Tasting Notes

Boxleft Boxright

ColorOur darkest and deepest amber and henna color.

TasteDeep and complex flavors of vanilla, nuts and oak.

AromaRobust vanilla and caramel notes; slightly smoky.

FinishLong and full; perfect for easygoing sipping.

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.

Label Inspiration

The first release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2024 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2024-01 “Springfield Batch.” This batch is named after the small town in central Kentucky where my dad, Booker Noe, was born and raised.

Dad was a natural storyteller. While out on the road to promote his namesake bourbon, he would tell anyone who would listen about how Booker’s Bourbon came about. Distributors and other industry folks thought Jim Beam hired an actor - that’s how good he was. He told a lot of different stories, but one of his favorites took place during a visit to Chicago. While eating at a nice restaurant, Booker was served a so-called "country ham." However, it didn’t quite match up to his idea of a true, bona fide country ham. So he leaned over to his publicist and right-hand man and asked him to retrieve the ham he had stashed in his trunk for an upcoming Alaska fishing trip. Booker wanted to show the chef what genuine country ham tasted like. After a bit of back and forth, the ham made its way into the restaurant, where Booker generously shared it with both the chef and the other diners. That story always got the whole room laughing.

Many people think Dad was from Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World, but it wasn’t until later in his adolescence that he moved into the Beam family home there. As a boy, he grew up in Springfield, Ky., a small rural town about 18 miles down the road. While the town has grown over the years alongside bourbon and a few other industries in the area, it was a farming community with many residents working in tobacco when Dad was young. Many, many years before he became the Master Distiller he was known for, he got his sense of hard work from his time as a farm hand in Springfield.

One thing most folks don't know about the Springfield area is that it was where Abraham Lincoln’s legacy began. Beyond that, I’d say Dad is probably one of the more recognizable figures to come from Springfield. Even when he moved away, he spent a lot of time going back for family dinner, holidays and even the extended Noe family reunion every summer.

You never forget your hometown, and this batch is in honor of Dad’s. I hope you enjoy it as much as he would have.

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

2023 - 04, "Storyteller Batch"

Master Distiller Notes

Booker’s “Storyteller Batch” is made up of barrels from four production dates that were aged in four different warehouses. The breakdown of barrel storage for this batch is as follows:

26% came from the 6th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

14% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse H

25% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse G

35% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 3

The color of “Storyteller Batch” is a rich amber with a golden shine. Sitting in your glass, the scent of a great bourbon fills the room and invites you to further explore the brown sugar aroma. The taste is delightful and well-balanced, with notes of vanilla and wood. I tasted this batch on a drizzly September day. There was a slight chill in the air and it reminded me that fall is just around the corner, and this bourbon has the perfect warm finish for the days to come. A little bit of water further opened the tasting experience for me, but you can enjoy it any way you please. Storyteller Batch is just the way Dad would have wanted it when he created this brand over thirty years ago - I can almost hear him telling one of his great stories while he sips a glass of his own. I hope you enjoy this batch as much as I do!

Label Inspiration

The fourth release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2023 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2023-04 “Storyteller Batch.” This batch is named after the way my dad, Booker Noe, could turn just about anything he talked about into an interesting story.

Dad was a natural storyteller. While out on the road to promote his namesake bourbon, he would tell anyone who would listen about how Booker’s Bourbon came about. Distributors and other industry folks thought Jim Beam hired an actor - that’s how good he was. He told a lot of different stories, but one of his favorites took place during a visit to Chicago. While eating at a nice restaurant, Booker was served a so-called "country ham." However, it didn’t quite match up to his idea of a true, bona fide country ham. So he leaned over to his publicist and right-hand man and asked him to retrieve the ham he had stashed in his trunk for an upcoming Alaska fishing trip. Booker wanted to show the chef what genuine country ham tasted like. After a bit of back and forth, the ham made its way into the restaurant, where Booker generously shared it with both the chef and the other diners. That story always got the whole room laughing.

Booker enjoyed telling stories just as much as he loved making bourbon. He would strike up a conversation with a stranger, and by the end of it, they would feel like lifelong friends. Dad would always say, be yourself and talk about the things you’ve actually lived, and I think my son Freddie and I do a good job at this. Storytelling is certainly a Noe family trait.

I hope you take the opportunity to share stories with family, friends, and even strangers while you sip this batch, just as Booker would’ve done.

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

2023 - 03, "Mighty Fine Batch"

Master Distiller Notes

This batch is made up of barrels from seven production dates that were aged in six different warehouses. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker's "Mighty Fine Batch" is as follows:

2% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Q

3% came from the 6th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

8% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse G

10% came from the 6th floor of 7-story warehouse I

10% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse H

12% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse G

55% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 3

The color of this Booker's batch invites you to take a long look and enjoy the rich, beautiful color. The nose is very pleasant, with all the characteristics Dad looked for in his namesake bourbon. The vanilla and brown sugar sweet notes come through very well from the white oak barrels this bourbon aged in for over seven years. The taste is great and full bodied; when I added a splash of water, it opened up some great flavors, with a finish that gives a lovely "Kentucky Hug.

My Dad would say that this is a Mighty Fine batch of Booker's.

Label Inspiration

The third release of the Booker's® Bourbon 2023 Collection is Booker's Batch 2023-03 "Mighty Fine Batch." This batch is named in honor of the signature phrase my dad, Booker Noe, used to compliment anything he approved of - from his namesake bourbon to his country ham.

If you knew Booker, then you knew "mighty fine" was his go-to phrase. He would often get together with other folks in the bourbon industry to taste samples of Booker's Bourbon, and everyone knew he was happy with his selection when he sipped it and said it was "mighty fine," followed by, "that's a damn good batch!".

Shortly before Dad passed away in 2004, I selected the barrels for a Booker's Bourbon batch for the very first time. I was a little nervous at first; I had big shoes to fill. After tasting the sample I shared with him, he looked at me and said, "Mighty fine job, son." A lot of people thought it was one of the best batches, but receiving Dad's vote of confidence made it that much more special for me. I'll never forget that moment.

Booker was not one to embellish his compliments with many descriptive words, but I have a feeling he would say this batch is mighty fine. I hope you think so too.

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

2023 - 02, "Apprentice Batch"

Master Distiller Notes

This batch is made up of barrels that were aged in six different warehouses. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s “Apprentice Batch” is as follows:

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

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

11% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse 1

18% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse O

19% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse G

36% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

The liquid is a medium amber color from the seven years spent aging in the white oak barrels. The oak-forward aroma is well-balanced with notes of vanilla and toasted nuts, and all together the result is really pleasant. After the first sip, you’ll find the long finish doesn’t overpower the warm taste. I know Carl and Booker would’ve been proud of this batch and enjoyed it together after a long day's work at the distillery.

Label Inspiration

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.

When Booker started working at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont in 1952, Carl became like a mentor to him. Back then, they didn’t have official titles like Master Distiller, but everyone knew Carl was in charge. He didn't put up with any foolishness and made sure Booker was set straight. But even if Booker did mess around sometimes, he was a fast learner and was ready to be put to work, and that quickly got him Carl’s approval.

Two years after Booker started, we purchased a distillery in Boston, KY to increase our production capabilities. Carl and Booker worked closely together to get it up and running, and eventually, Carl handed the reins over to Booker. This is where he was able to experiment and master the bourbon- making process, and later on, the location was renamed the Booker Noe Distillery.

Carl showed Booker the ropes at the distillery, but from there, his approach was sink or swim and it was just the push Booker needed. His apprenticeship under Carl helped him become the Master Distiller and legendary innovator we all remember him as today.

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

2023 - 01, "Charlie’s Batch"

Master Distiller Notes

This batch is made up of barrels from four production dates that were aged in four different warehouses. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s “Charlie’s Batch” is as follows:

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

17% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse G

24% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

27% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

29% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 1

The color of this batch is pleasant to the eye with an amber color of a well-aged bourbon. The nose is balanced without too much wood and with hints of oak, toasted nuts, and vanilla. This is the aroma that Dad always looked for in his Booker’s. The taste is balanced with a slight warmth and has a pleasant finish. This batch came out just the way Dad liked it, and I know he would be happy that I named it for Charlie. I hope you enjoy this batch of Booker’s as much as I do.

Label Inspiration

The first release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2023 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2023-01 “Charlie’s Batch.” This batch is named in honor of Charlie Hutchens, the craftsman behind the signature wooden boxes that each bottle of Booker’s Bourbon comes in. He is also a longtime family friend and former employee of my dad, Booker Noe.

Charlie started his career working at the Booker Noe Distillery. He was quite the storyteller and would entertain others with his tall tales throughout the workday. He was also one to pay close attention to the details, doing something over and over again until it was perfect – just like Dad was with his whiskey. It’s not hard to see why they got on so well.

