Booker's 2025-01 "Barry's Batch"
BOOKER’S 2025-01 - BARRY’S BATCH
The first US release of Booker’s 2025 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2025-01 “Barry’s Batch”. This batch is named in honor of Barry Berish, former Beam Chairman and CEO, and a dear friend to Dad and me. He was a legend at Beam, guiding us for over 40 years. Sadly, Barry passed early in 2024, and we miss him plenty. So, with this release, we celebrate who Barry was, and share just a few of the reasons everyone loved him so much. In 1995, we hit a big milestone: our family had been making whiskey for over 200 years. It was high time for some festivities, particularly after the rough go of it bourbon had in the 80’s. Barry took the opportunity to throw a party bigger than any we’d ever had, bringing people from around the world for food, drinks, and a good time. All day, Barry brought Beam pride to everyone in the crowd. He stood front and center on stage from morning to night, his energy never flagging, highlighting what we’d accomplished and drumming up excitement for all we were about to achieve. He hosted the main event of the afternoon, where we invited anyone and everyone named “Jim Beam” to come on over and join the leaders on stage. He proclaimed their names louder than anyone else, proud to be honoring the name above the door. I can still see him, surrounded by dozens of those Jims, beaming. If it weren’t for Barry, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We’re more than grateful for everything he did and everything he was: a real good guy, and truly one of a kind. So, here’s to you Barry, you’ll always be in our hearts.
--- Fred Noe, Beam Family 7th Generation Master Distiller
Master Distiller’s Notes
Booker’s “Barry’s Batch” is made up of barrels from four production dates that were aged in 5 different warehouses. The age of the batch is 7 years, 2 months, and 4 days. The proof of the batch is 125.7 proof. The breakdown of barrel storage for the batch is as follows:
41% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 3
14% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 1
4% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse H
32% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse X
9% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse G
The color of “Barry’s Batch” is a bright golden amber, inviting you to lean in and take in the wonderful aroma. The nose is warm and welcoming, with hints of vanilla and a touch of sweetness from the more than 7 years it spent aging in new white oak barrels. When I took a sip of this batch, the cozy flavor that filled my mouth reminded me of a chilly January morning, perfect for enjoying a good bourbon. The balanced finish was smooth and left me wanting more – it’s just that good! I know Dad would have loved to celebrate his long-time friend and colleague with this bourbon named after him. I really hope you enjoy Barry’s Batch as much as I enjoyed creating it!
MSRP: $101.99
Proof: 125.7
Age: 7 yrs., 2 months and 4 days
Nose: Aromas of vanilla, spices
Taste: Big and bold, and unmistakably Booker’s® Bourbon
Finish: Long and delightful
Sipping Suggestions: Sip neat or with water to open up the flavors
750ml