Booker’s Releases Second Batch Of 2023

Beam Suntory has released the second batch of Booker’s, the seminal cask strength bourbon introduced as part of the Small Batch trend of the 1990s. This batch has been dubbed “Apprentice’s Batch,” and refers back to Booker Noe’s entry into the bourbon industry.

Booker started working at the Jim Beam Distillery in 1952, and shortly after, Carl became his mentor. Carl was in charge and didn’t put up with any foolishness; he always made sure Booker was set straight. But even if Booker did mess around sometimes, he was a fast learner and was ready to be put to work, which quickly got him Carl’s approval. Two years after Booker started, Jim Beam purchased a distillery in Boston, KY to increase production capabilities. Carl and Booker worked closely together to get it up and running, and eventually, Carl handed the reins over to Booker. This is where he was able to experiment and master the bourbon-making process, and later on, the location was renamed the Booker Noe Distillery.

For decades, Booker’s has been described as between 6 to 8 years of age. Batch 2023-02 sits in the middle of that range, at 7 years, 1 month, 2 days. The cask strength bourbon came out at 125.5 proof this time. The price point is holding steady at $89.99.