After several years, Charlie left the business to open his own cabinet shop with his brother. Charlie handcrafted the very first Booker’s Bourbon wooden boxes in his garage, and he’s created every box for us since. He and his brother have expanded their business to create other fine wood products for different brands and projects in the Beam family, including supplying custom furniture to the new Fred B. Noe Distillery – where Booker’s Bourbon is now distilled.

Charlie still lives near our Booker Noe Distillery and enjoys fishing and vacationing with his family in South Carolina. One of these days, my son Freddie and I hope to get out there to fish with him. Our whole family is so grateful for Charlie as he was one of the first people to help us make Booker’s Bourbon a recognizable brand. Charlie is a very worthy recipient of his own batch, and we are excited to honor him.

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

2022 - 04, “Pinkie’s Batch"

Master Distiller Notes

This batch is made up of four production dates that were aged in four different warehouses. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s “Pinkie’s Batch” is as follows:

47% came from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse Z

36% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse 1

11% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse X

6% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Q

The color of this batch is a rich, golden amber that really shines when you hold it up to the light and admire the glass you’ve poured. The aroma is balanced with brown spice and vanilla notes, which gives you a preview of the taste. When you first sip it, your mouth is filled with Booker’s signature vanilla flavor, and it leaves you with a lingering well-rounded finish. I know my dad and grandad would have enjoyed this batch over a football game, and I’m very proud to name this batch in honor of my granddad, Frederick Booker Noe.

Label Inspiration

The fourth release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2022 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2022-04 “Pinkie’s Batch.” Frederick Booker Noe, better known as Pinkie to his family and friends, was my grandad. To this day I’m actually not sure where Pinkie got his nickname from, but one thing I do know is that he was someone who always followed his passions, just like I do with whiskey making.

A lot of people thought that Pinkie was in the bourbon business – a good assumption to make about someone in our family – but he worked as the vice president of the local bank. That’s not to say he didn’t enjoy drinking bourbon – he actually was a big fan – but the bourbon business just wasn’t his thing like it was for Dad and is for me and my son Freddie. When Pinkie wasn’t running the bank, he also loved to golf. I remember as a little boy that golf was a big part of his life, and he tried to play as often as possible. So much so that he had an indent in his hip from the golf balls he’d keep in his pocket. Pinkie was also an outdoorsman, with a passion for hunting that he passed down to Booker. He often brought Dad along with him to hunt quail, and I know those were always bonding experiences for them.

While Dad and Pinkie had some different interests, they would bond over what brought them together, like hunting or watching a football game. As you try Pinkie’s batch, I invite you to raise a glass to the original Frederick Booker Noe and hope you enjoy it as much as he would've. Cheers!

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

2022 - 03, “Kentucky Tea Batch"

Master Distiller Notes

The batch is made up of six production dates that were aged in six different warehouses. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s “Kentucky Tea Batch” is as follows:

2% came from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse 5

1% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse X

1% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse D

12% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse 1

24% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Q

14% came from the 6th floor of 7-story warehouse Q

46% came from the 6th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

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.

Label Inspiration

The third release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2022 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2022-03 “Kentucky Tea Batch.” While some may flavor their water with tea leaves, my dad, Booker Noe, loved to flavor his water with bourbon – something he called Kentucky Tea.

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!

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

2022 - 02, “The Lumberyard Batch”

Master Distiller Notes

The batch is made up of five production dates that were aged in seven different warehouses. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s “The Lumberyard Batch” is as follows:

2% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse X

3% came from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse 5

3% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse D

17% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

19% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Q

28% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse 1

28% came from the 6th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

This batch was pulled during the rainy weeks ahead of the Kentucky Derby. The beautiful amber color of this batch reminds me of the horses that will compete on the racetrack. The aroma is deep with hints of vanilla and oak that lead you back to enjoy it several times to explore its depth. It has a balanced taste with a bit of sweetness and a pleasant finish that will leave you longing for another sip. My dad would be really proud to have a batch dedicated to his hard-working years at The Lumberyard and the experience this liquid delivers with every glass.

Label Inspiration

The second release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2022 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2022-02 “The Lumberyard Batch”. This batch is named in honor of my dad, Booker Noe’s pre-distillery years. While his journey to becoming a distiller wasn't exactly a straight path, it led him to his true passion.

After a short stint at the University of Kentucky, Booker hitch-hiked across America in hopes of joining the Air Force. After being accepted to the Air Force, the local police called his mom to verify his information to be cleared. When Booker’s Mom found out where he was, she convinced him to come home and work at the local lumberyard with uncle Jeremiah Beam, also known as Uncle Jere. Booker was over 6 feet tall and very strong at an early age. He never backed away from physical labor of any kind, which made him a natural fit for the job. Booker gave 110% during his time at the lumberyard, which eventually landed him his first role working at the distillery and from then on, the rest was history.

Since that first day, Booker held just about every job at the distillery and worked his way up to Master Distiller. Booker’s esteemed distilling career wasn’t given to him, he earned it. His experience at the lumberyard shaped the solid work ethic and curiosity he is known for. I am excited to share The Lumberyard Batch with you and hope you will be able to gather with family and friends to enjoy it.

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

2022 - 01, “Ronnie’s Batch”

Master Distiller Notes

The batch is made up of four production dates that were aged in five different warehouses. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s “Ronnie’s Batch” is as follows:

4% came from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse 5

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

15% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 1

26% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Q

48% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

This batch has a nice color and a rich vanilla aroma with hints of brown spice that you can enjoy even before your first sip. The whiskey has a sweet taste that comes from the time spent aging in our unique Kentucky climate. It was a brisk, cold day when I selected this batch, but the warm and pleasant finish make it an ideal pour as we leave behind these cooler months. I know my father would be so proud to name this batch after Ronnie, as he was sure to make Booker’s just like Dad wanted.

Label Inspiration

The first release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2022 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2022-01 ‘Ronnie’s Batch.’ This batch is named in honor of Ronnie Land, a longtime employee at the Jim Beam Clermont and Boston, K.Y. plants, when my dad, Booker Noe, was master distiller. During his 40 year career at Jim Beam, he worked his way up to the Warehouse Manager position. Ronnie was always known to shoot straight with Dad, and Dad put a lot of trust in him because of that.

Ronnie was responsible for keeping inventory of aging barrels, a key part of the bourbon-making process. Back then, we had to track barrel quantities and locations by hand – no computers for that! – and Ronnie knew it all by heart. He also knew exactly where Dad preferred to store his namesake Booker’s barrels and, in time, he was trusted to prepare the samples for Dad to evaluate for the next batch. Once, Ronnie sent me home with a box of small Booker’s samples for Dad to taste. When Dad saw the samples, he said they weren’t big enough to get a proper sense of the whiskey, so what did Ronnie do? He went back into the warehouses and prepared samples that were notably bigger! Dad was more than pleased and that became the standard sample size Ronnie gave us from then on – and still the size that Freddie and I use today!

Dad always had final sign off when it came to his Booker’s Bourbon, but he knew he was working with barrels that met his standards when they were under Ronnie’s watchful eye.

Dad valued Ronnie’s dedication, work ethic and honesty and, because of this, he would be proud to honor Ronnie with a batch of his own. I hope you enjoy a glass alongside close family and friends.

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

2021 - 04, "Noe Stranger's Batch"

Master Distiller Notes

The batch is made up of barrels from four production dates that were aged in four different warehouses. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s Noe Strangers Batch is as follows:

 

3% came from the 2nd floor of 9-story warehouse H
27% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse D
39% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse J
31% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Q

 

The batch has a nice color coming from the time it rested in charred white oak barrels in our Kentucky climate. I sampled this batch on a rainy morning, and as usual, the first sip told me this was a batch that my Dad would be proud of. The aroma has vanilla and brown spice, and this sweetness continues when it first hits your tongue. Because of where Booker’s is aged, the initial heat won’t overwhelm you and leaves you with a balanced taste. The finish is long and warm, just the way Dad liked it. From the name of the batch that reflects the way he lived his life, to the bourbon in the bottle that tastes the way he enjoyed it, I know my Dad would be proud of this batch.

Label Inspiration

The fourth release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2021 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2021-04 ‘Noe Strangers Batch.’ This batch celebrates the genuine, social nature of my dad, Booker Noe, and the way he could turn a stranger into a friend for life in no time.

Take for example when Dad took a liking to the products that a salesman was selling. He would call out to Mom and say, “Set an extra plate at the table, I’m inviting this salesman to dinner!” Another time, Dad was invited to a rally for the Blue Knights® Motorcycle Club, an international brotherhood of active and retired law enforcement officers who share a passion for motorcycle riding. There he struck up a conversation with some of the members, and the next day, more than 300 of them were invited to the house for lunch.

