Booker's "Pinkie’s Batch" Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2022-04): A Tribute to Family Legacy
Delve into the rich family history of the Beam dynasty with Booker's "Pinkie’s Batch" Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2022-04). As the fourth and final release of the acclaimed 2022 Booker's Bourbon Collection, this highly sought-after expression is a heartfelt tribute to Frederick "Pinkie" Beam, Booker Noe's father and Fred Noe's grandfather. Though not directly involved in the distillery business, Pinkie's strong character and love for family significantly influenced the Beam lineage, making him a fitting namesake for this bold bourbon.
Booker's Bourbon, a hallmark of uncut and unfiltered quality, maintains its uncompromising standards with "Pinkie's Batch." This particular expression was aged for a precise 6 years, 10 months, and 10 days in new, charred American white oak barrels. The barrels for this batch were carefully selected from four different Jim Beam warehouses: 47% from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse Z, 36% from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse 1, 11% from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse X, and 6% from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Q. This diverse sourcing contributes to the batch's complex and unique flavor profile. Bottled at a robust 122.4 Proof (61.2% ABV), "Pinkie's Batch" delivers the signature Booker's intensity—rich, full-bodied, and bursting with flavor, while offering its own distinct personality.
Key Characteristics:
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Batch 2022-04: The fourth and final release of the 2022 Booker's Bourbon collection.
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Tribute to Frederick "Pinkie" Beam: Named in honor of Booker Noe's father, celebrating his legacy and influence.
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Age Statement: Aged 6 years, 10 months, and 10 days.
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Barrel Proof & Uncut: Bottled at its natural strength without chill filtration, preserving maximum flavor and authenticity.
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High Proof (122.4 / 61.2% ABV): Delivers a powerful and intense drinking experience.
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Small Batch Blending: Carefully selected barrels from multiple warehouses contribute to its unique profile.
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Classic Jim Beam Mash Bill: Utilizes the traditional Jim Beam high-corn bourbon mash bill (typically 77% corn, 13% rye, 10% malted barley).
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Limited Release: As with all Booker's batches, "Pinkie's Batch" was a limited, one-time release.
Tasting Notes (from distiller and reviews):
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Appearance: Rich, golden amber with copper tones.
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Nose: Balanced with prominent brown spice and vanilla notes. Expect hints of toasted oak, peanut brittle, and sometimes a subtle presence of ripe orchard fruits like apple and peach.
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Palate: Bold and robust, delivering a full-bodied experience. Signature Booker's vanilla flavor leads, complemented by notes of rich caramel, toasted nuts, and baking spices like cinnamon and black pepper. Dark chocolate and a pleasant, seasoned oak influence are often present.
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Finish: Long, warm, and satisfying. It leaves a lingering sensation of spiced wood, subtle smokiness, and a well-rounded sweetness, evolving with flavors of caramel and oak.
Awards & Recognition:
Booker's Bourbon batches consistently receive high praise from critics and enthusiasts for their quality and distinct profiles. "Pinkie's Batch" was well-received upon its release:
- Often included in lists of "Best Bourbons of 2022" by various spirits publications.
- Praised by reviewers for its classic Booker's profile with a specific oak-forward and spiced character.
- Considered a strong final release for the 2022 series, upholding the brand's reputation for quality and complexity.
Overall Impression:
Booker's "Pinkie’s Batch" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2022-04) is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Beam family and the uncompromising quality of Booker's Bourbon. Its substantial age and barrel-proof bottling deliver the robust intensity that Booker's enthusiasts cherish, while its unique blend composition and personal tribute offer a distinct and memorable profile. Perfect for savoring neat or with a splash of water to unravel its layers of complexity, "Pinkie's Batch" is a must-have for any serious bourbon collector or anyone seeking a powerful and authentic Kentucky Straight Bourbon experience.
