Booker's Bourbon Collection

The fifth release in the Booker’s® Bourbon 2016 Batch Collection, Batch 2016-05, also called “Off Your Rocker.”

I’m pleased to share the fourth release in the Booker’s® Bourbon 2016 Batch Collection, Batch 2016-04, also called “Bluegill Creek.”

The second batch in the Booker’s® Bourbon 2016 Batch Collection, “Annis’ Answer,” is named in honor of the day my husband, Booker Noe, asked me to be his wife.

“Maw Maw’s Batch,” named in honor of one of the most important people in Booker’s life - his grandmother.

*Some older Booker's bottles may have cracked wax*

The second batch of Booker's from 2015, celebrating Dot, the faithful sidekick of founding distiller Booker Noe.

The fourth release of the Booker’s Bourbon 2025 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2025-04, “Phantom Pipes Batch”. This batch is named after a curious discovery some of our engineers made in the distillery a few years back: a whole bunch of pipes that don’t lead anywhere at all.

This rye is a tribute to Booker Noe, the legend who served as longtime master distiller for the Beam brands and founded their Small Batch Bourbon Collection (including Booker’s Bourbon and Knob Creek). Put in the barrel back in 2003, the new Booker’s rye was among the “last barrels laid down” by Booker Noe in the final years of his life. Amazingly, Booker’s has never released a rye in all those subsequent years.

Booker’s 25th Anniversary Bourbon was released to celebrate the 25th year of Booker’s Bourbon and includes the oldest whiskey ever bottled for the Booker’s line (9-11 years). But wait, there’s more: these barrels were not just the oldest ever bottled under the Booker’s name, but were also among the last barrels Booker laid down before his passing. Booker’s 25th Anniversary Bourbon was taken from the 5th floor (“center cut”) of the Jim Beam warehouses to get that perfect balance of rustic (oak, grain, leather, etc.) and sweetness (caramel, vanilla, dark fruit, etc.).

*Wax seal on the bottles may contain some greenish color and hairline cracks (see photos). This is normal.*

This 30th anniversary edition is a joy to sip even at almost 126 proof. The whiskey is smooth and creamy, with notes of vanilla, baked pears, cinnamon, leather, and a touch of smoke, plus enough heat to remind the imbiber that it's still a Booker's.

FREDDIE'S NOTE

With “Lessons Honored” I wanted to pay homage to my father, Fred, and the lessons he passed down about bourbon and life. A lot of the lessons Dad taught me go back to honesty and integrity. Being true to yourself is something that’s very important in our family and that carries over into our whiskey brands. Each liquid was chosen because of a connection to my dad and a lesson he taught me. The base of the blend is a Kentucky Straight Brown Rice Bourbon which reminds me of the first project I ever really handled on my own at the distillery. The “high rye” rye whiskey is an ode to Booker’s Rye, an award-winning product created in 2017 and one of the first that Dad and I tasted together. It was a legendary release in honor of my granddaddy Booker Noe, and it was very special to play a small part in selecting and bottling the liquid with my dad. The last liquid Dad actually helped pick, though he didn’t know it at the time. I brought him samples of a few liquids at different ages, and he ultimately picked this 7-year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which is representative of our Small Batch Collection.Crafting this bourbon wasn’t as difficult as previous years, because I had such a strong vision for the blend going into the liquid selection. In total, we tested 22 different blends in comparison to previous chapters where we tested more than 40. I spent most of my time perfecting the blend itself to balance the flavors and taste profile to create the final product.This year’s blue neck tag is also an ode to my dad’s favorite sports team

The breakdown of barrel storage for the batch is as follows:

·      41% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 3

·      14% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 1

·      4% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse H

·      32% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse X

·      9% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse G

“Barry’s Batch” Background: In 1995, we hit a big milestone: our family had been making whiskey for over 200 years. It was high time for some festivities, particularly after the rough go of it bourbon had in the 80’s. Barry took the opportunity to throw a party bigger than any we’d ever had, bringing people from around the world for food, drinks, and a good time. All day, Barry brought Beam pride to everyone in the crowd. He stood front and center on stage from morning to night, his energy never flagging, highlighting what we’d accomplished and drumming up excitement for all we were about to achieve.

He hosted the main event of the afternoon, where we invited anyone and everyone named “Jim Beam” to come on over and join the leaders on stage. He proclaimed their names louder than anyone else, proud to be honoring the name above the door. I can still see him, surrounded by dozens of those Jims, beaming. If it weren’t for Barry, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We’re more than grateful for everything he did and everything he was: a real good guy, and truly one of a kind. So, here’s to you Barry, you’ll always be in our hearts. 

The color of “Barry’s Batch” is a bright golden amber, inviting you to lean in and take in the wonderful aroma. The nose is warm and welcoming, with hints of vanilla and a touch of sweetness from the more than 7 years it spent aging in new white oak barrels.  The balanced finish was smooth and left me wanting more – it’s just that good! I know Dad would have loved to celebrate his long-time friend and colleague with this bourbon named after him. I really hope you enjoy Barry’s Batch as much as I enjoyed creating it!

--- Fred Noe, Beam Family 7th Generation Master Distiller

The fourth and final batch of Booker’s Bourbon for 2024 is a tribute to a cherished friend of the Noe family, Jimmy Russell. A close friend to my dad and a second father figure to me since my dad’s passing in 2004.

This batch boasts a rich amber color shaped by the charred white oak barrels it aged in until the barrels were dumped. I first tasted this batch at my kitchen table, and its aroma filled the whole room. That first sip is sweet and smooth, and the way the vanilla notes mixes with the brown spice notes is just right- inviting you in for another taste. The finish is very pleasant and relaxing in taste.

I am really proud to put this batch together for Jimmy, and I know my dad would have loved seeing a batch of his namesake bourbon dedicated to his great friend.

This batch was made up of 3 production dates stored in 4 different warehouses. It stands at 125.8 proof and the age is 7 years, 9 months, and 19 days. The breakdown of this batch is as follows:

12% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Z 
20% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 1 
46% came from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse 3 
22% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse Q 

Booker's 2024-03 "The Master Distillers Batch"

This batch is named in honor of a group of distillers that I admire greatly. Their work in the late 80s and early 90s helped America fall back in love with bourbon and made the industry what it is today.

This group was made up of legends like my dad, Booker Noe, and some of his peers at other distilleries during this time. These guys— the “elder statesmen” as we call ‘em— paved the way for Master Distillers to get recognized for their craft. They even became the very first class inducted into the Bourbon Hall of Fame. I remember once I was with my dad when they all met up in Chicago for a festival. We were catching up at a bar and to most of the people there, we were just six random guys drinking bourbon. But someone pointed us out to the bartender and said, “you’ve got bourbon royalty in here.” We all laughed and raised our glasses. While it’s true enough now, it wasn’t always like this.

Back in the day, being a Master Distiller just meant running the distillery. But these elder statesmen changed all that, raising the bar for all of us. The job went from spending every waking moment in the distillery, to traveling the world, all the while introducing people to our beloved bourbon. They became spokesmen and celebrities in their own right. They made the job as big as they were. I’ve looked up to these guys my whole life. They showed me the ropes of how to make great whiskey and built my love and respect for everything that goes into the craft. I’m proud to follow in their footsteps and honor them with this batch. 

2024 -02, "The Beam House Batch"

Experience the Distinct Character of Booker's Bourbon 'The Beam House Batch' 2024-02

Immerse yourself in the rich legacy of bourbon-making with Booker's Bourbon 'The Beam House Batch' 2024-02. This limited edition release, named in honor of the iconic distillery, is a testament to the enduring craftsmanship and heritage of the Booker's brand.

Crafted to Perfection: With an ABV of 63.90% and a proof of 127.8, 'The Beam House Batch' offers a robust and intense flavor profile that is both bold and sophisticated. Aged for 7 years, 2 months, and 29 days, this bourbon has been nurtured to achieve a perfect balance of depth and complexity. The aging process in charred oak barrels imparts a rich amber hue and a flavor profile that is unparalleled in its richness and variety.

A Symphony of Flavors: Each sip of 'The Beam House Batch' reveals a harmonious blend of caramel, vanilla, and oak, intertwined with subtle notes of dark fruits and spices. The high ABV and proof level ensure that each flavor note is pronounced and memorable, making this bourbon a delightful experience for the senses.

A Nod to the Distillery's Heritage: Named after the distillery itself, 'The Beam House Batch' is a celebration of the history and spirit of Booker's Bourbon. It represents a lineage of distillers who have dedicated their lives to crafting exceptional spirits. This batch is not just a bourbon; it's a piece of history.

Limited Edition Rarity: As a limited edition release, 'The Beam House Batch' is a coveted addition for collectors and bourbon enthusiasts alike. Its unique character and story make it a must-have for those who appreciate the art of fine bourbon-making.

Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you're commemorating a milestone, giving a thoughtful gift, or simply enjoying an evening with friends, 'The Beam House Batch' is an excellent choice. Its rich flavor and storied background make it ideal for those moments that call for something truly special.

Secure Your Piece of Bourbon History: Don't miss the opportunity to experience the excellence of Booker's Bourbon 'The Beam House Batch' 2024-02. Add this exceptional bourbon to your collection and savor the taste of a spirit crafted with passion and precision.

2024 - 01, "SPRINGFIELD BATCH"

MASTER DISTILLER NOTES
The first Booker’s batch of 2024 is called the Springfield Batch to honor my dad’s hometown of Springfield, Kentucky. This rural town in central Kentucky is where Booker Noe, my dad was born and raised. He worked on many farms when he was growing up, from the hay fields to tobacco patches. The batch is made up of 5 production dates stored in 4 different aging warehouses. The age is 7 years, 7 Months, 8 days and is 124.5 proof. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s “Springfield Batch” is as follows:

17% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse G

7% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse H

31% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

45% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse 3

The color of this Booker’s batch is a rich golden amber from over 7 years of aging in the new white oak barrels. The nose has a nice, pleasant aroma of sweet brown sugars and vanilla. The taste is balanced with a pleasant heat. The finish is long and warm which I appreciated during the cold days we experienced in January here in Kentucky. I know Dad would love tasting this batch and sharing stories about his hometown. I hope you enjoy this first batch of Booker’s for 2024.

Booker's Bourbon "C-B-16-79" w/ Wooden Display Box (1979)

This is the second batch of booker's ever released, and the second of 2 batches from 1979.  Labels have some visual flaws and the wax has a hairline crack but this is not only a delicious expression of Booker's but definitely a bottle that collectors look for. 

*Vintage booker's has a tendency to leak. in transit and buyers should be aware of that before purchase*