His knack for making friends carried into his work as well. Here in Kentucky and out on the road, Dad wouldn’t leave a bourbon event until he shook hands with everyone that wanted to talk to him. He’d listen to stories from every customer he met and just like that, they’d become a fan – and a friend – for life. Dad taught us to ‘treat others how we would want to be treated’-- a lesson our family holds true to this day. It’s just the way us Noes are wired.

As you enjoy “Noe Strangers Batch,” I hope you’ll think of Dad and his generous way of making everyone he met feel at home. Like we always say at the distillery: come as friends, leave as family.

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

2021 - 03, "Bardstown Batch"

Master Distiller Notes

The batch is made up of barrels from four production dates that were aged in six distinct rackhouse locations within five different warehouses. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s Bardstown Batch is as follows:

 

8% came from the 2nd floor of 9-story rackhouse H
27% came from the 5th floor of 9-story rackhouse H
24% came from the 6th floor of 9-story rackhouse D
11% came from the 5th floor of 7-story rackhouse Z
19% came from the 5th floor of 7-story rackhouse 1
11% came from the 8th floor of 9-story rackhouse J

 

This batch has the matured amber color you’ve come to expect from our well-aged, cask-strength Booker’s Bourbon. You experience nice brown sugar and caramel aromas with a hint of charred oak when you lift a glass of this batch to your nose, and the sweet caramel character continues in the taste, along with some bakery spice. It was a hot, humid day in Kentucky when I selected this batch, but the full-bodied taste will make it an ideal pour as the weather starts to turn crisp in the months ahead. With a clean, pleasant finish this batch is as inviting as the town that it’s named for – welcome to Booker’s Bardstown Batch.”

Label Inspiration

The third release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2021 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2021-03 ‘Bardstown Batch.’ This batch honors the homeplace of not only my dad, Booker Noe, but several generations of Beam family members, including myself and my son Freddie.

Dad was born in Springfield, Kentucky, but spent a good amount of time in Bardstown visiting friends along with his grandfather, Jim Beam. After going to college, he moved to Bardstown full-time to join the family business.

Dad lived in Bardstown for more than 50 years and was well known in the community for his infectious personality. He was the ultimate host, always inviting people over to the house for drinks and dinner parties. These events became well known across town, especially when Dad was serving his country ham that he would smoke right in the backyard - a practice he learned from his grandfather, and one that I continue to this day.

Today, I live in the same house in Bardstown that my great-grandfather Jim Beam lived in, and Freddie is right next door with his own family. Though it may be called the Bourbon Capital of the World, to us this special place is simply ... home. Bardstown Batch represents all of the happy times we’ve shared here, and I hope you are able to enjoy this batch alongside close family and friends.

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

2021 - 02, "Tagalong Batch"

Master Distiller Notes

The batch is made up of barrels from three production dates that were aged in six different rackhouse locations. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s Tagalong Batch is as follows:

4% came from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse 5

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

13% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse D

33% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse H

40% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse H

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

 

The deep rich color of Tagalong Batch comes from the mid-to-high rackhouse floor locations where these barrels have matured. With pronounced aromas of caramel and vanilla, balanced with the “sweet brown” wood sugar flavor notes from the charred white oak barrels, this batch carries a bold flavor with a surprisingly clean finish - making you want to come back for another sip.

Label Inspiration

The second release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2021 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2021-02 ‘Tagalong Batch.’ This batch celebrates the way my dad, Booker Noe, learned the ropes at the distillery - by ‘tagging along’ with his grandfather and my great grandfather, Jim Beam.

Growing up, the distillery was like Dad’s playground; he loved spending time with his grandfather and everyone else who worked there, asking questions and expanding his knowledge. That’s ultimately how he developed his curiosity and passion for whiskey, and it was how he became such a talented Master Distiller.

The tradition of ‘tagging along’ has continued generation to generation. I learned much of what I know about whiskey by following in Dad’s footsteps, digesting all of the information I could while working side-by-side at the distillery. It’s also a tradition I continued with my son Freddie, and one I hope he’ll share with his children in the future.

Tagging along had some other rewards too, such as heading to the nearby lake to cast a line together after a hard day’s work. We all have fond memories of that quality time, and I hope you enjoy this batch as part of your quality time with family and friends too.

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

Product Details

MSRP: $89.99
Proof: 127.9
Age: 6 yrs., 5 months and 0 days
Expected Ship Date 6/1/21
Nose: Aromas of vanilla, caramel and “sweet brown” wood sugar flavors
Taste: Unique, yet unmistakably Booker’s® Bourbon
Finish: Pleasant, warm finish, both sweet and spicy
Sipping Suggestions: Sip neat or with water to open up the flavors


*Booker’s® Bourbon is quality screened to remove sizeable pieces of charred barrel wood
Shippers for each Booker’s Batch are coded with the name and batch # for each release
 

2021 - 01, "Donohoe’s Batch"

Master Distiller Notes

The batch is made up of barrels from two production dates that were aged in six different rackhouse locations. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s Donohoe’s Batch is as follows:

 

16% came from the 2nd floor of 9-story warehouse H
8% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse H
4% came from the 6th floor of 7-story warehouse L
16% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse X
9% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse X
47% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

 

The color of this Booker’s batch is a medium amber that reflects the length of time spent in the white oak barrels. The aroma has vanilla and some baking spice that makes you want to experience the taste of this batch. The taste is full-bodied and opens in the mouth, with a finish that is pleasant and fulfilling especially in these cold winter months. I know Booker would be proud of this batch for the delightful experience it brings the person enjoying it and for the fact that we named it after his great friend, Mike Donohoe.

Label Inspiration

“The first release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2021 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2021-01 ‘Donohoe’s Batch.’ This batch is named in honor of retired Jim Beam employee Mike Donohoe who was also a close friend to my dad, Booker Noe. Without Mike, Booker’s Bourbon wouldn’t exist today.

In 1982, Mike joined the Jim Beam Company as a sales manager in Chicago – a ‘suit’ as Dad would say – after retiring from a seven-year career in the NFL. Mike first met Dad on a company trip to Kentucky. After taking a liking to Mike, Dad invited him to his office for a glass of bourbon. It was unlike any Jim Beam Bourbon he had tasted before. Booker let Mike in on his secret – he’d been playing with something different, and he’d share a bit of it with friends from time to time.

A few years later, Mike approached Booker with the idea to give bottles of his special stash as holiday gifts to their most important distributors and industry partners. With little time and almost no budget, Booker sourced wine bottles from a warehouse in Bardstown and wrote the labels himself to get the job done. Based on the hundreds of letters they received raving about that uncut, unfiltered whiskey, it’s safe to say the rest is Booker’s Bourbon history.

Dad always had the final say when it came to his Booker’s, but he trusted Mike to help him build it into the brand that it is today. ‘Mike gets it,’ he used to say. Now, I’m proud to honor Mike with a batch of his own.”

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

2020 - 03, "Pigskin Batch"

Master Distiller Notes

The batch is made up of barrels from two production dates that were aged in five different rackhouse locations. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s Pigskin Batch is as follows:

 

14% came from the 6th floor of 7-story warehouse L
15% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse H
27% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse M
32% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse X
12% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

 

This batch of Booker’s has a beautiful color that previews the complexity you will experience when you stick your nose into the glass for the first time. The brown sweets come through with some slight vanilla notes. The taste is big and bold, and this batch is bottled straight from the barrel - just the way all Booker’s batches have been since Dad created his namesake brand more than 30 years ago. The finish is long and warm. This will be a great batch to enjoy as the temperatures start to drop a little and you’re watching your favorite football teams this season

Label Inspiration

The third release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2020 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2020-03 “Pigskin Batch.” It’s a nod to my dad Booker Noe’s love of American football, which eventually became a whole family affair, especially during the holiday season.

Dad was a big guy – standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and close to 300 pounds. He was quick for his size and strong from working as a farm hand growing up, so he played both tackle and kicker in his high school days. Dad was even talented enough to practice with the football team when he attended the University of Kentucky. Although he never made a college career of it, some people thought he could’ve been pretty good if he did.

Years later, when my son Freddie came along and started to show interest in playing football, Dad would set up goal posts for him in the backyard. Countless hours we spent kicking and throwing the football around, and when we weren’t, we were watching our favorite team on TV (or any good game, really).

Anyone who knew Dad knew his love of football, and it’s safe to say he made it a true Noe family tradition. I hope you enjoy this latest batch alongside close family and friends.

