{"id":11546,"date":"2023-11-13T20:01:24","date_gmt":"2023-11-13T19:01:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/?p=11546"},"modified":"2023-11-13T20:01:24","modified_gmt":"2023-11-13T19:01:24","slug":"bookers-bourbon-2018-kentucky-chew-review-a-friendly-tasting-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/bookers-bourbon-2018-kentucky-chew-review-a-friendly-tasting-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"Booker&#8217;s Bourbon 2018 Kentucky Chew Review: A Friendly Tasting Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As a bourbon enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of tasting Booker&#8217;s Bourbon Batch 2018-03 &#8220;Kentucky Chew.&#8221; This unique bourbon comes from the Jim Beam distillery and is part of the distinguished Booker&#8217;s Bourbon series. With an intriguing name like &#8220;Kentucky Chew,&#8221; I was eager to explore the tasting notes, mash bill, and overall experience of this particular batch.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-11548 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bookers-Bourbon-2018-Kentucky-Chew.jpg\" alt=\"Booker's Bourbon 2018 Kentucky Chew\" width=\"765\" height=\"358\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bookers-Bourbon-2018-Kentucky-Chew.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bookers-Bourbon-2018-Kentucky-Chew-300x140.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bookers-Bourbon-2018-Kentucky-Chew-735x344.jpg 735w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bookers-Bourbon-2018-Kentucky-Chew-768x360.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bookers-Bourbon-2018-Kentucky-Chew-1536x719.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bookers-Bourbon-2018-Kentucky-Chew-150x70.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bookers-Bourbon-2018-Kentucky-Chew-350x164.jpg 350w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bookers-Bourbon-2018-Kentucky-Chew-1100x515.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bookers-Bourbon-2018-Kentucky-Chew-485x227.jpg 485w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bookers-Bourbon-2018-Kentucky-Chew-655x307.jpg 655w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bookers-Bourbon-2018-Kentucky-Chew-1920x899.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 765px) 100vw, 765px\" \/>photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bookersbourbon.com\/batches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.bookersbourbon.com<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_67_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/bookers-bourbon-2018-kentucky-chew-review-a-friendly-tasting-experience\/#Bookers_Bourbon_2018_Kentucky_Chew_Overview\" title=\"Booker&#8217;s Bourbon 2018 Kentucky Chew Overview\">Booker&#8217;s Bourbon 2018 Kentucky Chew Overview<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/bookers-bourbon-2018-kentucky-chew-review-a-friendly-tasting-experience\/#Tasting_Notes\" title=\"Tasting Notes\">Tasting Notes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/bookers-bourbon-2018-kentucky-chew-review-a-friendly-tasting-experience\/#Mixing_and_Pairing\" title=\"Mixing and Pairing\">Mixing and Pairing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/bookers-bourbon-2018-kentucky-chew-review-a-friendly-tasting-experience\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/bookers-bourbon-2018-kentucky-chew-review-a-friendly-tasting-experience\/#Related_Posts\" title=\"Related Posts\">Related Posts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bookers_Bourbon_2018_Kentucky_Chew_Overview\"><\/span><strong>Booker&#8217;s Bourbon 2018 Kentucky Chew Overview<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Product History<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The name &#8220;Kentucky Chew&#8221; refers to the way Booker Noe, the creator of Booker&#8217;s Bourbon, would taste his whiskey. He would take a sip, work it around in his mouth, and smack his lips a few times, as if he were chewing on the liquid. Today, Booker&#8217;s son, Fred Noe, who is the current Beam Master Distiller, carries on this tasting tradition as he selects batches for release.<\/p>\n<p>Booker&#8217;s 2018 Kentucky Chew is a splendid part of the renowned Jim Beam distillery&#8217;s lineup. It features some classic bourbon flavors, such as oak, vanilla, and caramel. With sweet notes of raisins and hints of orange marmalade, it also delivers a robust heat that lingers throughout the finish.<\/p>\n<p>One interesting fact about this bourbon is its high proof\u201463.35% ABV. It&#8217;s aged for 6 years, 4 months, and 12 days, giving it a distinct character that bourbon lovers can appreciate.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Price Range<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Now, let&#8217;s talk about the price of this fantastic bourbon. Booker&#8217;s Bourbon 2018 Kentucky Chew can be found retailing at a price range of around $69.99 to $74.99 for a 750 mL bottle. Keep in mind that this may vary based on location and availability.