Booker’s 2024-04 “Jimmy’s Batch”
Booker’s “Jimmy’s Batch” 2024-04
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
7 Years, 9 Months, 19 Days
62.9% 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 fourth release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2024 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2024-04 “Jimmy’s Batch.” This batch is named in honor of Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, living legend for bourbon lovers everywhere, and one of my dad’s dearest peers, competitors, and most importantly friends. Jimmy was like a second father to me after dad passed away, and I’ve learned a hell of a lot from him over the years. There are many life lessons to thank him for, but here are a few that stand out to me.
Once at a bourbon festival, Jimmy came up to Dad and me and poured out three glasses of a whiskey he wanted us to taste. It was some real nice stuff, and when Dad asked what it was, Jimmy said it was something new he was working on, something special. I thought it was pretty cool to bring a new product to a competitor and ask what they think. It showed me the importance of trust and camaraderie, and just how much those old timers respected each other.
The other big thing Jimmy taught me was to treat everybody like I wanted to be treated. When we went to events at bars or liquor stores, he always stayed late to make sure everyone got their picture taken and their bottle signed. It’s easy to take for granted that we get to do what we do because of the people that stand in line for our whiskey, but Jimmy never did.
Just like Dad, there are few things Jimmy loves more than a damn good bottle of bourbon. So, cheers to him and the mentorship he’s given me through thick and thin all these years. I hope you get to share a glass with company as good and true as Jimmy.
— FRED NOE, BEAM FAMILY 7TH GENERATION MASTER DISTILLER
MASTER DISTILLER’S NOTES
The fourth and final batch of Booker’s Bourbon for 2024 is a tribute to a cherished friend of the Noe family, Jimmy Russel. A close friend to my dad and a second father figure to me since my dad’s passing in 2004. The breakdown of this batch is as follows:
• 12% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Z
• 20% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 1
• 46% came from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse 3
• 22% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse Q
This batch was made up of 3 production dates stored in 4 different warehouses. It stands at 125.8 proof and the age is 7 years, 9 months, and 19 days. It boasts a rich amber color shaped by the charred white oak barrels it aged in until the barrels were dumped. I first tasted this batch at my kitchen table, and its aroma filled the whole room. That first sip is sweet and smooth, and the way the vanilla notes mixes with the brown spice notes is just right- inviting you in for another taste. The finish is very pleasant and relaxing in taste.
I am really proud to put this batch together for Jimmy, and I know my dad would have loved seeing a batch of his namesake bourbon dedicated to his great friend.
TASTING NOTES
Color: Deep Amber
Taste: Sweet and Smooth
Aroma: Vanilla, Brown Spices
Finish: Pleasant and Relaxing
What Gary Says
Nose: Salted caramel, vanilla, oak, brown sugar and a hint of peanut brittle.
Palate: Caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, bit of dark chocolate followed by pepper.
Finish: Moderately long with oak, cocoa and pepper spice.
Comments: This is a solid Booker’s batch, squarely in the brand profile. The cinnamon note seems to be turned up more than usual, although that certainly could be more me than the whiskey (don’t get me wrong – this isn’t “off brand” by any means). The relationship that Jimmy and Booker had (and that Jimmy and Fred have, and many of the other great master distillers in Kentucky) truly does set this industry apart from most. From many of them helping Heaven Hill following that tragic fire in 1996 to countless other stories; I’ve witnessed the comradery first hand at many a Bourbon Festival and in the stories they generously share of growing up knowing one another.