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

2020 - 02, "Boston Batch"

Master Distiller Notes

The batch is made up of barrels from three different production dates stored in four different rackhouses in six different locations. The breakdown of the barrel storage is as follows:

 

11% came from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse 5
33% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse G
27% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse H
29% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

 

This will be a history making batch of Booker’s Bourbon since I selected this batch with the help of my son and 8th Generation Beam Distiller, Freddie Noe. The color is a rich, light brown that reminds me of the beautiful horses throughout Kentucky. The aroma contains vanilla, toasted nuts and some hints of baking spices. The flavor is full and has a finish that can be enjoyed neat. We enjoyed tasting it and selecting the barrels on an unseasonably cool and rainy day. This batch is special to me since I created it with my son to carry on my father’s legacy and his distillery location. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed selecting it.

Label Inspiration

The second release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2020 Collection is Booker’s® Batch 2020-02 “Boston Batch.” This batch is named after the production site where my father, Booker Noe, first started his distilling career.

The distillery, now renamed the Booker Noe Distillery, is located in the small community of Boston, Ky., and was purchased by the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in the early 1950’s as a second distilling location to increase production capability at the time. Because Boston was removed from the day-to-day of our flagship Clermont, Ky. distillery, Dad was able to experiment with whiskey a bit more and truly master his craft and style as a distiller there. Some may say this is where he found his love of experimentation.

If you ever wanted to find my Dad, Boston is where he’d be. That plant was his life for more than 40 years. He hired a bunch of folks from the Boston area and made it like one big family over there. Mom always said the Boston distillery was Dad’s first baby and I was his second.

I hope this latest batch of Booker’s finds you in good spirits and that you enjoy it.

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

2020 - 01, "Granny’s Batch"

Master Distiller Notes

This batch is made up of barrels from two different production dates that were aged in six different locations within four rackhouses. The breakdown of barrel storage is as follows: 
 
24% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse G

22% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse H

16% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse L

24% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse L

10% came from the 6th floor of 7-story warehouse L

 4% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse P  
 
I selected “Granny’s Batch” on a sunny, chilly January day and found the color to be a light chestnut with a beautiful sparkle as the sunlight shone through it. I thoroughly enjoy the nose of Granny’s Batch with spice and hints of vanilla coming through. The taste fills your mouth with flavor and warmth that spreads across your palate, and it has a sweet, lingering finish. I am very proud to name this batch for my grandmother – and Dad’s mom – who I know would have enjoyed her evening highball made with Granny’s Batch of Booker’s Bourbon.

Label Inspiration

The first release in the Booker’s® Bourbon 2020 Collection is Booker’s® Batch 2020-01 “Granny’s Batch.” This batch is named after an important figure in my dad Booker Noe’s life – his mom and my grandma, Margaret Beam Noe. 
 
Known all my life as Granny Noe, Margaret was the youngest of Jim Beam’s children and the only one to have kids of her own. Although she never worked in the bourbon business herself, she certainly played an important part in keeping the bourbon family tradition alive from the fifth to sixth generation. She and her oldest son Booker were very close, and she was instrumental in getting him his first job at the distillery where he would go on to become Master Distiller, create his namesake bourbon (among others) and leave a lasting impact on the industry as a whole. 
 
Granny was a gracious, patient woman who ruled the roost in her own quiet way. When she wasn’t keeping track of her kids and grandkids, Granny enjoyed a bourbon highball in the evenings, playing bridge with her girlfriends and making her famous nut cakes at Christmas time. 
 
In her honor, I hope you enjoy this batch alongside close family, friends and long-standing traditions. 
 
-- Fred Noe, Beam Family 7th Generation Master Distiller

2019 - 04, “Beaten Biscuits”

Master Distiller Notes

Booker’s Batch 2019-04 “Beaten Biscuits” was produced on a single date and stored in two warehouses in three locations. The breakdown of barrel storage is as follows: 
 
47% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse H

 11% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse P

 42% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse P  
 
The batch has a deep chestnut color that is elegant, like all batches of Booker’s. The nose has hints of the oak barrel coming through the sweetness, much like the scent of caramel icing for a cake. The finish is medium and very flavorful. I know my Dad would say this is a tasty batch to enjoy with his country ham and prized Beaten Biscuits. 

Label Inspiration

The final release in the Booker’s® Bourbon 2019 Collection is Booker’s® Batch 2019-04, “Beaten Biscuits.” This batch is named after the small, cracker-like biscuits my dad, Booker Noe, loved to make. Like his bourbon and his country hams, he was meticulous about getting them just right.  
Dad learned to make beaten biscuits from his grandmother, and he spent years trying to perfect the recipe. These little biscuits required the air to be beaten out of them (which is how they got their name), and they had little holes in them to keep them from getting stale too fast. He’d camp out in the kitchen for hours, tinker with the recipe, leave it alone for a while and then come back for more. At the end of the day, the biscuits didn’t have much taste to them. But that’s why Dad liked them – they wouldn’t alter the flavor of the country ham or the bourbon he loved to enjoy with them.  
The holidays are always a big time for our family, and Dad liked to send these biscuits with his legendary country hams as gifts. In the spirit of the holiday season, I hope you enjoy this batch alongside your own family traditions.  
-- Fred Noe, Beam Family's 7th Generation Master Distiller 

2019 - 03, “Country Ham”

Master Distiller Notes

This batch is made up of 364 barrels, produced on a single date and stored in three warehouses. The breakdown of barrel storage is as follows: 
 
51% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse H  

5% came from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse P  

44% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse P  
 
This batch has an elegant color that is beautiful in the glass. The aroma is sweet with a subtle hint of vanilla that is mingled with brown sugar notes.  The flavor is sweet at first with a long, smooth finish that warms your palate.  I know this batch would be one Dad would enjoy while he sampled the country hams Freddie and I cure today in the same smokehouse he and his grandfather Jim Beam cured hams in many years ago. 

Label Inspiration

The third release in the Booker’s® Bourbon 2019 Collection is called Booker’s® Batch 2019-03, “Country Ham.” My dad, Booker Noe, enjoyed the art of curing – and tasting! – country hams almost as much as he enjoyed his bourbon. It was one of his favorite things. 

Some might say Dad’s love of country ham was inherited alongside his love for distilling. My great grandfather Jim Beam would hang and age ham inside his own smokehouse in the backyard, which still stands today. When Dad later moved into Jim Beam’s house, he followed suit. He would hang up to 50 country hams from the rafters of the smokehouse at a time, smoke them for a few days, wrap them up in newspaper and let the curing magic carry on for one year to eighteen months. He was so passionate about his ham that he was known to keep one in the trunk of his car. Once, he even brought it into a fine dining restaurant to show the chef what real Kentucky country ham should taste like. 

Just like his bourbon, Dad had high standards for his ham. And he liked to keep things simple – his bourbon neat and his country ham paired only with a cracker or biscuit. As you’re getting ready for the fall season, take a note from Booker and try a nice ham alongside a glass of Booker’s Bourbon. You won’t regret it.  

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

2019 - 02 Shiny Barrel Batch

Master Distiller Notes

This batch is made up of two different production dates that were stored in three different warehouses. Pulling from some of the centermost floors of the rackhouse – just as Dad did to find the shiny barrels – the breakdown of barrel storage for this batch is as follows:

 

18% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse D  

39% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse E  

43% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse J 
 
The “Shiny Barrel Batch” is something to marvel at, with a great chestnut color that is the same as the beautiful horses you might see in the Kentucky Derby. The nose is rich with the vanilla notes my father always looked for that is signature to Booker’s Bourbon, while the taste is warm and pleasant. The finish is medium and warm that gives you a nice “Kentucky hug” after swallowing. The “Shiny Barrel Batch” is one that Dad would enjoy, and I am sure he would be proud that it bears his name.

Label Inspiration

“I’m proud to release the second batch in the Booker’s® Bourbon 2019 Collection, called Booker’s® Batch 2019-02, “Shiny Barrel Batch.” It is an ode to a bygone distillery “tradition” that helped inspire my dad, Booker Noe, to create his namesake bourbon more than 30 years ago.  
 
Back in the day, some of the distillery’s rackhouse workers would carry around “mules” – pieces of plastic tubing they carried in the front of their overalls – and use them to thief out a taste of whiskey (or two) straight from an aging barrel. Some of these men had, shall we say, prominent physiques. When they went in for a taste, their bellies would rub on the side of the barrel, removing dust and shining it up. Some used to say, “the shinier the barrel, the sweeter the whiskey,” and most often, Dad would find these shiny barrels in the center cut of the rackhouse where the temperature and humidity were just right.  
 
When Dad was ready to lay down the first barrels of bourbon that would eventually bear his name, he knew it had to be in the same rackhouse location as the shiny barrels because that’s where the good stuff was. And while the days of mules are long gone, we still age Booker’s Bourbon in the middle floors of our rackhouses to uphold Dad’s high standards for his namesake whiskey. I hope you enjoy this batch as much as I do!” 
 
