Booker's "Barry's Batch" Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon: A Homage to a Beam Legend
Discover the bold and unwavering spirit of Booker's "Barry's Batch" Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon (2025-01), the inaugural release of the highly anticipated 2025 Booker's Bourbon Collection. This exceptional, uncut, and unfiltered bourbon is a heartfelt tribute to Barry Berish, the former Chairman and CEO of Beam, Inc., who dedicated over 40 years to the company and was a cherished friend and colleague of Booker Noe and his son, Fred Noe.
Booker's Bourbon continues its legacy of crafting robust, barrel-strength bourbons with "Barry's Batch." This particular expression is aged for a precise 7 years, 2 months, and 4 days in new, charred American white oak barrels. The whiskey is a carefully selected blend of barrels from four production dates, aged across five different Jim Beam warehouses (specifically: 41% from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 3, 32% from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse X, 14% from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 1, 9% from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse G, and 4% from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse H). This diverse warehouse sourcing contributes to its multifaceted flavor profile. Bottled at an impressive 125.7 Proof (62.85% ABV), "Barry's Batch" delivers the quintessential Booker's experience: big, bold, and full of character, while offering unique nuances that distinguish it as a memorable release.
Key Characteristics:
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Batch 2025-01: The first release of the 2025 Booker's Bourbon collection.
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Tribute to Barry Berish: Named in honor of the former Beam Chairman and CEO, a significant figure in Beam's history.
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Age Statement: Aged 7 years, 2 months, and 4 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 (125.7 / 62.85% 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: Features the traditional Jim Beam high-corn bourbon mash bill (77% corn, 13% rye, 10% malted barley).
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Limited Release: As with all Booker's batches, "Barry's Batch" is a limited, quarterly release, making it a sought-after collector's item.
Tasting Notes (from distiller and reviews):
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Appearance: Bright golden amber.
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Nose: Warm and welcoming, with prominent hints of vanilla and sweet oak. Deeper notes of brown sugar, caramel, toasted nuts (pecan, walnut), and baking spices (cinnamon, allspice) are often present, with a subtle underlying earthiness or tobacco note.
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Palate: Big and bold, coating the tongue with flavors of rich caramel, peanut butter fudge, and sweet molasses. Expect a lively burst of cinnamon and allspice, balanced by honey and graham cracker. Savory notes of seasoned oak and a slight mustiness can also be found, along with hints of dark chocolate, cherry, and subtle fruit.
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Finish: Long, warming, and delightfully persistent. Lingering notes of brown sugar, caramel, oak tannins, and a pleasant, nutty undertone with a final touch of spice and warmth.
Awards & Recognition:
Booker's Bourbon batches consistently receive high praise from critics and enthusiasts for their quality and distinct profiles. While "Barry's Batch" (being a 2025 release) is relatively new to major competition results, early reviews are positive:
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Highly anticipated by bourbon collectors and enthusiasts each year.
- Early reviews indicate it's a quintessential Booker's Bourbon, appealing to fans of the traditional nutty and spicy Beam profile with a touch more sweetness.
- Often praised for its surprising smoothness given its high proof.
Overall Impression:
Booker's "Barry's Batch" Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a powerful and flavorful expression that honors a significant figure in the Jim Beam legacy. Its substantial age and barrel-proof bottling deliver the robust intensity Booker's fans crave, while its unique blend composition offers a distinct profile within the series. Perfect for sipping neat or with a small splash of water to unlock its deeper complexities, "Barry's Batch" is a must-try for any bourbon aficionado looking to experience a piece of Beam history in a glass.
