While on a recent business trip to Austin TX, I stayed at the Austin Marriott Downtown and visited Rye Bar the hotel’s upstairs sister bar to the main floor bar The Lobbyist. As stated on their website, Rye Bar is one of the best-kept secrets of the Austin Marriott Downtown. The perfect backdrop for an intimate conversation, Rye Bar features one of the largest rye and whiskey selections in downtown Austin. Wander up The Lobbyist’s stairs and find yourself in an immersive Austin experience.

Unfortunately, the website oversold both bars’ selections of bourbon, whiskey, and rye; I visited both just to make sure. I struck out with my first two orders of Weller Full Proof and Stagg Jr. and was quite disheartened that neither of the bartenders knew what these bottles were. Nonetheless, I ended up with a first pour of Weller Antique 107. This is a great pour, however, I was looking for something new to review while enjoying a relaxing evening. Thus, for my second pour, I went with Booker’s 2023-02 “Apprentice Batch.”

From the Booker’s website: The second release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2023 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2023-02 “Apprentice Batch.” This batch pays homage to the early days of my dad Booker Noe’s career – far before he was the Sixth Generation Master Distiller – when he first learned the art of making bourbon under the guidance of his cousin Carl Beam.

This is a bottle I have yet to see in Colorado, but I have a love-hate relationship with this brand so trying it before purchasing it is always a plus. I will mention this was a brand new bottle, but I allowed it to open for ten minutes, which helped, as I continued to nose the glass every few minutes. Although disappointed with the hype on the website from the Marriott, the atmosphere of the location and bar was quite pleasant with upbeat music and Monday Night Football, and the bartenders were amazingly attentive. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Signature Peanuts, Oak, Caramel, Brown Sugar, and Vanilla
• Palate: Peanut or Maybe Peanut Oil , Dry Oak, Vanilla, Brown Sugar, and Bitters?!?
• Finish: Medium with notes of Dry Oak, Peanuts, and Vanilla
• 2023 Bar Pour (Austin, TX): $29
• 2023 MSRP: $89
• 2023 National Average: $117
• Proof: 125.5
• My Rating: Drink It! (Probably my favorite Booker’s to date)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman