Booker’s “Milkshake Batch” 2026-02
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
7 Years, 6 Months, 12 Days
62.2% ABV
$100
Website
We would like to thank Beam Suntory and SAVONA COMMUNICATIONS for sending us a sample to review.
What the Distillery Says:
The second US release of Booker’s 2026 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2026-02 “Milkshake Batch”. Dad loved his dessert as much as he loved his bourbon. And being the inventor that he was, he found a way to bring the two together. His famous malted chocolate milkshake brought us all together, too. Every time we enjoy one today, it reminds us of good times with the Big Man.
When I was young, Dad and I spent many an afternoon out fishing at a nearby lake. We had plenty of fun out there, but the best part came later, on the way home. We’d pull up to an ice cream dip and order ourselves two chocolate malted milkshakes – a reward for our hard work.
One day, Dad tried out mixing some Jim Beam into his own shake, and a tradition was born. By the time Freddie came along, Dad figured out how to make them from scratch.
When we lived next door, Dad would have Freddie go over to his house whenever he got a craving for that chocolate malted milkshake. He’d whip some up for himself, Freddie and me – and today, whenever we get the same hankering, we use the family recipe that Booker invented for us all those years ago.
If you want to try it out for yourself, the recipe’s simple. All you need is chocolate malt, ice cream, and milk – and of course a good pour of Booker’s.
— FRED NOE, BEAM FAMILY 7TH GENERATION MASTER DISTILLER
MASTER DISTILLER’S NOTES
Booker’s “Milkshake Batch” is made up of four production dates that were stored in four different storage warehouses. The age will be 7 years, 6 months, 12 days old and the proof is 124.4. the breakdown is as follows:
• 26% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 3
• 23% came from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse L
• 19% came from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse M
• 32% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse G at waterfall
The color of this batch is rich golden amber that came from the time spent in the barrel resting in the changing seasons of Kentucky. The color of aged bourbon always reminds me of the thoroughbreds that will be racing now that spring has finally sprung here in Kentucky. The aroma is rich and thick with vanilla and oak that is inviting you to take a taste. The taste of the blend is full of flavors that are a pleasure to assess and invite you to take another sip. I enjoyed the full, flavorful finish that lingers and makes you want another sip. I am going to make a milkshake tonight and add some of this batch of Booker’s. I know it will be great and bring back memories of my dad enjoying his favorite treats, a chocolate milkshake with some bourbon added to it.
TASTING NOTES
Taste: Aromas of vanilla, spices
Aroma: Big and bold, and unmistakably Booker’s® Bourbon
Finish: Long and delightful
What Gary Says
Nose: Thick, vanilla, oak, caramel, dark chocolate, turtle brownies, leather and roasted peanuts.
Palate: Chocolate, caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, peanut brittle and pepper spice.
Finish: Moderately long, slightly drying with oak, cocoa, caramel and pepper spice.
Comments: Classic Booker’s. And like many higher proof drams, this one benefits from some time in the glass – helps to tamp down the heat a bit. Could be that it’s been a minute since having a Booker’s, but this is hitting all the right notes for me. Just thick, chewy, robust flavor all the way through. A bit of water doesn’t hurt this one bit, and brings out toasted orange zest on the nose, and chocolate orange on the palate (definitely a citrus bend).