-- Fred Noe, Beam Family's 7th Generation Master Distiller 

2019 - 01 Teresa’s Batch

Master Distiller Notes

The first batch of Booker’s® Bourbon in the 2019 collection is called “Teresa’s Batch,” named for Teresa Wittemer, a beloved employee here at Beam for over 30 years in our Quality Control Department. This batch is made up of barrels from three production dates aged in nine different locations within four warehouses. The breakdown of the barrel storage is as follows:


2% came from the 2nd floor of 7-story warehouse 5
1% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse 5
10% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse D
3% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse E
25% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse E
25% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse E
28% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse J
3% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse J
3% came from the 8th floor of 9-story warehouse J

 

Getting the tasting notes for this batch from Teresa herself was important to me. She works with our bourbon daily, and I wanted to get her description of the batch of Booker’s Bourbon that bears her name. I have to say, she did a terrific job describing the characteristics of this batch: “The nose is sweet with some hints of brown sugar and light oak, along with the vanilla that is characteristic of Booker’s Bourbon. The taste is unique, yet still unmistakably Booker’s Bourbon with a pleasant and warm finish, both sweet and spicy.”

Label Inspiration

“I’m happy to release the first batch in the Booker’s Bourbon 2019 Collection, called Booker’s Batch 2019-01, “Teresa’s Batch.” My dad, Booker Noe, always trusted his gut when it came to good bourbon - and good people. “Teresa’s Batch” is an ode to Teresa Wittemer, a distillery employee Dad hired on the spot after a quick 15-minute interview more than 30 years ago. She has been a part of the Beam distillery family ever since, working directly on Booker’s Bourbon to help me ensure every release is up to Dad’s standards and nothing short of the damn good bourbon people know and love.
With a background as a medical technician, Teresa puts her science background to good use for us here in Clermont, Ky. She’s worked in the lab and in Quality Control her whole career here, specifically helping me (and previously Dad) mingle barrel samples together so I can select the best Booker’s batches for bottling. She’s a hard worker, a friend and a pretty impressive taster too! I’m proud to honor her as a token of my thanks, and I know Dad would be too.
If I know Teresa, she’ll probably say all this isn’t necessary. But good people, good bourbon and a job well done is worth celebrating in my book.”
~ Fred Noe, Beam Family’s 7th Generation Master Distiller

2018 - 04 Kitchen Table

Master Distiller Notes

This batch is made from barrels produced on three different production dates and stored in six different locations. The breakdown is as follows:

 

7% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse E
14% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse E
4% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse E
24% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse J
44% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse J
7% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse D

 

This batch has a beautiful color that is a deep chestnut and has a robust and flavor rich taste profile.  The nose is a rich balance of vanilla and oak that comes from aging in the white oak barrels for over six years.  The finish is balanced and pleasant and does not overpower your taste buds. In Dad’s honor, I’ve enjoyed this batch with a healthy splash of water, also called a “Kentucky Tea,” which was one of his signature ways of his enjoying his Booker’s®.

~ Fred Noe, Beam Family’s 7th Generation Master Distiller®

Label Inspiration

The fourth and final batch of Booker’s® Bourbon for 2018 is called “Kitchen Table,” named after one of my dad’s favorite places.  There, Dad liked to read the newspaper, tinker with his projects, and notably, it’s where he gathered our family and friends to help him select batches of his namesake whiskey. It’s special for me to name this batch after a place that was so important to Dad and the creation of Booker’s® as we know it today.

~ Fred Noe, Beam Family’s 7th Generation Master Distiller®

2018 - 03 Kentucky Chew

Master Distiller Notes

This batch is made up of barrels stored in six locations within three different warehouses. The breakdown of the barrel locations is as follows:

 

29% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse D
42% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse D
8% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse I
8% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse I
6% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse J
2% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse J
5% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse N

 

This batch being named “Kentucky Chew” is appropriate as it has the flavors my father would have chewed on for a good while, smiled and said, “We done good on this batch.” The nose is sweet with some hints of dried fruit, along with the vanilla that is characteristic of Booker’s® Bourbon. As the bourbon aerates, some of the vanilla comes to the front inviting you to taste the bourbon in your glass. The taste is unmistakably Booker’s® Bourbon with a robust profile that is intense at first, but finishes sweet and medium-bodied.

~ Fred Noe, Beam Family’s 7th Generation Master Distiller®

Label Inspiration

I’m happy to release the third batch in the Booker’s® Bourbon 2018 collection, called Booker’s® Batch 2018-03, ‘Kentucky Chew.’ It’s named in tribute to my dad’s signature way of tasting bourbon that we still use today.

Many years ago, a whiskey writer coined Dad’s special technique the ‘Kentucky Chew’ after sitting down with him for a tasting. To get a good ‘Kentucky Chew,’ Dad would take a sip of bourbon, work it around his mouth and then smack his lips a few times like he was chewing on the whiskey. He liked the way the bourbon coated the different areas of his mouth and how, by drawing in air, he could assess the flavor and finish of the bourbon. We still teach Dad’s ‘Kentucky Chew’ method any time we’re hosting whiskey tastings at the distillery or in our travels. I use it myself when I’m tasting bourbon – especially Booker’s® – to discover the full range of flavors it has to offer and to ensure it’s up to Dad’s standards for his namesake bourbon.

If Dad were here today, I know he’d give this batch his good ‘ole ‘Kentucky Chew’ and enjoy every moment of it. I hope you’ll join me in toasting him and all of his traditions that we carry on today.

~ Fred Noe, Beam Family’s 7th Generation Master Distiller®

2018 - 02 Backyard BBQ

Master Distiller Notes

This batch is made up of barrels stored in six locations within three different warehouses. The breakdown of the barrel locations is as follows:

 

4% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse E
29% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse E
10% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse E
8% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse J
32% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse I
17% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse I

 

I selected Booker’s® “Backyard BBQ” on a cold spring day in Kentucky as I was thinking about how much I am looking forward to the cookouts that I’ll host for friends and family once the warmer weather arrives. The color of this batch is a rich chestnut that reminds me of the beautiful thoroughbred horses that run at the horse tracks in the spring in Kentucky. The nose boasts sweet hints of maple and vanilla, and the taste is rich with a long, warm finish. Enjoy this batch with friends and family at your own backyard BBQ this summer, whether that be sipped neat or with water to open up the flavors.

~ Fred Noe, Beam Family’s 7th Generation Master Distiller

Label Inspiration

I’m excited to share the second release in the Booker’s® Bourbon 2018 collection – Booker’s® Batch 2018-02, ‘Backyard BBQ.’ It’s named in tribute to my dad, Booker Noe, and his love for hosting good, old-fashioned cookouts in our backyard. That man sure knew how to throw a party – complete with delicious food, lively music and great bourbon, of course.

Dad especially loved hosting his famous ‘Bourbon-ques’ throughout the Kentucky summer, inviting friends, family, neighbors, employees from the distillery and anybody visiting to join us at our house in Bardstown, KY. Of course, Dad didn’t do anything small, so his barbecues always included his famous pork chops, flambeed with Booker’s® Bourbon. They were a real crowd-pleaser and became his signature dish. My son, Freddie, and I still host ‘Bourbon-ques’ at the house each summer, including flambeed pork chops for everyone to enjoy.

Booker’s® “Backyard BBQ” is a fine bourbon to enjoy during the warm summer months, paired best with good food and great company. Here’s to Dad’s long-standing traditions and, as always, to damn good bourbon. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I do.”

~ Fred Noe, Beam Family’s 7th Generation ®Master Distiller

2018 - 01 Kathleen’s Batch

Master Distiller Notes

Booker’s “Kathleen’s Batch” was selected by myself, Kathleen and the Booker’s Bourbon Roundtable. The batch is made up of barrels from five production dates aged in several different locations within three warehouses. The breakdown of the barrel locations is as follows:


4% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse ONE
6% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse F
3% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse F
19% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse H
30% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse H
13% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse H
25% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse H
 

Kathleen’s description of the nose is that it presents notes of leather and floral honey. I note some caramel and vanilla as I always do in Booker’s. I know my Dad always strived for those aromas in the nose of each batch of his namesake bourbon, too. Together, we taste rich butterscotch, brown sugar, dried cherries and a little allspice. The finish is a nice balance of toasted oak with caramel and brown sugar. As one of our Booker’s Roundtable members put it best, this batch is just like Kathleen herself – “strong, sweet, rich and delightful.”

 

Label Inspiration

I’m proud to share the first release of our 2018 Booker’s® Bourbon batch collection, called Booker’s® Batch 2018-01, “Kathleen’s Batch.” This batch is named in honor of my good friend Kathleen DiBenedetto, who played an essential role in launching the Small Batch Bourbon Collection® with my dad, Booker Noe, in the early 90s. She was the first brand manager of Knob Creek®, Basil Hayden’s®, Baker’s® and Booker’s, and together with Dad, she helped pave the way for the premium bourbon category we all know and love today.

