A close family friend scored a bottle of Booker’s bourbon and was talking about it at dinner on a Wednesday night. By Friday, we ended up at his house and were able to do a tasting of it. Although I could spend the whole blog post walking through the bourbon, I felt like there needed to be a focus on a little detail I noticed while opening the bottle.

My friend handed me the insert inside of the box that gave the rundown of the Booker’s Batch. He asked if I could read it without my readers (perks of being young) and I took a few moments to read it outloud. It said the following:

“This batch was pulled on a hot and humid day in July. The color of this liquid is golden amber, and you embrace the dark, sweet vanilla aroma right away. With just one taste, your mouth is filled with rich and sweet flavors of vanilla. The lingering finish isn’t overpowering, so soon after you’ll want another sip. I made myself a Kentucky Tea with Kentucky Tea Batch, and it brought back memories of my dad sitting at his own kitchen table enjoying his Kentucky Tea with supper.

As you can imagine, Dad loved the flavor of bourbon, especially his Booker’s Bourbon. Since Booker’s is over 100 proof, the flavor still pulls through when added to water. So, he’d take one part bourbon and four parts water and enjoy his drink. One night, when a reporter was at Dad’s house for supper, he asked why Dad drank Kentucky Tea. Dad quickly replied, “Why would I flavor my water with tea leaves when I can flavor my water with bourbon?” It was that simple – Kentucky Tea was Dad’s drink. He would drink it with a country ham or fish dinner and would say you need to sip the right proportion of Kentucky Tea to really appreciate the food.

As you sip this batch, add a taste of it to your water so you can try Dad’s Kentucky Tea with “Kentucky Tea Batch.” I know that’s how he would’ve liked it. Cheers!”

-Booker’s Bottle – Kentucky Tea Batch

I was excited to try the bourbon (which was great by the way), but the story sparked my interest. I’m a sucker for a good story and I always like to try new cocktails.

So I decided to try to make “Kentucky Tea” at home the next night. I didn’t use Booker’s, but I did use some Knob Creek.

And here is my review:

1. It’s not horrible. It’s not drinking bourbon on the rocks or neat, but it also isn’t a sugar bomb like a lot of cocktails. I feel like I’m drinking a strong version of New Holland’s Dragons Share seltzers. I can’t say I’m mad about it. I have actually decided to have another one tonight.
2. This might be my new summer drink. When I’m out at the golf course, sometimes I want a mixed drink, but I also don’t want to drink a bunch of bourbon and ginger ales. I might switch over to this and go with it. It’s easy to drink, has some good flavor, and would be good for the heat.
3. I think a higher ABV bourbon might make this even better. I think that would make life better in general, but the higher ABV bourbon might stand up a little better to the water.
4. I’ve tried this with seltzer water, so it works with that as well. I have found a way to use up that half can of seltzer water my wife leaves by the sink after making her vodka soda.
5. I’m rethinking the idea of a Wisconsin Old Fashioned. This reminds me of the Wisconsin Old Fashioned (usually made with brandy and sprite – or “sweet”), but I think you could take a spin with just seltzer water, bourbon, and bitters (plus that bright red cherry and a little orange). This might be the next thing on my list to give a whirl.

I’m a little surprised at my reaction to this Kentucky Tea. I thought it would be a waste of bourbon, but I guess the people who make bourbon actually were on to something. I don’t think this will be my every day drink, but this might become a drink that is in my top 5 during the warmer months. I’m never giving up bourbon neat, on the rocks, or my old fashioned, but if I’m looking for an easy sipper while I’m mowing or golfing, I might turn this way. Nice job Booker. You might have made me consider something I would have never considered.

What are your thoughts on Kentucky Tea? Will you try it?