Savor two very special Barrel Select Bourbons. First highly anticipated release, the Elijah Craig Batch B523 Small Batch Barrel Proof Bourbon is a knock-your-socks-off sipper with layers of barrel richness, vicious palatability, and a finish that leaves you only wanting more. Batch B523 was released in May 2023 and bottled at a beautifully bold 62.1% ABV (124.2-proof).

Containing uncut bourbon matured for 11 years and 5 months this superior small-batch selection shimmers in a deep bronze - an eye-catching promise to the quality within. Made from a mash bill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye - Elijah Craig Batch B523 Small Batch opens with a nose of sweet caramel, apples, vanilla, cream, and oak. The palate explores hints of butterscotch, raisins, cinnamon, and cracked black pepper. A sublimely crafted release fit for the finest collections, this is one barrel-proof bourbon bombshell you won't want to miss out on!

On to BOOKERs 2023-01... On the nose, Charlie's Batch immediately stands out for just how "dark" it reads, with huge waves of deeply caramelized sugars, charred oak and roasted nuts, a roasted, glazed, buttery pecan type of impression, with lots of brown sugar, almond extract and some herbal rye as well. There's a slightly funky, older oak aspect to the wood profile, while the ethanol stands out for just how gentle and muted it is for this proof point. It makes for a very easy glass to nose deeply.

On the palate, Charlie's Batch features that same deep, dark caramel, along with both vanilla and chocolate ribboned together, chased by savory herbal notes of rye, but also tobacco and a little leather. I'm also getting some black cherry and jammy fruitiness, and a cinnamon brown sugar explosion, supported by modest oak tannin keeping things from getting too sweet. The ethanol is notably mild here as well, disappearing into the flavor profile and making this one drink far lighter than its actual strength, despite the huge, assertive flavors. A couple drops of water might change the whole profile. Give it a try!