From the start, Dad put Kathleen to work at the distillery, assigning her to nearly every job until she knew the ins and outs of how bourbon is made, the Beam way. Each evening, Dad and Kathleen would sit at our kitchen table, and he would quiz her on all she had learned that day – believe me when I say he wasn’t easy on her, either! In September 2015, Kathleen’s contributions to the bourbon industry were recognized when she was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, and she sure deserved it.

After more than 25 years with the Beam business, our family thinks of Kathleen as the daughter Dad never had. I know he’d be proud to honor her with a batch of his namesake Booker’s Bourbon. It’s a small token of “thanks” for the heart and hard work she’s put into our brands all these years. I hope you’ll join me in enjoying a glass of Booker’s “Kathleen’s Batch” in her honor.

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

2017 - 04 Sip Awhile

Master Distiller Notes

The batch is made up of barrels from four different production dates stored in five different locations within three storage warehouses. The breakdown of the barrel locations is as follows:


4% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse F
4% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse F
8% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse E
39% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse E
45% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse H

 

The color of this batch has a rich chestnut tone, and the nose offers a sweet aroma of vanilla with some caramel. I really enjoyed selecting this batch as the weather dropped and the seasons changed from summer to fall here in Kentucky, making it the perfect time to sip some bourbon. Enjoy the final Booker’s batch of the year neat or with a splash of water to open up the flavors and the depth that comes from this wonderful cask-strength bourbon.

Label Inspiration

I’m proud to release the fourth and final batch in the Booker’s® Bourbon 2017 Collection – Booker’s Batch 2017-04, also called Booker’s® “Sip Awhile.” It’s named in celebration of Dad’s keenness to take life day-by-day and appreciate all the moments in between.

My dad, Booker Noe, was larger-than-life, and he enjoyed each minute to the fullest. One thing that Dad loved most in life was spending time with people, whether that was family, friends or even strangers – Dad was always making new friends! He’d invite those friends – new and old – over to our house just to have a good time, relax and come “sip awhile” on some of his namesake Booker’s Bourbon, or even to join our family in celebrating the holidays. There are a lot of lessons that Dad taught me that I carry with me today, and stepping back and enjoying the moment with the ones you love is a lesson I’ll never forget. It’s one I hope to pass on to my son, Freddie, too.

This holiday season – and just in time for Dad’s birthday in December – I hope you’ll join me in raising a glass of Booker’s “Sip Awhile” in tribute to Dad, his legacy and the spirit of enjoying moments both big and small … and of course, the flavors of good bourbon.

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

2017 - 03 Front Porch Batch

Master Distiller Notes

This batch consisted of seven different production dates stored in six different locations within three storage warehouses. The breakdown of the barrel locations is as follows: 

8% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse D
14% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse D
37% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse E
5% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse E
16% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse E
20% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse F

Finish | Well-balanced, with a shorter finish than normal for Booker’s® 

Sipping Suggestions | This batch is perfect to sip on while sitting on your front porch on a warm summer day, just like Dad used to do.

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

Label Inspiration

I’m proud to release the third batch in the Booker’s® Bourbon 2017 Collection – Booker’s Batch 2017-03, also called “Front Porch Batch.” This batch is named in tribute to my dad, Booker Noe, and his appreciation for the simple things in life, like enjoying a glass of bourbon on our front porch after a long day spent at the distillery

To Dad, our front porch held a lot of memories from his childhood. As a boy, he would spend summer evenings on the front porch swing with his Maw Maw, where they would enjoy the warm Kentucky breeze and talk about their days. Friends or other family members might stop by to say hi and sit with them for a while – a lot of people met Dad on that porch throughout his life. 

Sitting on the front porch with Dad are some of my favorite memories too, and that same porch swing stills hangs there today. I know if Dad were still with us, that’s where you’d find him spending his afternoons – with a glass of his namesake Booker’s Bourbon in hand, of course.

Booker’s “Front Porch Batch” is perfect to sip on a warm summer day, just watching the world pass by. I hope you’ll join me in enjoying it.

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

2017 - 02 Blue Knights Batch

Master Distiller Notes

This batch consisted of barrels from four different production dates aged in several different locations within four warehouses.The breakdown of the barrel locations is as follows: 

2% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse ONE 
38% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse D
33% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse F
27% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse J

Nose | Sweet with vanilla notes, mixed with some wood from the white oak barrels the bourbon aged in (for up to ten years in the case of some barrels!), and opening up with a little time 

Finish | A great mingling of different tastes, making it a well- balanced batch 

Sipping Suggestions | I really enjoyed putting this batch together and sampling it on a beautiful spring day here in Kentucky. I know the fans of Booker’s Bourbon will really enjoy this batch, and look forward to hearing their thoughts. 

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

Label Inspiration

I’m proud to announce the second release in the Booker’s® Bourbon 2017 Collection – Booker’s Batch 2017-02, also called “Blue Knights Batch.” This batch is named in tribute to one of my dad’s lesser-known group of friends, the Blue Knights® Motorcycle Club, an international brotherhood of active and retired law enforcement officers who share a passion for motorcycle riding and cruise together across the country. 

Many years ago, my dad, Booker Noe, was invited to attend aBlue Knights’ rally in Kentucky. He eagerly accepted because, as he put it, you could never have too many police officer friends.Dad made fast friends with the Blue Knights, and before you know it, he’d invited all 300 of them over to our house the next day for a BBQ lunch. You can imagine Mom’s face when he told her at breakfast the next day. But, that was Dad – larger-thanlife and always making new friends. 

We must have gone to every grocery store in town to host lunch for a crowd that size, but we did it, and it became an annual event each Memorial Day weekend. The Blue Knights even went on to name Dad an honorary member of their club. 

I know Dad would be proud to honor the Blue Knights with their very own batch of his namesake bourbon as a tribute to the many years of friendship they shared. I hope you’ll join me in raising a glass of Booker’s “Blue Knights” and toasting to brotherhood and great bourbon. 

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

2017 - 01 Tommy’s Batch

Master Distiller Notes

I selected this batch with the help of Tommy himself, the Booker’s Roundtable and a select group of whiskey experts and writers. The batch consisted of two production dates aged in three different warehouses. The breakdown of the barrel locations is as follows: 

41% came from the 6th floor of the 9 story warehouse E
13% came from the 6th floor of the 9 story warehouse H
46% came from the 7th floor of the 9 story warehouse D

Label Inspiration

“I'm proud to share the first of four batches in the Booker's® Bourbon 2017 Batch Collection, Batch 2017-01, also called Booker's "Tommy's Batch." I’m especially pleased to release this special batch as our first, as it is named in tribute to Tommy Crume, who started his career at the distillery as a young man and worked closely alongside Dad for decades. They spent so much time together that we used to joke that he was like a second son to Dad! 

Over all those years, Tommy learned just how Dad liked things to be done around the distillery, especially when it came to his namesake bourbon and eventually worked his way up to Distillery Manager at the Clermont, Ky. plant, helping to make sure that everything continued to run just the way Dad would have wanted. 

After almost 30 years with us, Tommy retired in 2016 and I know Dad would be honored to name the first batch of 2017 after his dear friend. I hope you'll join me in raising a glass of Booker's "Tommy's Batch" in celebration of Dad’s legacy and Tommy’s, too.” 

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

2016 - 06 Noe Hard Times

Master Distiller Notes

Booker’s ® Bourbon Batch 2016-06, also called Booker’s “Noe Hard Times” is made up of barrels from 6 different rack houses with six different production dates. It is bottled at 127.8 proof and was aged for 6 years, 10 months, and 1 day. This batch has a nice aroma of vanilla and oak with hints of toasted nuts. The flavor is very well balanced and has a nice mouth feel with a smooth long finish perfect for sipping neat over the holidays.

Label Inspiration

I'm proud to share the sixth and final release in the Booker's Bourbon 2016 Batch Collection, Booker’s Batch 2016-06, also called "Noe Hard Times." This batch name pays homage to the nickname my dad, Booker Noe, earned playing football in Bardstown, KY years ago. 

Dad was larger-than-life in personality and stature, and possessed both from an early age. Needless to say, no team in central Kentucky wanted to line up against such a formidable opponent. This, combined with a birthday in December 1929, just on the cusp of the Great Depression, earned him the nickname "Hard Times" on and off the field. 

Uncut and unfiltered* – like all Booker’s® Bourbon batches before it – “Noe Hard Times” features the robust flavor and natural proof that Booker’s Bourbon is known for and will be available beginning early December, just in time for what would have been Dad's 87th birthday. If Dad were here today, I know he would enjoy a glass of this batch while telling his favorite stories from his days on the gridiron. 

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

*Note: Booker’s Bourbon is quality screened to remove sizable pieces of charred barrel wood.

2016 - 05 Off Your Rocker

Master Distiller Notes

Booker’s® Bourbon Batch 2016-05, also called Booker’s “Off Your Rocker,” is made up of barrels located in four different rack houses with four different production dates. It is bottled at 129.7 proof and was aged for 6 years, 7 months and 23 days. I selected this batch for its sweet aroma and flavors of vanilla and wood from the white oak barrels that this batch was aged in. The liquid is well balanced with a big, warm finish that lingers for a good while, especially when sipped neat. I know my Dad, Booker Noe, would enjoy sipping this batch on chilly fall evenings or at a tailgate.

Label Inspiration

“I’m proud to announce the fifth release in the Booker’s Bourbon 2016 Batch Collection, Batch 2016-05, also called “Off Your Rocker.” Dad was a big man – over six feet tall – and he always said that he was most comfortable in a rocking chair, whether he was taking a break at the distillery or home relaxing on our front porch. It was his go-to seat, and everyone knew it. In fact, if you come visit us at the distillery today, you’ll see a statue of Dad in his rocking chair overlooking the rack houses with his beloved dog, Dot, by his side. 

“Off Your Rocker” is also a tribute to Dad’s larger-than-life personality that he was so well known for. He always said exactly what was on his mind – cracking jokes and surprising people – and I remember our friends and family telling him he was “off his rocker” every now and again. 

Like all batches of Booker's, I personally selected this batch to ensure it upholds the qualities and standards that Dad’s namesake whiskey is known for -- uncut at its natural proof and full of robust flavors of vanilla. I know that if Dad were here today, he’d enjoy a glass of this batch from his rocking chair on the porch, taking in the changing color of the leaves as the cool fall weather starts to set in.” 
— Fred Noe, Beam Family’s 7th Generation Master Distiller

2016 - 04 Bluegill Creek

Master Distiller Notes

Booker’s “Bluegill Creek” batch is made up of barrels from four different rack houses and five different production dates. It is bottled at 128 proof and was aged for 6 years, 5 months and 28 days. It was unseasonably warm even by Kentucky standards on the day that I selected the barrels for this batch, and it brought me back to the hot summers that my Dad, Booker Noe, and I spent together fishing for bluegill. When selecting this batch, I wanted something that could be enjoyed in the summer heat while staying true to Booker’s Bourbon standards, and I think Dad would be proud of how “Bluegill Creek” turned out. 

This batch would make a great Kentucky Tea, which was one of Dad’s favorite ways to enjoy his Booker’s and includes a healthy splash of water in the glass, which really opens up the flavors and aromas of the liquid. “Bluegill Creek” contains the robust flavors of vanilla that Dad always looked for when selecting batches of Booker’s, and I know he would be proud to have a batch of his bourbon named after one of his favorite pastimes. 

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

Label Inspiration

“I’m pleased to share the fourth release in the Booker’s Bourbon 2016 Batch Collection, Batch 2016-04, also called “Bluegill Creek.” This batch honors my dad, Booker Noe, and one of his favorite pastimes – fishing for bluegill. When I was selecting this batch, the hot and humid Kentucky summer weather reminded me of the days Dad and I spent together on the water. We used to go down to the creek and sit for hours, hoping to reel in some bluegill to fry up for dinner. When my son Freddie was a boy, Dad took him fishing too, and I know it’s a tradition that will continue to live on. I guess you could say fishing for bluegill runs in our family, so it seemed like a natural fit to name a batch in honor of one of Dad’s favorite pastimes. 

I know Dad would enjoy “Bluegill Creek” for its signature flavors of robust vanilla true to every Booker’s batch. If he were here today, he’d sit down by the water with a glass of this bourbon in one hand and a fishing pole in the other. 

— Fred Noe, Beam Family’s 7th Generation Master Distiller

BATCH INFO

Age: 6 years, 5 months, 28 days 
Proof: 128.0

2016 - 03 Toogie's Invitation

Master Distiller Notes

Toogie’s Invitation is culled from barrels located in six different rack houses. The golden amber liquid offers robust flavors with a complex nose that has an aroma of vanilla on the front.

Label Inspiration

"Batch 2016-03, ‘Toogie’s Invitation,’ is named in honor of Marilyn “Toogie” Dick and her longstanding friendship with my parents, Booker and Annis Noe. With a bond that goes back to their high school days, Toogie has been part of the family since before I can remember and, when Dad first introduced Booker’s Bourbon, Toogie had a standing invitation to gather at our kitchen table, along with friends and family, and select batches of Dad’s namesake bourbon. Later in life, Toogie joined Dad and Mom all over the world during their travels, and she could always be found making Dad’s favorite meal, her famous fried chicken, for him and any guests that he invited to dinner after a long day at the distillery. Toogie herself, along with the Booker’s Bourbon Roundtable, helped me to select this batch at her restaurant in Bardstown, Ky. I know Dad would be proud to have this batch of his bourbon named after his dear friend, Toogie.” 
— Fred Noe, Beam Family’s 7th Generation Master Distiller

2016 - LE Limited Edition Booker’s® Rye “Big Time” Batch

Master Distiller Notes

Made from some of the last barrels Booker Noe ever laid down, Booker’s Rye is the first rye whiskey from the brand. Like all batches of Booker’s, it was selected by Fred Noe to ensure it upholds the qualities and standards that Booker Noe envisioned for this very special release, and it was selected with the following characteristics: Booker’s Rye is culled from barrels aged in one of Booker Noe’s favorite rack house. Booker’s Rye has an intense flavor profile with pronounced, well-balanced notes of wood and oak from the longer aging process. The deep amber liquid offers a complex aroma with spicy notes from the rye in the mash bill. This uncut rye has a big bold flavor, but is not overpowering. It can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Label Inspiration

“My dad, Booker Noe, always said “if you ain’t thinking big, you ain’t thinking.” He put this big thinking to use in all kinds of ways, but above all, when it came to flavor. He would spend days experimenting at the distillery, tinkering with the distilling process and different grain mixtures. In particular, Dad saw the difficult, temperamental rye grain as a challenge – small, but tricky to work with – and he never backed down from a challenge. So, in 2003, he went big and laid down barrels of a rye whiskey in his favorite rack house – creating the first ever Booker’s Rye Whiskey. When you take one sip of Booker’s Rye, you’ll agree that it is Big Time all the way – the first of its kind, uncut, unfiltered, and big in flavor, just how Dad liked it. Barreled as a small batch late in Dad’s life, Booker’s Big Time Rye is a rare, limited-edition rye whiskey that won’t come around again any time soon. With an intense flavor profile and pronounced, well-balanced notes of wood and oak, it’s more than worthy of being called “Booker’s,” and I’m proud to release it in his honor this May.” --Fred Noe, Beam Family’s 7th Generation Master Distiller

2016 - 02 Annis' Answer

Master Distiller Notes

“The batch is made up of barrels from four different production dates stored in 5 different storage areas. The oldest barrels in the batch were 7 years, 1 month old and the youngest barrels were 6 years, 2 month old. This batch has an aroma that opens up well after a short period of time in the glass. The vanilla comes through with a lot of other sweet notes as most batches of Bookers. The mouth feel is good with a little more heat that lingers on the back of your throat which I appreciated on the cool morning I sampled the batch. With a small amount of water added, this batch opens up nice. If Booker were still alive I know he would say “I done good” on this batch.” 
Fred Noe

Label Inspiration

“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. Booker and I first met when I was working as a dental hygienist, and he was one of my patients. While I didn’t think much of it at first, friends reintroduced us a few years later and the rest is history. We started a journey that would lead to a very special day - April 7th, 1956 - the day we were married. This is such a special moment for me as I remember Booker’s larger-than-life personality and our wonderful time together on what would have been our 60th wedding anniversary. I’m pleased to honor Booker’s legacy with the release of this batch. While I don’t drink too much bourbon these days, I wasn't going to pass up the chance to give this batch a taste. Annis' Answer offers the rich flavors of vanilla that Booker always looked for in his namesake bourbon. I know Booker would want fans of the brand to enjoy this special release, so I hope you’ll join me in raising a glass to toast Booker, our many adventures together as husband and wife and the question that began it all.” 
--Annis Wickham Noe, Wife of Booker Noe

2016 - 01 Bluegrass Batch

Master Distiller Notes

“The first batch of Bookers for 2016 is made up of barrels that were stored in 7 different rack houses. 61% of the barrels were stored in 9 story houses, 34% were stored in 7 story houses, and remaining 5% were stored in a 5 story rack house. The ages of the barrels in the batch range from 6 years 11 months old to 7 years 11 months old. The deep amber color reflects the complex aroma and flavor of the batch to be bottled. The nose is pleasant with the vanilla and toasted nuts that is inviting and makes you eager to sip this great bourbon. The flavor of this batch is smooth and well balanced with a finish that I enjoyed neat without adding any water.” 
Fred Noe

Label Inspiration

Booker’s Bourbon is proud to release Booker's Bluegrass, the inaugural batch in the 2016 limited-edition collection, which pays tribute to two of founding distiller Booker Noe's favorite things - whiskey and music. While he is best known for the creation of his namesake full-bodied whiskey, he is also remembered by friends and family for his love of bluegrass music, both listening and dancing to it. Booker was light on his feet and his larger-than-life personality took over the dance floor in true Booker style. He was even known to join the band from time to time. Booker's Bluegrass celebrates Booker living life to the fullest - whether on the dance floor or in the rack house. It is bottled uncut at its natural proof, yielding a robust whiskey with intense flavor - just as Booker preferred.

