we reviewed in September.

Like parachuting into a lumberyard, sawdust explodes around you as this whiskey is poured into the glass. After the initial wood notes fade, the nose evolves with notes of scorched caramel, some menthol, and cloves. The body is just as heavy on wood influence as you expect it will be after that lead-up, with barrel char driving the initial character of the palate. Over time, some caramel and vanilla sweetness emerge, touches of butterscotch, and mixed baking spices — but the massively drying, ash-laden finish wipes a lot of that away, leaving behind a thick layering of tannin and some somewhat bitter/herbal notes.

Fans of more rustically-styled bourbons will undoubtedly find this more to their liking than I did.

128.1 proof.

B / $60 / bookersbourbon.com

Booker’s Bourbon “Noe Secret” 2015-06

$60

8

Rating

8.0/10

Related Stories:

Review: High West Bourye (2015) and American Prairie (2015) Review: Booker’s Bourbon “Bardstown Batch” 2021-03 and “Noe Strangers Batch” 2021-04 Review: Blood Oath Bourbon Whiskey Pact No. 1 2015 Review: Col. E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon