Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2018-04 “Kitchen Table”

Booker’s Kitchen Table Bourbon Batch 2018-04“: A Celebration of Tradition and Craft

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we believe the most meaningful bourbons are those that capture the essence of shared experience and cherished traditions. While many releases celebrate grand occasions or historic figures, the most resonant often honor the simple, profound moments of daily life. Booker’s “Kitchen Table” 2018-04 is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that embodies this beautiful truth. As the final release of 2018, this small batch bourbon is more than just a spirit—it is a rare bourbon that bottles the warmth, conversation, and authenticity of life’s most important gathering place. For the collector who values heritage and heart, this batch represents one of the most personal and evocative chapters in the Booker’s story.

This definitive guide will explore the intimate narrative, the welcoming tasting profile, and the enduring legacy of Booker’s Kitchen Table—a release that answers the question “Is Booker’s a good bourbon?” by reminding us that the best whiskey is often shared where we feel most at home.

The Uncompromising Foundation: The Booker’s Standard

To fully appreciate the soul of Booker’s Kitchen Table, one must first understand the foundational principles that give every Booker’s release its powerful character. Booker’s Bourbon was the life’s work of the legendary Booker Noe, who championed the radical idea that straight bourbon whiskey should be enjoyed exactly as it was in the barrel. This core philosophy is why every expression in the Booker’s bourbons lineup is bottled uncut and unfiltered.

This commitment means you receive the bourbon at its full, cask-strength proof. No water is added to dilute its character, and no chill-filtration strips away the rich, mouth-coating texture that carries the spirit’s deepest stories. You are experiencing an American Kentucky whiskey in its most potent and authentic form. This unwavering standard is what makes Booker’s whiskey a benchmark for quality and separates it from the vast majority of other bourbon whiskey brands.

The Story Behind Booker’s Kitchen Table Batch

The name Booker’s Kitchen Table is perhaps the most universally relatable in the entire Booker’s catalog. It pays homage to the simple, worn kitchen table in Booker Noe’s home—the unassuming center of family life, conversation, and hospitality. This was where business was discussed, stories were shared, problems were solved, and, of course, where glasses were filled with uncut bourbon among friends and family.

Naming a batch after this humble domestic altar is a masterstroke from Master Distiller Fred Noe. It reminds us that the legacy of Booker’s small batch bourbon wasn’t forged in boardrooms or at fancy events, but around a simple table where honest opinions were voiced and genuine connections were made. When you pour a glass of this rare bourbon, you’re not just tasting a whiskey; you’re participating in the tradition of open-hearted hospitality that defined Booker’s world.

Booker’s Kitchen Table: A Deep Dive into Specifications

As a small batch bourbon that carries the weight of such an intimate name, the specifications for Kitchen Table suggest a profile built on approachable complexity.

• Batch: 2018-04 “Kitchen Table”

• Proof: 124.6 Proof (62.3% ABV)

• Age: 6 years, 5 months, and 15 days

This age statement delivers a vibrant and expressive profile. The six-plus years in barrel provide a solid structural foundation while allowing the bright, characteristic flavors of the Beam distillate to shine through with clarity. The proof is robust yet notably approachable for a Booker’s release, suggesting a batch designed for extended conversation rather than a fleeting, fiery experience. It is a specification sheet that promises a bourbon that is both substantial and welcoming—much like a well-worn kitchen table itself.

Booker’s Kitchen Table Review: Tasting Like Home

Booker’s Bourbon Kitchen Table has received rave reviews from both whiskey enthusiasts and critics alike. What stands out most about this release is its perfect balance of heat, flavor, and complexity, making it a favorite among those who appreciate high-proof bourbons that don’t sacrifice flavor for strength.

For those who enjoy small-batch bourbon and are curious if Booker’s Kitchen Table lives up to its reputation, rest assured that it does. This bourbon has earned its place among the best Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys, offering a robust drinking experience that appeals to those who enjoy a high-proof bourbon with bold, well-rounded flavors.

Whether you’re looking for a special bottle to add to your collection or simply want a whiskey to savor on a special occasion, Booker’s Bourbon Kitchen Table won’t disappoint. It’s one of the standout releases in the Booker’s Bourbon series and a must-try for fans of straight bourbon whiskey.

The Nose: A Welcoming and Familiar Bouquet
The aroma is an immediate and inviting classic Booker’s experience. It opens with a warm, comforting scent of vanilla bean, rich caramel, and seasoned oak—the foundational notes that feel like a homecoming. As it breathes, layers of roasted peanuts, honey, and a distinctive blend of baking spices—cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg—emerge, evocative of a busy, welcoming kitchen. There’s an underlying sweetness of brown sugar and a hint of graham cracker that adds to the comforting, almost nostalgic quality of the nose. The high proof is present but remarkably integrated, offering warmth without intimidation.

The Palate: A Substantial Yet Approachable Profile
The mouthfeel is characteristically thick and coating, a true signature of Booker’s uncut and unfiltered bourbon. This texture makes the whiskey feel substantial and satisfying. The flavor profile is a masterful balance of power and approachability. The initial sip delivers waves of creamy vanilla, buttery toffee, and the signature Beam peanut brittle character in its most welcoming form.