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tasting_Notes\"><\/span><strong>Tasting Notes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Aroma<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>When I first nosed the Booker&#8217;s Bourbon 2018 Kentucky Chew, I was greeted by a delightful blend of classic bourbon scents, namely oak, vanilla, and caramel. I also detected ethanol, giving the aroma a robust presence. The more I smelled it, the more I noticed additional layers like aromatic spices, fruit, and roasted nuts, hinting at its complex flavor profile.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Flavor<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Taking my first sip, a wave of flavors washed over my palate. The sweetness of raisins and syrup combined with the cozy warmth of vanilla, while hints of orange marmalade and dark fruit, like figs, complemented the overall taste. Throughout the experience, there was no denying the prominent heat from the 63.35% ABV, but it only seemed to enhance the boldness of this bourbon.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Finish<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>As I continued to savor the Booker&#8217;s Bourbon 2018 Kentucky Chew, the finish gifted me with more nuanced flavors like toffee, barrel char, and rustic leather, accompanied by a pleasant warmth. I also tasted baking spices and cloves, which seamlessly melded with the initial flavors experienced on my palate. The finish was lengthy and satisfying, leaving me with a lasting reminder of the complex, well-balanced nature of this bourbon.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Rating<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>In my opinion, the Booker&#8217;s Bourbon 2018 Kentucky Chew deserves a high rating of 8 out of 10, as it delivers a tasting experience that hits all the right notes. The cask strength and uncut nature of this whiskey contribute to its full-bodied mouthfeel and impressive depth. Its combination of sweetness, heat, and nuanced flavors make for an enjoyable and memorable bourbon that I would happily recommend to others.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mixing_and_Pairing\"><\/span><strong>Mixing and Pairing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Best Mixers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>When it comes to mixing Booker&#8217;s Bourbon 2018 Kentucky Chew, I highly recommend a few key mixers that complement its already rich and complex flavors. I personally enjoy adding a few drops of water or a single ice cube to open up the flavors and bring out the caramel, toffee, and roasted nuts notes. Additionally, the bourbon pairs well with fruit juices, particularly apple or some citrus options, as they balance out its spicy and bold character.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Cocktail Suggestions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11549 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bourbon-Old-Fashioned.webp\" alt=\"Bourbon Old Fashioned\" width=\"392\" height=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bourbon-Old-Fashioned.webp 392w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bourbon-Old-Fashioned-168x300.webp 168w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bourbon-Old-Fashioned-150x268.webp 150w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bourbon-Old-Fashioned-350x625.webp 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 392px) 100vw, 392px\" \/>photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pixexid.com\/image\/pouring-bourbon-into-a-mint-julep-creating-a-dynamic-swirl-in-the-ice-filled-cu-pv386qra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pixexid.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>With cocktail options, I find it essential to use recipes that have complementary profiles to the bourbon. Here are my top three choices:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Bourbon Old Fashioned<\/strong>: A classic choice that lets the bourbon shine. Muddle a sugar cube, a few dashes of bitters, and a splash of water in a glass. Add ice and 2 oz of Booker&#8217;s 2018 Kentucky Chew, and stir gently. Garnish with an orange twist or a cherry.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kentucky Mule<\/strong>: A refreshing option with a zesty kick. Pour 2 oz of Booker&#8217;s Bourbon and the juice of half a lime into a copper mug or glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Boulevardier<\/strong>: A sophisticated and bold variation on the classic Negroni. In a mixing glass, combine 1.5 oz of Booker&#8217;s 2018 Kentucky Chew, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 1 oz Campari. Fill with ice and stir until well-chilled, then strain into a glass with a single large ice cube. Garnish with a lemon or orange twist.