Take a moment to savor the pure, uncompromising character of Kentucky bourbon with Booker's 'By The Pond Batch', the second highly anticipated release of 2025. This limited-edition batch is a tribute to the simple moments of peace and reflection enjoyed by legendary 6th Generation Master Distiller Booker Noe, who found inspiration sitting by the pond near his home. Bottled uncut and unfiltered at a powerful 126.5 proof, this is bourbon at its most authentic. Find this powerful and contemplative spirit through our preferred online retail partner, Nestor Liquor.
Selected by 7th Generation Master Distiller Fred Noe during a very wet Kentucky spring, this batch is a complex blend of barrels from eight different warehouses. As Fred notes, the beautiful color is reminiscent of the thoroughbred horses that compete in the Kentucky Derby. It's a bourbon his father, Booker, would have enjoyed sipping by the pond, waiting for the fish to grow.
Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, KY
Filtration: Non-Chill Filtered, Uncut
The Blend: A Complex Map of the Rickhouse
The unique profile of 'By The Pond' comes from a meticulous blend of barrels aged in eight different warehouses, each contributing its own character:
29% from the 6th floor of Warehouse G at Waterfill
11% from the 3rd floor of Warehouse J
11% from the 5th floor of Warehouse 3
11% from the 5th floor of Warehouse 1
11% from the 4th floor of Warehouse K
11% from the 5th floor of Warehouse L
11% from the 4th floor of Warehouse 4
5% from the 7th floor of Warehouse H
Brand History: A Grandson's Gift to the World
Booker's Bourbon was the creation of Booker Noe, grandson of the iconic Jim Beam. For years, Booker would hand-select his favorite barrels from the rackhouse—bourbon in its purest form—to give as holiday gifts to friends and family. In 1988, he decided to release this private stock to the public, creating the first mass-market bourbon bottled straight-from-the-barrel, uncut and unfiltered. This bold move is credited with launching the small-batch and cask-strength bourbon movement. Each batch is named by Booker's son, Fred Noe, in honor of a person, place, or memory that was special to his father.
Tasting Notes: The Master Distiller's Selection
The tasting notes come directly from Fred Noe's personal selection experience:
Nose: Very inviting, with prominent vanilla and rich, oaky notes that are truly pleasing.
Palate: The first taste is very nice, with a distinct sweetness that is immediately enjoyable. The second taste builds upon the first, revealing a beautiful depth and balance.
Finish: The finish complements the tasting experience perfectly, completing the sip in a way that is both satisfying and well-rounded.
Why 'By The Pond Batch' is a Must-Have:
Uncut & Unfiltered: You are tasting this bourbon exactly as it was in the barrel, at its natural 126.5 proof for maximum flavor, texture, and intensity.
A Personal Story: The story behind the batch name, as told by Fred Noe, offers an authentic glimpse into the life and memory of a bourbon legend.
A Collector's Staple: The quarterly releases of Booker's are cornerstones for any serious bourbon collection, with each batch offering a unique profile to be debated and savored.
Complex Blend: The intricate blend from eight different warehouses showcases the art of the Master Distiller in creating a cohesive and delicious bourbon from diverse sources.
Booker's 'By The Pond Batch' is a powerful, nuanced, and deeply satisfying bourbon that lives up to its legendary name. Contact Nestor Liquor today to inquire about securing a bottle of this exceptional and limited release.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What does the batch number "2025-02" mean?
A: The batch number signifies that this is the second release of the year 2025. Booker's typically releases four batches per year.
Q: What does "Uncut & Unfiltered" mean?
A: "Uncut" means the bourbon is bottled at its natural cask strength, without any water added to lower the proof. "Unfiltered" means it has not been chill-filtered, preserving all the natural oils and fats that contribute to its rich flavor and mouthfeel.
Q: How is Booker's different from other Jim Beam products like Knob Creek?
While both are made at the same distillery, Booker's is always a cask-strength, small-batch release with a specific story-driven batch name. Knob Creek, while also a "small batch," is typically blended to a more consistent profile and bottled at a specific, lower proof.
Q: How should I drink this high-proof bourbon?
Booker's is excellent for sipping neat to experience its full, powerful flavor. However, due to its high proof, many people enjoy adding a few drops of water or a single large ice cube. This can temper the alcohol and "open up" new layers of aroma and flavor. This is often referred to as a "Kentucky Chew."
Q: Is Booker's Bourbon hard to find?
Yes, Booker's is a limited, allocated release with a large following. Demand often exceeds supply, making each batch a sought-after item.
Q: Where can I purchase Booker's 'By The Pond Batch'?
As a highly sought-after, allocated release, finding Booker's can be difficult. We recommend contacting our preferred retail partner, Nestor Liquor, to inquire about their inventory and availability.
