Beam Distilling has just revealed an exciting new addition to its prestigious Booker’s label: Booker’s Bourbon The Reserves.
This inaugural edition is the first of what will become an annual release, crafted by eighth generation master distiller Freddie Noe to honor his grandfather and the label’s namesake, Booker Noe.
In a press release, Freddie expressed his sentiments about the new release, stating, “Liquid like this can take awhile to find, but when I do, it feels like the big man himself picked them out. It’s just the kind of bourbon I believe my granddaddy would be making if he were still alive with us now.”
While The Reserves pays homage to Booker, Freddie’s influence is unmistakable in this whiskey. As he experimented with various liquids and barrels at the Fred B. Noe Distillery on the James B. Beam campus in Clermont, KY, one word continued to resonate in Freddie’s mind: scraps. With numerous barrels at his disposal, he sought to blend the finest flavors with existing resources, resulting in an exceptional creation.
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For The Reserves, Freddie meticulously selected eight batches of barrels from various ages and locations within the distillery, including:
- Eight years, two months, 12 days on the fourth floor of warehouse G
- Eight years, five months, 19 days on the fifth floor of warehouse I
- Eight years, five months, 20 days on the fifth floor of warehouse Z
- Nine years, two months, three days on the fifth floor of warehouse Q
- Nine years, two months, four days on the sixth floor of warehouse J
- Nine years, five months, 18 days on the seventh floor of warehouse H
- Ten years, three months, two days on the fourth floor of warehouse X
- 14 years, four months, 16 days on the sixth floor of warehouse I
My first encounter with this bourbon was during a tasting session across from Freddie at the Noe Distillery tasting room. The whiskey exuded aromas of dried fruit and brown sugar, while the palate offered a mix of classic yet intricate flavors of vanilla and charred oak. The long, lingering finish left hints of baking spice on my palate, creating a truly memorable experience.
Despite its high proof of 125.9, The Reserves proved to be smooth and well-rounded. According to Freddie, the lack of harshness can be attributed to his deliberate selection of barrels from the middle three floors of each warehouse, deemed the “sweet spot” by his grandfather Booker.
Describing the final blend, Freddie likened it to a baked potato over a steak. While grilling a steak produces varying texture between the exterior and interior, baking a potato results in a consistent texture throughout. He explained, “These barrels had a very nice, even, uniform aging process to develop that unique flavor.”
Booker’s Bourbon The Reserves is bottled at 62.95% ABV and will be offered nationwide at an MSRP of $130 for a 750mL bottle, presented in a commemorative wooden box.
Freddie introduced another innovative bourbon this year with the launch of the first edition of Little Book The Infinite. This annual release blends four whiskeys, each aged by a different generation of the Noe family: Booker, Fred, Freddie, and a collaborative effort from all three. Moving forward, Freddie will incorporate a new whiskey each year, subtly altering the flavor profile over time.
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Conclusion
The unveiling of Booker’s Bourbon The Reserves marks a significant milestone in the legacy of the Booker’s label. Freddie Noe’s dedication to crafting a whiskey that embodies both tradition and innovation is evident in every sip of this exceptional blend. As The Reserves becomes a new tradition, it serves as a fitting tribute to the pioneering spirit of Booker Noe and the ongoing legacy of the Noe family in the world of bourbon.
FAQs
1. How can I purchase Booker’s Bourbon The Reserves?
The Reserves will be available for purchase across the United States at select retailers and online platforms. Check with your local liquor store or visit the official Booker’s Bourbon website for more information on availability.
2. What sets The Reserves apart from other Booker’s releases?
The Reserves is a limited edition annual release curated by Freddie Noe to honor his grandfather. This unique blend of eight carefully selected batches offers a distinct flavor profile that showcases Freddie’s expertise and reverence for tradition.
3. Is The Reserves suitable for collectors and enthusiasts?
Yes, The Reserves is an ideal addition to any bourbon collection or a special gift for whiskey enthusiasts. With its exceptional quality and limited availability, this release is sure to appeal to collectors and connoisseurs alike.