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><strong>Food Pairings<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-11550 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Apple-tart.webp\" alt=\"Apple tart\" width=\"744\" height=\"558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Apple-tart.webp 1300w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Apple-tart-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Apple-tart-735x551.webp 735w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Apple-tart-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Apple-tart-150x113.webp 150w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Apple-tart-350x263.webp 350w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Apple-tart-1100x825.webp 1100w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Apple-tart-485x364.webp 485w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Apple-tart-655x491.webp 655w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" \/>photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rawpixel.com\/image\/6072214\/free-public-domain-cc0-photo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.rawpixel.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>For food pairings with the 2018 Kentucky Chew, I recommend dishes that complement the bourbon&#8217;s flavors and intensity. Here are a few options that I&#8217;ve found to be quite enjoyable:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Appetizers<\/strong>: Caramelized onion and apple tarts, or a platter of assorted cheeses and roasted nuts, work great.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Main Course<\/strong>: Spicy dishes, like barbecue-glazed pork ribs or blackened chicken, pair nicely, as they hold their own against the bourbon&#8217;s spiciness. For a vegetarian option, you can try a rich and flavorful mushroom risotto.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Desserts<\/strong>: Dessert-wise, I find that the caramel and toffee flavors in the bourbon go well with pecan pie, apple crumble, or chocolate-based treats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>I have to say, tasting Booker&#8217;s Bourbon 2018 Kentucky Chew was quite an experience. As a whiskey writer, I&#8217;ve had my share of various bourbons, but this one truly stands out. The balance of flavors in this bourbon is commendable, and its nuanced flavors make it a must-try for any bourbon enthusiast.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Posts\"><\/span><strong>Related Posts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Here are some articles you might find interesting:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/weekly-review-sampling-exile-casks-first-release-trojan\/\">Weekly Review: Sampling Exile Casks&#8217; first release The Trojan<\/a>: In this post, you&#8217;ll find a review about Exile Casks&#8217; first release of The Trojan, a product of London-based Caskstrength Creative.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/4623\/\">Weekly Review: Wemyss Malts&#8217; Spring Single Cask Releases<\/a>: This weekly review showcases Wemyss Malts&#8217; spring lineup of six new single cask whiskies, ranging in age from 18 to 35 years old.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/weekly-review-borders-single-grain-rb-distillers\/\">Weekly Review: Borders Single Grain &#8211; R&amp;B Distillers<\/a>: Teaming up with Craft Whisky Club, this article shares a series of reviews and interviews about R&amp;B Distillers&#8217; Borders Single Grain whisky.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/weekly-review-glencadam-25-and-glencadam-origin-1825\/\">Weekly Review: Glencadam 25 and Glencadam Origin 1825<\/a>: Explore the history and distinctive features of Glencadam whisky distillery with their Glencadam 25 and Glencadam Origin 1825 releases.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/weekly-review-box-second-step-edition-01-sweden\/\">Weekly Review: Box The 2nd Step Collection Edition 01 (Sweden)<\/a>: Discover the expanding world of Scandinavian, particularly Swedish, whisky production through the review of Box The 2nd Step Collection Edition 01.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a bourbon enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of tasting Booker&#8217;s Bourbon Batch 2018-03 &#8220;Kentucky Chew.&#8221; This unique bourbon comes from the Jim Beam distillery and is part of the distinguished Booker&#8217;s Bourbon series. With an intriguing name like &#8220;Kentucky Chew,&#8221; I was eager to explore the tasting notes, mash bill, and overall experience of this particular batch. photo credit: www.bookersbourbon.com Booker&#8217;s Bourbon 2018 &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":11547,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[230],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11546"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11546"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11546\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11552,"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11546\/revisions\/11552"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11547"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11546"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11546"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11546"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}