2015 - 06 Noe Secret

Master Distiller Notes

“Noe Secret was named in honor of my Dad and his honest approach to creating the recipe for his namesake bourbon. Dad always spoke his mind, and kept no secrets in life or when it came to making his iconic whiskey. This batch has rich flavors of vanilla that Booker’s Bourbon is known for, along with a hint of cherry and a warm mouthfeel that opens to a long, smooth finish. 
I selected this batch at this year’s New York WhiskyFest with the help of the Booker’s Bourbon Roundtable, an exclusive group of top whiskey experts, enthusiasts and writers, who helped me identify a batch that honors dad’s whiskey preference. The group had a tough job, but selected this batch with an overwhelming vote, calling it 'a mega bourbon with the structure that Booker’s is known for.' ” 
Fred Noe

Label Inspiration

Batch 2015-06, named “Noe Secret," pays tribute to founding distiller Booker Noe and his ever-honest approach to making the iconic recipe that fans of his namesake bourbon know and love. The batch’s name is a play on words, because Booker, known for speaking his mind, kept no secrets — in life, or the way he made his bourbon. He was transparent about the way his bourbon was made and used the best ingredients available. Booker’s® Bourbon Batch 2015-06 was selected by Master Distiller Fred Noe and Booker’s Bourbon Roundtable.

2015 - 05 Maw Maw’s Batch

Master Distiller Notes

“Maw Maw’s batch was named for my Great Grandmother who played an important role in my dad’s life. The aroma for this batch is rich with hints of vanilla and toasted nuts, and the taste is well balanced with a warmth which moves to a clean, long finish.” 
Fred Noe

Label Inspiration

Booker’s® Bourbon is proud to release the fifth batch in its 2015 limited-edition collection, “Maw Maw’s Batch,” named in honor of one of the most important people in Booker’s life - his grandmother.

After living at Maw Maw’s house in Bardstown, KY during high school, Booker eventually moved next door when he returned from college. It was while living next door that Booker created the iconic recipe that his namesake bourbon is known for today.

2015 - 04 Oven Buster Batch

Master Distiller Notes

“This batch is called the “Oven Buster” batch for the incident that happened to my mother when she cooked with my father’s early batches of Booker’s Bourbon. She actually blew the oven door open using the Booker’s to finish her pork roast she baked. This batch has some vanilla notes and a nice oaky full-bodied aroma. The flavor is well balanced with a finish that is pleasant and leaves you wanting another taste.“ 
Fred Noe

Label Inspiration

“This one-of-a-kind label pays tribute to a Noe family story that’s been the topic of conversation among our family for many years, and I’m thrilled to share it with Booker’s fans like you. I’ve always been fond of cooking with bourbon. Years ago, as I was preparing a pork roast, I mistakenly reached for a bottle of my husband’s namesake bourbon. Due to the bourbon’s high proof, the oven sparked and the door flew open, much to our surprise! “Oven Buster Batch” is a true testament to the uncut and unfiltered1, full-bodied whiskey that my husband preferred, and I hope you’ll enjoy it just as much as he did.” –Annis Wickham Noe
Wife to Frederick Booker Noe II

TASTING PANEL

Booker’s Bourbon Roundtable Panelists:• Chuck Cowdery, Blogger and Author of “Bourbon, Strange: Surprising Stories of American Whiskey”• Geoff Kleinman, Founder and Managing Editor of DrinkSpirits.com• John McCarthy, Spirits Writer and Senior Managing Editor of Men’s Health Magazine• Jack Robertiello, Spirits Writer and Spirits Competition Judge• Tony Sachs, Spirits Writer and Blogger for Huffington PostGuest Panelist:• Fred Minnick, Author of “Bourbon Curious: A Simple Tasting Guide for a Savvy Drinker”

2015 - 03 Center Cut Batch

Master Distiller Notes

“This batch was the “Center Cut” batch, named for the special part of the aging rack house my father, Booker, aged his favorite bourbon, Booker’s. The barrels selected have a nice chestnut color that reminds me of the beautiful thoroughbred horses that race here in Kentucky. The nose on this batch has vanilla and a lot of the oak from the barrels. There’s a very intense flavor that explodes in your mouth and it leaves a sweet, long, pleasant finish. A small splash of water opens this batch up for some great sipping.“ 
Fred Noe

Label Inspiration

Booker’s® Bourbon is proud to release the third batch in its 2015 collection, Batch 2015-03, which features a custom label celebrating founding distiller Booker Noe’s favorite part of the rackhouse and choice cut of meat – “The Center Cut.”

Booker liked to age his namesake barrels in the center of the rackhouse – the 5th floor – to achieve the robust flavor that Booker’s® Bourbon is known for. This is where the temperature, humidity and sunlight combine to produce perfect aging conditions. As for the meat, Booker liked to cure his own and enjoyed nothing better than a thick slice from the center. 

Batch 2015-03, named the “The Center Cut,” is the first batch in the 2015 limited-edition collection that Fred Noe, Beam’s 7th Generation Master Distiller, selected with the help of the Booker’s® Bourbon Roundtable, an exclusive group of top whiskey experts, enthusiasts and writers. For the first time ever, the Roundtable was also joined by local Louisville, Kentucky, chef, Coby Ming, who used her culinary expertise to help select a batch that embodies Booker’s whiskey preferences and ensures an ideal flavor profile for food pairing.

TASTING PANEL

• Chuck Cowdery, Blogger and Author of “Bourbon, Strange: Surprising Stories of American Whiskey”• Geoff Kleinman, Founder and Managing Editor of DrinkSpirits.com• John McCarthy, Spirits Writer and Senior Managing Editor of Men’s Health Magazine• Jack Robertiello, Spirits Writer and Spirits Competition Judge• Tony Sachs, Spirits Writer and Huffington Post Blogger

2015 - 02 Dot’s Batch

Master Distiller Notes

“The second batch of Booker’s® Bourbon for 2015 is made up of barrels that were aged from January 2007 to February 2008. I really enjoyed the nose on this batch. It has a nice balance of vanilla with some slight citrus notes. I’ll always remember this batch as the one I selected during the winter snowstorms of 2015.“ 
Fred Noe

Label Inspiration

Booker’s® Bourbon is proud to release the second batch of its 2015 limited-edition release collection, celebrating Dot, the faithful sidekick of founding distiller Booker Noe. Booker’s® Bourbon Batch 2015-02 features a custom label depicting Booker Noe’s cherished Jack Russell Terrier, a scrappy runt of the litter brought home as a surprise for Booker’s wife and nicknamed for the single brown spot on her back. Known for always being at Booker’s side, Dot is commemorated with Batch 2015-02, named "Dot’s Batch." Uncut and created in very limited quantity – like all Booker’s®Bourbon batches before it – “Dot’s Batch” features the robust flavor and natural proof that Booker’s Bourbon is known for.

2015 - 01 BIG MAN, SMALL BATCH

Master Distiller Notes

“Our first batch in 2015 has a great vanilla nose that really comes through. This batch consists of barrels that were filled between January and October of 2007. It’s a thoughtful mingling of several small groups of barrels that brought out different flavors from different rackhouses, which I did to make the end result more complex. Each small group of barrels contributed its own robust qualities that, when all mingled together, created a terrific first batch of Booker's® to start off 2015. “ 
Fred Noe

Label Inspiration

Booker’s® Bourbon Batch 2015-01 features a custom label inspired by the iconic visual of Booker sipping bourbon in his rocking chair (with his dog, Dot, at his side). To honor Booker Noe’s role in the creation of small batch bourbons and his larger-than-life personality, Booker's® Bourbon is releasing Batch 2015-01, "Big Man, Small Batch."

Uncut & unfiltered but never underage

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