1994 Booker’s Fred Noe Select “Seijo Ishii” Batch 1 (357/1000) 105.0°

Nose:  A luxurious nose filled with sweetness that is mildly intoxicating... elements of that sweet nectar sugar with a slight pound cake.  The image of somewhere in Arizona amid the alien-like geology comes to mind with the sunset coming.  The nose is so soft and gentle – as if in the presence of a sage that is calm, but you realize the depths of the person that your eyes grace.    

Palate:  Oh, that sweetness arrives, sits, and tells you that it is there to have fun - elements of spice come in the back.  That whole mouth coating grabs hold of all the crevices of the interior. A fruit-like flavor arrives – but as if eating a novel fruit, not of this land.

The sweet nectar comes back – making you feel like it is an elixir worthy of the gods.  I could imagine if someone were to depict Zeus holding a glass of bourbon; undoubtingly, it would be this Seijo Ishii occupying the voice of the Glencairn.  The flavor stays and gives a slight buzz to the mouth – a slight numbness that seemingly leaves you tipsy by the mere thought of it. The depths of richness come in the back end to finish the experience.      

Verdict:  I’d have to say… this is likely my new all-time favorite Booker’s.  I’m reminded of Freddie Johnson’s statement, “Two things are important.  The first is you never bring out old age bourbons until you are with friends and family and you are not in a hurry to go anywhere.  There will always be more barrels of bourbon being made; never save old bottles, enjoy them at the moment…  because, it may never exist again.” I feel that an item like this is what epitomizes that statement.