Booker’s 2016-01 “Bluegrass Batch,”

If Picasso sketched bourbon it would look like Booker’s with deep golden and auburn hues. But higher-proof color can deceive. Not here. Think bourbon warehouse: oak caramel tobacco leaf cinnamon vanilla; floral with hints of honey and blueberry. And then it really comes alive. Oh baby! Candy corn crème brûlée maple syrup nutmeg and traces of chipotle and cayenne. The proof strength doesn’t show. I recommend this batch neat for full unrelenting flavor.