This sweet and nutty core is seamlessly met with a supportive structure of oak tannins and dark chocolate. A building, peppery spice provides a satisfying warmth that complements, rather than overpowers, the experience. It’s a bourbon whiskey that is both complex and incredibly easy to enjoy—there are no challenging edges, just a well-rounded, robust flavor that encourages another sip. The balance is impeccable, making it a batch that appeals to both seasoned enthusiasts and those newer to high-proof bourbons.

The Finish: A Long and Satisfying Conversation
The finish is the hallmark of a well-made Booker’s batch, and Kitchen Table delivers with generous warmth. It is long, warm, and profoundly satisfying. The high proof ensures the flavors of oak, dark caramel, and baking spices linger on the palate for a remarkably long time. It concludes with a clean, dry, and slightly sweet fade, leaving behind a memory of oak tannin and a touch of honeyed nuts. This is a finish that doesn’t demand attention but pleasantly remains, much like the lingering feeling of a good conversation around the table.

Is Booker’s Kitchen Table a Good Bourbon? The Verdict

For anyone asking, “Is Bookers a good bourbon?” the Kitchen Table Batch provides a definitive and heartwarming affirmation. This is not just a good bourbon; it is an exemplary one that showcases the brand’s ability to be both powerful and profoundly welcoming. It successfully delivers the bold, robust character that defines Booker’s, while exhibiting a level of balance and drinkability that makes it universally appealing.

Its deeply relatable and heartfelt backstory, combined with a flawlessly executed, approachable flavor profile, makes it a standout favorite. Many enthusiasts rightly consider it one of the most balanced and best barrell bourbon batch releases of 2018, celebrated for its “everyday exceptional” quality that lives up to its humble name.

Booker’s Place in the World of Whiskey

For those new to the category, a common question is bourbon vs. whiskey. The distinction is key: all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Bourbon must be made in the USA from a mash bill of at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels.

Bookers whiskey distinguishes itself by championing a barrel-strength, non-chill filtered philosophy. While a single barrel bourbon offers a unique snapshot from one cask, Booker’s as a small batch bourbon showcases the art of blending, where a limited number of select barrels are harmonized to create a consistent, yet always exceptional, profile.

Booker’s Bourbon vs Other Bourbon Brands

Booker’s Bourbon whiskey is known for its high proof, rich flavor, and uncut, unfiltered bottling process. Compared to other bourbon whiskey brands, Bookers whiskey is often considered one of the top choices for those who appreciate a bold, full-bodied bourbon.

• Higher Proof: Many bourbons are diluted before bottling to reach a standard 80-90 proof, but Bookers Bourbon is bottled at barrel proof, making it significantly stronger and more intense in flavor.

• Small Batch Production: Bookers Bourbon is made in small batches, which allows for more control over the quality and flavor of each release. Unlike mass-produced bourbons, Booker’s focuses on delivering a unique and personalized experience with every bottle.

• Flavor Complexity: With its uncut and unfiltered approach, Bookers Bourbon offers a more complex and full-bodied flavor compared to other mainstream bourbons. The Kitchen Table release, in particular, highlights the depth and character that Booker’s bourbon whiskey is known for.

How to Enjoy Your Bottle of Kitchen Table Batch

To fully appreciate this special release, we recommend the following:

1. The Shared Pour: Enjoy it neat with good company. This batch was made for sharing stories and creating moments, much like its namesake.

2. The Comfortable Sip: A few drops of distilled water can open up the bourbon, softening the alcohol’s edge and highlighting the deeper vanilla and baking spice notes, making an already approachable pour even more so.

3. The Hearty Cocktail: While it is a superb sipper, using it in a premium Old Fashioned will create a cocktail of incredible depth and comfort.

The Investment and Collectibility of Kitchen Table Batch

As a rare bourbon with a name that resonates with universal warmth and limited availability, Booker’s Kitchen Table Batch is a cherished find for any collection. While the original Booker’s Bourbon Cost reflected its premium positioning, its value as a highly-regarded and beloved batch ensures its desirability. It represents the key pillars of collectibility: exceptional quality, a compelling, intimate narrative, and finite supply. Acquiring one is an investment in a bottle that celebrates the heart of the bourbon experience—connection.

Secure This Heartfelt Pour at Rare Finds Liquor Store

Booker’s ‘Kitchen Table’ Batch 2018-04 is the absolute embodiment of the spirits we are honored to curate at Rare Finds Liquor Store—whiskeys with soul, story, and substance. We specialize in connecting discerning collectors with the most allocated and rare bourbon that the market has to offer.

As a premier and trusted destination to buy bourbon online, we are privileged to offer this acclaimed batch from our exclusive collection. We provide a secure, confidential service to buy bourbon whiskey online, ensuring your acquisition is handled with care.

If your search for “bourbon for sale near me” is a quest for a bottle that feels like home, you have found your partner. We are committed to being the best place to buy bourbon online for those who value the stories behind the spirit.

Don’t miss the opportunity to own a batch that celebrates life’s simple moments. For serious inquiries into this legendary and heartfelt release, contact Rare Finds Liquor Store directly. Own the tradition. Taste the heart of the home.