Booker's 'Jimmy's Batch' Review: A Tribute to A Bourbon Legend

BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: James B. Beam Distilling Co.
• MASH BILL: 77% Corn | 13% Rye | 10% Malted Barley
• AGE: 7 years, 9 months, 19 days
• YEAR: 2024
• PROOF: 125.8 (62.9% ABV)
• MSRP: $99
• BUY ONLINE: Beam does not have an online store for Booker's, but it is  available nationwide.

Set against the broad landscape of high-priced, limited-edition bourbons today, a C-note feels justified.

DREW'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any fan of big, bold bourbon, especially those who enjoy it on ice or with a little water. Booker's was made for that. And, of course, those new to bourbon who want to learn where small-batch, barrel-proof American whiskey got its start.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yes. It's hard to say that because I remember Booker's at $50-60 way back when. What I forget is that $50-60 was also top of the market back then. A C-note feels justified against the broad landscape of high-priced, limited-edition bourbons today.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar. It's another solid addition to the Booker's pantheon, but perhaps not one that a lot of barrel-proof Beam fans need to add to the home bar. The collector, however, may have a different perspective. After all, how many of these batches have been named in honor of a legend like Jimmy Russell?

OVERALL: The last Booker's release of 2024 was named in honor of legendary Kentucky Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, but it's no Rare Breed imitator. This is Booker's bourbon through and through with a big nose of boiled peanuts, brown sugar, and dark baking spice. The cask strength is balanced well enough, but there are still some more spirited hints of ethanol laced throughout, along with accents of bell pepper and chili flakes.

The palate is sweet and round initially, all Skippy peanut butter and split vanilla bean. But that barrel proof heat doesn't take long to appear as things transition from Turbinado sugar and Cracker Jacks to more cracked black pepper and freshly ground baking spice, creating a warm, energetic midpalate that simmers in classic Booker's fashion. The finish brings things full circle with peanut brittle, some clover honey, red pepper flakes, and plenty of dry barrel char.

I've tasted better Booker's releases for my palate, but there isn't much to nitpick with this one, especially if you're a fan of Beam's drier and more peppery barrel-proof bourbons. And let's be honest, who doesn't love Jimmy Russell?

BRAND NOTES

The fourth and final batch of Booker’s Bourbon for 2024 is a tribute to a cherished friend of the Noe family, Jimmy Russell.

The words which follow are Fred Noe's, 7th generation Jim Beam master distiller, son of Booker Noe:

A close friend to my dad and a second father figure to me since my dad’s passing in 2004.

This batch 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.

MASTER DISTILLER NOTES

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. 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

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.